The Dutch are traveling Since you were looking for some quiet time we hope you enjoyed the hammocks in Mocoa. Travelers become so fiercely practical and talented. My husband does the sewing in our family and I applaud his abilities! A quality I find very attractive. We have met so many Dutch people in our travels that we've had long discussions, seriously longer than you might imagine about how the Dutch have so much time and money to travel. It does not matter whether you in a crowded modern city or a back water town no where you'll run into the Dutch. We laugh and often ask if there is anyone left in the country? By the way, how much time does the average Dutch person get off work each year? I'm sure it is more than the two weeks Americans get. Just checking. Happy travels. Loved the blog.
Too many Dutch in Holland Since we are so many in such a tiny country, it is the law that at least 10 percent of the population should be out of the country at any given time, that means roughly 1.7 million people on the road... Nah, just kidding ;) We just like travelling I guess, it is in our culture so to speak. While we get more holidays than the average American, we don't get more holidays than the average European (I think the average in the EU is around 34 days a year, in Holland it is 28 days). I think more people just take time off work, unpaid leave, or between jobs, or after university and before starting work, so it looks like we have a lot of holidays.
Oh how I envy thee... To be in Colombia again would be so great! I've been there 3 times already and still haven't seen everything, which I'm planning a 4th mid next year. Glad to see everything is going good for you there and enjoying Colombia so far!! Sorry about the shorts man lol that actually happened to me also I had a pair of cargo shorts for 3 1/2 years I just couldn't part with...until they parted with me lol ...anyways keep up the great blogs and buen Viaje manito!
A stitch in time saves nine It is better to spend a little time now to deal with problems rather than wait until it's too late as things could get worse. Who could have foretold this proverb would apply to your shorts? The Dutch perchance? Great blog as always Ralf...continue to enjoy your wanderings. Great carvings in stone too!
How about nine stitches? I just repaired one my t-shirts yesterday... Together with all the other stitching I have done, I must be at nine already on this trip alone ;)
The Indomitable Dutch! Must admit I love the Dutch, having spent several summers with friends in A'dam and having met them everywhere traveling. And many, like you and I, have that wise sentiment of not being wasteful. I buy only second-hand everything, so the clothes I started with four years ago, were already a bit used. Now, my silk blouses have become hankies, and my pants are a tapestry of patches. You're a man with a sewing kit--too good to be true. Mocoa and Pasto weren't in my LP Shoestringer--excellent recommendations! No wonder the Dutch (you) are there!
The walks look amazing. Love the scenery. They seem to have it all, green pastures, tropical jungles, barren mountains, inviting waterfalls with pools and apparently the Dutch!
Awesome I love this blog....the way you viewed it through your clothing's "eyes". And, of course all you meet are the Dutch. Yall are awesome and adventurous people. That's why I love you :) Happy travels. xxx
Nah... There is good and bad in every culture, including the backpacker one, but it doesn't put me off it. I travel for myself not for others, and what others do is their business.
Leda and the swan I think the wood sculpture might represent the Greek myth of Leda and the swan. (Though why Zeus would want to turn himself into a swan to lay with a human woman is beyond me.)
Zeus and animals... I suspect you are probably right. Thanks for the information. Yeah, Zeus seemed to have a thing for turning himself into animals in order to seduce women... Must have been the in thing to do in those days
Colombia Hi Ralf, I found your blog on Colombia very interesting. I had no idea people came to Colombia to sample drugs, besides seeing the other sights. When I think of Colombia, I think of Coffee & Bodega. So, there is hope yet..one out of millions does not associate Colombian culture with drugs. Love, Linn
Thanks I tried to be as balanced as possible. Neither wanting to create the impression that all travellers here are coming for cocaine, nor shying away from the fact that quite a few do.
SALSA OK I'll fess up Ralf. Please tell me more about this picture. Where did you take it? Was it an original, is it Colombian, whatever? Why do I want to know? I have a photo of this picture myself!!! It was taken at Camelot Lounge in Sydney (lots of camels)...our favourite World Music haunt. Next time I'm there for a gig I'd like to chat to the owner about it.
Ha, ha, ha... The picture actually does depict a couple dancing the tango ;) And I am sure you know all this already, and more about the picture than I do. Maybe we can exchange photos of this picture at one point.
Tango The guy that cuts my hair Ralf, is from Colombia. I love to sit in the chair while he tells me about the beauty of his country. He also tells me of the pervading power of the drug cartels on the perception the rest of the World has...and he laments. Oh to tango like Laetitia (anor TBer)...oh to travel in Colombia as you are doing. Enjoy.
Salsa The dance of choice in Colombia is actually the salsa ;) Or so I have been told, and Cali seems to place where they have perfected it. My next destination... Don't hold your breath on seeing me performing any good salsa anytime soon though... I'm sure you will get to Colombia sooner or later and travel it better than I am doing now, and when you leave you will actually dance the salsa like a Calino.
El Eterno Caminante
Greg
Envious...
That you are there NOW and I'm in this -9 c weather lol...enjoy brother!! Hope it gives you the magical feeling as it did to me :)