After an extremely early start, we arrived at a completely fog covered Medellin airport. To this point in our trip all our flights and transport had gone to plan, so we were bound to get a delay at some point. Our plane could not land so had to return to Bogota. We had a connecting flight in Bogota and unless the fog lifted quickly, we would miss the daily flight to Leticia. Quite nervous about the situation, luckily the plane returned in enough time for us to run to the connecting flight waiting for us. As our plane dropped below the thick cloud we got a preview of our next five days. Dense, rich forest went for as far as the eye could see disappearing into the horizon with rivers twisting through it. We landed in Leticia and were greeted with 30degree heat, 0 wind and 95% humidity. Without any plans and no idea what to do, we payed for our tourist entry ticket and jumped in a taxi towards the city centre. We walked around with all our luggage, dripping in sweat in search of a plan for the next four days. Our lack of Spanish didn't help the situation but we managed to work out a few possible deals. Many of them were day trips from Leticia and were less intimate experiences with the amazon. We ended up finding a guy who spoke pretty good English and he put a package together for us and found us cheap accommodation for the night.
The following day we got up and went down to the port to start our trip up the Amazon river. After a short boat ride, we arrived at our first stop, Marasha natural reserve. A surprise visit back to Peru, the right bank of the river is Colombian and the left is Peruvian. A personal guide was waiting for us with two pairs of gummies, then we set off into the jungle. Treading through ankle deep mud, we made our way deep into the Amazon. Along the way we came across many interesting plants and creatures. Amazing sounds came from the massive trees with vines hanging off them and insanely big weird roots. Along the way we found ants carrying leaves 30times their size as well as fire ants. Termite nests so big the trees would bend over. Tiny, incredibly toxic frogs. A centipede, various spiders and other insects, and a million types of birds. We reached our accommodation after an hour of trekking through the amazing jungle. The only way to describe it is a massive bad-ass tree hut on stilts. It was amazing with cool board-walks between the different spaces, lots of hammocks and one section was floating on the lake. We arrived just in time for lunch, which was just as impressive as the place. After the amazing meal we went to observe the animals, including toucans, guacamayas (big colourful parrots) and the weirdest animals we have ever seen, tapir. They look like pig elephants. The build of a big boar, the skin of an elephant but with short stubbily hair and a small trunk. Very strange. They flicked their trunks up and we quickly feed them bananas before they bit our fingers. We then set off onto the lake in legit Amazonian hollowed out tree canoes with our guide paddling at the back. He gave us a full tour of all the plants, birds and wildlife including the ridiculously giant Lilly-pads and visit to the monkeys. We held bananas out and noticed all the trees starting to move along with some screeching. The next thing we knew the monkeys had jumped onto the canoe and were eating the bananas out of our hands and climbing all over us. After a full circuit of the lagoon we returned back to do some Paraná fishing. We threw our lines out and pulled up a tiny feisty Paraná within seconds. Our guide caught another type of fish and gave us an unexpected demonstration of the capabilities of the Paraná teeth. He held the two fish together and before we knew it the Paraná had ripped into the other fish, blood squirted everywhere. The food chain continued as a lingering bird scored a free lunch downing the Paraná in one big gulp. We spent the afternoon fishing them up off the jetty then chilled out on the hammocks until the sun went down. We had another amazing meal for dinner then we set off back onto the lagoon once it was dark to see if we could find ourselves a caimán (croc). With eyes wide open and slightly nervous, we searched the surface of the lagoon for a pair of eyes staring back at us. After a couple of false sightings we began to have our doubts. Before we knew it our guide was hanging out of the canoe. Wondering what the hell he was doing, we soon realised when he surfaced holding a baby caiman by its throat. He passed it back to us to hold onto while he paddled back to show the other groups. It made several decent attempts to escape but we managed to contain the distressed creature that would have happily taken a finger. To finish off an amazing day we spent the rest of the evening having a few drinks with a couple of yanks we had met. And as we were back on Peruvian soil Frano got to enjoy his favourite beer. The next morning we had a early start at 5am. We headed out onto the lake in a canoe with our guide gently paddling so we could experience the amazon waking up. It was breathtaking as the sun slowly came up behind the thick jungle and the static surroundings came to life as the chorus of sounds from the animals signified a new day.
