There is really nothing like getting dropped off by yourself into a Central or South American city at night. The humidity and the smells and the warmth. Ahh, the warmth. And the people. People everywhere. On bikes, walking, but mostly on motorcycles zipping between cars, splitting lanes, and everyone just going with the flow almost feeling it without the need for rage. Tomorrow I enter that madness, and aim to find that flow.
Today was maybe the easiest travel day to a foreign country I have ever had. My flights were early, didn’t have a bump in the air. The food was actually decent. The only hiccup was me trying to ask my taxi driver to pull over so I could sit in the front so I could see better. Much pointing and arm waving and broken Spanish did not impress him, and he fought me off by just saying my hotel name over and over. I relented and just sat back and enjoyed the smells.
Got to my hotel around 9:30 pm and then took a long stroll through the city. Super lively and cafes and bars and restaurants and food parks made out of containers and karaoke and it’s all alive happening at once. But it has a really civil vibe to it – it’s not too loud, not too in your face, just people being together eating and drinking and talking and rocking some karaoke. I could have waked for hours, but it’s going to be 96 here tomorrow by noon, so I really need to get a super early start or there’s a good chance I’ll melt. Heading to Salento tomorrow to some elevation and cooler weather. And coffee country.
Ok, not a super exciting first post, but pressed for time tonight. I’ll leave you with the first selfie of the trip. Yay. And a quick shot of my hotel room along with the updated map. More to come…
Learning how to use my new camera on the plane.
My sweet hotel in downtown Cali right outside my room. Perfect
The Road. Travelled. 
Glad you made it! 96 degrees sounds amazing after this Wisconsin winter! Safe travels and enjoy your “thaw out” trip! Hope the adventures are fun!
This is Kate Wagner. Your niece. What’s your karaoke song? Do you miss me yet? I love you. I am going to email you to bring me a present like a bracelet. Please! I will pay you back. Actually, my mom will pay you back
Love,
Kate
Well hello there Kate. You know that you uncle Eric is terrible with gifts, but I’ll do my best to find you something like a bracelet in Bogota (where I am now). Thanks for commenting. It made my day.
Uncle Eric,
What did you do on the plane? Where is Salento? Are you excited to go there?
Can you please get me something too? ANYTHING!
Hope you enjoy your trip!
Bye,
Will
Hi Will! I’ll answer your questions first – on the plane I mostly read and learned how to use my new camera. And I think I slept for a couple minutes because I woke myself up snoring. Salento is northeast of Cali and sort of on my way to Bogota. And I will look for something for you too. Kate already has me on a bracelet task. I’ll see what I can do. It has to be small because I’m on a motorcycle, but I’ll try! Thanks for commenting.
Will says thank you for looking for him! He laughed at your snoring comment. Also, he wants you to know that his Spanish teacher went to Bogota. She shared it is the capital of Colombia. Kate wants to know if you have been in any of the capital or big buildings? We looked it up on Wikipedia and this is a good learning experience for the kids! Enjoy the journey.
Thanks,
Allison
Aww. I’m glad it’s been so educational for the kids. That’s very cool that his Spanish teacher went to Bogota. I’m sure he or she enjoyed it. I have not been to any of the capital buildings, and I’m not sure if I’ll make it to any, but I’ve walked around a lot!