We relaxed all morning and ate lunch at the apartment prior to leaving for the day. Out lunch was homemade tomato soup, bbq pork ribs, rice and coffee. All morning relaxing and laying around feeling the crisp cool breeze while watching the city was so relaxing that I could do that all day long.
We left around noon to take a tour bus. We walked up and down the side walks and through parks until we got to the park where the local 4 hour tour bus departed. The tour bus cost about $8 per person US which is 16,000 pesos. We got on the tourbus at 1pm approx which had big comfy plush seats that you could move. We sat in the back row which was higher than the rest in the bus so we could see much more of the bus and the city. A tour guide discussed what we were doing and we took off while the tour guide explained what we were seeing in spanish of course. It was nice to just listen even though I had no clue what in the world was going on. Alejandra explained when needed. It was funny that anytime anyone asks where I am from as they did on the tour bus, I would say Florida, as we would pronounce it in the US. No one knew what I was talking about until I would pronounce it with a spanish accent such as Flow - deee- duh. Then it clicked and they said ahhh, flow-dee-duh and knew where I was from. Quite amusing.
The first stop was the bakery. This was the first bakery in Medellin. It was very cute as a cafe with lunch items as well as windows full of candies and chocolates. I purchased some Turrones which taste like a wafer on top and bottom filled with a hard chewy cream with coconut pieces in the middle. I also bought some chocolate cigars and a chocolate bar with blueberry and nuts inside. We took pictures and were there for 20 minutes approximately while the tourists purchased their items.
Then we left and proceeded to the center of Medellin. We got off to take pictures and were told to be back by 2:30. We walked through the middle of the cement area in the middle of a roundabout that lead to the first 5 star hotel which was gorgeous. There were random big statues all throughout the center walk area. They were donated by local artists. We went into a souvenir shop and decided to grab a beer. That took a little longer than expected and we missed the tourbus for the next stop. We then took a taxi to try to catch them but were unable to.
We instead ended up going through the Explora Parque which was a museum and aquarium. Now, I may have never paid attention as a child at museums in order for me to say this, or it is true. But I have never seen a museum that was educational and fun and taught things in a good interesting way as much as this one. It was great and highly recommended to everyone. I have plenty of pictures to show the amazing animals at the aquarium and things we saw and learned at the museum.
We then left and went across the road to the Botanical Garden. That was gorgeous as well. As we walked around we took pictures of gorgeous flowers but the park was going to close soon so we started to leave. As we were leaving, I heard something in the tree that freaked me out and I heard an animal. I looked up under the tree and saw a gigantic iguana. It was the biggest one I have ever seen. Then we were headed out through a 5 star restaurant that they hold important events at and we saw a photoshoot with what seemed to be a model. It was a gorgeous restaurant in the middle of the botanical gardens and so peaceful. Great place for events and pictures.
At this point, my feet were soooo sore. We decided to take a break and sit on a bench while we decided what to do next. Alejandra asked if I wanted to go to Pueblito Paisa. Of course my response was, "sure, why not if you want to." My feet were aching, it was getting dark, I was tired, but wanted to get in as much as I could so we got a taxi and headed through the town and up some steep hills/mountains until we arrived at a cute little replica of an olden day town with shops in the middle called Pueblito Paisa. It was at the top of a large hill/mountain. It was slightly cooler up there than everywhere else.
The views from here were as well as others priceless. I can't explain. It was similar to being at Mount Solidad in LaJolla, California if you are familiar with that. A hidden high point that doesn't take long to get to due to steep roads which allows for great views of the town, mountains, country, etc. I noticed there were ALOT of bikers and joggers going up and down this hill/mountain. It was so incredibly steep these guys and gals had to be in amazing shape. It would take a lot out of me just to attempt to walk it that they could probably have been up and down 2 times by the time I walked up it once.
The whole point of going to this location was to see the view and try Obleas. I have to say great call to Alejandra because Obleas are my new favorite dessert/snack. It is a paper thin waffle with caramel, blueberry sauce, and cheese shredded with whipped cream.... one of the best snacks/desserts ever and yet so light as well. As we walked around to take pictures of the city she noticed another candy to try. This was an orange tortilla looking chip with the inside of a tropical fruit on top then a white creamy sweetness on top of that. GREAT stuff as well but very messy. As we walked around more into the shops and the small quaint village of the old times, there was a guy making this "jelly" that she said I had to try as well. Of course I couldn't resist. This was pretty darn good stuff also.
It was getting darker and colder, so we decided to yet again grab another taxi and head back. Shortly thereafter, I passed out and was unable to stay awake and go to a blues festival they planned on us attending.
I thought, well I may even be able to loose weight on this vacation because I remember the girls didn't eat tons or fattening food when we lived together in TX years ago, but needless to say, I was wrong. I have eaten so much that I feel I need to take siesta's afterwards, like really seriously needing to lay down to stretch out. It is great and I enjoy every minute of it due to trying to fit in so much in to so little time, but I will have to be running again everyday after I get settled into my new place in Florida when I get home.
No comments:
Post a Comment