After breakfast it was time to move on. We set off into the jungle to get a boat further up the river. While we were waiting, a local lady came along with a sloth. Officially the laziest creatures on earth. They have the tiniest face, a long neck, a fat torso, big long nails, and move so slowly we have no idea how they survive in the amazon. We both held the strange thing. They cling on to you with their long nails with no intention of letting go.
We hoped on a boat up river and our first stop was a tiny amazonian village. All of the kids from the village had caught animals to make tips off. Strange birds, turtles, a caiman, monkeys, but we were only interested in the baby jaguar. It had the most amazing pattern. It was 18months old so it was so cute, but big and ferocious enough you didn't want to mess with it.
We then set off to an indigenous village further up the river. There was a big traditional style hut with a group of native ladies dressed up in ceremonial clothes. The did a dance and some people joined in on the "ceremony" but it really wasn't entirely authentic, just a show for tourists and a chance to make some tips.
Next stop was a bush walk through another type of jungle and what we had previously seen. We did a circuit looking out for animals and creatures. Half way through was an enormous Sabre tree with the biggest roots and huge gorge of the jungle vines you could swing off.
We got back on the boat and headed for Puerto Narino which is a small town on the Colombian side, famous for the rosaro (pink) dolphins that hang around in the lakes.
We had lunch at the place where we would spend the night before heading out to spot some dolphins. Unfortunately it started pouring down just as we got there so the boat turned around to take us back to the town for a city tour. Other than an ambulance, and a tractor for the rubbish, motor vehicles are banned which made a pleasant change as you could freely walk the wide footpaths. As we missed the dolphins earlier, we decided to take the kayaks back out. We paddled up the lake in a double kayak. The coordination proved to be more difficult than expect and involved us both flicking water on each-other and our paddles clashing. We eventually worked out a rhythm and hooned it up to the dolphins favourite spot. As it was late afternoon all the tourist boats that disturb the shy dolphins had gone home so it was just us and the weird dolphins surfacing around us. Unlike the dolphins we know, these ones are strange. For starters they are pink. They are also fresh water, have strange heads and fins. They are extremely shy which made it impossible to photograph. None the less, very cool sitting in the kayak as they would surface around you. We paddled back to the lodge with an amazing Amazonian sunset behind us. Similar to the northern lights, the sky had a rainbow effect, a wonderful spectrum of colours in the clouds as the sun dropped.
Once again we stayed in a wicked Amazonian cabin and another amazing meal was included. We spent the evening playing cards with another traveler.
The following morning after breakfast we walked through the jungle to Puerto Narino. We climbed a large lookout tower which has a panoramic view of small city, the rivers and lakes and the never ending forrest. We met another kiwi up the top and had a yarn to him about our travels while we waited for our boat.
Our boat arrived and we set off to monkey island. We set off into the jungle with our guide to find some monkeys. We didn't actually have to do much finding. Our guide armed us both with a banana in each hand and within seconds monkeys were swarming us. From every direct and out of every tree, monkeys were crawling all over us fighting for their share of the banana. Very strange experience to have a dozen monkeys on your arms, body, head and face!
We continued our trek through the island and the next thing we heard was ridiculously loud thunder that shook the ground. And of coarse within seconds, the rain followed. This wasn't just normal rain, but heavy, heavy amazon rain. Within a minute we were completely saturated from head to toe and had no choice but to embraced it. It wouldn't be a proper visit to the amazon without walking through the jungle in the pouring rain, and it was also quite refreshing as it was so hot and humid.
