Many guests have asked us where we bought the colourful flags hanging above the social area.
The short answer is that they are a beautiful gift from a wonderful friend.
The full story is far longer and a powerful example of the friendships and connections that have built Glamping Jardin alongside Jamie and I (Suzan).
The story begins 30 years ago when Hetty, a good friend of my mother moved to Chile with her family. In the years that followed, contact was difficult as there was no internet yet but the bond remained. After my mother died—and Hetty got internet in Chile—we reconnected and built a special relationship. Hetty often called me her little sister and, for me, Hetty was not only a good friend but a connection to my mother.
When, years later, Jamie looked at me and told me of his dreams to exploring South America one day, it was not a difficult choice to visit Hetty and her family in Chile. This trip sparked a love for South America and became the root of our emigration from the Netherlands. We were lucky enough to visit Hetty—and many other destinations—several more times over the next few years.
Once we decided to take the plunge and move to Colombia, we called Hetty to inform her of our plans. She offered to crochet flags for us to decorate the new adventure we were beginning together. This was an offer we gladly accepted, of course.
Unfortunately, Hetty passed away a few months later. We didn’t think she was able to make any flags. prior to her passing.
That is, until 2 years ago when her son, Emilio, visited to help us build the glamping site. As it turned out, a good friend, Jose, had taught Hetty’s daughter Begoña how to crochet. Together they turned the flags already made by Hetty into flag lines. With Emilio, we hung the flags above our social area, brighten the beautiful space even further.
Years later, Hetty’s husband Patricio, her sons, friend José, and some friends came to visit us. With him, José brought a big bag with more flags Hetty had made before her passing.
The flag lines continue to decorate our social area and it brings us great joy to know that our guests will be greeted by Hetty’s flags, woven with the love of Begoña and Jose. The flags bring a pop of colour to our social area in the same way Hetty gave colour to the lives of everyone she knew.
When you notice the colourful flags above you while eating breakfast or relaxing, we hope you think of the loving friends and family whose kindness is woven through every fiber of Glamping Jardin.
