Walking in my sleep

We left San Gil late last night on an overnight bus to Bogota. I was cramped between the window and a very rotund man that kept falling asleep on me and had a peculiar smell about him.....needless to say by the time we arrived into the chilly dawn of the bus terminal I was a little bleary eyed and bewildered.

I took Darren and Babuette to my place in Candelaria and we said farewell. Their travels are coming to an end soon and will be taking them across the sea to their last stop, Melbourne Australia. I've met so many wonderful people in Colombia, both locals and other travelers alike and will miss their company. But I have a feeling I will see them again and lord only knows where I may be this time next year. I am happy to say I have good friends on every continent...

While they prompty went back to bed I hit the road again meeting my Bogota friend Bibiana to head up into the paramos of Chingaza National Park, a day's journey to the East by a numer of small bus connections and milk truck. Unfortunately, navigating the enormity of Bogota half dead from exhuastion was even more difficult than it sounds. When we made it to the last town to make the milk truck it had already gone and we missed our ride. We could have pushed on and tried to hitch a ride somehow but I was so faded we just decided to enjoy the day and take it easy. With some fresh injections of that famous Colombian black gold I was ready to go again. We perused the Sunday markets and people watched on the towns plaza where I snapped this picture of the atypical Colombian plaza. Every town has one and every one has a church and a statue of Simon Bolivar. Every one, I'm not exagerrating folks.

We finally headed back to the city and had a charming lunch with Bibiana's family. They stuffed me so full of food and friendly smiles I felt like family! And by the time I was finally able to pass out that night it felt like I had mastered the Bogota public transport system and become just another Bogotano. Bibiana also helped me figure out the new plan in light of the change of plans. I've decided to spend my final days in the sleepy town of Solento in the small province of Quindo in the heart of the Colombian coffee growing region. I leave tomorrow.