The Decision: Birthday Reflections

The Decision: Birthday Reflections: So yesterday was my birthday! A year ago at this time I was planning my move to Colombia , South America! It was all so exciting and adventu...

Birthday Reflections

So yesterday was my birthday! A year ago at this time I was planning my move to Colombia , South America! It was all so exciting and adventurous, all I thought about was leaving a place that was full of pain for me personally. One year later I am living my dream on the farm I have always wanted. Do I have thoughts on my journey, of course! Are they all great? NO! I have learned enough in one year to last me a lifetime, a lot about myself and my past way of looking at my life. I have learned to adapt, and change with my ever changing circumstances. A process that started long before my move. I have learned that Colombia does not operate the way the United States does, I can not have everything I want with a phone call. Colombia is so advanced in some things and way behind in others. I have yet to pay the few bills I have online! I have to drive to places and wait in line to pay a simple bill! This is what the Colombians do! I have to find adequate internet, another MAJOR problem! The internet here really sucks. I have it, but sometimes I am unable to connect, and it is not a strong signal. Of course, living in Paradise more than makes up for this problem and I have learned to take this in stride and keep trying until I accomplish my goal.
Is it worth it to live in a new country? Yes it is. Is it difficult to do what I have done? Yes it is. I am close, so close to everything I pictured in my dream to come here.

So what did I do to make my day special? I did what I love to do, spent time with my animals, exercise  making curtains for my traditional Colombian kitchen..I also reflected on my peace, my own personal peace.  No present, greetings, a call from someone, can accomplish this for me.  I know, I seem O.K. even peaceful and happy. I am to a certain extent, but well, the thought of my daughter is always there, it never leaves. I guess that is what grieving is...I know grief. My parents are dead, dear friends and relatives have passed over the years, but my daughter's death is about what she did not experience and I still do. I thought about this a lot yesterday. How I miss her being on this earth. How I used to stalk her twitter. How I knew what was always going on with her, even when I was not with her physically. Now, I have to believe she is in a better place, I have to keep her alive in my life. I have donated to a little church here in her memory. That was my real birthday present to myself, a place to go and feel her, and to talk with her. The church will be there long after I am gone, the people in my small community will always tell others about the paintings and crosses donated by the American in her daughter's name. I will continue to help this church as long as I am here, in any way I can. That is very fulfilling for me as the people are not rich but live a very rich life. I wanted someting that would live on in history to honor her, and this will.

I guess that it will always be this way with me. I accept that. I am a different person from her death. I have read many things about really hard times bringing lessons to your life. I can honestly say hard times have changed me. I am less judgemental, and am more forgiving. I do not engage in arguments, but stick up for what I believe in. I live with the thought that my farm will be a place for the people I most treasure, my son, and my granddaughter, to visit and enjoy. I am working hard to put everything in place to have a calm , tranquil life without stress. It has only been a year, but so much has changed because I did something about the way I was living my life.  If I can do this so can you who read this blog, no matter what it is you feel you need to change. Go for it, take one day at a time, and see the results. You might take a few steps back, but you will take more steps forward.

The Decision: It's A Dog's World!

The Decision: It's A Dog's World!: Marley Taz and Yuki  My animals are so important to me that they were a major reason I moved to Colombia, South America. I had always...

The Decision: It's A Dog's World!

The Decision: It's A Dog's World!: Marley Taz and Yuki My animals are so important to me that they were a major reason I moved to Colombia, South America. I had always...

It's A Dog's World!

Marley

Taz and Yuki 

My animals are so important to me that they were a major reason I moved to Colombia, South America. I had always wanted to retire to a farm and have lots of animals. Moving to Colombia has fulfilled that dream! I just moved to Villa Migelita, (an agricultural farm) with my original three dogs, and have three more that I have adopted in the last 8 months. Farm living agrees with my animals, and with me! They have unlimited space to play and socialize, and I have peace of mind knowing that they all will live happy lives. I was very worried about where I was going to live before I moved here, and I knew I could not afford the upkeep on a home with land in Florida. It has been a win/win situation, one that has brought peace of mind to me and a wonderful living environment for my animals.

