When I was dumped in a rough neighbourhood in what only ten years ago was considered one of the world's most dangerous cities, I suddenly discovered that my language skills are better than I thought. I asked the bus driver where on earth he thought I wanted to go when I had asked if he was going to the main bus terminal. Consequently I managed to land a free ride back in the right direction in the cab of another bus, the driver turning to ask me if the streets in...

I have photographed quite a few churches and cathedrals in South America, not because I've gone all religious but they are impressive and are hard to avoid. But none have blown me away quite as much as the one down in the working salt mines at Zipaquirá. Admittedly, it is the modern lighting that does a lot of the work rather than the salt sculptures themselves, but it is still impressive nonetheless. The mine has been operating for almost 200 years, so you see ...

Sitting on a bench with a kebab in one hand and a can of beer in the other feels like being a teenager again. But this is a normal Friday night in the plaza at San Gil, where people of all ages gathers at the corner where there are two shops selling beer, and two ladies in the street barbecuing meat on sticks. There are no drunken brawls; it is all just very sociable and friendly. The route I am taking from the Caribbean coast to Bogotá was an important t...

Lost - one pair of glasses, last seen on top of owner's nose just before a huge wave hit him square in the face - probable whereabouts at the bottom of the Caribbean Sea. I'm not much of a beach person, but the coastline of Tayrona National Park is so stunning, and the water so warm and inviting that I stripped off and plunged straight in without thinking. I spent two days there, camping near the beach; and enjoyed some much needed relaxation. This is probably t...

Cartagena de Indias was once an important Spanish port, and played a big role in the slave trade. A high percentage of today's inhabitants are of African descent, many of whom can be found entertaining the tourists with high energy dancing and drumming in the streets, or wearing colourful clothing and selling fruits on the beach from baskets on their heads. Within the beautiful walled city, the narrow streets are plied with horse-drawn carriages which trot be...