The path quickly flooded and before we knew it we were trekking through ankle-deep water. By the time we got to the canoes to cross the lagoon they were half full with water but we hopped in anyway. The lagoon was completely covered in lilies and the ginormous lilly pads. Our guide fought his way through the obstalcals with his awe as we sat and observed the amazing scenery but more so the ridiculously sized lilly pads. We reached the other side of the lagoon and continued our trek through the dense jungle back to where we started where a full buffet lunch was waiting for us.
We spent the afternoon chilling with the baby howler monkey and the other collection of animals before getting a boat back to Leticia. The following morning we had one last amazon experience before we had to fly back to Medellin. We hoped in a mototaxi (a three-wheeler covered motorbike) and went to see some serpents. We arrived at the place and had a small walk through the jungle. We saw all the infamous snakes, including boa-constrictors, anacondas, and a whole range of tiny to massive snakes, the largest was 8metres long and 80kg. A great way to end an extremely exciting and amazing trip to the amazon.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Santa Marta - 6 -9/01/11
We woke up, packed our bags and went to the beach for last time in Cartagena. After a feed in our usual restaurant, it was time to say goodbye to our favourite city, and set off on a three hour journey towards Santa Marta. On the way, we saw much more of the effects of the recent floods but much worse than what we had previously seen. Hundreds of homeless people lined the roads in front of their submerged villages begging passing motorists. The only place to live was on the road as it was 3 or so metres higher than the land. The road was also lined with scrawny, starving stock as there was no food because the grass was 2 metres below water. So horrible to see people so desperate.
We arrived in Santa Marta in the evening in search of an apartment and found a really nice one with an amazing beach-front view over the inlet. We settled in and went to explore the streets. After some dinner we went for a wonder along the beach. It was very different to what we expected. It was packed from the street to the sea with partying Colombians. We hung out at the beach and after a couple of brews we headed back to the apartment.
The following day we woke up early and went straight to the beach. There isn't much to say other than we spent the whole day relaxing in the 30+ degree sun, and cooling off with a beer or our favourite maracuya (passionfruit) smoothies. We ended our day by jumping on the banana boat (a long inflatable banana, towed behind a boat). As always, it results in the person behind you smashing into you every time you are thrown off by a sharp turn.
That evening we went back to the beach after some dinner but had an early night as we were getting up at 5 the following morning to go to Tyrona national reserve.
The next morning did not go to plan as a few mix ups lead to the bus leaving without us so we had to wait for a different bus several hours later. After an hour and a half on the bus we arrived to the park. Due to the recent weather, the dirt roads were no longer dirt and no longer sufficient for a bus. There were multiple times where the bus was on 45degree angles sideways and even more times it lost traction in the mud. The inedible soon came as we noticed mud flicking up on the bus apart from we weren't going anywhere. Next thing we knew the back wheels had dug a right big hole and we weren't going anywhere in a hurry. Of coarse the bus was taking up the whole road so the traffic began to build up behind us. The next thing some impatient driver decides he's going to take the outside, just off the road. And to no ones surprise he was in the same situation as us. We eventually got some traction, and slid sideways smacking into the impatient ute as we got out. Eventually it all worked out and we got to one of the very secluded beaches within the reserve before midday. We spent the first few hours relaxing on the beach before we hopped on a boat to a beautiful small beach to do some snorkelling. We explored the reef which contained a rich source of tropical fish and creatures before heading back to the beach for lunch. At about three the weather packed in so we headed back to Santa Marta. We spent the evening relaxing on the beach by our apartment enjoying one last amazing Caribbean sunset before taking everyone out for dinner to thank them for their wonderful hospitality. We then returned to the beach which was conveniently more busier and rowdy than the previous nights with louder music and much more dancing.
The following morning we got up at 5 to get on the road as we had a 16hour drive a head of us. On the way out of Santa Marta we saw much more of the flooding which was even worse than we had previously seen. There was so much water it looked like it was meant to be there until you got to a town and saw roofs sticking out.
