Fallen in Love

I am head over heels in love with Cartagena. Even if the beaches are not great, although after the weekend they seemed to have cleaned up a bit. The weather has been fabulous, avocados huge, Colombians great, my Cotopaxi peeps great travel companions and now have moved to outskirts of beautiful walled city. Lovely and colonial inside, bright coloured buildings (more pictures to come). Really having a lovely relaxing time in a beautiful place with even better people.
PS- the pictures are posting funny and will fix once at computer, driving me crazy.

We also broke into the Kerr's swanky hotel, but eventually got found out and got our marching papers.  Not before a swim in the much cleaner beach and dream pools.

Cartagena Beaches

Yep, a few days in and I can say they are fairly horrible. I am so thankful for my pool. It is not just the ridiculous amount of people and tents everywhere reminding me of Glastonbury festival but the treatment of the waters is horrendous. It seems normal to throw your plastic, Styrofoam and well anything else into the sea. I know it has lots to do with education or well lack of about the damages to the world but still it is hard to watch.
Besides the beach, loving the city, and having a great relaxing time with some of my Ecua family.

Cartagena, Colombia

The next and last stop on my little Colombian vacation is the beach city of Cartagena. The old walled city is beautiful, well I am basing this on my night time viewing of it and reputation, I will explore in the day later in this trip. The lights are amazing, I tried to capture some pictures but none do them justice. Cartagena beach side is just a city on the beach, horrible sky scrapers ruining it, well in my humble opinion. But it is baking hot, I got a pool and the sea so I am
not complaining.

Yesterday, was obviously Christmas Day but more importantly six months till my wedding! I had a rocky morning of feeling a bit sad but a couple glasses of bubbles in the afternoon with friends lifted my spirits dramatically!

Guatape, Colombia

Today we left the city and headed for the countryside and a town called Guaptape. What a beautiful day with stunning views and amazing lakes and countryside. The lakes reminded me so much of cottage country in Canada, the surrounding towns of towns in Europe. Have really enjoyed my time here, the city is amazing and country side even better. Now I am off to the beach!

Real City Tours, Medellin

I love this city! Cannot believe I am here and just think it is an amazing place (in my short time here). I started off my Medellin adventure by taking a free walking tour today. What a fabulous introduction to a beautiful and extremely interesting city. It is hard to believe, as you walk around the city that not long ago it was the most dangerous city in the world. It is quite amazing really and gives hope to all cities that have violent crime that it can change.
Our tour guide today was amazing, I know so much more about Colombia and its history and what led it to being such a violent place (starting long before drug cartels). The people here are the friendliest and most beautiful I have ever seen in a city. People kept welcoming us to their city, thankful that tourism is helping their economy and reputation.
Of course the city is far from perfect, poverty is still evident as is the sex trade with women and children. We walked by a church today with many ladies standing in telephone booths beside it. Apparently their pimps will walk the man asking and 'his' girl to a neighbouring motel. He will then come back to the church, go in, ask for forgiveness and start all over. Blinking crazy and definitely these things need to change.
A tour well worth taking if you come here, was definitely worth my little sun burn and few blisters.

The last picture was of a sculpture that was blown up in the nineties during a concert killing 22 people. They have left it there as a reminder of the past, so people do not forget. Beside it they have made a replica sculpture to also help people see that now it is all about looking towards the future. (the picture was lost when I lost most of them)

My Real Christmas

Last night was my real Christmas celebration as with my two L's. I made a Christmas tree and left some little treats under it for when I am away. A lovely night, with Christmas dinner of sushi, bubbles and Christmas carols (listening not singing).
Now I intend to escape Christmas and explore a new place. I love the holidays but also find them so emotional. Yesterday a carol in the supermarket had me in floods of tears. I love and miss my family all the time, but at this time of year even more. And I think every year it gets worse, something about growing up you realise how important these things are.
But upwards and onwards, I know I am lucky and I make my choices.

I am pretty proud of my makeshift Christmas tree :) I need a roaring fire and would be even more perfect.
As a side note Luis hates the picture of him and Lola, and will not be thrilled I put it up, but quite frankly I think he looks fairly handsome and still my blog!
We had a lovely Christmas celebration and I cannot wait for next year where he will not be working and we can have a real Christmas!

Finally, a Break

I have probably said it before but here I go again.  I will never ever work at a school again without a break before Christmas.  It is way too long, by the end everyone is drained, kids, teachers all the support staff.  I always want to take a photo at the beginning of the school year and then Christmas to show the difference and here is especially long.   But we made it, and now, thankfully two weeks of no school!  Today was a nice day, saying goodbye to some for two weeks and others well most likely forever.  Now starts a few relaxing days before heading off on a mini adventure in Colombia!

 I hosted a middle school lunch for the teachers to say a job well done.

 Some yummy treats brought in.

A sad goodbye to one of my best pupils, Jiwon.  Boy did this girl keep me on my toes, one of the brightest kids I have ever taught.  She will definitely be missed next term.