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22 Hours in Bogotá, Colombia
Colorful keychain pom poms jump up and down to the rhythm of a Spanish melody. The pom poms are gifts for my nieces I attached earlier to my tiny backpack while exploring the mountain view of Bogotá. The keychains and I are not leaving Bogotá till we have absorbed every part of the city.
I am solo in the middle of a packed dance floor and I let the music take my body over. Looking up to the sky I realized that I have a little less then three hours in this exhilarating country. A rare wave of uninhibited freedom took over. It is exhilarating to dance and know in only a few hours you will be in an entirely different country, 1,000 miles from every person that is surrounding you.
Earlier in the day I arrived at the airport to drop my big backback off at the airport locker and packed the essentials into my tiny backpack. My camera, wallet, passport, snacks, phone, notebook and a phone charger/ battery pack. I took an Uber and was dropped off by the gold museum. The sun was bright and I decide to explore Bogota from the sidewalks and narrow streets. I got an Arepa de Queso (cheese stuffed corn cakes) for breakfast. Bought an apple from a fruit seller in one of the colorful neighborhoods and took in the street art.
As I walked I heard that the view from the top of Bogotá was a wonderful way to see the city. So I took the Telefèric to the top. I ate a late lunch of Ajiaco (potato chicken soup) as the sun went down.
The transformation of the city was dazzling with Christmas celebrations in full expression. The lights took over the expansive landscape. A mass and music took over the speaker system. Families attempted to take selfies and their laughter filled the chaos.
Taking the Telefèric at night felt like I was returning to a different city than I had left. I stopped by The Bogotá Beer Company and shared a conversation with an Oregonian. I had time to burn because I opted out of staying in a hotel. Instead of stark white sheets and a universal remote I was spending every moment taking in Bogotá. I traveled to Andrés Carne de Res. It was described as a Theme park/ Night club/ Steak house. As I entered I went to the dance floor. There were several to choose from. Couples pressed against one another, co-workers encouraging others to let loose and single men sitting at the near by tables desperately wanting to dance but not sure who with.
Between dancing I was eating and drinking (mostly water). I got a personal plate of steak, sausage and chips. I made wonderful friends who made sure I got safely into an Uber. We drove off to the airport and I had 20 minutes to myself after going through security. My next stop was about three hours away in Cancun, Mexico. I boarded and fell asleep right away, eager to take on my next adventure.
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Lebanon Day Trip
We started off our drive from Beirut to see the Baatara Pothole in Tannourine.
It is just a short hike to see it’s beauty. On your way down if you’re looking for adventure you can choose to walk across a monkey bridge.
If you don’t want to hike back up you can take an open air teleferique back up for an additional fee. It’s worth it even if just for the view.
Our next stop was the Phoenician Wall in Batroun.
My Mama, my sister and my cousin! By then we were starving so we headed to Jammal restaurant.
The view of the Mediterranean Sea was absolutely beautiful! You pick out the fish you want and you can have it fried, baked or grilled.
Our table was directly in the sea, we ate in our bathing suits and swam afterwards. It was my first experience and I can’t wait to bring someone special to experience the beauty and decadence. It is a must visit!
I really recommend bring water shoes the rocks were a bit tough on my bare feet.
Taking a photo of the family at our table in the sea 
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Lebanon part 1
Visiting Lebanon was a dream of mine since I first ate Tabouli with my mom as a little girl. My Mama spent her formative years in the Middle East. She told me stories with such detail about Lebanon that when we visited, it felt like it wasn’t the first time. I knew the roof top where my mom preformed her first play as a child and the house that my great grandma made snacks in. The beautiful garden where they picked fresh tomatoes.
The front garden of our families mountain house It was my Mama’s first time back in 38 years and my first time visiting.To see how the light shines on the Mediterranean, drinking fresh mint tea, and having lemons to accompany every meal was a dream. Getting to know and meet my family members was extremely special. I got to learn the source of the traditions and customs that make me who I am.
My Mama riding in a vintage taxi For instance when you invite some in to your home you insist that they sit and stay awhile. You always offer them something to drink and eat, you bring it out preferably on a tray. I have come to learn that these acts which use to feel like obligations are actually a way to show that you appreciate your guest.
Our Family When you greet someone in Lebanon you give three kisses! My Mama has always shown my sister and me a tremendous amount of affection. To the point where me sister asked her to please stop, she was too old for kisses. In Lebanon I learned you are never too old to have your cheeks pinched or to receive a kiss.
Getting to know people and explore the land that I come from has helped shaped me. I have been so fortunate to be linked to my history. To not only know the names of my favorite dishes but to be able to make them. I could speak a few worlds of Arabic before I left and I came back with so many more. I am honored now more than ever to be Lebanese. I am so excited to go back!
This is a sneak peak of my 10 day trip! Keep a look out for my new posts!
