It's a long drive day as we head towards the city of Medellin through some ever changing countryside. Open fields, plains give way to mountains and valleys gently climbing into the cloud forests, beautiful. We are stopped regularly at roadblocks by the army / police who are armed to the teeth but are very good natured, waving, smiling and occasionally coming on board for a closer look. It's slow progress and Pete try's to find a campsite. It looks promising until the local wants $25 per tent. Politely informed where he could go we make slow progress a few km further up the winding mountain side where we find a local family who are building another house next to theirs. They are lovely people who let us stay for free. Tents pitched, dinner on the go, this is another of those great bushcamps. It's great being back in the tent and I have no problem in dropping off to sleep thinking of family and friends. Slight rainfall overnight makes for a fresh morning and we're up at 0530. Geoff bursting for a wee heads for the edge of the mountainside, is looking across the canyon about to get his tackle out, when he looks to his right to see the whole family on the first floor of their house watching him. Totally surprised he feigns a yawn, stretches his arms and walks off. :)) the family apparently have been up most of the night watching the 24 gringos camping, cooking and going about their general business. We took photos of them, they took photos of us, we showed them around the truck, we all smiled and laughed and this is what overlanding is all about, meeting the people,who I must say have waved, laughed and called out to us all along the trip, but it appears more so in Colombia. Waving and saying our goodbyes after Pete had given them a thank you we continued on our merry way with more great memories.
Medellin
29.03.13
Medellin in the 80's was the cocaine capital of the world under the violent leadership of Pablo Escobar. Gun battles were common leading to the highest murder rates anywhere in the world. This regime came to an end in 1993 with Escobar's death and a massive clean up project followed. It is allegedly now one of the most secure and accessible destinations in the country.
We finally arrive at our hotel, Conquistador, guarded by security carrying a two foot machete on the edge of the red light district. Entry via a steel gate we are shown to our rooms, lovely and clean with good facilities. The next couple of days are spent exploring the sprawling city and generally chilling out. Security guards are seen carrying sawn off shotguns, seems to be the norm. After dark you're offered all manner of drugs and women. In fact some rooms in the hotel are offered on an hourly rate and Geoff took great delight in greeting the couples using the room opposite in his best Spanish. This was a great couple of days contrasting the seedier side of life and enjoying the up and coming tourist routes.
We continue our journey through the centre of Colombia heading south towards the Ecuadorian border.
1-4 Our bush camp on a local family's building plot high in the cloud forest. It was an amazing view in the morning. Pictures of the family and them with us in front of the truck.
5-6. The main trade is transporting cargo and you often see beautifully kept HGV's.
7-12. The sprawling city of Medellin, cable car and city shots.
Adios
Tony x
No comments:
Post a Comment