Cumbia on Klompen

One Year Anniversary

2009-05-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

What a party it was, already 1 year ago! Luckily we have lots of pictures and video´s to look back at. Cheers/ proost/ salud to many many years to follow!

New! Flashback of the Month

2009-03-22T07:10:00.001-07:00

In the last couple of years we have been taking many short video´s. Some of them you have been able to enjoy on this blog in edited version, but most of them are just wasting space on our computer. And actually, it would be very selfish if we didn´t share some of them with you. Every month you will find a short, unedited video clip from one of our trips, which is posted in the right sidebar. Enjoy the premier of ´Flashback of the Month´!

Oh, by the way, from now on you can start expecting some updates from Barcelona! Yes, one of us has finally arrived and we hope soon to be able to enjoy this exciting city together. More on that to follow...

Bizarre Foods with Ihab Kherati

2009-03-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

After many requests, the video is finally ready! Ihab stayed one week longer in Colombia, to see some more of the country. During our trip to San Gil, we went wild water rafting. This is where he lost my shoes, where I had to safe his life, (Yes, I really want everyone to know this) and where we enjoyed some of the Colombian cuisine. It was a nice week, I really enjoyed it.

Enjoy the video, Héctor

RPR in Bogotá

2009-03-04T18:32:00.000-08:00

ADM (= Ay Dios Mio)!

We have had so much fun this weekend! Our Royal Pacific Friends arrived Thursday night to give us a short visit. You might have met them already, because we also went together on the Miami VIP trip, posted earlier on this website. The gringo´s were welcomed like celebrities on El Dorado Airport. After getting the 15 suitcases safely out of the hands of locals and in the car, the weekend could start! This weekend was filled with Santa- Fe& Coke, shopping, chiva´s, perro calientes (which resulted in food poisoning), rumba (yup, again!) and oh, some culture activities as well. Click here to see some of the pictures we took.

It was great to be able to spend some time together, and we hope to see everyone again soon! Keep an eye out for our next video, which will be posted next week;´Bizarre Foods with Ihab Kherati,!

Road trip Colombia

2009-02-15T05:58:00.000-08:00

We made it! Back from a couple of weeks of back packing through Colombia. For all the Colombia experts, a short summary of our travel outline. From Bogotá we went straight to Cartagena, followed by Santa Marta, Baranquilla, Parque Tayrona, Santa Marta, San Gil, Villa de Leyva and back to Bogotá. A lovely trip of 3500 km! We have done and seen so much of this beautiful country that we are almost Lonely Planet professionals. It was an amazing experience! Click here to get an impression and see a selection of the 700+ pics we took.

Oh, Bas´s travel journal is now available in Dutch and in English! Don´t miss this very funny report of how we Dutch people experience the Colombian custums and habits.

Bas in Colombia

2009-01-27T17:30:00.000-08:00

After months of planning and ´voorpret´(huh...in English?) Bas has arrived in Colombia! He will keep a travel journal of his experiences and impressions of Colombia.You can follow our adventures from his Dutch point of view on his blog. Oh, be aware, the blog is in Dutch!

Pereira, New Year 2009

2009-01-06T18:49:00.000-08:00

First of all, best wishes for 2009!!! We just came back from a week in Eje Cafetéro, where we have been up close and personal with the best coffee beans in the world. We stayed at a house with the Sampedro´s to relax at the pool, enjoy some wines and aguardientes, and celebrate the New Year. Click on the image below to see all the pictures.

Now the count down has started for the next trip, a road trip with Bas and Natália to the coast of Colombia! Anyway, lot´s of plans so keep an eye on this site because pics and video´s will be posted of course!

Hectór and Ellen

All you need is love...

2008-12-07T18:25:00.001-08:00

Wow, it's been already 2 years since we posted our first video! The very first video was posted in december 2006, in which we showed how to decorate a christmas tree in Florida. It still makes me laugh! The following year we celebrated Christmas with the Van Bakels in Geldrop. This year will be very special as well; a Christmas with the Sampedro's in Colombia, and...we will be together after being apart for 4 months. Definately a Christmas to look forward too!

We wish our friends and family a happy Holidays, and hope it will be as special as our Christmas. Enjoy this years Christmas video...

Love, Hector & Ellen

Rumba in Colombia!

2008-11-24T09:56:00.000-08:00

Time for another video!!!

