COLUMBIA

We flew into Medellín, Colombia from Puerto Rico and met up with our daughter Lauren, who had flown in from Austin, Texas, at the airport at 11:00 p.m. After grabbing our bags, we found our driver for the two-hour journey to the Hotel Luxe by Charlee, just outside Guatapé in central Colombia. The drive along winding back roads in the middle of the night felt like Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disneyland—an adventure filled with twists, turns, and a good dose of excitement!

The hotel was the perfect location for the destination wedding we were attending. Perched atop a picturesque mountain, it offered breathtaking views of a stunning lake and the charming village of Guatapé. Surrounded by lush countryside, the setting was idyllic, making it an unforgettable backdrop for such a special occasion. The serene beauty of the area, combined with the hotel's elegance, provided a magical atmosphere that enhanced every moment of the celebration.

The morning before the wedding, we were warmly greeted by Will, who was standing with a fresh cup of aromatic coffee. We joined the rest of our family for a delightful breakfast, savoring the delicious food and the picturesque surroundings. It was a heartwarming reunion, filled with lively conversation and laughter, as we caught up on each other's lives. It had been months since we last saw them, having left for the Caribbean on New Year's Eve, and the joy of being together again was palpable. The shared stories and reminiscing made for a perfect start to the day's festivities.

We spent a blissful day unwinding in the cabanas by the pool, a welcome respite from the hustle of our recent travels in the Caribbean. The day was filled with refreshing swims in the cool water, leisurely moments in the spa, and quiet conversations under the shade of the cabana as we reconnected with our children. We caught up on each other's lives, sharing stories and laughter, while the tranquil surroundings provided the perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation and family bonding. It was a soothing change of pace that allowed us to truly recharge and enjoy each other's company.

The evening kicked off with a lively welcome cocktail party, graciously hosted by the wedding couple, where guests had the chance to mingle and form connections before the big day. As this was a destination wedding, the gathering served as an ideal opportunity for people from different corners of the world to come together, many meeting for the first time. Among the guests were friends and family from various regions, including Colombia, as well as others hailing from both the west and east coasts of the United States. The warm and inviting atmosphere allowed everyone to bond over shared excitement, creating a sense of camaraderie and setting the stage for the joyous celebration to come. Above is a photo of me with the two beautiful brides, Kenna and Elana.

The next morning, after enjoying a leisurely breakfast at a waterside restaurant, we kicked off our day with a dash of adventure, heading to the vibrant village of Guatapé. Our convoy of tuk-tuks buzzed to the edge of town, and from there, we set off to explore the charming streets of this colorful gem. For the daring among us, the real challenge was scaling the towering El Peñol—the iconic rock that stands like a giant guardian over the village. While some wandered through the cobblestone lanes, others tackled the steep climb, earning epic views (and a great workout) at the summit!

Exploring the shops and restaurants of Guatapé, Colombia, is like stepping into a vibrant painting that has come to life! This colorful village, with its kaleidoscope of rainbow-hued buildings and charming cobblestone streets, feels like a real-life fairy tale. Our adventure began by weaving through the bustling alleyways, where each turn revealed something new—a hidden café, a quirky boutique, or a local artisan proudly displaying their crafts.

One of the most magical moments of our Guatapé adventure was wandering onto the famous umbrella street, a whimsical little lane that feels like it was plucked straight out of a dream. As we turned the corner, we were greeted by a canopy of vibrant umbrellas floating overhead, each one a burst of color against the blue sky. They dangled playfully above the cobblestone street, creating a kaleidoscope of shadows and light that danced on the ground below.

Perched whimsically in the heart of town, the sheep looks as if it’s ready to wander off into the cobblestone streets at any moment. The statue perfectly captures the whimsical essence of Guatapé, a town where even the simplest objects are infused with personality and joy. But the sheep is more than just a cute photo op—it’s a nod to Guatapé’s rural roots and agricultural heritage, celebrating the town’s connection to the surrounding countryside and the pastoral life that still thrives in the region.

After soaking up the vibrant energy of Guatapé, exploring its charming shops, and admiring every colorful detail, we finally reunited with our brave friends who had conquered the climb to the top of El Peñol. With stories to swap and appetites to satisfy, we found the perfect spot to settle in—a cozy local restaurant and bar perched above the bustling street.The place had a rustic yet lively vibe, with wide windows that let us peer down at the vibrant scene below. From our table, we had the perfect view of the street, where locals and tourists wandered

As we kicked back, the tales of their climb flowed, full of triumph and a few laughs about how many steps it actually took to get to the top of the iconic monolith. We balanced those tales with ours—how we had gotten lost in the labyrinth of colorful alleyways. We toasted with cold beers and cocktails made with local fruits, all while enjoying the rhythm of the musicians playing just outside.It was one of those moments where everything came together—the adventure, the company, the music, and the delicious food—leaving us feeling like we’d captured the very essence of this colorful town.