Today was my last full day in ChoachÃ. I am definitely going to miss the home-cooked meals from Roxana. Today’s breakfast was super unique: a traditional soup called Changua with an arepa and the usual hot chocolate. Lunch consisted of pork with rice and a cooked vegetable that I cannot remember the name of.
In the evening time, Jorge and I went out to the town to eat at a Mexican restaurant that he had never tried before. He got dressed in some of his hand-woven clothing articles as this was his first time going out in a long while. The ambiance of the restaurant was really neat with Mexican music in the background, the smell of Mexican food, a cute courtyard and neon colored lights. We shared an appetizer, a coupe of drinks, and ordered an entrée each, all for 100k COP including an optional tip ($25 USD). I wanted to treat Jorge tonight for being such a gracious host, so along with dinner, I bought him his first margarita. He had never tried tequila before and didn’t know what a marg was. It appeared to be much to his liking. I am grateful that Jorge broke his carb-free diet and enjoyed this cheat meal with me.
By the time we finished dinner, it was completely dark out. Riding around on the moto at night was a blast and reminded me of nighttime drives in the mountains with Stella (my mazda3) with the crisp air and windy turns. We rode for about 10 minutes and reached the entrance to a fancy hotel that is stationed outside the central part of the town. Here, there is a thermal hot springs that is part of the hotel, but is open on Friday nights to the public for half price. Because of the discount, there were mostly locals all enjoying the springs with many kids running around. It was relaxing and a cool experience to find a place like this in the middle of nowhere. Overall, it was a peaceful and fun night just talking with Jorge about our lives. That is, until we needed to get back.
As we got out of the water, the rain began to pour. And I mean POUR. Thankfully, Jorge had two sets of rubber rain jackets and rain pants for us to wear. The ride home was definitely an adventure navigating the already twisty roads with only a dull headlight from the bike to guide us and little traction in the mud. I would have loved to have taken some pictures or videos if I could, but I was holding on pretty tight.
I am sad to leave this place that I have called home for the past week. Jorge and his family have welcomed me with open arms, and to them I am extremely grateful. They have exposed me to so many new experiences in just one week that I cannot wait to come back and do more, maybe with family and friends tagging along when Jorge’s next huts are built. The authentic and genuine character of this family solidifies the fact that there are some amazing people in this world. Tomorrow begins the next adventure as I will take a moto taxi to the town, the bus back to Bogotá, an uber to the airport, and a flight to Cartagena (a well-known coastal city). Farewell my insect friends.
I would like to point out that I am only 5’7”. It felt good to be tall for a bit 🙂
I’m so happy you got to do the impossible! Was being tall for a day just the most exciting thing ever?? I bet it was!
The height difference made me laugh
love your posts – Ajay Chacha
WOWWW Jorge is motivating us little people that even we can build houses if we want!!
If you have two arms, two legs, intelligence and strength, why not? Tallness is genetics and doesn’t mean anything in therms of evolution.
Jorge and his mom Roxanna truly seem like the most genuine and authentic people; so glad you were able to immerse in the local culture with an open heart really get a once in a lifetime experience! And I really did find your humor contagious here — loved that pict and you look really tall! Ha!
You will be welcome with your family dear Sid! I will to start the building soon.