In the last couple of weeks we have been partying and dancing a lot, a very important part of the Colombian life style! The Sampedro´s adopted my extranjero friends and showed them how to have a real party. It turned out to be a very international fiesta in ´El Sitio´ with lots of drinks and vallenato.

Additionally, Natalia and I went to Cali for a weekend (click here for the pictures). After a 12 hour busride and a good night sleep, we enjoyed the nightlife of Cali and even crossed el puente para allá:Juanchito! Ofcourse not without the necessary dose of salsa. Yes, we have showed that Dutch girls can dance as well! And that Colombians girls can sing Dutch! Click on the below video to see it for yourself.

Saludos de Bogotá,

Ellen

First weeks in Bogotá

2008-09-24T19:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, it has been a while and so many things have happened in the last couple of weeks. Finally a little summary; First I sadly had to say goodbye to Orlando. I can look back at 4,5 great years and it wasn´t easy to leave collegues, friends and Héctor behind. After a couple of days in Miami, it was really time to leave the US behind and start a new chapter, Colombia!

Arrived in Bogotá on September 3rd, where my suegro´s were waiting for me. After a couple of days of unpacking and relaxing it was time to start school. Have to admit that I don´t mind the student life again. Have classes from 9 till 12PM in Chía, about 45 minutes by ´flota´ from Bogotá. Classes are usually followed by a cultural activity in the afternoon. I am taking dancing classes every Tuesday where we learn dances like Cumbia (without klompen) and Tango. Also paid a visit to Monteserrate, which has an impressive view of the city.

Past weekend we went to the colonial town of Villa de Leyva. The Sampedro´s are having a beautiful finca in the hills. We did some horse back riding, visiting the town and ofcourse enjoying some of the local drinks like canelazo en aguardiente!

I have busy weekend ahead of me with the Natalia´s compleaños tomorrow and Emilio´s spiderman party on Saturday. Enough occasions to practice spanish! Will keep you up to date!

Saludos de Bogotá, Ellen

VIP Trip Miami

2008-08-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

I am almost embarrassed to tell you that we just returned from another Miami trip. Yes, we are spoiled! Our very good friends Roberto, Ray, Suheyn, Hollie, Craig, Jason, Hector and I can look back at 3 amazing days at South Beach. We had some birthdays this month and thought that South Beach would be THE perfect location to celebrate. And it definitely was! It was a weekend filled with luxury, drinking, partying, sun and eating. In particular the cabana with birthday cake and jetski adventure were more than we could wish for. Click here to see some of the pictures we took this trip.

We all had beautiful ocean view rooms, and one presidential suite which we used to gettogether and have a drink (or 2...3...4...) before hitting the clubs. Even MTV stopped by to tape an episode of 'Cribs'! Click on the image below to see the video...

Pampered in Miami (part 1)

2008-08-04T18:36:00.000-07:00

And also this we we went on a little trip. We combined business with pleasure by visiting the Colombian and Spanish Consulate, and relax at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. And by 'relax' we mean 'doing absolutely nothing' except for drinking, eating and swimming. Our friends at Loews took great ca

re of us; we checked into a beautiful ocean view suite and even used a cabana for a day at the pool. To get an impression of our favorite hotel, just click on the image. And like you perhaps noticed in the titel, there is a part 2 to come! Can't wait!

Camping Trip with Ihab and Roberto

2008-07-24T17:15:00.001-07:00

Feels like we are just home from a weekend a St. Pete beach, and we already have to pack our bags for the next trip! This weekend we went to explore the beautiful Florida wildlife at Crystal River. Eventhough it was just a 2 day/ 1 night trip, the coolers were stocked with food and drinks like we would be gone for 3 weeks. You never know what can happen between all that wild life.

Ihab, Roberto and the two of us had a great time; the car got stuck on the way to the camp site (it wasn't me!), we ended up on a RV resort between retired Floridians who are our new best friends now and we have been up close and personal with manatees by kayak. We can now conclude that we are experienced campers and are looking forward to our next camp trip. Definately to be continued!

Wedding Liliana & Jose; Colombia, June 08

2008-07-05T16:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, we did find another reason to visit
Colombia! Eventhough it was a short trip of just one week, it was also a very special trip as Hector sister Liliana getting married to Jose. We attended the beautiful church ceremony followed by the reception and great party. Plenty of opportunities to get to know the extended family and show of my dancing skills.

We took advantage of the couple of days in Bogota by getting to know the local cuisine a little better (ants!), partying with Hector's friends and drive up the Monserrate. There we enjoyed a mojito with a great view of Bogota!

