So on the sly I was asking around the tour package sellers, looking for something my wife would love. I found it, it was a 'bird tour' of the local aviary. I surprised her, and she did some research (which she likes to do), and let me know it was not just any local aviary, it was the National Aviary of Colombia!
Still, I had the sneaking feeling I would just be following behind her, smiling and nodding and if anything, enjoying the fact that she was enjoying it.
But it was fantastic, better than I could have ever imagined.
From the moment this toucan came over to nibble my sandal in the first setting, I was hooked. I mean, you don't see toucan Sam everyday.
There were seven individual settings, of different biomes, and they were made up of over 100 species, 20 something exotics and 80+ native to Colombia. These birds had been injured or recovered from trafficking, something Colombia is trying to fight against.
Yes, biodiversity trafficking, the smuggling of exotic or endagered species, especially colorful birds, is a big deal - and something many wish to work against. But this aviary takes those recovered in, and helps them get back on their.... feet?
And its entirely self-funded through tourists like us going to visit.
Well maybe not exactly like us, since my wife is a professional and certified tour guide, she got in for free, and the receptionist said, "So you can bring many more people to see what we are doing here".
We hope to do just that.
After that we went to the beach, and had some fish and fresh fruit for lunch. It was a nice end of the day, and we met even more people and got their contacts. Cartagena seems like a great place to bring visitors.
I have one more day left to post about, but we are back home now on our farm. The trip went as well as possible under the circumstances, and has given us many insights, ideas and inspirations.
We managed to avoid any sunburns, and even when I ate fresh oysters, we avoided all food based problems that can sometimes come while travelling. We helped a friend, we had some fun, and we made it home.
What more can you ask for in a vacation?