Colleen after I picked her up from the cargo area

When  I first arrived in Colombia, I had hoped to move right to a farm, however it was not meant to be. Colleen was exhausted from the trip here in the cargo hold, and she needed to have a safe living area to relax in. My rented house fulfilled that for her, but I so much wanted to have her live the rest of her life on a farm where she could wander around and her thick coat would not be too hot. The mountains have done wonders for her health, and she no longer looks exhausted. My other dogs are so loving and kind with her, it sometimes brings tears to my eyes. Colleen is 13 years old , and going strong!

Taz sitting at a restaurant

Then there is my Taz, he is a Rat Terrier who holds a special place in my heart..and my bed. Taz is my only dog who sleeps in my bed, and anywhere he can jump up and get under covers! I never cared until I moved to Colombia and he learned he could run with the street dogs! If you live in the United States, street dogs are picked up and brought to shelters, here they roam free. It is unfortunate that other countries do not have the same education on spay/neuter programs as we do in the USA. I see that the dogs are not treated badly, and they live from scraps and people setting food out for them. However, the female dogs are very abused by other male dogs and do not have long life spans if they are not adopted. My first dog I rescued here is a callejera (street dog) by the name of Nayela. She just showed up on my front patio July 4th, and I kept her. She was a little bitty puppy, and now is a great watch dog on the farm. She is always first to bark at any noise, and alerts the other dogs. Taz is thrilled for his freedom and learned to run with the other street dogs within a month of moving to Colombia. I gave up really fast trying to contain him. Dogs really do not need leashes here and can go with you to restaurants and any store. 

Marley is my other Collie and one of the kindest dogs I have ever owned. He goes with the flow, and Nayela is his constant companion. He never growls at the other dogs or tries to take their food, and only wants to please. He is so beautiful to look at that he is constantly remarked on by the Colombian people when we are out. Marley and Colleen always were on leashes before we moved to the farm, as they do not understand that you have to move when a car comes! Now , well they are free to wander aimlessly all day if they so desire. Marley spends his days now laying in the sun or shade, and he also enjoys the mild temperatures of the Colombian mountains!

Orion

Yuki is a Bull Terrier (or a Boston Terrier) that was found digging in the trash. He is so calm, he often falls asleep sitting up. He has to be watched constantly, and can not be allowed to go with me on walks as he gets easily distracted and wanders off. He can never get enough food, and needs to wear a little doggie outfit for warmth. Taz and Yuki are good friends (which is unusual, as Taz likes to be left alone) , they often sleep next to each other, and where there is one you will usually find the other on the farm!

The last dog that I adopted here in Colombia, was given to me by my neighbor the night before my move. I think the word was out that I liked dogs by now! He is an American Staffordshire Terrier, and is the biggest dog I have ever owned! I gratefully accepted him with a big smile because I had wanted a guard dog for the farm. I had thought I was going to have to buy a Rottweiler, but Orion was perfect. The fact that I rescued him only made it nicer. His prior owners lived in a normal sized home, and he was way too big and needed too much exercise for them to keep in a home without a big yard. They even gave the papers with him and his shot history. He is gentle with the other dogs, and very loyal to me. I definitely would not want to come upon him while looking for trouble.

Nayela

Taz, Colleen, and Marley(my original 3 dogs)

So we all are living peacefully on Villa Migelita, my original three dogs plus three more rescues. I am now hoping to expand my animal family to include horses, cows, chickens, ducks and a goat! Before I forget, I also have 2 cats Cloudy and Franchesca who complete the family, we all hope to live happily ever after here at Villa Migelita!

The Decision: For the love of horses

The Decision: For the love of horses: I learned to ride as a little girl at a friends ranch in Florida. I used to visit this friend every weekend and ride her horse. I also have ...

The Decision: For the love of horses

The Decision: For the love of horses: I learned to ride as a little girl at a friends ranch in Florida. I used to visit this friend every weekend and ride her horse. I also have ...

For the love of horses

I learned to ride as a little girl at a friends ranch in Florida. I used to visit this friend every weekend and ride her horse. I also have a cousin who owned a horse named Honey. I loved Honey and visiting my Aunt Katie every summer for two weeks. I would run outside across a small field to give Honey  a carrot every day while enjoying my special time with my Aunt and her family. I have fond memories of Honey and those summer vacations, leaving me with a suppressed yearning to have a horse of my own. I have never missed an opportunity to ride as my life has gone forward. When I moved to Colombia, I found myself surrounded by horses. In my past blog I mentioned how I was delighted that I found sweet horses grazing in front of my home (you can read it here http://migelitaincolombia.blogspot.com/2012/01/glorious-heartwarming-wonderful.html?spref=bl) during my first days in Colombia.

