Colombia

Two weeks in Colombia flew by. We actually spent a day in Bogota but didn’t find much to see outside La Candelaria and ate American food, so it was not really post worthy, but I will include a couple photos in this one (below). Overall, Colombia is a definitive GO. I think many Americans are scared of it because of the reputation of the past, but traveling throughout the country, it was obvious that it is pretty safe and it is booming. The road infrastructure leaves something to be desired, but flying is really easy (try ViVa Colombia, Satena, EasyFly if Avianca and LAN too expensive). Oh and male readers of the blog: the ladies here are supremely easy on the eyes. Just ask Yus, he will back me up. Ladies, sorry to report but the dudes are a pass. So here is a quick summary of our Colombian adventure:

M M M Myyyy Tayrona

After a 4hour bus ride to Santa Marta on MarSol (more expensive than a regular bus–42k pp versus maybe 20k?, but saves the time and money of going to the bus station which is a bit farther off from Cartagena and no cab driver wants to go to), we explored the seaside town but there was not much to see. (People say Taganga is more lively for backpackers and it is also closer to Tayrona). So early next morning we took a bus to Tayrona (5k), a collectivo from the entrance (btw 36.5k park fee) to Canaveral (2k for the ride or a 40-50 minute walk)and then set out walking.

I Left My Heart in Cartagena

I didn’t fall in love with Cartagena at first sight. The city has been on my bucket list for a while, so I had high expectations. But I had to adjust them given the fact that we were going for New Year’s and would have to deal with lodging issues and tons of tourists. All the hostels were booked up way in advance, even the expensive hotels were mostly sold out. So we booked whatever was left and hoped for the best. Upon our arrival at said venue, without saying a word, our immediate thoughts were:
Me–well, I don’t see any prostitutes…yet…
Yus–I guess if we unscrew the window bars in the bathroom we have a backup escape route
Roza–I will pay any amount of money to not stay here

City Of Eternal Spring

After leaving Salento we made our way to Medellin, La Cuidad de la Eterna Primavera (the City of Eternal Spring) to meet up with one of Nat’s friends. Medellin is a popular destination during the holiday season for both Colombians and tourists who travel there to see the ornate Christmas light displays around the city.

¡Feliz Año!

Happy New Year from Cartagena, Colombia!

Yus, Roza and I actually welcomed 2012 together as well, but in snowy Vermont. This year we are missing a few people and a couple cases of Andre (although we did pre game with a bottle). “Champagne showers!” on three. 1…2…3….!!!!!

Hope everyone had a fun and safe night and cheers to an amazing 2013!

P.S. I know we are a bit behind on Colombia posts but we will catch up soon!

Valle de Cocora — the Possimpible

After a day exploring Salento and Finca Las Brisas (coffee farm), we set out early on Christmas Eve to hike the Valle de Cocora, famous for its wax palms, Colombia’s national tree. The loop is maaaaybe 5-7 km total and usually takes 4-5 hours. Despite warnings from some people in our hostel about taking wrong paths hiking, we figured we’d wing the loop.

Black Sexy Juice…the drink formerly known as Coffee

After a brief stint in Bogota, we decided to head south to the town of Salento for a few days before Christmas. We caught a short flight from Bogota to Armenia (since all of the buses leaving Bogota were booked from the 20^th-24^th), then took a 1hr bus ride to Salento. Salento is a small, peaceful town surrounded by mountains and is famously known for its organic coffee farms and for hiking the Valle de Cocora in Los Nevados National Park.