Click on the image to see some of the pictures we took. I am already counting the days for my next visit, which won't be that long at all! Colombia, hasta muy pronto!

Jump into Marriage (by Ellen)

2008-05-15T19:07:00.000-07:00

And then it was my turn to 'fly like a bird'! After the initial shock (and some breathing problems:) )I had a great time and was able to enjoy the view. This is what I call a CRAZY start of our honeymoon! Enjoy watching the movie!

Love, Ellen

Jump into marriage (by Hector)

2008-05-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody, This is how we started our married life. We have been talking about this for a long time, but an airplane crash during previous attempt did not let us do it. So finally including the family van Bakel, we were able to JUMP.... see it for yourself.

Talk to you soon,
Hector

Our Wedding

2008-05-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

Like you all know, we tied the knot last week! For all friends and family who attended, thanks for an unforgetable party! It was definately a memorable day, which we will often look back at with a big smile! Many pictures were made that day, and many more will be posted soon. To get a quick first impression, click the below link. Click here.

Pre- wedding Party/ Queens Day 08

2008-05-09T20:10:00.000-07:00

April 30th is Queens Day in The Netherlands! For us, it was also the day before our wedding. Another reason for a party (since you can never have too many). All who were in town, stopped by to enjoy the drinks and barbeque. The Sampedro's and Van Bakels 'kids' used this opportunity to get to know each other a little better and share their cultures. Bas and Rob danced Merengue and ate fish heads from the bbq. Liliana, Natalia and Victoria were wearing the Dutch colors Orange, danced on Marco Borsato and just drank a lot of beer!... Click this link to see the pictures for your self.

Hints

2008-03-29T18:12:00.000-07:00

A short video from our trip to Germany last December... Take into account that we started playing after a couple of drinks! :)

Pauline in Orlando

2007-10-04T19:39:00.000-07:00

Although it has been a couple of weeks, we didn't want you to miss this video. Pauline was in Orlando for 4 'crazy' days. A short visit filled with what we do best; laying out at the pool and shopping! Additionally, a great opportunity to look a back a some of the adventures during our internship like trips to Miami and California. Biekens, happy belated birthday. We wish you another year filled with exitement, within or outside the Dutch borders!
Snel weer een alcatrasje pakken?

Hector's birthday

2007-09-05T12:34:00.000-07:00

Yes, Hector's birthday was on August 26th! Not just another birthday, he is entering a new stage in his life by hitting the big 30! Ofcourse that needs to be celebrated, but what do you give some one for this very special event? You can see it in the above video.
It has been a busy couple of weeks for us; my birthday, the Sampedro's visited us in July, Pauline was here for 5 amazing days and lots of other happenings. In other words, more video's to come so stay tuned!

Hug, abrazo, ehmmm....omhelzing, Hector & Ellen

Introducing the van Bakels (Part 2)

2007-07-06T17:36:00.000-07:00

Click To Play

But the family isn't complete without Rob and Henriette! They came to visit us in May, and we went on a great road trip through Florida together. Check the above video and you will discover sides of them you didn't yet. Did you know that Rob can be a very cute blondie? And that Henriette was a tennis pro in a previous life? Although you know Hector already; you will see that he can still surprise you with a creative way of drinking his beer. And it's not a secret that I like a wine so now and then... Anyway, check it out. Cheers/salud/ proost!

Oh, this was my very first video! Let me know what you think of it and check out the message board. We keep in touch!

Introducing the van Bakels (Part 1)

2007-06-13T08:43:00.001-07:00

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Meet the Van Bakels! In this video we are introducing the first part of the Van Bakel family. Henry and Bas needed a relaxing couple of days in Florida, and very conveniently, we were moving in that same week. You will see that they came in very handy; how else are we supposed to move that heavy sofa! Ofcourse there are still some missing family members who we haven't introduced to you yet. Keep an eye out for 'Introducing the Van Bakel (guess what...) part 2!

How to make your mom cry...

2007-05-10T12:06:00.000-07:00

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This is a video of Hector's mom watching the 'New York' video. The lighting isn't too good but we are sure you will enjoy her reaction. And this time a special feature; for all the non- spanish speakers among us we added subtitles! We would love to hear your comments on this video, and now you can leave a message on our message board as well. Looking forward hearing from you!

New York

2007-04-12T09:08:00.001-07:00

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Changing the View

2007-03-01T19:27:00.000-08:00

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Christmas Tree

2007-03-01T19:12:00.000-08:00

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