"There is no real ending. It's just the place you stop the story."

Salento, Colombia - The last stop of my nearly 5 month journey throughout South America. I decided to skip the capital, Bogota, and just stay in this relaxing place for my last 8 days. Salento is a sleepy, tranquilo, little town in the middle of the Zona Cafetera region in Colombia.

at the viewpoint; Montana.
female travelers from all over the world,
all traveling alone

A few miles outside of town is Valle de Cocora National Park. This place is so stunningly beautiful, I just had to go more than once. Valle de Cocora is full of wax palm trees, which are tall skinny palm trees that grow up to 150 feet and live for 120 years. In the high altitude region of the Colombian Andes are the only place they grow, and such a odd place it is. We're slightly convinced they were placed by aliens :)

Getting to the park was a journey in itself. A 30 minute ride through the country side, with about 10 people thrown into a jeep wrangler, with 5 of us hanging off the back. Fun fun!

hanging on for dear life on the jeep ride there

At the National Park, we did the loop hike, which took about 6 hours. At the top we reached a reserve that is home to 6 different types of humming birds. Unfortunately it was so hard to get some good photos, since those things move so darn fast. There we enjoyed a free cup of hot chocolate before heading up to the viewpoint (La Montana).

a hummingbird on the hike

Valle de cocora

I met many wonderful people my last week in Salento. I went on some beautiful hikes, and learned about where coffee comes from. It is hard to believe my travels are complete. I love traveling, the freedom of the open road, learning new cultures, and meeting new people. Traveling is the best and quickest way for one to grow; both spiritually and intellectually. Everyday you are learning and experiencing something new. Unfortunately, it was time to leave this all behind. At least for the time being.

 Now, it was time to board that plane. First back to El Salvador, & then north to the USA.

 On the plane ride back to El Salvador, I kept thinking about my flight from El Sal to Chile 5 months ago. Most of the flight, I spent peering down at this foreign land of varying landscapes below me. From the the tropical  oceans of Colombia, the jungles of Ecuador, the snow capped mountains of Peru, and the northern Chilean and Argentinian deserts, I was so eager to find out what it contained for me. I had 5 months to find this out. Now I knew.... but did I really?

One really needs years to see what this continent contains, but with my 5 months I'm happy with what I got out of my travel experience. 

learning how to make coffee
at the coffee plantation, Sacha Mamma

the final product

I thought about the journey I made from one end of a continent to another. I thought about all the people that have made such an impression on my.  People from different walks of life from all over the world. I think about the things I've done on my journey. I think of its breathtaking beauty. The new and interesting food and cultures. I think about everything.

the beautiful doors of Salento

 Climbing to the top of some of the world's largest mountains. Attempting to climb up the tallest active volcano in the world. Diving 60 feet under water amongst tropical coral and fish. Exploring the jungles of Peru and Ecuador. Having monkeys jump on me and steal my shit (ha.) Trying new foods (guinea pig being the most ineresting). Biking down the world's most dangerous road. Inca ruins - Machu Picchu. The world's deepest canyon. Seeing new animals (monkeys, toucans, llamas, donkeys). Driving across the world's largest salt flat in a jeep. Just to name a few highlights of my trip.

Without a doubt, I had an incredible experience traveling around South America. I had an even bigger experience, spending 2 years of my life working and living in a small rural village in El Salvador. It is certainly difficult to leave such places behind. Places so poor. Places without much, but so full of love. Places full of people so genuine and caring with so much to give to others. It's like their lack of possessions makes their heart grow bigger instead.

It was nice being back in my village in El Salvador. I made it somewhat of a surprise to go back there, and I'm glad I did. As always it was hard to leave not knowing when I'll return there again. As hard as it was for me, I needed to move on, and I was ready to be back with my family and friends in the USA. I will forever think about El Salvador, and the people that have made such an impact on my life. This tiny little place has changed me, and I will take those changes with me for the rest of my life.
Chao El Sal.. Hasta la proxima vez...

with Fernada & Lenny (my host fam) in El Salvador

Check back for a "How it feels to be back in the USA" blog soon!