Bienvenidos Colombia .. nearly

---

---

Just crossed the border by foot!

Left Ecuador, stood waiting for my Colombian visa, handed over my passport, dude looks at it for a while and then asks me if Im from Nothern Ireland or Southern Ireland!

I wasnt really expecting this so was a little flustered in my response, but realising the reason, I tell him that although I was born in Belfast, its a passport from the Republic.

He then, picks up the phone then buggers off for 10 mins with my passport.

If you are not aware, Irelands profile or more exactly N.Irelands profile has been front page news in Columbia over the last number of years due to 3 alleged ecotourists/IRA guys being arrested for training FARC rebels. They were banged up for 2-3 years on trial, then jumped bail! Irish had to pre apply for a visa up to 6 months ago.

Needless to say Belfast must be a little bit of a red light to the Authorities. I also find it quite strange that when people ask you where you are from, its the only country I have been to where nearly everybody asks if you are from Northern or Southern Ireland. They seem to know their European geography quite well!!!!!

---

Photos

Papayan
colonial

Comments

[COLOMBIA]

The name is COLOMBIA
Thank God they didn't let you in!!! you can't even spell the name of the country right!!! It is C-O-L-O-M-B-I-A LOL happy travels!

[Tireoin]

Farkin Hell
blog is good crack - keep it up! Yeah man, those Columbians have done their homework on the FARC - it pays to hold both pps if u can - i know its a bit of a wrench to hold the brit one, but it can help in some places!! if ur in venezuela, make sure to head north to the beaches - mate o mine says they're the biz - and backpacker free - i bet you have encountered loads of Kraut backenpakkkers - still performing experiments on the natives I bet....

[elluco]

fair point! must have been the hangover from the night before...

[Marky]

Any craic?
Hey Luke, the trail has gone cold. Whats the story? Have the authorities over there taken a special interest? Should have stayed in Quito and avoided the shellfish instead. Never mind, Siobhan has drafted a letter for Amnesty on your behalf . Your blog is getting kinda dated. Perhaps you chould smuggle out a comm next time screws are looking the other way. Tell us about your latest entry. Maybe not. Anyway hope all is well big guy (is that what they call you now?). Will be looking out for you on CNN.