A journey of discovery through Colombia: From the lively metropolis of Bogotá to the idyllic Melgar - Part 6

The tropical air enveloped us as we arrived in Bogotá, Colombia's vibrant capital. The smell of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the sounds of busking as we pushed our way through the busy streets to meet Laura's best friend. A melting pot of cultures and history, Bogotá had an energy that immediately captivated us.

After an exciting day in the city, we set off on Sunday to explore Melgar, a picturesque town located about 100 kilometers southwest of Bogotá. Our destination was the "farmhouse" of Laura, Maria Victoria and Orlando's grandparents. Driving through Colombia's breathtaking landscape gave us a taste of the beauty that awaited us.

Melgar welcomed us with a heat that almost took our breath away. With temperatures reaching over 40 degrees Celsius, staying outside was a real challenge. The dryness brought about by the "El Niño" phenomenon was felt everywhere. Nevertheless, we were warmly welcomed by Laura's grandparents, who invited us into their cozy farmhouse.

The farmhouse was an idyllic retreat from the blazing sun. The palm tree-lined garden and refreshing pool were a welcome relief from the sweltering heat outside. We spent the days relaxing in the shade of the trees and refreshing ourselves in the cool water of the pool.

Meeting Laura's grandfather was a highlight of our trip. A charming man who used to work for Siemens and often traveled around Germany. Although he had not spoken German for over two decades, his knowledge of the language was impressive. He was particularly happy about the Ratzeputz schnapps from the Lüneburg Heath, which we had brought him as a gift. It was touching to see him reminisce and tell us about his adventures.

But not everything went smoothly on our trip. On the way back to Bogotá we got into an unpleasant situation with the local police. An alleged lack of an MOT almost led to our car being confiscated. But thanks to Laura's negotiating skills, we were able to avoid a fine and were instead sent to the nearest MOT office to clarify the matter.

The trip back to Bogotá was filled with mixed emotions. On the one hand, we were sad to leave Melgar and the hospitality of Laura's grandparents. On the other hand, we were relieved that we had emerged unscathed from the confrontation with the police.

When we arrived in Bogotá, we took time to reflect on the experiences of the last few days. We were grateful for the unforgettable moments we had experienced in Colombia and for the people we met along our journey. It was a journey full of ups and downs, but most of all, it was a journey that brought us closer together and left us with unforgettable memories.

The beauty and diversity of Colombia had touched us deeply and we knew that this would not be our last trip to this fascinating country. Until next time, Colombia. We come with open hearts and ready to discover more of your beauty.

Images (c) by Noah H. Texts (c) by Noah H.