Just a quick update on my thermal pool experience - lovely setting for a POND. I nearly broke my neck getting in as it was so slimy but once I'd got all the underwater beetles and pond skaters out of my hair I decided to brave it and do some swimming. Unfortunately at that moment 3 people turned up so I tried to look casual and chatted to them rather than flounder about like a drowning person. I did eventually manage 3 lengths bar the stopping to clear a pathway through the leaves and twigs. Got back, had freezing cold shower and then got an electric shock from using my toes to keep my hairdryer plug in the socket. My 99p all purpose travel plug from China doesn't fit for some strange reason.

I am going swimming again this evening which will be slightly less hazardous. Callum better watch his back in this triathlon Son, I am turning into Katie The Eel.

Today sees a flight to the mountainous north west for a few days, the coffee region of Colombia. The whole country is coffee mad where tea is secretly stored in a drawer behind the bar and you feel very guilty asking for it. Maybe it was when I was pregnant but I woke up years ago and suddenly couldn't stand the taste of coffee - I have had more coffee since being here (3 cups) than I have in 20 years. The first cup I managed to force down like medicine with a grimace and a slight retch. The second cup had lots of sugar in it and the third I only had the foam, but I don't think I can keep up the pretence much longer. I will have to be brave and ask for tea from now on and risk the Coffee Police hunting me out. I must be the only person whose heart sinks to their shoes when told we are off for a coffee.

We drove up over the Andes and down onto a plain full of potato and onion fields with men wearing ponchos sitting outside little houses surrounded by eucalyptus trees. There were lots of arepa stalls -these are a national dish made of cornmeal and I was expecting something like a wrap. Imagine a soggy pizza base with a topping of tomato or ham and you get more of an idea. A bit underwhelming but the local dogs like it.

We are now at the airport waiting for our flight and sitting out the delay for the next few hours before we get to the coffee farm. Nothing very much is going on here except a line of diplomat cars coming in. Lots are kidnapped here so the line ends with an ambulance.