I arrived in Colombia thinking that I would be living on a farm that I had made an offer on before
I moved. A mudslide and rains were a gift that showed me I had made an impractical decision. I
had not signed any papers and the deal was called off. So now a place to live was necessary and
family here had connections to a new house that had been built and was available in the small country town of St Elena. I got settled quickly, and was curious to start seeing all the sights near my area of
residence.
The first place I visited was the famous Hacienda El Paraíso, a house museum, it is the icon of this Colombian region and is known worldwide as the stage for the epitome of Latin American romantic novel:
María, by Jorge Isaacs. This novel is what brought many Japanese people to the area, and is
widely acclaimed for the beauty described in the book of this region of Colombia. Palmira and surrounding towns are known as the main agricultural developers for sugarcane, coffee, corn, rice and more. Sugarcane being the most abundant crop in my living region. As you can see from the photos this museum is beautiful with rooms depicted exactly the way it was. The grounds of the Hacienda El Paraiso are spectacular as well and many photo opportunities are to be enjoyed. Another beautiful spot nearby is the El Cerrito: A Museum for Sugar Cane which represents sugar cane and its derivatives in this municipality. There are gardens full of plants, instruments used for the cultivation of sugar cane, and historical information about the industry. A beautiful spot and a must see for visitors.
About an hour or so away is the town of Lago Calima known for its impressive lake, and the Museo Arqueologico Calima Darien. The objects displayed and their uniqueness has become a vital site for study
about the cultures that created them. This area has been a focus for unlawful stealing by "treasure hunters". The climate is crisp in this town , and a jacket is needed for warmth. I have been visiting all on a motorcycle, and was very happy I had warm clothes. As you ride up the mountain road to see the beautiful views surrounding the lake, the wind kicks up and the weather becomes quite cool. On my way back I had to stop to see the town of Buga, and have lunch. This town is known for Basilica del Senor de los Milagros, the church which houses an image of Christ called El Senor de los Milagros ( The Lord of the Miracles). It is well worth the stop, and I bought a huge wooden rosary to be blessed and displayed in my home.
If you choose to go further ( about 3 hours away by motorcycle) you can visit Armenia, another city in Colombia. Armenia is cool also , and warm clothes are a necessity! This beautiful country town is known
primarily for the crops of coffee, plantains, and bananas. The main tourist attraction is Colombian National Coffee Park, it is kind of like a small theme park those from the USA are used to visiting. This park has all kinds of attractions for all ages. The bed and breakfast type hotels nearby make for a wonderful time, and
I stayed an extra day because of the little hotel I stayed in! The picture above shows my hotel and all around was nature in abundance. I woke up to wild rabbits outside, visited the ducklings and parrots on the property, and watched from my hammock all kinds of birds that would fly by! I saw eagles, parrots and hawks, not mention the smaller variety of birds. Colombia is known for having the most species of birds in the world! I felt like I got to see many on my visit to Armenia!
Palmira valle del cauca is about an hour away from the mountains of Cali, again by motorcycle, and the beautiful waterfalls Chorrera del Indio waterfall is a must see if you visit Cali and the surrounding areas! As you travel up the road to view this waterfall, you will see the local people out enjoying themselves in the rio along the way. Vendors are selling mango and other local fruits, while music plays all around. It is quite festive! This was a day trip, and well worth it. On the drive back through Cali, the Three Crosses are visible
and beautiful.
I played tourist on weekends just driving around on the motorcycle and looking at the magnificent views from the mountains that surround Palmira. I am totally captivated by Colombia and all it has to offer. I still need to expand my trips and go further to the coasts and other large towns. Bogota is beautiful, as I had mentioned in an earlier blog. I will continue exploring my new country as I learn Spanish and enjoy the beauty that available to me , just a short walk outside my door. This final photo is the end of my street here in my small town.
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