PIRIC

A drizzly morning makes for the best adventure.

Built by African slave labor in the 16th century, Castillo San Felipe has a storied history. Used as a primary defense against invading nations keen on exploiting the mining bounty in Colombia and the surrounding region, the castle became an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

I have such mixed emotions when it comes to colonial relics such as this. It feels important to learn about the history - how colonizers shaped entire continents to their likeness, decimating indigenous populations in the process - and at the same time, not sure you want to financially support their preservation. As with all things, it’s complex, and the best solution is to learn about the issue from all sides, expanding our perspectives - and our capacity for understanding humanity in all its shapes, colors, and sizes.