Week 55, Feb 3-7, Mountains, Canyons And Mountains

I figured I could leave my big backpack in Puebla while I go hiking/climbing mountains to the North of Puebla. It appeared to ba a good idea, when I ended up yet in another village without accommodation after dark.

Week 50 Continues, 1-5 Jan, Finishing The Shifts

Pretty much what it says: it was my last week working in the hostel, Anthony, Bruna and Ben went to Ecuador for New Year, most of the guests kept on on their travels. It was jus Ron, myself new argentinian and brazillian volnteers. The only thing that I can remember to stand out was New Year celebrations.

Week 50, Dec 25-31. Feria De Cali

Feria de Cali, crazy event that lasts a week before New Year, full of salsa dancing, street parties, concerts, parades and beer. Many people from all over Colombia and the world come to see it, all hotels/hostels/rented appartements are full. We were not different. Feria proved to be fun, but also hard work.

Week 48-49, Dec 16-24. Back To Cali

I came back to Cali after 10 days on the coast. Holiday season was apporaching and I wanted to spend it with someone I know rather then in completely random place. Besides, my salsa was not going anywhere, so I needed to work on it.

Week 53, 19-23rd Jan. MONTANAS

I knew from the very first day in Colombia that I will have to go there. I did argue a little wether I should at the end of my trip: I only had short time, I was alone, it was far. Of course, I went. El Cocuy National Park. Mountains. Former guerilla territories 12 hours curvy drive from the Capital. Over 20 snow peaks, most of the Park area is over 4000m. Of course, I went.

End Of The Week 53, 24-25th Jan. Bogota And End Of South American Adventure

I arrived to Bogota earlier than I expected: I was supposed to spend there only one day, but I will spend there one night. As usual, bus arrived ridiculously early and I had nothing to do, just stay on the bus station waiting for the Sun to come up. Luckily, there was also wi fi, so I could book a hostel: big city, weekend, I thought it would be safer.

Week 54 Mexico City

Ok, I somehow miscounted weeks and my one year travel anniversary falls on week 54, rather then 53. Oh, well, the point is on the day 25th Jan a year ago I left UK to arrive to Buenos Aires a day after. On the day 25th Jan this year I left Colombia to arrive to Mexico city (the same day), thus celebrating my year of travels. I have my ticket back in 3 months, but I still have loads to explore before that.
I left Bogota with heavy feeling: after 2 months of not liking Colombia, I finally got it and feel like I did not do everything I could do there. During my last 10 days of travel I met wonderful and most interesting people, both Colombian and travellers, I had loads of free coffees, juices, cheese, I have been to the mountains (sic!). Now I am in my usual widthrawal that I have when I leave another country.

Week 47, 05-15 Nov. CaRRRRRibes

A few weeks ago my friend posted in FB that she was coming to Colombia. So we had to meet. After some discussions we agreed that it would be in Cartagena. My initial plan was to get there by land, but, as usual, it did not work.

I got stuck in Cali and so decided to fly, besides, it was
1. Cheaper
2. Faster
Also Liza was on the coast so it was additional reason to visit before she would go back to her beloved BA

Срочно В Номер

Я лечу в Москву. 1го мая. 2го встречайте в Шарике

Weeks 43-46. Beinvenidos To Sunflower Hostel

Sunflower hostel is run by Colombian man and his wife whose niece Lina also works in the hostel on reception. Except Lina, there is a cleaner Fanny who comes times a day. Rather than that the hostel is fuly run by volunteers. When I arrived there were two Aussies, Lewis and Anthony.