Santa Fe de Antioquia, Colombia

December 1, 2017

Last time I was in Colombia, I was 6 years old, surrounded by floods of people that were all somehow related to me. My mom, abuelitos, aunt, great aunts, great uncles, second cousins and third cousins all around. On that trip, we stayed at my abuelita’s (grandmothers) sisters house and also on a finca (farm) over a span of about two weeks. I mostly recollect- fireflies, calling out ‘cabeza huevo’ (egg head) and getting slapped by my moms second cousin who was around 5 years old. Besides that, I don’t remember many details, but the few things I do remember, I have cherished ever since.

Well fast forward 20 years, I finally made it back. Only for a weekend, but nonetheless, I saw cabeza huevo and ate delicious food once again. While the only immediate family with me were my moms two brothers this time, I got to meet people who weren’t even alive yet last time I was there.

My uncles and I went semi last minute (like 30 days out) for a family reunion. For me to reach our destination in Colombia from my home in Virginia, I had to uber, fly from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) on Jetblue, meet up with my uncles, uber to Miami International Airport (MIA) and catch a flight to José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) through American Airlines.

From there we meet up with a cousin who drove us two hours through Medellin to the Hotel Mariscal Robledo (if you’re ever in town, definitely stay there, you will not regret it).

The family reunion took place in the hotel. We had views with views like the picture shown. We shared stories, sang, danced and just enjoyed each others company. We saw a family tree and even Facetimed my 94 year old abuelita into some of the festivities all the way from South Florida.

On Saturday we all woke up, had breakfast and then those of us who wanted to, took a tour of the city Antioquia on motor taxis. Just to put into perspective, each motor taxi fits 3 people tops. We had a family reunion. That sight in itself, as the convoy of taxis turned the curvy roads was memorable.

Part of our motor taxis convoy around Santa Fe de Antioquia

We learned history about the Puente de Occidente, a hanging bridge of the west that connects the, east and west of the Cauca River, and the two municipalities of Olaya and Santa Fe de Antioquia.

My uncle on the bridge

The motor taxis dropped us at the top of the mountain road, we walked to the bridge, crossed and enjoyed some refreshing natural juices on the other side, while seeing some traditional Colombian fashion. After our drinks, we got back on the motor taxis and headed for some fruit at a family members finca.

All together, although brief, my trip was nothing short of beautiful. Everything from the hotel details, the food, to the views and company. Until next time! Hopefully it won’t take another 20 years.

Interested in planning a trip but don’t know where to start or just don’t have the time? Contact me – I can plan all the details for you at no cost to you!