It has only been a few days since our most recent cruise but it already feels like it took place a long time ago. Perhaps, it's because our trip was so packed with shore excursions in different countries which is why it feels the way it does. I do miss our latest trip so much.

I am so thrilled to have finally stepped foot in South America. I am still overwhelmed by the kindness and warmth of the locals I met. Everywhere I went, people called me their "amigo filipino" or "Filipinas" since they didn't really know my name and they only knew where I was from after I told them. Some did expect Filipinos to speak Spanish given that the Philippines was once a colony of Spain.

I am so in love with Colombia. Back in Salamanca, Spain where I did my graduate studies in Spanish, some of my closest friends and classmates at the university hailed from different parts of this beautiful South American country.

My colleagues at work are actually shocked to find out that I had not traveled as much to this continent despite the fact that I have traveled to over 80 countries by now. I must say, my interest has been greatly piqued and I am seriously considering spending part of my summer somewhere south of the United States.