Week 3: Independence Day (posted by Annie)

We started off the 20th of July, which just so happens to be the Colombian Independence Day, with a somewhat clear sky and all the beautiful buildings decorated with red, blue, and yellow.

As we walked around town to admire all the decorations, we saw men and woman getting ready for the parade.

We also saw cars being weighed down by over-the-top decorations, which obviously was a main attraction to the tourists. 

Since we figured out that the parade did not start until 1:30 pm, we decided to go to a cafe, play a few games of Quixx, and get hot chocolate and espressos.                                                                                     

 After coffee, Eliza and I took more pictures of the decorations, whilst Jane and Dad read books.

 Finally, it was time to wait for 30 minutes for the parade, but luckily for us, the people also waiting kept us entertained.

 Then it was time for the parade!

 When (we thought) the parade was done, the girls headed home, but Dad stayed and watched something amazing; he saw "jeeps popping 360 degree wheelies, while propped up by weight in the back. Then the driver climbed out on the front hood to pump up the crowd. It was awesome."

 At 6:00 pm, there was a whole town dance party and fireworks. It was an amazing day and fun day to celebrate Colombian independence!

Week 2: Medellin and Filandia (posted by Jane)

 Our last two days in Medellin were as full as the first five. On the 14th Dad and I went to two different bookshops to interview the people working there for my project. My project is comparing and contrasting different Colombian authors and finding different themes. One of the criteria for our projects is we have to interview at least three people.

After Dad and I wrapped up our interviews we met up with the rest of our family at a .... hair salon! Mom, Eliza and I all got haircuts. Eliza definitely got the biggest chop. 

Our last stop of the day was at an art museum that featured different Botero paintings along with many other Colombian artists.

On the 15th (our last day in Medellin) we took the metro down to the university were they have a free botanical garden. They had all sorts of different plants and even an iguana. It also seems that it is a very popular spot for quinceañera photos.

As our final goodbye to Medellin we went on one last cable car ride and it does not get less stunning! I have to say I think the cable cars may be my favorite part of Medellin. It's so innovative and even more importantly it makes sure people who live on the mountain have easy access to work down in the center of the city. 

Finally on the 16th we left Medellin to go to Filandia a cute (slightly touristy) and vibrant mountain town. After 2 buses, 7 hours of travel, 4 vomits, one bathroom stop, and one violent Tarantino movie we made it to Filandia. We had an amazing time walking around the town and stopping by each of the basketball courts before we finished up our day with none other then the classic pizza.