RVentures with Doug and Chris: Back ''Home'' in Sabaneta, Colombia

One would think that I would get used to my life of constant change, but a new move still brings a bit of apprehension ... unless that move is to a place that we consider ''home''. Thus, when we arrived in Colombia last week and made our way south of Medellín to the pueblo of Sabaneta, our ''travel jitters'' quickly disappeared with ...

the vibrant colors of flowers blooming in the trees,

and the sound of cheering ''fútbol'' fans drowning out the traffic noise,

and the fragrance of arepas, empanadas, and bunuelos spilling out into the narrow streets.

A sign near the central park reassured us that ...

(which translated means)

If you like to visit Sabaneta,

you are already a Sabaneteno!

Ever since we first set our eyes on this quaint, friendly community a few years ago, we were ready to become Sabanetenos. We are excited to have this be our home for the next three months!

Our Airbnb apartment, located on the 20th floor, has an incredible view of Medellín, a city of 2.5 million people, to the north.

Sabaneta, the smallest municipality in Colombia, is located in the southern part of the Aburra Valley. Because its area is so small, a majority of its 44,000 residents live in the many high-rise apartments that line the landscape. It's name is derived from the Spanish word for ''savannah'', and thus, its streets are flatter than other urban areas on the hills of the valley. Sabaneta also shares the incredibly beautiful ''spring-like'' weather that Medellín is famous for ... making its year-round 85 degree highs and 65 degree lows a perfect winter hangout.

Colombia's tourist industry is happy to welcome back visitors to their winter paradise. And we are happy to be back once again also. Our plan this winter is to reconnect with old friends and meet new friends all while continuing to try to improve our Spanish.

Always fun to meet up once again with Doug's college friend and his wife!

Language exchanges are a fun way to meet new friends while practicing our Spanish with creative games that encourage conversation.

My choice for an Airbnb apartment proved to be a winner for us. The two bedroom, two bath dwelling is plenty big ... and even has room for a guest or two (hint, hint).

The kitchen contains all the basic cooking utensils

... plus a new one for me to try out.

Will I be convinced that we need to find room

in the van for an air fryer???

The view from the balcony (along with Colombian coffee, fruit, and arepas) is a great way to begin another perfect day in paradise.

Reasons we love our new ''home'' include ...

The many small cafes nearby who serve up delicious ''menú del día'' lunches.

For $4 a meal, there is no need to eat dinner later on ... although Doug often seems to find room for a dessert.

The abundant and inexpensive supply of fresh fruits available in all the local grocery stores.

Avocados, Plantains, and Mangos ... oh my!

But no need to go into the big name grocery stores to buy our daily fruit ... many small stores in front of private homes have a fresh supply for sale. Our neighbor, Ingrid picks me out the best avocados while giving me a short lesson in Spanish conversation.