With a bit of risky Colombian driving we made good time and got back to Medellin in 13hours. We were both gutted our trip to the Caribbean had come to an end but we had an amazing time and our exciting travels continue to the Amazon in one day.
We arrived in Santa Marta in the evening in search of an apartment and found a really nice one with an amazing beach-front view over the inlet. We settled in and went to explore the streets. After some dinner we went for a wonder along the beach. It was very different to what we expected. It was packed from the street to the sea with partying Colombians. We hung out at the beach and after a couple of brews we headed back to the apartment.
The following day we woke up early and went straight to the beach. There isn't much to say other than we spent the whole day relaxing in the 30+ degree sun, and cooling off with a beer or our favourite maracuya (passionfruit) smoothies. We ended our day by jumping on the banana boat (a long inflatable banana, towed behind a boat). As always, it results in the person behind you smashing into you every time you are thrown off by a sharp turn.
That evening we went back to the beach after some dinner but had an early night as we were getting up at 5 the following morning to go to Tyrona national reserve.
The next morning did not go to plan as a few mix ups lead to the bus leaving without us so we had to wait for a different bus several hours later. After an hour and a half on the bus we arrived to the park. Due to the recent weather, the dirt roads were no longer dirt and no longer sufficient for a bus. There were multiple times where the bus was on 45degree angles sideways and even more times it lost traction in the mud. The inedible soon came as we noticed mud flicking up on the bus apart from we weren't going anywhere. Next thing we knew the back wheels had dug a right big hole and we weren't going anywhere in a hurry. Of coarse the bus was taking up the whole road so the traffic began to build up behind us. The next thing some impatient driver decides he's going to take the outside, just off the road. And to no ones surprise he was in the same situation as us. We eventually got some traction, and slid sideways smacking into the impatient ute as we got out. Eventually it all worked out and we got to one of the very secluded beaches within the reserve before midday. We spent the first few hours relaxing on the beach before we hopped on a boat to a beautiful small beach to do some snorkelling. We explored the reef which contained a rich source of tropical fish and creatures before heading back to the beach for lunch. At about three the weather packed in so we headed back to Santa Marta. We spent the evening relaxing on the beach by our apartment enjoying one last amazing Caribbean sunset before taking everyone out for dinner to thank them for their wonderful hospitality. We then returned to the beach which was conveniently more busier and rowdy than the previous nights with louder music and much more dancing.
The following morning we got up at 5 to get on the road as we had a 16hour drive a head of us. On the way out of Santa Marta we saw much more of the flooding which was even worse than we had previously seen. There was so much water it looked like it was meant to be there until you got to a town and saw roofs sticking out.
With a bit of risky Colombian driving we made good time and got back to Medellin in 13hours. We were both gutted our trip to the Caribbean had come to an end but we had an amazing time and our exciting travels continue to the Amazon in one day.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Isla Rosario 5-01-11
We got up early to get a boat to Isla Rosario, a group of 27 islands 35km from Cartagena. We had a hectic start to the day fighting out way through people trying to find which boat we should be on before it left without us. We eventually found the boat and set off for the islands. On our way out of the port we got a new perspective of the old city, the castle and the skyscrapers. We passed many islands on the way, some with small villages and old fortresses, some private, and some untouched. Our first stop was a private island. We had a look around at the different parrots, flamingos, a peacock and the monkey before heading back on the boat for some snorkelling. They took us to a reef nearby where we got kitted up and hopped in the amazing bright blue, clear, warm water. We swam through the coral reef as hundreds of different species of fish past by us. It was so incredible to see the bright tropical fish of every shape, size and colour so close, and in their natural habitat, not behind a pane of glass.
