Why Colombia?
Several years ago Jeff saw a cheap flight to Medellin and the wheels started turning. He initially thought of taking a bro-trip with his friend, Dan. The idea never took off. Colombia is a bit of a hard sell based on its reputation. I was certainly not interested. But Jeff kept running into Colombians or travelers over the years that continued to pique his interest and imply that the country was becoming a safe, must-see destination. Then it started showing up on all sorts of "best of" lists in the travel world.
Lonely Planet's "Best in Travel 2017: Top 10 Countries"
Cartagena was chosen as one of National Geographic Traveler's picks for the best destinations of 2017.
Medellín was in the top 25 on Fodor's "Go List 2017".
And most famously, Colombia turned up as number 2 on the New York Times "52 Places to Go in 2018".
In the summer of 2018, our family spent 2 months traveling though 4 countries in Southeast Asia accompanied by my parents for half the trip. During that adventure, we discussed where we would all go in 2019. Spain and Portugal were batted around. Certain members of our group were sold on the idea of Portuguese sausage, Iberian beaches, and maybe a jaunt over to Morocco. On the other hand, traveling in a party of 6 adds another layer of challenge to an already complex struggle to manage language barriers, accommodations, transport, meal preferences, and personal comfort zones. Perhaps our styles and desires wouldn't match up to compromise on another extended family getaway.
Somehow, thoughts of Portugal were cast off after we returned home (which is often the point where we (I) vow never to travel again. These are not rejuvenating "vacations" but rather a daily assault of "death by a thousand decisions", as Jeff is fond of saying.) Since Jeff has the greatest wanderlust he is often the one to initiate research. So in late Fall 2018, we noticed an increase in Colombia YouTube videos. For Christmas he got himself and Babçia a copy of Lonely Planet Colombia and they started trading route ideas. The Boyans were on board. Perhaps they could incorporate Cartegena or Providencia into their Spring Southbound sailing itinerary.
By January we got in touch with our Colombian-Cousin-In-Law, Lucy. I sense she feels like I do when people ask me where to go on the Colorado Plateau. She enthusiastically offered recommendations and suggested special places near her home state of Boyacá In March we booked flights for a month long trip and Jeff continued emailing Lucy with questions. We had a few phone calls with her to discuss ideal itineraries. Lucy was so generous with her time, knowledge, and even family! Before we knew it, we were set up with visits, chaperones, drivers, and reservations from her cousins, nephews, sisters, and friends. We have never traveled abroad with the opportunity to meet up with local acquaintances, so this was going to be a new type of experience. With my basic Spanish vocabulary and Mom's eagerness to socialize, this could kick our travel experience up a notch.
In late May a wrench was thrown into our plans. While in Jamaica, Babçia was diagnosed with a detached retina. It required immediate surgery and they felt most comfortable sending her to the states for the procedure. This also left Dad to solo sail 400 miles to their summer port of Curaçao. (But that's a story for the Exit Strategy Blog). She arrived on May 23rd and was treated the next day. This gave her almost 5 weeks before take-off. The recovery period is, conservatively, 6 weeks on the no-fly-list due to pressure applied to the eye with a gas bubble. She was progressing well in her follow-up checks and we hoped that she would be cleared for travel. However, after a couple weeks, the doctor announced another issue that would require further treatment. She was officially grounded for the whole summer.
Read on...
Part 1 Boyacá and Santender
Part 2 Cartegena and the Carribbean
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