COLOMBIA

I know there are hundreds of useful and extensive travel blogs on the internet. For that reason (combined with my laziness) this blog will just include what I'm up to and some ocassional musings. I aim to keep my relatives happy in the knowledge that I've been safe in Colombia and contrary to popular belief it has MUCH more to it than a history of drugs, violence and Pablo Escobar.

I arrived in Bogota, the capital city of Colombia, to a rainy and grey looking city and felt a slight sinking feeling in my stomach. Que a scary taxi drive to my hostel (Colombian driving is ridiculous!) and I checked in and settled down almost immediately to a 12 hour sleep. The following day my friend Aya arrived and we went on a bike tour of the city. It was a bizarre tour and it rained almost constantly but the graffiti we saw was pretty darn cool. Still, Bogota left a lot to be desired. That night we went to a student house party (a friend Aya had met in the north of Colombia was studying in Bogota). This was by far the highlight of the city and we had a fantastic time partying with people of all nationalities including French, Americans and a large group of very cool hipster Colombians.

After another rainy day on Bogota we eventually escaped on a 10 hour overnight bus to Medellin, another large Colombian city, well known for being the home of drug lord Pablo Escobar. On our arrival we had planned to spend only 2 nights in Medellin.. but ended up staying 5 full days. Our hostel was really fun and sociable, the weather was perfect and we saw and did a lot in the time we were there. The highlight of Medellin for Aya and I was a day in Guatape, a town which is roughly a 2 hour drive from the city. We travelled there by taxi with a group of about 8 friends we had made at the hostel. Our taxi drivers were fantastic and stopped off at several beautiful locations during the drive to Guatape to let us explore and take pictures. When we eventually arrived in Guatape we climbed the large rock, which is the main attraction of the town (670+ steps), to the top to see the absolutely breath taking view of the national park. We then went down into the town, which is painted an array of wonderful and very bright colours, and had a late lunch (I had a traditional Colombian dish which was very carb heavy but delicious all the same). I'd love to post some pictures but am unable to do so from my phone so until I can access a computer you will have to use your imagination... Or give it a google. Either or.

In addition to the day trip to Guatape we did a highly popular 4 hour walking tour of downtown Medellin which was extremely informative and the guide gave us a great insight into the city and its history. We also took the cable car up the mountain on another day which was marginally underwhelming after the views from Guatape, but all the same worthwhile. The night life of Medellin is not to be left out. We had drinks at our hostel every night and made lots of friends from all over the world. On  a couple of nights we then went out properly, to the 'parque', (not a park but a square of pubs, bars and clubs) which was a lot of fun. One night we returned to the hostel and booked an extra night there as we simply couldn't bring ourselves to leave the following day. It's safe to say Medellin stole our hearts!

Now I am sat in a 'dunkin donuts' at Cali bus terminal, awaiting an overnight bus to the border of Ecuador/Colombia. The Colombia vs Greece match was shown on a TV here so it has been very loud and busy and suprisingly fun! Now to stay for the England/Italy match and then onwards to Quito, Guayaquil, Montenita and the Galápagos Islands. An exciting couple of weeks ahead!  I'll keep updating as I go.

P.s. No one has questioned my short hair since I've been travelling! I am just a normal (but slightly edgy) girl travelling around South America. Perfect!