Unexpected yet perfect weekend trip to Puerto Rico--here Chris and I stayed in Fajardo, small port city on the eastern coast--swimming in the bluest waters, exploring the lush Yunque rainforests, night sea kayaking through the unbelievable Bioluminescent Bays, diving with the glowing stars under the moon, drinking the original Latin pina coladas, running through streets full of wild chickens and watching kids cock fight their turkeys... what more could you ask for?

Museo de Oro in downtown Bogota--the most incredible and fascinating gold museum in the world. Highlights the origins of the Spanish myth of El Dorado and the ancient gold cultures of Colombia

Staying with Johanna and Neil in Bogota, the bustling capital of Colombia....up the cable cars to religious pilgrimage site of Cerro de Monserrate, down through the cobblestone streets of La Candelaria, exploring the ancient Gold Museum, and saying mis despedidas to dear Colombia

Day trip to Santa Marta, the oldest and most tranquil city in Colombia, with boat trips to Taganga beach (an old bohemian-style fishing village)--meeting a man with magic stones, an incredibly religious Indian clarivoyant, an Israeli woman gone mad, and other interesting characters along the way