Having had an incredible drive over the mountains we arrive in the narrow streets of Puerto Colombia, one of the major backpacker hangouts in Venezuela. With Mickael on the roof lifting any low cables over the truck we negotiate our way around this colonial town to our passada over the next few days. We meet Claudia our host who doesn't suffer fools, and runs her three properties with German efficiency. Settled into our room I offer Geoff the double bed as he's not feeling too good leaving me the bunk bed. Strange that Geoff never feels too well when there's a double bed about !! We're on the top floor and the shower is open to the elements with just a small piece of mossy net over the top, very funky, but comfortable. In all we had a fantastic few days relaxing and enjoying what this old Colonial town had to offer. Walking along the three main streets looking through main entrances revealed beautifully decorated courtyards from bygone eras, some fully restored to their former glories.
The harbour area was a hive of activity as the daily catch was landed, as tourists and locals alike caught boats to other beaches. Indeed some of us caught a boat to the " chocolate beach " and enjoyed a 5 km walk through the cocoa plantations to a village where the highest % cocoa is produced anywhere in the world. Being a bit late for our return boat we caught the school bus and had a great time with the local kids on board, laughing and taking their photos. Upon editing the pictures I see one cheeky monkey in his red shirt giving me the middle finger ha ha . Generally throughout South America the people have been very friendly and genuinely interested in what we are doing. So far I haven't felt threatened at all. The only problems we've had are the blessed sand flies which bite and itch insanely. Strangely enough I have not had a problem thus far with mosquitoes. Famous last words.
These few days were excellent for a relax and to recharge the batteries and of course to celebrate Vanessa's birthday with a barbecue and a few cold ones.
It is tough going but someone's got to do it, and it's soooo hot :)))
Adios
Tony x
1. Replacing the spare wheel after a bit of delicate work with a sledgehammer
2-5. Over the mountains into the Henri Pittier National Park, an incredible drive, amazing drop offs
6. Porto Colombia harbour / safe moorings for when the weathers bad
7-9. Beaches around Porto Colombia
10. Some cool chicks who took a shine to me
11. Colourful local houses
12. One of the many pelicans
13. A dramatic coastal scene en route to a cocoa plantation
14-17. Cocoa pods and scenery walking towards the local village.
18. Smallest frog I've ever seen.
19-20. More sections of the plantation with some incredible bamboos
21-22. Machinery concerned with coffee and sweeping up the beans after drying.
23. Old land rover
24-25. Catching the local school bus back to the beach was very amusing, the kids were hilarious especially the little toad in the red shirt giving me the finger.
Adios
Tony x
No comments:
Post a Comment