After our amazing morning we went back to the island for an authentic Caribbean meal of fish, cooked whole, teeth, eyes, fins and all. After lunch we enjoyed some sun before heading to Playa Blanca, which translates to White beach. It was exactly that, with a massive stretch of white sand, glowing clear water and palm trees. Neither of us could believe we were sitting on the beach on a Caribbean island, drinking pina-coladas out of coconuts. We enjoyed the afternoon bathing in the sea and on the sand with the sun
on our backs. As the sun began to drop we got back in the boat to take us back to Cartagena. The wind began to pick up which made for a bumpy but extremely entertaining ride home as we were thrown up and down off our seats and everyone behind us was getting drenched. As we got closer to Cartagena it became calmer again as we watched the sun drop behind the city.
Unfortunately it was our last day in Cartagena, but it has been the most amazing few days and we leave feeling we have to come back here one day.
After our amazing morning we went back to the island for an authentic Caribbean meal of fish, cooked whole, teeth, eyes, fins and all. After lunch we enjoyed some sun before heading to Playa Blanca, which translates to White beach. It was exactly that, with a massive stretch of white sand, glowing clear water and palm trees. Neither of us could believe we were sitting on the beach on a Caribbean island, drinking pina-coladas out of coconuts. We enjoyed the afternoon bathing in the sea and on the sand with the sun
on our backs. As the sun began to drop we got back in the boat to take us back to Cartagena. The wind began to pick up which made for a bumpy but extremely entertaining ride home as we were thrown up and down off our seats and everyone behind us was getting drenched. As we got closer to Cartagena it became calmer again as we watched the sun drop behind the city.
Unfortunately it was our last day in Cartagena, but it has been the most amazing few days and we leave feeling we have to come back here one day.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas 4-01-11
The following day we woke up a bit later from the late night before. We started the day off at the beach enjoying some sun and a dip in the beautiful sea. We then got ready and drove to the castle which protected the back side of the walled city from the pirates. The castle was purely for defence so it was rather basic and only contained one 'house' at the top where the governor would live. The fortress was marked by four turrets that outlooked each corner. The grand stone walls were terraced and contained canons in each of the holes. We walked around the walls of the old fortress admiring it and imagining what went on 400 years ago. We realised the best part was yet to come as we entered the maze of tunnels under the castle. We navigated our way through the 6" tall arched tunnels where the guards slept and protected the city. We made our way through all of the tunnels before descending down an escape route tunnel which drops a metre below sea level. It seemed to wind down forever as we noticed the walls getting damper and damper. Next thing our path had run out unless we wanted to start wading and eventually swimming through the water to the exit by the sea somewhere. We decided against that idea and headed back up the tunnel to the castle. We arrived just in time to enjoy a Caribbean sunset as the big orange sun dropped behind the horizon. We overlooked the city as the view showed the contrast of the old city opposed by the imposing towering apartment buildings on either side of the sun. We headed home after another amazing day in Cartagena.
The Walled City of Cartagena 3-01-11
The following morning we were woken up by the stinking hot day so we made ourselves some breakfast then went to cool off in the pool. We then went to explore the beach and have a look around and find the best spot to chill out. Much of the beach was filled with people trying to get you to buy sombreros, food and drink, clothes, jewellery, and everything else you don't want along with rides on their boats and jetskis. We managed to find a nice place to have a dip. We had never felt such warm ocean. It was the perfect temperature, cool enough to refresh you but warm enough to swim all day. In the afternoon we went to check the old walled city out. It was the most amazing example of colonial architecture preserved and restraint by the fortress walls.
We made our way through the narrow streets of the city admiring the beautiful Spanish architecture. We were completely blown away by the massive churches and the beautiful buildings that lined the streets, with overhanging balconies overflowing with vines and flowers. We had made our way through most of the city as the sun began to drop so we finished the remaining streets in dusk. As we lost light, we took a horse and carriage through the streets to see the city by night. The picturesque city composed of amazing architecture complimented with the backdrop of caribbean sea made for a highlight of our trip close to Machu Picchu.
