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Published: March 20th 2011
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Caroline and I decided to leave Taganga today, it just wasn't doing anything for us, so it was time to move on. After hanging out for most of the day in the town that I must admit was growing on me; eating a deliciuos salad and skyping everyone in the family including my adorable little nephew Angus it was time to get moving. After a cocktail at Pacha mama it was time to say farewell. We caught a taxi for more than Caroline was willing to pay and left on the overnight bus to San Gil at 6pm. The bus was super comfortable but the airconditioning was absolutely freezing, as those of you who've experienced latin american buses will know. The movie is nearly always an action movie and its not just playing in the background, its loud, like really loud. So with loud noises and freezing air blowing on me I didn't get all that much sleep and consequently arrived at Buccaramunga at 6.30am and finally San Gil at 12pm very tired and gumpy! My mood soon picked up when I found Sam's VIP hostel, the cleanest, nicest hostel I've stayed in throughout my 12 months of travel. It was
a breath of fresh air to say the least. A penthouse apartment converted into a very nice and very relaxing hostel; pool, gormet kitchen, flat screen tv, free internet, and comfortable beds all included!
I had the best 5 days in San Gil, it was the perfect place for this particular time in my travels. A fresh food market similar to that of the Preston Market....perfect; fresh vegetables!!! Every day I was able to walk 5 minutes down the road to the market, buy my food and walk back oh so happily to the hostel to cook up an amazing snack or meal.....ahhhh the small things in life. Another small thing that you seem to take for granted in the Western world is a hot shower....I hadn't had one for at least two months and wow was it impressive, if only you could have seen the look on my face! Unfortunately I only had hot water for that first day but it was worth it and will be cherished for months to come!
I took a short bus trip along a very windy road to Baricharra, a gorgeous little village with cobblestone roads and well preserved churches. It was really
nice to see a town as it is; with no tourists. To see the locals going about their daily business was nice. We only stayed for about 3 hours but it was long enough to wander around in amidst the almost identical buildings. Returning 'home' to Sam's was such a treat; it's only a small hostel, which means not so many people, which means you get to know everyone and well you can just be; no crazy parties if you don't seek them, quiet dorms, oh I could go on and on.
On the Sunday, Caroline and the Scottish lads that we met ventured to Pescadarito- a small area with an amazing gorge slash collection of swimming holes just outside of the beautiful town of Curiti. We kind of forgot it was a Sunday and that everyone from both Curiti and San Gil would be there. Nonetheless we had a wonderful time exploring, minus the sudden downpour that kind of ruined the vibe. We jumped off some rocks into the crystal clear turquiose waters and then ran out absolutely freezing, but again it was nice to be the only tourists in such a unique place and be given the chance
to see the locals in their natural environment; doing something I'm sure they do every Sunday with their families.
On the Monday I did the most outrageous thing I've done thus far, which wasn't all that crazy, I went Paraglyding, over some beautiful scenery and with well not the most trustworthy men?! A white car resembling that of the old Carona paddock bomb we used to own was our transport out to a paddock cordoned off with bright orange tape and after three failed attempts at taking off resulting in me on my arse I was up and away. A really cool feeling being so high above such a breathtaking landscape; rolling green hills, the amazing gorge in the distance, the surrounding brick towns, the small farms. BUT it just wasn't enough for me, I wanted more!! The rush didn't last, and 20 minutes just wasn't long enough and this is why soon enough I shall be jumping from the skies from an aeroplane; yes mum, sky diving. I will be doing it before returning home, I just won't be telling you about it until I've landed safely! Haha bring it on!!
So all in all, San Gil= amazing. If
you ever find yourself in Colombia make a trip to this cute little adventure town and have some fun. Go rafting (which I couldn't afford) bungey jumping, paraglyding, hiking, swimming, waterfall jumping and eating very healthily.
So today is my one year of travelling anniversary, I can hardly believe it. What an adventure I've been on. How many wonderful people i've met. travelling has been my life for the past year and I wouldn't change it for anything. I've learnt so much about myself and I'm finally in South America! My adventure is only just beginning. I've now got a week in Bogota at Elise's house to gather my thoughts, relax and plan my next movements.
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