Our first stop in Colombia was Cali. This seemed to confuse people when I told them I was currently in Cali, as I used to live in Cali – California. This Cali is in Colombia and is about a ten hour bus from the border of Ecuador.
Due to its rich Afro-Colombian influence, Cali is known as the “Salsa Capital of the World.” Naturally, we had to check it out for ourselves on at a local salsa club. We stayed at the fabulous Colombian Hostel and our hostel had a night out on the town for salsa on Saturday night. Lots of fun, along with a handful of unforgettable Cali Salsa Club moments.
(our hostel group ready for some Salsa!)
[pb_vidembed title=”Cali Salsa Dancing” caption=”” url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD0R1K303WE” type=”yt” w=”480″ h=”385″]
I set off to explore a few of the sites of Cali and visit some of the churches. There isn’t a ton to see in Cali (in my opinion) and as I was strolling around with my camera around my neck a few people made comments to watch myself with the camera (although I never felt that danger). I really enjoyed checking out Igelsia de la Merced, which is the oldest church in Cali (1545), Saint Francis Square with adjacent churches, Torre Mudejar and Igelsia de San Francisco and the Plaza de Caicedo.
(Igelsia de la Merced outside & inside)
(Torre Mudejar inside & out; Saint Francis Square; Igelsia de San Francisco)
(Plaza de Caicedo)
For our last night in Cali, Mark & I decided to check out the Four Points Sheraton Cali and really stay on track with the South American Starwood tour of properties. We got a bonus and were upgraded to a suite! It was sweet. Ha!