Rio Negro - Amparo Puerta's farm

Hi - yesterday we had a pretty amazing day up at a farm in Rio Negro.  The farm is so beautiful and is simply serene.  We went up with Elba, Sofia, Conrado and Marta, and spent the day there.  Amparo is a sweet and lovely hostess, we were treated with such grace and kindness (just like Lucia, we are so lucky!).  We relaxed and had an awesome lunch. You would not believe that I let the kids ride ATVs (even Joaquin had a little ATV). It was really cool, fun, safe and those things really didn't go very fast.  Adrian went zooming off, Nicolas was totally into it and took the last ride, and Joaquin drove his little truck all day.  We were given another amazing opportunity to ride a really, really nice horse (note the branding).  Adrian was ready to rock and take off but let's just say in everyone's best interest he was led around the lawn.  Oscar and I also were led around, let's leave the real riding to the professionals, shall we?  Such a beautiful horse, wow.  Tomorrow off to Rio Negro and Farallones so blog will be updated Monday.  (By the way - Garzon is fine and the meeting with Chavez went well.)

Balcones and Medellin

Hi all, just got back from a few days up at a farm "Balcones" in an area called Copacobana.  It's up in the hills outside of Medellin with beautiful views (hence "balconies").  All the boys did some pretty cool horseback riding, solo even! Just a nice relaxing few days, playing hearts, swinging in the hammocks, reading.  I have to tell you it is a huge adjustment to relax for at least eight consecutive hours in a row!  I'm getting used to it though.  I have been doing yoga in the mornings which has been awesome, and is really needed when you are traveling and sitting in the car quite a bit. 


Before I launch the pictures here, just a bit of political drama going on here.  A few days ago the new president of Colombia (Juan Manuel Santos) was sworn in (in Bogota, just after we left actually!).   This morning the vice president (Angelino Garzon) apparently had a heart attack and is currently being operated on. Pretty concerning!  We are all glued to the tv 24-7 and waiting for good news.  Santos, Garzon and Chavez are due to meeting in Cartajena on Tuesday to smooth out some issues, we'll read about the outcome of that when we are in Miami.  


With that, here are some pictures of Balcones, enjoy!

Medellin

Dear all, yesterday we took about an hour drive up to Guatape, and there was this incredible rock that begs to be climbed, amongst scenery so beautiful it is called the Switzerland of Colombia.  Oscar, Nicolas and Adrian climbed the ~700 steps while I hung back with the family and had a few cervasas.  I definitely had the better deal!  

Amparo and her sister Sofia

Amparo and our driver Oligario (drivers hang with the family!)

The bags were steaming they were JUST made off of the farm
 -arepas de chocolo (corn torilllas)

Tomorrow (Saturday) we head up to Balcones.  I will update the blog on Sunday when we return.  We heard today that the horses are ready, and we have meals all planned for our arrival.  Living like royalty, for the weekend!!