Horses hold their back foot posed and ready to prance

stables

On Mother's Day in 2011 I was invited by family here in Colombia to go to a restaurant and watch beautifully trained horses show off their talents. Colombian riding is quite different than what I learned as a child, the horses prance and the rider holds the reins to keep them in steps of dance-like moves. The sound of the shoes hitting the pavement can be heard in any small town as even horses on farms prance this way. The rider sits tall in the saddle and directs the horse in beautiful symmetric moves. We ate a wonderful meal while watching displays of Colombian riding. Afterwards we walked the stables behind the restaurant to see and pet the horses , and anyone could go for a ride if they so desired. I vowed that day I would have a horse when I was able to move to a farm.

If you read my past blog Playing tourist in Palmira Valle del Cauca  (http://migelitaincolombia.blogspot.com/2011/12/playing-tourist-in-palmira-valle-del.html) I mentioned  El Paraiso area and the home to visit. This area is a center for locals to visit and enjoy on the weekends. I go there often to wander the booths of food and to ride a horse. The horses are friendly, in perfect health, and

hores waiting under the trees

waiting for riders

a rider can go with their own private guide for a long ride through the mountains. They have little horses for the children, delightfully sweet, to teach your little ones as young as a baby ( I see fathers holding infants on horseback here) to get used to the feel of a horse. In Colombia, animals are part of life and children grow up with the knowledge of riding and the love of animals. After your ride, wander across to the park and have one of the fruit concoctions that our sold with ice cream! Delicious! People watching is a must, and the children playing in the steam brings a smile to your face. A wonderful way to spend a Sunday in Palmira!

I have met people here while looking at farms and just sitting on my front patio of my home who invite me to ride. They will always go with you or send an escort to guide you on your way. The people of Colombia are warm and friendly and love to show their hospitality to any person visiting their country. I have had many chances to ride, one of the most memorable overlooking the small town of St Elena where I live, at sunset. I was transported to another time while I rode the horse up a mountain path. I sometimes feel I am on a movie set here, the green of the grass, the blue of the sky, the sun peeking through clouds, makes for memories that will stay in my mind as I grow older. I never miss an opportunity to photograph horses along my travels. Mothers with babies, horses in pastures the mountains looming behind while they graze.

If you love horses, then you will have many opportunities to ride, watch or just pet them. What is better than the soft nose of a horse, the sweet way they move their ears, the magnificence of their demeanor? I can never get enough of them. In the future I will have my own, a lifelong dream.

The Decision: Nirvana a nature park in Bruitrera

The Decision: Nirvana a nature park in Bruitrera: If you love to hike, love beautiful views and enjoy nature Nirvana is a must see when visiting the Valle de Cauca. Located in the mountains...

Nirvana a nature park in Bruitrera

If you love to hike, love beautiful views and enjoy nature Nirvana is a must see when visiting the Valle de Cauca. Located in the mountains of Palmira, this natural reserve starts with an enchanting entrance and does not disappoint as you continue your journey. As you walk the steep road through the restaurants and home at the beginning of the climb the sounds of nature are calling! There are two choices for participants who hike this reserve, you can choose the long path or a shorter less strenuous path. This reserve is privately owned and is a sanctuary for rescued parrots and also has a nursery where plants can be bought. Look for the natural pool with fish that are caught and eaten in the restaurant. It is truly a beautiful journey worth taking.

I choose the longer path, and it was well worth it. Along the way I stopped to watch the parrots whom are in huge enclosures, the natural pool and the nursery. The plants and trees all around are well maintained. I was in running shoes, but the ground was slippery, so I suggest a pair of shoes that have a good grip! The path is winding and steep with benches along the way to rest. I was very grateful for those benches. The altitude can make you breathless as you climb. I felt like I was climbing sideways at times. Sometimes going through dense foliage and long vines. As I continued up the views were outstanding. I had walked later in the day, with the sun slowly going down. I was able to see magnificent views with the sun as the backdrop!.

