Ours aren’t yet blooming, but we can see them sprouting in the grass, so we spent the day raking and tidying the lawn in anticipation of their beautiful return.

I had to check while we were there. I live on the east coast of the US and have mild breathing issues to begin with. I felt ill most of the time we were in Bogota (2d). Medellin is still high in the mountains. Avg temp is 72F, except in the winter when it drops to 71F. “Siempre primavera.”

Cartagena is gorgeous, with beaches and a fortress to explore. But beware. You are very close to the equator in Colombia. My travels to Bogota and Medellin had lulled me into a false sense of security. The sun on the coast is incredibly powerful. It's HOT. You will need a hat. And strong sunblock.

Add'l notes: Bogota is 320m from the equator and slightly higher than Machu Picchu. Prepare for queasiness. And bring a sweater. Hi temps are normally mid 60s. Medellin, 430m from the equator but deep in a valley. Hi temps range from the mid 60s to 70s, the city's motto is "Always Springtime."

I only made it 15 minutes in, during which time I could not help but notice the Frenchmen were all British — except Napoleon who speaks like an American. But somehow as they lay siege in the first battle someone shouted “Vive La France!” Which naturally jumped out at me since well. Make a choice.