South America
The Amazonian Jungle – Part 2
On my second day in the jungle I woke early as the sun streamed in through my mosquito net. The windows were just open wooden frames and from my bed I could hear strange noises. Getting up to investigate I was enthralled to see a troop of capuchin monkeys playing in...
The Amazonian Jungle – Part 1
I know that I keep on banging on that I have found the most perfect place on earth, but I honestly do think that I am getting close. Or at least close to the most perfect natural environment on earth. The Jordanian desert at Wadi Rum and the mountains around Amagá...
Cycling the Ruta de las Cascadas
I was dithering around and thinking about what to do when I left Cuenca because I had a few days before I was due to go into the jungle. Should I continue south to Vilcabamba or go up to Riobamba and ride the Devil’s Nose Railway? My mind was made up when Daniel told...
Fast Forward to Ecuador and the Mallki Hostel
I am going to pause in my story at this point and fast forward you to Ecuador. I met some very special people when I got back to Cartagena and I shall continue my Colombian story in a later post, but for now, mid October found me in the south of Ecuador in Cuenca....
Kite Fishing in Colombia
Kite fishing in Colombia After the inactivity of Taganga, Palomino and Santa Marta the three of us –me, Emy and Lio headed off inland. We got a cab up into the mountains to the little town of Minka. We arrived in the drizzle without accommodation to discover that our...
Santa Marta…again and again and again!
Lio and I took the bus to Santa Marta. It turned out that the Fiesta de Mar was in full swing with stages set up around the seafront and bands playing. A food market in one of the plazas was selling ceviche and other tasty things and it seemed that the entire town...
Amaga; Bonds and Friendships
As the end of my original planned five weeks at the Ecohostel drew nearer I knew that I wasn't ready to leave the area yet. Amagâ is a small mountain town where not a lot happens but it is one of the places on my trip that has stolen my heart. Paola arranged for me...
No snappers in Cartagena?
I finally dragged myself away from Medellin and I hit the night bus for Cartagena. After yet another twelve hour journey through twisty turny mountain roads I was deposited on the outskirts of Cartagena. Stepping from the ice cold bus I immediately broke out into a...
Medellin
I was in and around Medellin for more than three months in the end, so it goes to show that first impressions don't always count (mad cab driver) The city is amazing! Similar to many others in Latin America it is situated in a bowl and surrounded by mountains but...
Workshops & Field Trips
Whilst volunteering at Paola's Ecohostel Medellin we had the opportunity to take part in some workshops and field trips. Sadly the visit to one of the local coal mines didn't happen (although I know that Paola was glad - in here words she said - the Ecohostel doesn't...