Girl in a Colombian pool hall

The Scream, by Edward Munch...

See the resemblence?

We're just kidding really! But the trough urinals set directly into the main wall for bathrooms and machismo of a Colombian pool hall, the holy abode of men in these parts, can be a bit much for any girl.

This is Alison. We met when I arrived in Salento and we've been hanging out since. Cute and petite, smiley and loads of fun we've been having a blast. Her and her friend Kevin, already an excellent mate are here on vacation from Chicago to celebrate a 24th birthday in a new place. Colombia is a good choice and here in Salento it can't be better.

Salento is a small town in the midst of la zona cafeterial, Colombia's famous coffee growing region. It is a landscape of misty green mountains dotted with coffee farms and sleepy towns bustling with art and delicious food on the weekends. There are proud campesinos elbow to elbow with down to Earth intellectuals from the many universities in the bigger towns nearby and an abundance of good food, inspired farming, and tropical nature. Many friends and fellow travelers having gotten to know me have told me this is a place for me. They were right. Since I arrived I've dug into fresh mountain trucha and smother fried patacones at the street stalls, perused a main street full of artisans shops, found the most beautiful little guest house, spotted bright colored hummingbirds and motmots around town, been offered many delicious cafecitos to sip on, and met some wonderful new friends.