Colombia - A Dream Come True - My Second Horseback Ride

I was eager to try out one of the horses at Hacienda San Jose (or "the finca" as we now call it). We walked down the path to the stables and saw several horses tied. I commented that I loved the Paso Fino that I had ridden in Cartagena and our host immediately assigned their one Paso Fino to me. Their other horses were criollos. Zorro, my horse, was an older horse, probably not a show horse like Marinara, but nevertheless I found him to be extremely smooth--I was now even more determined to buy one upon my return home!

Hmm, which one is mine?

What a sweetie!

Zorro and me

As you can see, our host personally inspected the rigging and adjusted my stirrups.

We had a delightful ride, going through pineapple fields, orange groves, and a bamboo forest. The mountains in the distance provided a great setting. And what lush grass--these horses have it made.

Lush grass for the horses

Bamboo forest

Their bamboo trees are quite a bit larger than ours here. Notice the fence post of bamboo. They also use it a lot for building. Wish I had bamboo fencing!

Mango trees

These trees provided our fresh mangoes. Delicious!

Pineapple fields

These pineapples were personal size--small - and very sweet!

Oranges ready for shipment

Another view of mountains

By this time it was late afternoon and the men decided that they wanted to ride to a sugar mill and watch the sunset. I felt uneasy about being out on horseback after dark, so my daughter-in-law and I elected to ride back to the finca (by ourselves). Of course we didn't know the way back, but our host assured us that the horses knew the way. He guided us to a road and said to just follow it and the horses would turn off on the path to the finca. To this day I can't believe I was brave enough to ride off through the countryside of Colombia!  Obviously I have a very plucky daughter-in-law.  Well, as we rode along, my daughter-in-law's horse shied (just a little) at the first couple of cars that we met on the dirt road. So I waved the others to slow down and said thank you in Spanish. The people were very nice about it. I'm sure they wondered what on earth we were doing there. Just as we began to feel a little nervous about getting back, the horses turned off on a small path. As the sun slipped behind the trees, we saw the lights of the finca welcoming us . A welcome relief!  We thankfully sank down in the sofa cushions and had appetizers and drinks while waiting for the men to return. What a great day and what a great ride! I love Colombia!!!

Stay tuned for our next adventure - a different kind of  ride -a jeep ride up the side of the mountain!

Colombia-A Dream Come True-Hacienda San Jose

I was sad to leave the Santa Clara, but little did I know that an even better adventure awaited me! We took a short flight to Pereira.  Our host met us at the airport and whisked us to a magical place--Hacienda San Jose.

Look at those bougainvilla!

This beautiful home was their family's IXX century mansion, soon to be turned into a small boutique hotel. Our hosts were presently  living there. The home is listed on the historical register of Colombia; therefore any restoration was strictly monitored. The walls of the bottom floor were  made of rammed earth and bulls' blood.

 I've never felt so welcome anywhere.  Hacienda San Jose was owned by mother and son. The son served as our guide and friend. Lucky for me he spoke fluent English. Others there spoke only Spanish. I did get to practice my Spanish a lot!  What fun!

I could get used to living like this!  The minute we walked out of our room in the mornings we were served coffee on the balconies. Then we were served a huge breakfast on the veranda - wonderful food - fresh picked fruit, our choice of eggs, meat, etc., all served on tables set with china and silver. Any time we sat down we were served refreshment and snacks. Dinner was a more formal affair in the dining room featuring traditional  Colombia dishes..

When I commented on all the beautiful and valuable objects left out, I was told that they considered their guests to be like family.

I felt myself relaxing more every day we were there. But for now, let's take a tour--

My bedroom

Other side of bedroom

My bathroom

Dining Area

Buffet

Look at those beautiful anterium freshly plucked from the garden!

Lovely!

Notice the inlaid wood ceilings throughout!

Lounging area with music

Lush!

Wow!

Our Breakfast Area

I have a table and chairs like these in my home!

My daughter-in-law on balcony of their bedroom

They keep their tack, polished to perfection,  inside

Pool area

Relaxing!

Flowers everywhere!

Grounds

Another view of grounds

Sitting area outside my bedroom

From this relaxing sitting area I gazed with amazement at this wonderful tree. This photo does not capture the magnificence!

