Dear Obiwan,

OBI.

The my first day had some unfortunate events but hey, those parts of the trip make the incredible parts even better!

In summary, the first thing that happened was in Philly, my phone stopped working full stop. No internet or phone capabilities and I couldn’t even get onto the free WiFi at the airport. I COULDN’T EVEN CALL VERIZON TO TELL VERIZON THAT MY PHONE WASN’T F*CKING WORKING.

And then.

So I was told that I need a return ticket for most counties in South America, since I only got a 1 way ticket to Cartagena, I have been planning to get my return ticket, but these last few weeks just have been so crazy. So, my plan was to buy one in the car ride over to the airport-but my phone seized to exist!

So…I finally get to the check-in counter and Jet Blue told me that I CAN’T GO TO COLOMBIA WITHOUT a return ticket! I told him that I would buy one right now but my phone had imploded.

For a moment I thought, “welp, guess I’m not going? This is over before it began?”

But then he said I could buy a return ticket from him…for $900 :(. But I had no choice, and bought it with a credit card. And it is 100% refundable.

So, was able to go! Then called my parents from his cord phone! And they called my brother…who fixed it all. So thank you family!!! (Verizon reset my pin for some reason which results in total SHUT DOWN, great job Verizon 👏)

Any who. Then it was a flight to Fort Laurderdale, Florida. Then a flight to Cartagena, Colombia! Had to wait in the customs line for over an hour. Spoke to a really nice couple with the wife being from Colombia who told me some amazing places I have to go to! Then finally got to the cab.

Then…Obi.

Obi you would have sliced this guy with your nails like a boss.

Then I kinda got robbed? NOT REALLY, don’t freak out.

But it was honestly bizarre. I got in a cab. He drove me to my hostel. Then I get out and, you know I have been practicing my Spanish with those Spanish Apps, but man do they speak FAST HERE. And it was my first HOUR being here. And I couldn’t understand he was saying 15 (quince) mil (thousand) I thought he was saying 50 (cincuenta) mil…okay yes they sound different.

And also their money being in ‘mil’ or a thousand has been confusing at first since ‘mil’ sounds like million.

Anyways, so I was standing there, exhausted. And I’m handing him a 50. And he’s saying ‘no!’ Then this man comes up who speaks some English and says, “he is saying it is 15, not 50! He’s an honest good man!” Then the guy takes my 50 mil and convinces the cab to take it and give me change, then he gives this random guy my 35 mil in change back and then, ready?

…he takes 15 and hands it to the cab and says “he deserves a big tip, he could have taken your 50!” THEN TAKES THE 20 LEFT AND POCKETS IT, and goes, “and I get a tip too for helping you!” Then walks away…if I didn’t have a 50 pound back pack on my back I would have yelled or something? But, its okay, 50 mil translates to about 17 American dollars.

Any who. Went to hostel. Had one roommate in my female dorm room that sleeps 6. Her name was Rachel and she’s from Texas. She works every 2 weeks then travels every 2 weeks, for the last 2 years of her life! She’s leaving tomorrow but we might meet up in Ecuador or Bolivia! She was so nice and fun and easy going, and what an incredible life she’s living!

Here is a pic of us out to dinner!

After dinner we hung out at our hostel with a bunch of people. Met a group of guys from England and Australia, an amazing woman who was half French and Spanish. I was so tired but so excited ended up staying up a little late with them.

Also here is a pic of one part of the hostel, more pics to come!

Finally went to bed and the hostel at night puts AC on and it’s glorious!

Till tomorrow, love you Obi!

Love,

Your Mama, Carly