The path winds around and goes up at the same time. The trees have dropped leaves which cover the path at points. I found myself being super careful, and once again thought a different pair of shoes would have been nice! Everytime I heard a bird call, or the wind rustle the trees, I felt like this was what the Rainforest of Colombia would be like. I made a mental note to see it soon! It is a long way to the top with lots of spots to take a break and observe the views.

view on the way to the top

Once at the top , the long hike is well worth the effort. An observation area is waiting to relax after your hike to Nirvana. The view has to be why it is named Nirvana! A lovely home is at the top, with flowers and natural landscaping. A small store is available to buy snacks and beverages, beer included!  Just standing and looking out over the valley below is breathtaking and peaceful combined. The breeze is fresh, para gliders can be seen (http://migelitaincolombia.blogspot.com/2012/01/decision-parapente-para-gliding-is-like_23.html take a look at my recent blog), birds fly by, and the sounds of nature abound! A stay of 20 to 30 minutes enjoying a beer and the view, allows enough rest for your travel back down the mountain. Going down is (of course) much easier and the restaurant is added incentive to return to the bottom! My mouth was watering at the thought of fresh fish to eat! The walk is brisk and quick going down, the natural surroundings never boring. Local workers on the reserve have little homes and come out and say "buenas" to the park's visitors. A truly charming way to spend 3 hours of your time! I had a chuckle as I left, as this carving is large and one of the last things you see after you leave the hike and make your way to the restaurant. I encourage all to stay and enjoy the local dining. The food is quite tasty! A wonderful way to end a hiking adventure and leave with a full belly and rememberance of enchanting views! Maybe you will see an eagle on your hike!

The Decision: Parapente ( para gliding) is like flying, having w...

The Decision: Parapente ( para gliding) is like flying, having w...: Parapente business One of the larger more populated Parapente sites Getting the sails ready In Palmira Valle de Cauca there are m...

The Decision: Parapente ( para gliding) is like flying, having w...

The Decision: Parapente ( para gliding) is like flying, having w...: Parapente business One of the larger more populated Parapente sites Getting the sails ready In Palmira Valle de Cauca there are m...

Parapente ( para gliding) is like flying, having wings like a bird!

Parapente business

One of the larger more populated Parapente sites

Getting the sails ready

In Palmira Valle de Cauca there are many parapente businesses, just travel a mountain road and you will see a sign directing you to go to a business to enjoy this sport. Having lived here and observed the sails above me on many occasions, I wanted to learn more about this adventure. All guides who operate the business need to be licensed, so it is important that when you decide to check this off your bucket list, you make sure the guide is licensed! If you are an expert already, I saw people going by themselves, so that is possible also. Papers are to be signed releasing the business and guides from any responsibility. Payment ranges from 80,000 pesos and up (40 dollars USD) and includes transportation back to your spot of takeoff.

A few more steps and they are off!

Once you decide where you are going to enjoy your adventure, watching others leave can increase your anxiety (if you have any) as it looks like the people run right off a cliff. However, once you watch for awhile, you become immersed in the beauty of the colors and the sounds of awe made by the participants as they float into the air!

Once floating the ride is not long. It can take anywhere between 10 to 20 minutes to float to the landing, depending on the guides expertise. As you float prepare to feel suspended in air, enjoying the views you will have seen from roads, in a new way. Imagine flying like a bird, seeing the mountains as they do, avoiding the landing for as long as you can! Be prepared to see storm clouds , even lightening, as thunderstorms are common in the mountains, but what seems near is really far away! You will see breathtaking views of the large city of Cali, looking very near as you fly. The largest buildings looking close as the sun reflects off them. You might fly through a cloud and feel the droplets on your skin. Birds will fly by you, a hawk, eagle, or parrot, and the sounds they make will ring in your ears!

As you get near to landing the instructor will tell you to lift your legs, as landing is fast and you will pitch forward if you try to run as you land. The cows are grazing on the field, as you descend, and take no notice of

the large object approaching. The heart beats fast again as you realize the time went by so quickly, and you are done and safe on the ground. I am sure the experience will be one you tell your friends and family about for the rest of your life! You might even decide to do it again!

The Decision: Colombian food is healthy, organic and delicious!

