We've been working our way slowly down through the country and everywhere we have been so far has been really amazing - From the beautiful coral islands off the Caribbean coast, down through numerous smaller towns and villages along Colombia's Andean chain, and now at the end of our time in Bogotá. Colombia is such a beautiful country but also it's just so interesting! Historically, culturally and politically I'm finding myself constantly intrigued by everything around me. Two other things that makes this place so great are the lack of tourists and travellers (though there are still enough!) and the Colombian people themselves - sooo friendly, welcoming and helpful... I only wish my Spanish was good enough to converse properly - At the moment lots of nodding, smiling and badly pronounced sentence fragments is the order of the day, though we are studying Spanish as much as we can!
A few days ago we went to the Salt Cathedral at Zipaquira... A huge (capacity 8400) underground cathedral carved out of a mountain of rock salt! Three massive adjacent caverns that form what is actually a working cathedral.
It's one of the most amazing and unique things I have seen in a long time! Bogotá is really just 'another big city' but it has been great fun and there are lots of really good museums and stuff to visit (notably the gold museum - sounds shit, but it's great!). Last night we went to a small bar/club which looked like it had been knocked up out of odd bits of wood during the day. It had a big open 'campfire' in the middle of the room - I don't suppose it would get past UK health and safety law - The noxious fumes meant only a short stay was enough!Tonight we get a bus down to the southern end of the country which is supposed to contain the most spectacular scenery and no doubt yet more stunningly set towns and villages. We're having such a great time here that I don't suppose we'll be crossing the border the Ecuador just yet. Colombia is certainly going on my list of places to come back to another time.
Take it easy, Steve. x
2 comments:
Stephen and Heather
Glad to hear you are finding Colombia such a great place to visit. I unserstand there are orchids growing in the Andes - have you seen any? Perhaps Ecuador will be equally exciting - you have plenty of time yet for Bolivia and Peru.
You are right, it is the people that make travelling so much fun. It makes us realise how badly we treat foreign tourists here in London. When I worked in central London, I always thought they were a pain in the neck in the summer, which makes me feel rather ashamed now.
Enjoy Ecuador.
Love, Norma
Hello - it all sounds fantastic!
Quito - lots of people said the secret garden is a cool place to stay in the old town - i didn't end up staying there but it's had good reports. New town - lots of bars and hostels and backpackers! Magic Bean does good food but its a tad pricey.
If the volcano has stopped erupting, Banos is supposed to be a great place to chill out (didn't make it there as town evacuated - might still be a disaster zone not sure....)
If you make it to Vilcabamba (good for chilling out) then stay at Izycaluma (I think thats how to spell it) just outside of the town - run by 2 german guys, great restaurant and even a swimming pool! great views of the mountains all around you
In Cuenca I stayed at el cafecito - good bar, met lots of people there so good memories of the place!
I expect you'll find Ecuador quite expensive - hostels aren't as cheap as other places but you generally get hot water which is a bonus
have fun!
Emma x
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