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 little flat, I'm sure I will miss you....

Nothing felt too different at LHR but at FRA (connecting flight) I could sense the difference for the first time. The awaiting passengers spoke a different language compared to that heard before my usual long haul flight destination but with a sense of quiet achievement, I understood a few more words than I would normally (thanks to ...mi profesora por supuesto)!

Lufthansa is no Singapore Airlines (my favourite of course!) but still pretty good and im glad I chose them over other airlines. The stewardess called me by name before asking what I wanted to drink, which caught me off guard. Have never had that before and was surprised/impressed. She obviously had a passenger list in front of her but a detail that made us both laugh.

Our descent into BOG was a little spectacular as some lightning lit up the sky in the distance but arrival was pretty straight forward and without hassle. Clearing immigration was quick and then went to change some currency. Colombia tracks all foreigners closely it seems as not only did they take my passport details at the cambio, it was the first time I was fingerprinted just to exchange currency.

Had a laugh with the taxi driver as he tried to work out the address of the hostel but we eventually found it. Was expecting Nicola and Sarah to already be at the hostel waiting and was looking forward to the surreal experience of seeing them on the 'other side' asIi like to call it. However their bus had some delays and they turned up just before midnight. We were all happy to see each other but I think tiredness had replaced much of the excitement. Tomorrow let the adventure begin!

Bienvenido a Colombia!