The journey to Cartagena was relatively smooth and uneventful although we did pass through some very poor towns and it was the first time I had seen people living in what I would call squalor. I had seen poorer communities previously on the trip but this for me was the worst. It was very humbling and provided even more perspective but at least the people still seemed to have smiles on their faces. Arriving in the evening we were greeted by balmy weather and a bu...

A few days ago we prepared for the 13 hour bus journey from San Gil to Santa Marta. None of us were looking forward to this but we were packed, showered and mentally prepared....I guess...for the long journey. The bus pulled in and we got on board and a young Colombian girl sat next to me. She seemed friendly but I started to worry when she was asking me where the vomit bags were...not a good sign! I thought, "great"! 13 hours having to smell sick all the way. A ...

Time to leave Bogota and head to our next stop Villa de Leyva. This place is gorgeous. Up in the hills and a little touristy it is a postcard picture of a small South American town and as such, movies and TV series have been shot here. White washed buildings with terracotta tiled roofs all set around a large square. Very relaxed and the people genuinely friendly. Starting to realise that most people really are saying hello to be friendly and helpful and not jus...

Although I thought i had slept a little on the plane and stayed up most of the evening, the familiar long haul jet lag took effect at 5am. Breakfast had the familiarity of Cuba but I knew this type would become all to regular in the coming weeks (fried eggs, toast, some fruit, coffee). I remember a friend who had done South America many years ago saying to me she craved cereal when she got back to the UK. I know now what she meant, although if i was desperate ...

A little excitement sprinkled with apprehension greeted my time of awakening. I had arisen early many times before in anticipation of going to the airport but of course this time was different. The backpack replaced the usual suitcase and the Zara holdall replaced with a Karrimor all weather backpack worn on the front. Yes of course I can rough it (well a little anyway!!) but I had not felt like this since I first left Australia almost 13 years(!) ago. Adios my l...