La Pintada

So, October 15th was a holiday. No one ever seems to know what the holidays are for, but there is an amazing amount of them. They are called puentes here and there is at least one every month. I went to a town called La Pintada . It is about two hours south of Medellin. I went with 4 other teachers from school. It was my first road trip. We went on a bus. That was interesting and cheap...about $4. The hotel was small and not much around . All of the meals and drinks were included so we didn't have to go anywhere. It was hot humid and not much to do except for relax, enjoy the view, work on my tan and order drinks from the pool guy. It was muy tranquilo!!


The bus ride was not so comfortable, but it was cheap and wow was I happy to have a seat!! Yes, several people just sat in the aisle for two hours. Not so much fun...The view from my hotel balcony


I spent most of my weekend going back and forth between the pool and the hammock room...it was rough!!!




view shots



Dinner anyone??


My traveling companions

Animals at the finca

vacas


gallinas (It isn't pollo until it is on your plate)

me gusta vacas

caballo


perrito


perro

Flowers at the finca

My first visit to a finca

These are pictures from my first weekend out of the city. A lot of people in Medellin own fincas, or farms. These are like country homes in the surrounding mountains where they go on weekends and holidays to get out of the city for a few days. This weekend I was invited to a finca of one of the people from my school. There was about 30 of us that went. Most of the group were native Spanish speakers so it was also a great language lesson. It was a two hour drive on windy country roads. We arrived Friday night and came home on Sunday. I shared a room with two other people. It was in the country on a dirt road, far from any city. It was great for star watching at night. It was hot and humid during the day, so we spent most of our time in the pool. I also went on a hike to another waterfall and went horseback riding. All of our meals were prepared and served by the caretakers of the house (aka maids). It is very common here and very difficult to get used to, but I am adjusting....

It was a wonderful relaxing weekend. This country is very beautiful. The people are incredibly warm, friendly and sincere. It is a very different culture, but very enjoyable.


The entrance

It was a rough day hanging out in the pool with this view......

the grounds


Rum in a box??!! Perfect for sipping from while relaxing in my hammock



I might have been a little scared....


so I got off and let someone else have a turn.



The Sunday hike to a waterfall


Yes, the water was cold....
I went home very dirty, but it was well worth it!!