Cali buzzes with a chaotic energy, its streets thick with car exhaust that rivals Bogotá’s. Yet, amidst the hustle, there’s an unexpected charm—inspirational quotes seem to pop up everywhere, brightening even the busiest corners.
A short drive away lies a tranquil small city, reminiscent of Curicó. I found myself lingering in the square for hours, mesmerized by the graceful dance of pigeons. There was a serene stillness that wrapped around me like a comforting embrace.
Back at the hotel, the meals were nothing short of delightful. A rich tomato soup awakened my appetite so much that I ended up pairing it with two heaping bowls of rice—it reminded me so vividly of home. But the cost of water? Whew, 18 RMB for a single bottle! Ridiculous, right? Still, as I think about it now, the owner could’ve easily taken advantage of me but didn’t. That small act made the price feel almost fair.
And my face? Oh, it’s been puffed up like a balloon for over a week now. Hahaha… though my laugh feels forced these days. This place has a certain old-world charm, yes, but also a noticeable lack of modern amenities. Hospitals aren’t exactly high on my list here, so I guess I’ll just let nature take its course.
