The best thing about Medellin was the people that we meet. It was fantastic to see Jake, a long-time friend of Dan's, currently living in the city. We had a buddy to hang out with for a week and we loved it. Jake also up held his promised to get excited about Christmas for me and ensure that the day and lead up to it was magical, for which I am very grateful.

Through Jake we also meet some extremely lovely and generous Colombians; Alex, Paula, Monica, Simon and Lilly. Every day we were picked up from our hostel and taken around to see the sights of the city. Not a moment lapsed without them checking if we were sufficiently fed, watered and entertained.

Medellin at Christmas time is a magical place. There are soooooooooooo many elaborate Christmas lights and displays. I have to say that Australia has a lot of work to do when it comes to creating festive flare. Jake has some amazing photos showing how wonderful the city looks at night which I will try to show you when at home.

From the first day of arriving in Medellin and meeting Paula and Alex we were invited to spend Christmas with their families. Christmas Eve day was spent eating and visiting Alex's family all of whom welcomed us into their homes so warmly. At night we went to Paula's family home where we were blessed to be part of a Christmas Mass. After the mass and a 45 minute drive in the back of a Ute we arrived at amazing country villa (check the photos out to see how beautiful the place was) where the party started and lasted to the early hours of the morning. Everybody was so welcoming and I can safely say that we were EXTREMELY well fed and boozed.

Dan and I cannot thank Jake, Monica, Simon and Lilly enough for making our stay in Medellin so wonderful and of course special thanks goes to Paula and Alex (plus their families) for being so welcoming and generous; you both went above and beyond for the two of us and we greatly appreciate it. Now all save your pennies for another trip to OZ so we can return the favour. Monica we may come and say hi in Perth.