A mannequin on the streets of Medellin - one of the things that this city is known for is the plastic surgery, and apparently, even the mannequins are qualifiable. 
Looking down
Astonishing views over the city 
In the midst of doing the spin maneuvers
And we're off!
Gearing up to take flight
Snapshot from the hill where we launched off - city of Medellin below
Coming in for our landing in Medellin (from the airplane)
Views over Southeast Alaska, on my way to SeattleAfter spending a very relaxing and enjoyable week in Lake Havasu with mom and Bill, I departed for my next journey abroad. Colombia has never been a place that I thought I would go, and it comes as a surprise to me that I am here. As most people, I had a very skewed vision of this country - with only thoughts of kidnapping, drug cartels and imminent danger coming to mind. It didn't help either that Colombia was listed as the most dangerous place in the world only a mere five years ago. However, after weighing out my options in South America, and doing extensive research on Colombia, I quickly became convinced that this country is a well hidden gem that will surely become overriden with tourists in the not-so-distant future. I can only hope that this rings true as I explore and discover what remains to be found over the next 5 weeks.
If the first few days are any indication of what to expect, I will not be disappointed with my choice. The trip began before I even landed in Colombia. After spending an extremely long night in the Dallas Forth Worth airport - where there is no food or bar to be found open after 9 p.m. and after sleeping for a mere two and a half hours on a padded bench in the Junior Flyers Club - I was awoken by the Pink Panther theme song and made my way to the gate. My next destination was Miami. By the time that I reached the Miami airport, I was delirious from lack of sleep and lost my boarding pass. After a minor panic attack, I found the American Airlines attendant and she printed me out a new pass - gotta love those electronic tickets! I meandered throught the airport to my gate and passed out lying halfway off of my seat. A Colombian woman woke me up to let me know that my flight was boarding - this was my first indication that Colombians are a thoughtful and warm people. I boarded the plane and took my seat next to a Colombian woman and her son, and was instantly befriended. Despite my delirium, I dug deep into the reserves in the back of my brain and started practicing my Spanish. We talked extensively throughout the flight and soon enough, everyone around me was showing their excitement for my desire to visit their country. Everyone wanted to give me advice and ensure my safety. And to my pleasant surprise, my Spanish came back as if I had just stopped speaking it yesterday. They were very pleased that I could speak their language and assured me that my Spanish was muy bien. I showed the woman, whose name was Ariana, where my hostel was located and she absolutely insisted that I let her nephew drive me there. I was actually quite looking forward to challenging myself by trying to take the bus to the city center and then hop on the metro - but figured that if I had someone offering me a ride, I should take it. So, when the plane landed, I went with Ariana and her son to meet her nephew and some other family members. There was clearly not enough room for me in the car, but they insisted. We crammed into the car and made the 45 minute drive from the airport to the hostel. It was good fun riding with them and taxing on my over-exhausted brain to speak Spanish - all I could think about was a beer and sleep. We finally found the hostel and they escorted me inside - returning less than a minute later to tell me that they didn't think that the hostel was a good place for me. I assured them that it would be fine. Ariana insisted that I come over and meet her family, even though her mother is dying. Their generosity and caring overwhelmed me, to say the least. So, my first impressions of Colombia were fantastic, even before I arrived.
Medellin, Colombia is a pleasant city - relatively small in scale and extremely safe, despite the fact that it was once the headquarters and principal killing grounds for Colombia's cocaine cartels. The city is surrounded on all four sides by rugged peaks, offering stunning views. The city is nicknamed the "City of Eternal Spring" due to the mild temperatures experienced here year round. It's an understatement to say that I am thoroughly enjoying the 70 degree weather, after enduring one of the coldest winters that I can remember in Alaska. I have gladly exchanged my boots for flip-flops and sweaters for t-shirts. My first night here was very mellow and pleasant - spent sipping on the local beer Aguila and Club Colombia, and mingling with fellow travelers. I'd like to say that it came as a surprise when I looked at the sliding glass doors on the patio and saw a Homer Brewing Company sticker, but I've come to realize that there seems to be no place on earth that is untouched by Homerites. My first night of sleep did not come as easily as I had hoped - after tossing and turning most of the night, I was aprubtly awoken by the sound of a hammer and sandblaster, presumably only 6 inches or so from my head. There is some serious construction going on here at the Black Sheep Hostel as they are building a second floor. I was unlucky to get the room that is directly next to the expansion. I awoke a bit grumpy and wasn't sure what to do with my day. A fellow traveler and I decided to go up to the top of the mountains and give paragliding a try. I've always wanted to do it - and there's nothing like breaking in a vacation with a little adrenaline rush. We hopped on the metro and then a bus and took the hour long drive up the mountainside to the launching site. Much to my surprise, I wasn't feeling too nervous - until we got to the top. Looking down and then looking up to see other paragliders was a bit daunting. We signed the release forms and headed up the hill. There was no messing around and we got right to business. My friend went first and upon his return, I was next. There was basically zero instruction - they buckled me in, put my arms through some straps and hooked me up to the instructor and off we went. I barely had to run, a few short steps and we were off flying. It was extremely peaceful up there - like a bird in flight. Once we were off the ground, I was completely relaxed. This is one "extreme" sport that I will definitely do again. The flight lasted 20 minutes or so - and before we landed, I asked the instructor if we could do some spinning. In order to do this maneuver, we had to get up really high - so we caught the thermals and went up, and up, and up. Then we launched into the spins, which was a serious adrenaline rush, and left me feeling quite dizzy. Soon after, we came in for the landing, which was very smooth. An incredible way to spend my first day in Colombia. The rest of the day was spent touring around the city center and people watching. Colombians are so festive. A couple of fellow travelers and myself found the seediest bar around and sat down for a few Club Colombias and watched the locals as the evening set in. After witnessing the first hooker pick up of the night, we decided to leave and meander some more. Bought a few fresh avocados, some lime and tomatoes and came back to the hostel to make some fresh guacamole for dinner, along with some fried rice, washed down with a few more Club Colombias. Day # 1 - the end.
Today is Day #2, and I awoke even more abruptly than yesterday and have decided to get the hell out of here. Since I will be flying out of this city, i will do more exploring on the way out. This city is primarily know for its night life, and having arrived on a Sunday - I missed the boat. It's no big deal since I will be heading up to Barranquilla for Carnival which begins on Saturday. Some rest is in order before I delve into the 5 day party of Carnival. I think I've found accomodations for the festival and will spend the next few days exploring Cartagena before moving on to Barranquilla on Friday afternoon. Ironically, I am looking forward to the 14 hour bus ride tonight, as I am hoping that i will get more sleep on the bus than i have been able to get here. The dark circles are looming under my eyes. I can only imagine the state that i will be in after Carnival. I look forward to heading to a relaxed beach town to chill after the party, and soaking up some rays. Let the festivities begin!
