So, here I am in Colombia, the beginning of my travels through South America. Barranquilla isn't really on the tourist route, it's more a working city but here is where my friend Kath is and this is time to chill out and relax and catch up with her.

Kath and I first met at camp, back in 2002 when it was both our first year. Kath was to come back to camp for another 2 summers until life caught up with her. Her partner has a 2 year contract here for work so Kath has come along and is now currently 7 months pregnant.

I arrived on the 6 Sept and Kath and Ivan met me at the airport. The drive from the airport bought back memories of Africa - bad roads, crazy traffic, general run down state of buildings and carts pulled by donkeys. However, once closer to the city things changed. Nice apartment blocks and nicer cars however guys still ride around with their donkeys pulling a cart and trying to sell different things. They have a megaphone and call out whatever they are trying to sell. Since I don't understand Spanish yet, I have no idea what they are saying.

The past week has been fairly quiet. I start off most days with a swim, before we head out to get some lunch. They have quite a variety of restaurants, from Japanese and Italian to Crepes and Waffles all relatively cheap. Most afternoons we may have to pick something up from the shop or we chill out at home, maybe an afternoon nap, some reading and then a quiet dinner. All much needed.

Yesterday, Ivan, Kath and I drove up to Cartagena, mind you, not just in any car but a bullet proof, bomb proof car. As part of the work contract, they must be driven anywhere they need to go. Not all the cars are like this, but this is one of the more comfortable cars and since it was about a 90min drive away, comfort is good, especially for Kath.

Cartagena is an old city which has been beautifully preserved, mainly in the old city which is walled. We drove to the Convento de la Popa, an old convent which is set up on a hill. It has a great view of the city. The inside courtyard is very typical of Spanish architecture and quite lovely. In the carpark I could have paid to have my photo taken on a decorated donkey or cuddling a sloth.

Into the old city and we stopped for lunch, a lovely paella and sangria for me. Nice to relax in the air conditioned restaurant and good service too, especially since we were the only ones in there. We then wandered around the old city, enjoying the lovely buildings and colour before going for a drive along the beach. We then stopped at the base of the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas for some photo opportunities. There was also a colourful, traditional bus known as a "chiva" which we were able to view.

On the way back to Barranquilla, as when we drove out in the morning, we passed lots of donkeys, the occasional pig wandering the street, motorbikes with usually 2 sometimes 3 people on them. One bike had 3 people and 2 sacks of potatoes. Not sure what they are licensed for!!!!

So, I have another few days here before I fly off to Costa Rica. From my readings I have found out I'm going to Costa Rica in the wettest month they have. Lucky me, although today the rain has finally come down here. Have a look at the photos of the road outside the apartment after the heavy rains. The weather has pretty much been in the high 30's every day and night. Until then...