Reuniting in San Andres: A Tropical Adventure

Once again, the time came for my parents and I to reunite, following months of individual exploration and self-discovery. While my parents had been immersing themselves in the vibrant life of Bonaire, I had been savoring the sights and warmth of Colombia. Our paths converged in Medellin briefly before we embarked on a journey to a Colombian island nestled off the coast of Nicaragua - San Andres, a pristine haven with crystalline Caribbean waters, abundant wildlife, and a melting pot of global tourists.

Upon our arrival, we swiftly settled into our Airbnb, pausing only briefly before surrendering to the allure of the ocean. On our first day, we got our feet wet, sat at the beach and watched the waves for a while, we later strolled along the coastline and ate dinner at the "Regatta" restaurant where we indulged and prepared ourselves for the adventures ahead. 

The following day was filled with exhilarating adventures as my father and I delved into the depths of the sea for a scuba diving expedition. Amongst the vibrant coral reefs, we encountered a mesmerizing array of marine life, from tranquil nurse sharks to graceful stingrays. Our dive sites, particularly the enigmatic Blue Hole, left a mark with its sheer vertical coral wall plunging into the abyss with no end in sight. On one side was an immense wall of coral and on the other was the big blue, seemingly neverending, ocean. Afterward, we reunited with my mother, we rented a little buggie car and embarked on a scenic drive around the island's perimeter, marveling at its natural beauty sculpted by coral reefs. Our culinary escapades continued as we stopped and had a scrumptious lunch at "Big Mamma's," where we feasted on generous portions of fish cooked with coconut and other seafood delights. 

Our third day started similarly to the second. My dad and I explored a couple of caves and came across some shipwrecks during our dives. The afternoon unfolded with a gentle ease; perhaps we were all a bit fatigued from the journey and the tropical heat. Since arriving on the island, we had been constantly on the move, leaving little time for rest. So, we unanimously decided that unwinding at a picturesque restaurant on the opposite side of the island, while witnessing the sunset, would be the perfect way to spend our evening. And indeed, it turned out to be just that. Although we had initially planned to try a new dining spot, destiny led us back to “Big Mamma’s,” where we enjoyed front-row seats to a breathtaking sunset. With delightful weather, exceptional cuisine, and an unforgettable sunset painting the sky, we found ourselves rejuvenated, enjoying yet another exquisite meal together.

Mother's Day dawned with the promise of an unforgettable experience, one that I imagine will be quite difficult to beat in the coming years. We treated Mom to a private boat tour around the island, exploring hidden coves, the protective coral reef barrier, and surreal oceanic pools. With just the three of us, surrounded by the expanse of the sea, we relished every moment.

On our last morning, we slept in and went for one last walk along the beach and got our feet wet. We strolled around through the streets as well and bought just a couple of souvenirs. We all knew, during these moments, that this reunion in San Andres had woven memories that would be cherished for a lifetime.