Just What We Hoped For!

Spending time yesterday with Luis Fernando Lopez will stand out as one of our all-time favorite traveling memories. He very graciously picked us up in his comfy Land Rover and gave us an interesting tour of the areas of Poblado & Medellin. We were able to discuss in Spanish all sorts of historical and political topics pertaining to this modern, beautiful city of which Fernando is very proud.


On the way to El Tesoro, a giant shopping/entertainment center in an upper-class neighborhood of Medellin, he pointed out the church where he and his wife were married 32 years ago. The mall was very interesting filled with open air areas for dining and recreating. I’m not sure I have ever seen such place before even in the states!


As we walked through the supermarket, always a favorite excursion of mine in foreign lands, our personal guide, Fernando, pointed out many of Colombia’s special foods, especially the fruits. He chose two types of avejas for us to sample, they are like a tortilla but are thicker and made from a variety of grains and roots, some have cheese in the mix and others not. He picked out the right kind of cheese to place atop the grilled aveja which we tried for breakfast. Delicious!!
We stopped for a frozen coffee before heading to his sister and brother-in-law’s lovely home for a visit. We had mentioned in the Miami airport where we first met Fernando that we enjoy homestays. He called his sister about our need and she was willing to meet with us and consider having us in her home. I bought a pretty bouquet of flowers to present to her upon our arrival.


I think we passed the ‘inspection’ but I don’t think their home is designed to entertain travelers. It is elegant but each room is obviously in use and I wouldn’t want to intrude on their peaceful lifestyle. That said I think we will be spending time with Luz Mariela touring the area. She is very nice and would like to improve her English as we pick up some Spanish practice! Her daughter lives in Minneapolis and Luzma has probably traveled by car further than Keith and I around the states on various trips.


Fernando was so generous with his time yesterday. He had various cell calls while we were with him. He is so well connected in the community that we encountered several groups of people he know during our walk around the mall!
It was a great opportunity to get to know some real Paisas and be invited to their home. We are very appreciative of the time we spent together!