Colombia — Feed — Kira & Andrew

Bogotá — Uncovering the Narrow Streets and Dark Reputation of Colombia’s Capital

Our taxi driver stopped outside a plain, heavy wooden door. Google Maps told me we were in the right place, but it took me a minute to find the tiny sign that read “Villacandelaria Hostel,” hidden next to the top corner of the door frame. The door was locked. After several hard knocks, a buzzer sounded and we were allowed in. We crammed ourselves into the tiny, dark entryway. Any further progress was barred by a heavy steel gate. A middle-aged man, the sour expression on his face hidden by his white surgical mask but still apparent in the eyes behind his glasses, stood on the other side, asking if we had a reservation. I saw a nightstick on the desk at his side, within easy reach. He only let us in after I showed him the email confirming our reservation, holding my phone up to the bars.

At least the security is good, I thought.

Travel, Memories, RecommendationsKira and AndrewFebruary 13, 2022Bogota, ColombiaComment

Medellín — A City Transformed

The residents of Medellín have developed a type of community that’s visible in the example of the metro, but also in the little corner stores that, for most of the day, sell bottles of water or energy drinks, but at around 5pm turn into hangouts for local folks to drink beer and catch up. Everyone seems to know each other and, more often than not, by 6:30 or 7:00 someone has brought out a grill and is cooking hot dogs in the street. It’s the atmosphere of a backyard Saturday barbecue in the States, but here it’s on the sidewalk where everyone is welcome, including a pair of gringos watching from the periphery.

Travel in the Time of Covid - How Entering, Exploring, and Exiting Countries Has Changed

18 days and three countries later, armed with little more than a cheap black surgical mask and a partially torn vaccine card reflecting my three Pfizer jabs, I’d like to think I have current knowledge on the state of travel in 2022. Bottom line, it’s better than you think. But it’s certainly not normal.

Travel, MemoriesKira and AndrewJanuary 31, 2022Belize, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Tulum, Mexico, Colombia, Medellin Comments

Six Days in Cartagena

Cartagena has something for everyone, but when we planned our trip, we were blown away by the sheer number of options you’ll have in the city, so we wrote this itinerary to help others plan their visit. Whether you’re just taking a short trip to the city or traveling through the area as part of a longer backpacking trip in South America, six days is a perfect amount of time to enjoy everything Cartagena has to offer.

Travel, Recommendations, ItineraryKira and AndrewFebruary 5, 2020Cartagena, Colombia, South AmericaComment