After dinner we went to explore the area of town where we are staying before heading back to the old city where an electronic concert was taking place on the water front. We found a spot on the bridge and enjoyed some beers and the atmosphere of it all.
We made our way through the narrow streets of the city admiring the beautiful Spanish architecture. We were completely blown away by the massive churches and the beautiful buildings that lined the streets, with overhanging balconies overflowing with vines and flowers. We had made our way through most of the city as the sun began to drop so we finished the remaining streets in dusk. As we lost light, we took a horse and carriage through the streets to see the city by night. The picturesque city composed of amazing architecture complimented with the backdrop of caribbean sea made for a highlight of our trip close to Machu Picchu.
After dinner we went to explore the area of town where we are staying before heading back to the old city where an electronic concert was taking place on the water front. We found a spot on the bridge and enjoyed some beers and the atmosphere of it all.
To the coast 2-1-11
We got up and set off early for our long drive to the coast.
Tired from our minimal three hours sleep, we both slept for the first two hours of the trip. We woke up as we began our decent down from the mountains. The decline in altitude instantly made an increase in temperature and humidity, as well as the bush and scenery became more tropical compared to Medellin. On our 13hour drive towards Cartagena we passed by many small country villages, all living the most basic of lives, working the land and living in the most amazing straw-roofed houses. After driving through 13 hours of Colombian countryside we began to enter the Cartagena region when we saw the result of the recent floods. The land was completely submerged in flood water so vast it looked like a lake that is always there. The road was half a metre below the water level and being retained by sandbag walls. We then came into a couple of towns that were almost completely submerged with water up to the roofs of some houses. It was so devastating to see the few things these poor people have be taken away.
By the time we arrived into Cartagena it was dark and we were welcomed by some horrific traffic, and of coarse some horrific driving to go with it. We navigated our way towards the city centre and we both sat in amazement and excitement as we passed by the castle and old walled city all beautifully lit up. We arrived at the area where we would be staying but still had to find an apartment. The road side was filled with men holding signs saying "apartamento", so we spent a good hour or two being taken around apartments looking for the best one. Finally we found a sweet one 24 stories up with an amazing view of the buildings, beach and lagoon surrounding us. We unpacked, got a feed then got some much needed sleep after a massive day in transit.
Tired from our minimal three hours sleep, we both slept for the first two hours of the trip. We woke up as we began our decent down from the mountains. The decline in altitude instantly made an increase in temperature and humidity, as well as the bush and scenery became more tropical compared to Medellin. On our 13hour drive towards Cartagena we passed by many small country villages, all living the most basic of lives, working the land and living in the most amazing straw-roofed houses. After driving through 13 hours of Colombian countryside we began to enter the Cartagena region when we saw the result of the recent floods. The land was completely submerged in flood water so vast it looked like a lake that is always there. The road was half a metre below the water level and being retained by sandbag walls. We then came into a couple of towns that were almost completely submerged with water up to the roofs of some houses. It was so devastating to see the few things these poor people have be taken away.
By the time we arrived into Cartagena it was dark and we were welcomed by some horrific traffic, and of coarse some horrific driving to go with it. We navigated our way towards the city centre and we both sat in amazement and excitement as we passed by the castle and old walled city all beautifully lit up. We arrived at the area where we would be staying but still had to find an apartment. The road side was filled with men holding signs saying "apartamento", so we spent a good hour or two being taken around apartments looking for the best one. Finally we found a sweet one 24 stories up with an amazing view of the buildings, beach and lagoon surrounding us. We unpacked, got a feed then got some much needed sleep after a massive day in transit.
Feliz ano!