This tree definitely gives great shade!

Notice the open windows everywhere--no air conditioning. They close the heavy shutters to the rooms around 4:00 p.m. and it stays comfortable enough to sleep and avoids mosquito bites. There are no bugs in the daytime. We went when it was their winter season--I wonder what it is like in the summer--I believe they have basically the same temperature all year long--I'll have to check!

More adventures to come--I'm sitting here by the pool waiting to begin!

Ready for my horseback ride!

Stay tuned for my horseback ride through orange groves, pineapple fields, bamboo forests, . . .

Dog Days of Summer

Sizzling at Salsipuedes

Swelter-be uncomfortably hot, to suffer from oppressive heat
Sizzle - to be very hot
Dog Days of Summer - hot sultry period of summer
Oppressive - overwhelming or depressing to the spirit or senses

All of these words describe summer at Salsipuedes, and most of Texas, this year. More days at 100+ than I care to remember. Whew! I'm just so grateful I'm not a farmer, rancher or someone who has to be outside all day. At least I can come in to get cool. Meanwhile, I'm getting out early in the morning to get my chores done. The animals all have their various ways of coping.

Lucky begins the day trying to catch the breeze:

I think I may be a little cooler up here

George lays in the cool soil under the peppers:

Ahh!

Mama Cat has found her place in the barn near the hay--stays there all day!

Yes, it is cool in here!

The boys later move to the carport, where they stay until evening.

We're too sleepy to move!

I've scattered hay under the trees for the horses--they stay in the pasture most of the day.

It's definitely cooler under the trees!

They do come to the barn frequently for water-I've put out extra for them and fill it twice a day.

Three sources of water--all in shade

My trees are looking very stressed, especially the pines. I have lost two pines -WE NEED RAIN!

One of my beautiful Virginia pines

My huge red oak may be dying also.

The creek is completely dry

Sure looks different when it is dry!

The pond looks deceptively cool.

Shady!

Upon a closer look, you can see how far down it is.

It's usually higher than  the grass on the right

The pond is a lifesaver for the birds and other wildlife here at Salsipuedes. I sat down there for a few minutes after lunch, partially hidden by some brush. I snapped photos of this Northern Flicker drinking.

Just landed

He walked up and down that branch, then went to a branch closer to the water.

Water looks inviting!

Then, down for a drink.

Delicious!

I saw several interesting animal tracks in the mud at the edge. Tomorrow morning I plan to go to the pond early (without Rufus) and sit quietly. Today I saw several different birds--I hope to see the pileated woodpecker again and maybe a painted bunting. Wish me luck!

Every afternoon late the clouds build and a breeze picks up. I hope for rain, but alas, none so far. Maybe today! Meanwhile, we'll carry on here at Salsipuedes and pray for the others stricken by the drought.

Colombia - A Dream Come True - Shopping Day-Cartagena

I know you must be wondering--didn't she shop in Colombia?? Well, yes, I did. Even though I had decided to save my money for a Paso Fino! :)

We took a carriage ride to the open air market. Along the way I snapped a couple of photos.

A whimsical balcony!

That's one heavy door!

There's my blue color again!

Arriving at the market

 I was a little disappointed in the selection--I guess because the cruise ships were not docking, shops were not stocking heavily. I did stumble upon a neat item, though. A mola bag! My favorite was this one:

I love this bird!

I also bought a t-shirt with a mola design. The t-shirt is no longer wearable, but I saved the design. Any ideas as to what I can sew it onto??

Waiting for an inspiration!

But the best shopping was yet to come. That afternoon we went to a jewelry store in search of emeralds. My son had called ahead for an appointment. I've never been to a high end jewelry store in the states--I wonder if they have this kind of service. 

Before shopping, we were invited into the office by the owner and served shrimp cocktails. Yummy! The owner sat and visited with us. See what I mean about Colombian hospitality? Are you beginning to see why I fell in love with this country?

After much browsing (and I'm sure much patience on the owner's part), I chose this ring and earrings. She had the ring sized and delivered to the hotel that night before dinner!

My new jewels!

By that time we were pooped--off to bed. Next stop--Pereira tomorrow! Stay tuned for more adventures in Colombia--my now all time favorite country!!