Colombia Final Post

What another AMAZING experience. While I talked about some pretty wild things that occurred while in Colombia I have to say the MAJORITY of people in Colombia are some of the most kind people that I have had the experience to be around. In Colombia many of the people dont have alot of the luxuries that we have here in the US, what the Colombian people have that we dont is a ZEST for life, on top of that they live life to the fullest and love their family and friends and appreciate everything they have. I like this trip because I am able to give to other people but as many of you know when giving to others sometime the greatest lessons are learned by the giver and not the taker. Entering the gates of the US and seeing the stars and stripes flying high over Miami...I appreciate that....being able to turn on the heat/ac and have hot water...I appreciate that...being able to get in my vehicle to travel around in a safe community...I appreciate that. For me, as always, this trip allows me to focus on being more appreciative of what I have all the while not taking myself to seriously while also focusing on the love that I have for my friends and family. So my NYE was not a wild riot...I had a nice family meal with people that I hardly knew, but this simple meal along with the relationships I made taught me many things...This is why I love to travel...this is why I am "Just Living the Dream" :)!



My NYE Meal...After the meal we ate 12 grapes...and made a wish for everyone..each grape represented a month of the year...


Special thanks to Armando and his family as well as Fernando and his family for hosting me on this trip, thank you so much for providing me with so much love and hospitality, both of those families plan to come visit KY in the next two years...I will definately return the favor....."Mi casa, es tu casa"



Adios Amigo's!!

Colombia Day 10

Well in short, I'm home...as always it was an eventful trip back starting with the Avianca/Cali Airport Experience....Enelio and his family were put on standby because the airline overbooked the flight...unfair...yes...did anyone with the airline care...no.... So while Enelio and his family will finally be coming back on Monday (they were supposed to be back Saturday Night) I was able to catch the scheduled flight to Miami. Even though I almost didnt make it because of the parties (this video was taken at 7:30 AM) that were going on in the road in Palmira from NYE. Once I got to Miami I found I wasnt in the clear as my flight to ATL was cancelled and I had to wait an additional four hours, get to ATL and make a made dash (complete with a train breaking down) from Gate A to Gate D...to catch my flight to LEX which I arrived, minus my luggage, at 11 PM....Please enjoy the video..these folks would put Las Vegas out of business!

Day 9

Today I awoke in Aminme with a host of new bug bites, but we headed directly to Fernando's in Palmira so I could shower (by bus). After a quick shower we headed out to watch Enelio play ball at one of his old gyms in Palmira...beleve it or not I got in on a little bit of the action. Many people (everyone in the gym) took picturs with Enelio (he's quite the celeb down here)! Not sure what is in store for tonight but I am ready for it! My bags are packed and with safe travels I will be back in the KY by tomorrow night...until then everyone have a safe and happy NYE!!!!



Enelio balling on the all tile "indoor" court



Me and Enelio on the court together..as you can tell they are guarding me tight...btw I went 1-3...all from the three point line, and we won :)



Enelio with the local coach, and one of his former teamates



Enelio with all the guys..they actually stopped the game to take this one...



Outside of Palmira Indoor Courts



Our Favorite Snack...



If I die tonight...this is what got me :)

Teaching Santi to be polite

Day 8

I had another lazy day (dont forget I am on vacation), Enelio and I ended up going to the Palmira Mall so I could get some gifts for people and we ended up eating there. I stayed the night in Anime and woke up with even more mosquito bites than I already had...I think they ran out of space on my legs and have begun attacking my arms! It looks as if Malachi has become a chick magnet as well (see below pics)...also you can see Chucho trying to take care of the mosquitos with an "electric mosquito racket"..I also made it out to the local salsa club...lets just say it was a little more upscale in Cali...please enjoy!



Inflatables at the Mall!



Malachi and his new neighbor girlfriend



Chucho Killing Bugs



Malachi going to bed!

Day 7

While I dont have many pics of day 7 (most it was spent sleeping) I did make it out to exchange some money and to eat some pizza with the boys (Santi, Michael, and Malachi). The money exchange was 1870 Colombian Pesos to every dollar last Thursday but I only got 1700 pesos this time because (alot of americans were in colombia and the the US dollar was worth less)..kind of a weak excuse if u ask me! Here are a few pics from Wednesday Night!



Malachi and Santi



Michael, Malachi, and Santi

Day 6/7 Pictures

I went out with the guys to a few salsa clubs....I have a general dislike for them...but I figured that for one night I could put up with it...here are some of the "wonderful" sights and sounds of the night...btw while having a late night snack we saw some famous Puerto Rican singers...



The 3 Amigos



Enelio and his friends from Cali



The 3 Amigos



Enelio and Fernando acting a fool



Famous Singers