The R&R Big Adventure

Adiόs Colombia

Cartagena is such a pretty city that every time we turned a street corner we wanted to take another photo. It’s even inspired me to take up Instagram again after my one (and only) post three years ago in Vancouver. Thanks to my social media manager (Robert) for helping me do this. Let’s see if I continue!

Yesterday was spent drifting through the old town, taking a leisurely lunch and strolling by the beach at sunset. We had dinner in a lovely rooftop restaurant where the food, lighting and music were pitched perfectly at an Ibiza lounge experience. Just a shame when we left we were immediately pounced upon by the street hawkers. Annoying, like wasps at a picnic – but not threatening.

We spent our final few hours this morning in Colombia exploring different parts of the city (cathedral – tick) and saw various American tour parties shuffling along the pavements – each person wearing various stickers – ‘my name is xx’, ‘my tour guide is yy’. The few people on it who were a similar age to us looked very embarrassed. R and I made a pact that if ever one of us wants to join one of those tours, divorce is automatic.

We are now at Cartagena airport, waiting for our next flight, and the next leg of our ‘Big Adventure’ in Peru. As I reflect on our experiences of Colombia, firstly we were both pleasantly surprised by how friendly everyone has been, almost without exception. Travelling across the country has been extremely smooth (I am now tempting fate, as our flight hasn’t been called yet): Google Translate and WhatsApp are godsend apps. The landscape has been full of contrast – from the beautiful rolling green hills in Pereira and Medellin, to the lush tropical scenery in the Caribbean coastal cities. Bogotá really surprised us with the diversity of the city. Of course, there were the poor areas we were expecting, but also a significant burgeoning middle class – with a plethora of upmarket restaurants, bars and shops. The food scene in particular was notable there, with some amazing restaurants that offered exceptional good quality for the price. We didn’t experience any trouble, or felt in danger at any point – but then we didn’t (as we wouldn’t do in any foreign city) seek out unsafe areas! Even the weather (considering we are in the rainy season here) mostly held out, and we managed to dodge the worst of the downpours.

We now have a few days in Lima, before travelling to Cusco, and the Inca Trail. Must remember to buy toilet paper and wet wipes :(