Friday, October 11th will stand out in my mind for the rest of my life. October seems to get me every time. The last few days before we left, I wondered what it would feel like to actually get on the plane. Not specific emotions but literally- what would it feel like? What does leaving everything you have ever known, everyone you love, your way of life and heading to a completely new place feel like?
The truth is I felt nothing. Too many conflicting emotions to feel much of anything. Does it scare me I wasn't more excited- no. Does it make me feel guilty I was excited to move away from everything- no. I'm not sure it has hit me yet, that this is real. We are really doing this. Right now I feel like taking it all slow, taking it all in. I have so much to learn.
The day we arrived the Colombian National soccer team was playing against Chili in a World Cup qualifier match. In the US, this doesn't mean much of anything to anyone unless you love soccer. Colombia needed at least a tie to clinch a spot in the 2014 Cup in Brazil. It was like something I've seen in a movie before. There were 7 of us (at least) sitting around a little TV in a tiny apartment bedroom watching anxiously as Colombia was down 3-0 to start the second half. Although I'm never an unbiased sports watcher, Colombia had more than a few calls go their way. The result? Fire works for hours, cars honking, people cheering so loudly we heard them 10 stories up and a country so excited to be going to the world stage. I can honestly say I have only ever seen Americans as passionate about negative events. Americans seem to come together when things go wrong. But this, this was different. This was really cool. So I couldn't help but feel privileged to be apart of something so very cool. Fireworks and all.
When we landed we stayed in Medellin for 2 days with Luis' cousin. I've wanted to visit since Entourage sparked my curiosity about the city and the role it has played in so much history. Well I was not disappointed. Not. At. All. I found out Medellin was named the 2013 Most Innovative City in the World, cool huh? And you ask what there is to do in Colombia? The city is nested in a beautiful lush valley surrounded by fields of flowers and filled with birds making beautiful music. Here is my stab at 3 reasons you should love Medellin without being too specific:
1: The malls. Malls, yes malls. I was impressed. They will amazing. The first had a huge 4 story center sliding roof that opens so the fountains could do a show certain times of day. The second had 3 different amusement type parks on the inside (zip lining included). Both obviously filled with beautiful stores and restaurants. 2: The weather is perfect (in my opinion). When we woke at 6am in was in the low 60's, by lunch it reaches the mid 70's, followed by an afternoon shower which cools the evening and night off right again. No need for A/C. We even needed a jacket at lunch, rough right? 3: The first morning we woke to a Saturday Organic Market right outside our window. Lucky, yes but still awesome! The streets are busy but not only with cars but bikers, walkers, dogs and families. It like a mini NY city full of sophistication, culture, originality and life. So if life presents you with the opportunity to visit Medellin or any of Colombia, I hope you take it. I hope you won't be disappointed, I wasn't!
I imagine from reading this post you'd think I was in denial about moving, as if I feel like I'm on vacation, but I don't. I'm typically not one at a loss for words or unable to explain my feelings. All this feels like whatever it is right now and that's okay. I'm not going to try to figure it out. Today, just today (or for a while), I'll just take it all in.
Tonight we arrived in Santa Marta ... post coming soon!
Peace & Grace
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