The Decision: Colombian food is healthy, organic and delicious!: cows hanging out on a farm I have gained 10 much needed pounds since my move to Colombia. However, do not think you will gain this muc...

Colombian food is healthy, organic and delicious!

cows hanging out on a farm

I have gained 10 much needed pounds since my move to Colombia. However, do not think you will gain this much weight if you visit this magnificent country. I have never been a great cook, nor a healthy eater. All changed once I was settled in my home. I hired a maid, and she cooks me two meals a day. The food is fresh and the meat and poultry are grass fed free range. The fish are from natural lakes, the vegetables from gardens of nearby farms, the fruit also from farms in the area. I gained weight because I was actually having meals that were healthy on a regular basis. I also visit restaurants on the weekends, you can always see the kitchen and the cooking that is going on! There is no worry here of unsafe sanitary practices anywhere you eat. The kitchen and cook is there for all to watch!

Mama Mia, my favorite Italian restaurant!

The kitchen and outside is off to the side of this Brazilian 

restaurant

Most restaurants are open air and covered with roofed patio's and charming tables with colorful tablecloths. A small candle is always lit for the guests at even the smallest restaurants. Most of these charming eating spots have a home off to the side where the family who owns them live. The families all take part in running the restaurant, and make time to greet you and chit chat when you visit them. The dishes can be traditional, or specific to what restaurant you visit. Colombia has a lot of Chinese restaurants, and Asian people who live here. I have eaten in social clubs on the weekends that have playgrounds and pools that entertain the kids, and there is never a rush to get you out of the table you occupy! It is relaxing and beautiful wherever you choose to eat, along with being easy on your pocketbook!

I have had many new dishes here in Colombia. The first time I ordered fish I was really surprised by how it was served. I had always had fillets and was a bit overwhelmed when the dish showed up with the whole fish staring at me! What I found was this fish is local (usually Tilapia) and caught fresh and never frozen. I had to watch for the little bones, but have since become quite adept at eating and enjoying the wonderful taste of the local fish. My favorite Colombian Italian restaurant Mama Mia has the best Italian cooking ever! The owners are Italian, relocated here from Italy, and the food is authentic Italian direct from Italy! The first time I had a pizza, I was transported back to Pisa and the great pizza I had had on one of my many excursions to Italy. Their pasta is equally as food and you leave with a full belly and enough food to take home to have a late night snack.

Pizza at Mama Mia

Sancocho is a common Colombian dish that you can make with fish, beef, chicken or pork. Sancocho de gallina is originally from the Colombian Region El Valle. I am not a huge fan of this meal  because I do not love soup. However, talk with any Colombian person and they will say they could eat it everyday. It is their heritage, their culture, their memories combined in one plate of chicken, corn, rice and a soup that has the foot of a hen inside. I have not really gotten used to that yet! I do eat it , as I eat everything here, but it is not my favorite dish! I love the pork, one dish is cooked as little ribs that are really :"finger licking good"! All dishes, that are traditional Colombian are served with rice. I have learned to put the rice in my soup, and mix it with my vegetables (which are all fresh from local gardens) and meat. 

plantains served with salsa as an appetizer

Fresh juice and eggs from local chickens are used every morning for my breakfast. I used to wait until mid morning to eat and then would have an egg on a muffin or yogurt. Now, I am hungry early, and exercise after my morning meal. The juices are made from local fruit, some examples are mango, tangerine, tomato (yes, there is a difference between the plant and the tree which produces fruit) pineapple, and many Colombian fruits that are unknown to the USA. I live in a small farm community, and I know that pesticides are not used and the chickens run around freely eating the grass. All of this adds up to a healthy way to live, and I feel better and look better since I have moved to Colombia. Is it the food? I would say yes, my diet has improved 100% and plays a major part in improving my health and overall well being! Eggs are not refrigerated and are delivered to my home, on a as needed basis. Milk is straight from the cow, and is boiled on the stove. I have it every day mixed with the fruit as a juice or on cereal as a late night snack. No pasteurization, and I have no problems with this. I have never been a milk drinker and now can not go a day without it! Goat milk is even more delicious and also is boiled before drinking. 

beans from a local farm

One dish I have learned to love is cow's tongue. I know, you are gagging as you read this. I was a bit taken aback the first time I saw the tongue and did not want to eat it. I tried the meal, which is served with boiled potatoes, rice and vegetables. The sauce is made with garlic and onions. I was pleasantly surprised by the tenderness of the meat and the taste of the meal. I now have tongue at least once a week and savor every morsel! The cows are from farms and are for milking and yes they are killed to be eaten. I have yet to eat anything frozen here. Meat is bought at the grocery store or small tiendas in town , cut by a butcher. 


