Journey's End

The bathroom had not only toilet paper, but also running water and soap, and in the ultimate display of luxury: paper towels. I washed my face and shed a few tears. Of gratitude and relief: we had made it. Our final destination, the city of Medellin, all the way from the city of Cartagena. I fly out of here Tuesday. 1164 kilometers of riding. Just two flat tires and zero crashes, zero kidnappings, zero car bombs. (I was not living in fear of those, you must know, but I know some of you were)

In continuation of the theme of Contrasts, mind-blowing contrasts, I feel like I am not in Colombia right now, but the hip and trendy neighborhood of Ballard, Seattle. We are at probably the best coffee shop in Medellin, Pergamino Cafe. To navigate us through the bombastic slew which is the giant city of Medellin, I needed a focal destination point, and I chose this cafe to aim for. 

With paper towels. And, of all things, American blues music playing. How strangely out of place, but comforting, and also a reminder that this trip must transition back to my stationary dysentery- and sun-free Ithaca life.

And real coffee, not Nescafe with too much sugar. Blessed real coffee.

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