New years
We knew we would be spending new years with blanca lilias family and were excited to see if it would be crazier than our time spent with them on Christmas. Expecting an aguardiente shot on arrival we were surprised to see half of the family all relaxed and chilling out, quite different to Christmas. Expecting the rest to come any minute soon we were shocked when they came just before midnight. This is when we realised the party hadn't started yet. We all stood in a huge circle holding hands waiting for the countdown and a prayer was said. Finally the countdown came 3,2,1 "Feliz ano" and everyone went around and hugged each other quite sensibly, then the party started. Quite different to the celebrations before the new year we were used to, where it's a build up to 12o-clock with the big screaming hugs. Here the countdown is just kick-off. Just like Christmas there was drinking, dancing and a really good time with some finishing at 830am.
We knew we would be spending new years with blanca lilias family and were excited to see if it would be crazier than our time spent with them on Christmas. Expecting an aguardiente shot on arrival we were surprised to see half of the family all relaxed and chilling out, quite different to Christmas. Expecting the rest to come any minute soon we were shocked when they came just before midnight. This is when we realised the party hadn't started yet. We all stood in a huge circle holding hands waiting for the countdown and a prayer was said. Finally the countdown came 3,2,1 "Feliz ano" and everyone went around and hugged each other quite sensibly, then the party started. Quite different to the celebrations before the new year we were used to, where it's a build up to 12o-clock with the big screaming hugs. Here the countdown is just kick-off. Just like Christmas there was drinking, dancing and a really good time with some finishing at 830am.
Explora Parque and the Chiva Bus
Parque explora
On the 29th we set off on a scorching hot day on the metro to Parque Explora (Explorer Park), a massive interactive science museum. We started off with all the gimmicks and contraptions which included a roller-coaster for marbles to wind down, massive water-gun turrets, contraptions to pump water upwards and an enormous slinky. After we had a play around with the giant scale toys, we went to check out the aquarium. It held some of the most amazing species of fish. The tropical ones were the most beautiful with scales of an incredible spectrum of fluorescent colours. After we made our way through the aquarium we went to the reptile enclosure. It housed, an Anaconda, a boa constrictor and a range of other snakes. There were also turtles, reptiles and alligators. Next were the spiders including tarantulas. But the most poisons thing of all was a species of frog found in Colombia, the most poisoness in the world.
We then moved onto the interactive exhibits which contained lots of hands on activities. We stayed there until closing before going to meet everyone for our Chiva Bus.
Chiva buses are converted 70's trucks that were used to transport coffee around the country. They are now beautifully painted up and used as party buses giving tours around the city. Our bus contained several rows of bench seats and a dance floor in the middle. The open aired bus took the party around the city stopping at several of the parks that are epically decorated with excessive Christmas lights. We partied all night to the loud music and strobe-lights aboard the bus true Colombia style with lots of dancing and drinking.
On the 29th we set off on a scorching hot day on the metro to Parque Explora (Explorer Park), a massive interactive science museum. We started off with all the gimmicks and contraptions which included a roller-coaster for marbles to wind down, massive water-gun turrets, contraptions to pump water upwards and an enormous slinky. After we had a play around with the giant scale toys, we went to check out the aquarium. It held some of the most amazing species of fish. The tropical ones were the most beautiful with scales of an incredible spectrum of fluorescent colours. After we made our way through the aquarium we went to the reptile enclosure. It housed, an Anaconda, a boa constrictor and a range of other snakes. There were also turtles, reptiles and alligators. Next were the spiders including tarantulas. But the most poisons thing of all was a species of frog found in Colombia, the most poisoness in the world.
We then moved onto the interactive exhibits which contained lots of hands on activities. We stayed there until closing before going to meet everyone for our Chiva Bus.
Chiva buses are converted 70's trucks that were used to transport coffee around the country. They are now beautifully painted up and used as party buses giving tours around the city. Our bus contained several rows of bench seats and a dance floor in the middle. The open aired bus took the party around the city stopping at several of the parks that are epically decorated with excessive Christmas lights. We partied all night to the loud music and strobe-lights aboard the bus true Colombia style with lots of dancing and drinking.