Food is delicious, savory and healthy here in Colombia! I have learned to enjoy the variety of meals, cooked in the Colombian way. I miss American food only on traditional holidays, and not that much. I think my body craved healthy food, and now realize that when I bought "green" in the USA, I was buying a label, not the actual thing! Green or organic is a normal way to eat here, and if I mentioned the word organic to a local I would get a blank stare! It is just the way it is here! So now, I am ready to eat my breakfast of two eggs and the bunuelos (locally made fresh daily) a round ball with soft bread inside, and go for my walk along the country road with a full belly to start my day! Chiao!

The Decision: Glorious, heartwarming, wonderful Nature..living w...

The Decision: Glorious, heartwarming, wonderful Nature..living w...: I think my decision to move to Colombia was based on the beauty I saw in my first moments in Colombia. I was transfixed with the colorfu...

Glorious, heartwarming, wonderful Nature..living with it's beauty

I think my decision to move to Colombia was based on the beauty I saw in my first moments in Colombia. I was transfixed with the colorful, moving, array of sights immediately. Once I was immersed in daily life, the walks on a little country road, I was amazed by what I saw in nature on a daily basis. A ride on a motorcycle through the mountains brought unexpected surprises and delight. Who knew parrots would fly by making their sounds that settled in my ears with delight? A mother hawk teaching her baby to hunt was right before my eyes while I exercised on my small country road. Eagles sitting on fences, or flying right over my head! Eye candy that is a normal part of life, living in the country of Colombia! Nor the fact that horses and cattle are allowed to graze freely along the small country roads.

I found myself suddenly surrounded by cattle when I got off my  moto to inspect a beautiful tree!

I would be fooling myself if I said it was "no big deal" these glimpses of nature and animals I saw during my first months. Being born and raised in South Florida,  a lot of these moments I was seeing on a regular basis, were only known to me at the zoo or in books and movies. I was filled with poignant moments on a daily basis. The first time I woke up to horses grazing in front of my home, I rushed for my camera. Little did I know these moments would continue and get better with each passing day. The unexpected was always there, and when I least expected it!

I have a really special place in my heart for hummingbirds. My daughter and I would wait every summer , when we would visit our vacation home in Tennessee, for the first hummingbird to show at our feeder. Naturally I had to have a feeder for my house here in Colombia. I did not wait long for them to show up, Colombia is full of hummingbirds, and many species of birds. This country has the highest species of birds in the world. I sit and watch them on a daily basis, fascinated with their ability to move backward in flight, and to play with each other, just as other animals do in nature. One day I arrived home from errands to find one in my house, calmly perched on the screen of my window. I will always look to this moment as a sign from my deceased daughter saying "Hi Mom, I am still around you in spirit!". I cried with joy, letting the little creature stay on my screen for awhile..then gently guiding it out the door.

Wild bunnies

Small parrots, a variety of colors fly by and land on trees as I walk. I stop and watch still, they are so full of life and fun! Colombian Amazon parrots are in people's homes and in nature. I see them in the sky , from my  hammock while reading a book. Their sounds filling the air with what I think would be them laughing! I smile anytime I hear them. Geese, ducks, chickens and roosters are on all farms walking around freely and bringing a bounty of eggs to their owners. They have wonderful sounds also, once you get used to it. I no longer notice the roosters next door calling early in the morning. I have learned to embrace the sounds. The cow that lives across the street regularly greets me when I take my dogs out in the morning. I would never have thought last year at this time, this kind of beauty would become second nature to me now.

On my various travels I run across different species of wildlife regularly, taking a moment to be still just long enough for me to catch a photo. One blog can not capture my thoughts on living in nature, my daily experiences. You will hear more from me on nature in Colombia and how it interacts with man. I leave with this thought, all of nature enjoys their life, and I look to it for my inspiration and focus.