A WEEK IN COLOMBIA

On May 22, we flew from Miami to Bogota for Sylvia's mother's 90 birthday celebration. We stayed at Sylvia's sister house until the 26 when we drove to El Quindio--coffee growing region -- where the event took place. While in Bogota, Sylvia had the opportunity to meet with a few friends from school, and Bill was able to relax for a couple of days. My nephew and his family were in Bogota, so all four Montoya sisters had the children for a whole day and enjoyed them tremendously.

On Saturday the 26 we left Bogota at 6:00 am. Sylvia's sister, Maria Victoria and her children were in another car, and the rest of the family was already in Bambusa, Sylvia's nephew's hotel doing all the preparations. It took us 7 hours to get there.

Upon our arrival we were shown to our beautiful room with a view of the pool, gardens and the mountains behind -- breathtaking view no matter what time of the day. We got settled and soon after were summoned to the dining room for a wonderful lunch. It was the first time in a few years that all six siblings were reunited with Sylvia's mother, Sofia. She looked great and was very excited to have all of her children together. One of Sylvia's nieces came from Mexico for the occasion. Sofia's two sisters, Ines 92, and Judy, 86 were there as well as Sofia's nephews and nieces who live in Cali, a two hour drive to Bambusa. There were 29 of us.

Needless to say the conversation was animated at all times, the decibels higher and higher, and large quantities of food and fine wines were consumed. A great time was had by all.

On Sunday, May 27, a mass was celebrated for Sofia. She was later surprised by her children with musicians who played all her favorite songs while the family celebrated with another wonderful meal. It was a great opportunity to spend time together and to share such a special occasion. Santiago, Sylvia's nephew and his employees went out of the way to make our stay memorable. Bambusa is an incredibly beautiful place where the weather is perfect, the sunrises and sunsets like no others, the shades of green numerous, and the birds that fly around, most unusual. It is truly a magical place.

Monday morning after breakfast, we said our good-byes and left for Bogota. Sofia stayed in Bambusa with her sisters for a couple of days, and the next day we were at the airport at 6 am waiting to get on the flight to Paris.