Farm in Copacabana
Estefania's farm
On the 26th we slept in all day and recovered from the last couple of huge nights. In the late afternoon we headed off to a friend of our cousins farm, estefania. With 6 of us in the car it was luckily a short little drive to Copacabana about 30 mins away. Not really sure what to expect, we arrived at an incredible house. Our jaws dropped as we admired the house, pool, spa, outdoor living areas and a little lagoon. So amazing with a beautiful welcoming family as well. We chilled out in a cool outdoor area with a bar and nice view of the surroundings. They served us a delicious meal in an outdoor dinning area of beautiful juicy steak, corn, potatoes and salad. We then went back to the other outdoor area where we chatted, drank and danced most of the night before we spent the rest in the spa. It was just what we felt like after the last couple of big days and had the most beautiful view overlooking the valley and a mountain in front of us. The next day after a great sleep we did some fishing in their lagoon, went quad-bike riding and went for a swim in the pool. We had such a fun time and left at about 6pm on the 27th. After we left we got told the dad owns gold mines which is crazy, but explains the beautiful place!
On the 26th we slept in all day and recovered from the last couple of huge nights. In the late afternoon we headed off to a friend of our cousins farm, estefania. With 6 of us in the car it was luckily a short little drive to Copacabana about 30 mins away. Not really sure what to expect, we arrived at an incredible house. Our jaws dropped as we admired the house, pool, spa, outdoor living areas and a little lagoon. So amazing with a beautiful welcoming family as well. We chilled out in a cool outdoor area with a bar and nice view of the surroundings. They served us a delicious meal in an outdoor dinning area of beautiful juicy steak, corn, potatoes and salad. We then went back to the other outdoor area where we chatted, drank and danced most of the night before we spent the rest in the spa. It was just what we felt like after the last couple of big days and had the most beautiful view overlooking the valley and a mountain in front of us. The next day after a great sleep we did some fishing in their lagoon, went quad-bike riding and went for a swim in the pool. We had such a fun time and left at about 6pm on the 27th. After we left we got told the dad owns gold mines which is crazy, but explains the beautiful place!
Christmas
Christmas was a really different experience for us both as neither of us have been away from home before, and they celebrate Christmas eve as opposed to Christmas day. Around 930pm we headed off to amparo (Necane's aunty) and her families apartment on the night of the 24th where all Necane's aunties, uncles and cousins were. There were some prayers, speeches and toasts which gave a really nice feel to the special occasion before we had a delicious feast. We also got to try Necane's grandma's special dessert which was amazing! It was a passionfruit jelly-like creation with custard that complemented it very nicely. While we let our stomachs settle and waited for midnight we were drinking and dancing. When midnight came around we sat in a big circle and one at a time, when our name got called, we would receive a present with lots of cheering. It was lots of fun and we got beautiful presents such as clothing and accessories. After all the presents were opened we did more dancing and drinking until about 430am.
On Christmas day we all slept in and recovered from the night before. We then got ready and went to blanca lilia's (aunty in law) parents house where all her even bigger and crazier family were. On our arrival at about 4 in the afternoon we had to do aguardiente shots. We then had sancocho which is a popular soup and traditional to have have on Christmas. They make it in huge quantities so fed us all and had some left over too. Then we all partied, drank and danced all night having lots of fun till about 4pm. In the end we both came to the conclusion that it didn't really feel like Christmas but had such a fabulous time celebrating with all the family and experiencing a colombian christmas.
On Christmas day we all slept in and recovered from the night before. We then got ready and went to blanca lilia's (aunty in law) parents house where all her even bigger and crazier family were. On our arrival at about 4 in the afternoon we had to do aguardiente shots. We then had sancocho which is a popular soup and traditional to have have on Christmas. They make it in huge quantities so fed us all and had some left over too. Then we all partied, drank and danced all night having lots of fun till about 4pm. In the end we both came to the conclusion that it didn't really feel like Christmas but had such a fabulous time celebrating with all the family and experiencing a colombian christmas.
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