Sol de Minca

 

At the end of our trip in Colombia we visited my friend from childhood Viviana. She and her family have started a nature reserve near a small township in la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, which is the world’s tallest coastal mountain range. Vivi and I have known each other since we were about 5 years old, and since she and her family moved to this region and started El Sol de Minca project I have been dying to visit them. I was as thrilled when they asked me to photograph their work for the construction of their new website (hence the crazy amount of pictures above). I am not exaggerating when I tell you that this region of Colombia is magical and unique in many respects. La Sierra is know for its great cultural significance (since it's sacred to various indigenous groups that inhabit it), as well as it is one of the world's greatest biodiversity hotspots were an incredible array of endemic creatures reside. Needles to say it was a privilege to be there, and I am very grateful and humbled by how welcoming everyone was to me and my children. Seeing my childhood friend was truly a treat! You know those friends that no matter how many years have passed you can still have amazing conversations all night long, and laugh uncontrollably at the simplest things? Oh how I treasure these friendships, they are good for you health, and vital for your soul. When you find such relationships in your life keep them close, and remember that they are rare gems. I am so proud of Vivi and her family for following their dreams, for their hard work, and for daring to make this world a better place.