Seven days before my vacations were finished, I counted the days and then the hours. I organized my planner for every day. I felt time flew by very quickly. I tried to do my best. I remember my sweet and loving family and friends, the exotic flowers, the butterflies’ colors, the nice views, the wonderful sceneries and the sunny days. Near the end I wanted to buy my clothing for traditional dances, coffee and souvenirs and, of course, my shampoo color. The most memorable things to me were: visiting different cities from the Coffee Region in Colombia, having a very significant get together with my relatives and having had a good time listening to “The Pilots”, a Rock Band.
First, the Coffee Region in Colombia was amazing. When I saw the mountains, I was astonished to see so immense beauty, the many farming of different types of coffee as well as the beautiful cities built on or beside the mountains. Beyond words I felt the majestic snow-capped mountain called “Nevado Del Ruiz”.
Second, I remember experiencing many activities with my relatives and friends. We spoke, we laughed, we walked, and we danced. I was invited to a wedding reception that I really enjoyed. The hours were so pleasant and I met very special people. I had the opportunity to participate in a Karate-Do seminar - it really filled my soul. I will never forget a very excited time when we went to the mountain to practice the sport called “Parapente”.
Another place that comes to my mind is “Las Flores”, in Barranquilla. It is a neighbourhood village at the edge of “The Magdalena River”, where the river meets with the Atlantic Ocean. There are many restaurants that offer a variety of fish and traditional food. I also remember the taste of the famous “cocadas, enyucados and alegrias” (these are 3 desserts, the first is made of coconut and sugar, the second of cassava, coconut and anise and the third of corn, coconut and honey).
In addition, I really had a good time listening to the Rock Music Band, “The Pilots”. This is a band where my nephew is the singer and also plays the guitar. Furthermore, at that time the Barranquilla city was preparing for The Carnival and I felt that the wind carried the musicals notes everywhere. When I left the city, I turned on my mp3 player and the music kept me pretty good company.
A change in routine and going on a holiday can be very healthy. "Vacations have a protective effect because they help you reduce your load of stress, or at least allow you to take a break from the everyday stressors of the workplace." This was said by Brooks Gump, PhD an assistant professor of psychology at Oswego. Any time when you have the opportunity, take a break!
