Bogota and Medellin

On top of the world

On thursday I Arrived in Bogotas just in time to catch the end of Colombia's second world cup match and the insanity that followed. The city sets up huge screens in the plazas downtown and it was awesome to sit and watch the passion that the country has for their team.

Caribbean Coast of Columbia

My pool view for the weekend in Cartagena

My first day in Cartagena was spent exploring the city. It is a beautiful colonial city with vibrant colors and energy.

Iglesia de Santo Domingo, the city oldest curch

The old city in Cartagena is surounded by a stone wall that dates backto the 16th century.

The next day I took a taxi out to my good friend, Andres Mazabel's unclels apartment. It is located on a small strip of land with beautiful view of the Sea. I was so greatful to have a real shower and real bed. The hospitality that both Dario and Felipe (his son) showed me was amazing. 

The view from Dario's Apartment

On Monday I took a bus to Santa Marta, a little town on the water that I explored for one day before heading to Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona. The hike in and the Campsite at Cabo San Juan de la Guia was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been in my life. 

Santa Marta is a major shipping town

My favorite bakery so far in Columbia is in Parque Tayrona at Panaderia Vere. Some how this little shack on the beach served the most dense pan au chocolate I have ever had.

My breakfast and view for two days

Saw this huge iguana climbing a rock in the parque on my hike in. He was neon green.

That little hut was my hostal for the night. Only $13 and surrounded by water

The view from my bed/hammock

My last night on the Caribbean Cost was spent in Taganga, a small fishing village with amazing views.

The view of the fishing village in Taganga from my hostal lounge. I'm sure going to miss all my ocean views once I get into the mountians

I now leave the heat and humidity of the Caribbean and head south to central Columbia, where the mountains will be chilly and wet. 

Im On A Boat

Our boat El Gitano Del Mar

I just got off the boat from Panama City to Cartagena and I have never been more excited to get to a hostel and take a shower. We traveled for 4 1/2 days via 4x4 and catamaran to reach a new continent.

36 Liters to Freedom

I can't believe it was only 2 months ago that I was sitting in the car driving back to San Diego from Glendale only hours after being released by the White Sox. Baseball had been part of my life since I was 4 and it was hard to imagine what it was look like without it.

Panama

Sarah and I at the Panama Canal. Yes, that is sweat on my shirt.

Sarah and I made it back to Panama City dispite Panama Air doing everything to try and make us stay in Bocas Del Toro.

Hot Route Costa Rica

The view from our bike ride from Bocas Town to Playa Bluff.

Sorry it has been over a week since my first post, but it is really hard to find both an internet connection and time to write, thus I have decided to take you through my first week on the road mostly with pictures.