Mérida, Venezuela

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Mérida was wonderful to us. We spent almost two months in this gorgeous, university town in the mountains. Sophia moved in with her host family and started her courses through the U of M and Kyle and I are finally on our honeymoon vacation, at least that is what it feels like. Here are some of the things we did in Mérida:

• Took Spanish classes for less than $2 an hour
• Jumped off a bridge with a rope called "The Pendulum"
• Went Canyoning (scaled down small waterfalls with only a rope)
• Hiked to the top of many mountains
• Fed ducks at the botanical garden
• Relaxed in natural hot springs
• Jumped in a freezing-cold river
• Ate lunch with a family that lived on a farm in the Mountains
• Enjoyed the nightlife of Mérida
• Drank fresh coconut water daily
• Took a tour to Los Llanos to see a variety of plants and animals
• Made lifelong lasting friendships with Venezuelan friends



There is one friend, Marite, that we have to thank for all the fun we had in Mérida. Marite and my brother, Nathaniel, became friends three years ago when he studied in Mérida. When Nate found out that Sophia, Kyle and I would be staying some time, he got us in contact with Marite. She designated herself as our guide to many clubs and bars, mountains, forests, parks and plazas. She introduced us to her friends and brought us soap when we couldn't find any in the stores. Marite is an outgoing, generous, beautiful, smart girl and I will miss her dearly.

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Photos

Kyle Fishing
I'm so proud of Kyle for catching so many fish in the artificial pond;-)

Hot Springs
The hike to the springs and the view were half the fun.

Río Frio
This was an extremely cold river but felt great!

Friends
After a fabulous lunch with friends.

Bosque
Hanging out with friends with friends at an incredible forest.