Medellin

Mike had to go to Medellin, Colombia for work so the kids and I decided to tag along and take advantage of the long weekend. It's one of his favorite places in Colombia so I've been excited to see it! We flew in super late and met Mike at a beautiful resort hotel by the airport and stayed there overnight. The next morning we had a yummy breakfast and played on the playground at the hotel for a while. Jay and Mike played soccer (because our little guy is obsessed now) while I helped Amaya hop along the colorful rubber tires half sticking out of the ground. Overall a great morning :) After playing we got in the car and drove about an hour from the city to a lake region called El Peñon de Guadape. The area is surrounded by a huge reservoir created by the Colombian government in the 60s to be used as a hydro-electric dam. When we got there we checked into an all inclusive hotel and went exploring.

In the nearby Guatape we found a strange little playground and a very colorful town!

I didn't really find out a reason for all the color and crests but it's something the city mandates it's residents to maintain in the city area. I'm sure it's somewhat to draw in tourists because it is very beautiful! I loved seeing the old Colombian men in their traditional hats and ponchos. It felt like we were seeing the real Colombia.

Traditional Colombian futbol field :)

One of the things this are is most famous for is for La Piedra del Peñol, the giant rock situated not far from the town.

It was formed over 70 million years ago and has been worshiped by natives for centuries. At it's highest point it is over 7,000 meters above sea level. The part that is above ground reaches over 650 feet. You can actually climb up 740 steps to the top of the rock but I didn't dare it being pregnant and having a 2 year old. Maybe next time! On our way back from town we stopped at a huge resort that is being built by an American business man. He also owns a few other hotels in Colombia and in the States. This place is going to be fantastic! You will be able to stay at their hotel, buy a condo or duplex or rent one of the condos or duplexes when the owners aren't there. The quality of building and the landscaping and other amenities is definitely luxury! It felt like we were back in the States where the rich really know how to do things right.

After a few nights in El Penol we headed back to Medellin to check out the city. Some of Mike's favorite things about Medellin are the weather (always Springlike, the average high every month of the year is 81 or 82), the cleanliness of the city and the organization there! In February Medellin was named the most innovative city of the year! It was a nice break from Bogota, which is about the most chaotic city I've ever been in. It actually rained a little while we were there but the temperatures were still wonderful. The first thing we did is go to a little hill in the middle of the city where you can see the views of Medellin.

 At lunch before the meltdowns.

 Funny face!

After seeing the views we headed to a different area of town where we found the Science and Discovery museum. The kids really needed to do something fun and this place is built for kids! Outside are all sorts of cool things to do too.

On our way over there Amaya fell asleep and she stayed asleep when we got her out of the car. We carried her around until we went into the museum then took turns sitting next to her on a bench while she slept. During one of Mike's turns she peed her pants in her sleep and woke up screaming! Not good. We had no extra pants, socks, underwear... nothing with us. So I improvised! Jay and Mike went off to explore some more while Amaya and I found a hand dryer in the women's bathroom. She hung out in just her shoes and shirt while I blow dried her very pee soaked pants and underwear. After about 15 minutes they weren't clean, but they were dry! Back on her bare bottom they went on we went on our way. I never expected to be drying peed on clothes by hand dryer in a public restroom. Never say never when you're a parent. The rest of the museum time was a lot of fun!

 Not sure why Jay's making this face in pictures now. It's a kind of stunned, questioning look.

Bored already?

The kids really did have a great time at the museum. Afterwards we went to meet a good friend of Mike's. He actually let us use his car the whole time we were in Medellin rather than renting one because they are so expensive in Colombia! He is such a nice man. We met him at a mall that had a HUGE kids amusement park. The kids were thrilled and he instantly became cool for taking them there.

We sadly had to leave the next day but our short trip was a blast! I can't wait to go back :)