Colombia: A Love Story

It was always a fascinating curiosity to him. Colombia. In its heart, there was a man who fell deeply in love with the country and all of its unique beauty. He had always been drawn to the vibrant culture, the lush landscapes and the warmth of the people. And the secrets. The mystery. The stories of unimaginable violence and desperation from a land of indescribable enchantment. He knew that he had to see it for himself, to experience the beauty firsthand. So, he packed his bag and set off on a journey to explore the land he had fallen in love with from afar.

The man's first stop was Cartagena, where the old city was alive with the sounds of street musicians and the smell of fresh seafood. He strolled through the historic Getsemani neighborhood, admiring the street art and colonial buildings. He was charmed by the colonial architecture and the lively atmosphere of the city. He spent his days wandering the narrow streets, taking in the sights and sounds, and his nights dining on delicious seafood from the cevicherias and sweet delights from pastelerias.

As the surveyor explored the city, he couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity and belonging. He felt like he had finally found his home, and he knew that his love for Cartagena would only continue to grow with each passing day.

Next, he ventured to Isla Coralina, where he was struck by the natural beauty of the island and crystal clear waters. He spent his day swimming and diving, exploring and absorbing, in the transparent temperate waters that surrounded this Caribbean sanctuary. It was the peace that stole him. He spent his day in a small lounged on a small dock, where he could hear the waves crashing on the shore and the sun shining bright in the sky, and nothing in the world mattered.

As he immersed himself in the natural beauty of Isla Coralina, he felt his love for Colombia deepening even more. He realized that the country had so much more to offer than he had ever imagined and he couldn't wait to explore even more of it.

He then traveled to Medellin, the city of eternal spring, where the people were warm and welcoming and the views of the valley were breathtaking. He took a car up to the hillside neighborhoods and was awestruck by the panoramic views of the city below. It was like the city had outgrown its long lost obscurity and privacy.

As he explored the city, he couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and contentment. The coffee was warm. The air was crisp. The energy was sharp. He knew that he had found a place where he truly belonged and he couldn't wait to return to Medellin in the future.

In Guatape, he he gazed upon El Peñol, the archipelago that juts sturdily out of the stunning lake below. He was mesmerized by the vibrant colors of the houses dotting the shoreline, and the peacefulness of the lake. He took a boat tour around the lake and was struck by the beauty of the surrounding mountains. He spent the day taking in the sights and enjoying the tranquility of the place.

As he looked out at the lake, with all of it’s winds and turns and hidden respites, he felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over him. He knew that he had found a place where he could truly relax and be at peace with himself.

He then traveled to Cali, where the salsa danced through the streets and the sun beat down on the colorful colonial architecture. He was struck by the energy of the city and the passion of the people. He spent his days wandering through the streets, taking in the sights and sounds.

As he immersed himself in the culture, land and rhythm of Cali, he felt his love for Colombia deepening even more. He peer into the jungle on the outskirts of the bustling city and wondered what was in there. How far could he walk through the dense foliage? Are there people back there? How long would he survive in there?

Cali's energy was infectious, and he found himself falling more and more in love with the city as each day passed. He loved the way the city came alive at night, with music and dancing filling the streets. He loved the passion and joy that the locals brought to every aspect of their lives. He knew that Cali would always hold a special place in his heart.

He got his opportunity to satiate his curiosity and ventured deep into the jungle to the hidden gem of San Cipriano, where he rode on long abandoned rail lines with a modified motorcycle attached to a wooden platform as his transportation through the lush vegetation, rickety bridges over crystal-clear rivers and pitch black and tunnels that cut through the mountains hidden as though the jungle doesn’t want you to know the hole in the mountain exists. He was struck by the beauty of the place, and the peacefulness of the jungle. He spent his day exploring the rivers, swimming in the crystal-clear water and drifting down its rivers and leaping from its waterfalls. He met locals who lived in the jungle and learned about their way of life. He found the simplicity and serenity of the place incredibly refreshing.

Finally, he ended his journey at Lago Calima, where he watched the sun set over the tranquil lake, surrounded by the towering Andean mountains. He spent his day cruising on a small vessel on the lake and enjoying the tranquility of the place. The calm and contentment he’d experienced was here, as well.

Throughout his travels, the man couldn't help but fall more and more in love with Colombia and all of its diverse landscapes and cultures. He had never felt so connected to a place before and he knew that he had found his true home. He returned to his home, but he couldn't stop thinking about Colombia and all the beautiful places he had visited. He knew that he would always carry a piece of this beautiful country in his heart and he would always be longing to return to the place he had fallen in love. But, for now, there was no poetry tonight.

He made a promise to himself to come back and explore even more of the country, to discover new places and meet new people. He knew that his affinity for Colombia would never fade, just like the memories of his journey will always be with him. He would always be in love with this beautiful land and its people, and he knew that he would always be welcomed with open arms by friends that took him in as family.