South America: Trip Background

I'm being dramatic in my blog title because I know who I am. I'm mindful, resilient, adventurous and determined; 4 adjectives that will serve me well and are going to drive my travels this summer in South America. In all honesty, this trip idea began somewhat as an escape plan; a fact-finding mission, if you will. 

On November 8, 2016, America elected someone that I whole-heartedly do not believe in. This was more than the typical feelings you have when your candidate loses. That election result was a gut busting punch that sent me to the floor in wrenching pain. I couldn't (still don't) understand how people could choose him as our leader. Out of that frustration and loss of hope in our future, I wondered what it would take to move; like, out of the US. I decided that I couldn't realistically move right now but I could spend 5 weeks this summer immersing myself into Ecuador and Colombia and gaining a better understanding of the Latin culture. 

Prior to the election, Colombia had been on my mind. When I first joined Hilburn Academy, I was hired on along with Vanessa, a teacher from Cali, Colombia. We talked often of me visiting her hometown. Since then, she left and another teacher from Colombia joined us. Iris and I became friends. She is the most caring, loving, heart warming person I've ever met. Having got to know her better and the election going as it did, visiting Colombia reentered the forefront. This time, instead of visiting Calí, Medellín would be my destination. 

I've booked all of my flights, my lodging in Quito, Ecuador and a 4 day trip to the Amazon in Tena, Ecuador. Beyond that, I have no more set plans for Ecuador except for wandering around Quito and joining other travelers on day-trips as they come up. 

For Colombia, I'll be staying with Iris' family. I've made connections with Iris' niece and nephew via Facebook and What's App. Between the two of them and the rest of Iris' family, they'll be showing me around Medellín, Colombia. My highlight there will be the world renowned, weeklong, Festival of Flowers. It's going to be spectacular.

Those are my plans. I will essentially be living life as it presents itself. My goal is to see the South American day-to-day life as much as I can. I'm going to hit up the museums and trails and downtown sites. I'm diligently researching cool events to take part in and places to visit, and things to be on the look out for, as I do here on any given day.