Paul writes. This is my second and sadly last blog of the trip. First of all, it would be remiss of me not to wish my beautiful wife Burtie a happy anniversary. After thirty-six years, this is the first time I have run away on this day and I’ll try not to let it happen again. As advertised yesterday I thought I would give an overview of my impressions of Colombia and the Pan American highway.
I have to say I have absolutely loved Colombia, both for its charm and hugely varied scenery as well as very friendly and sometimes overly enthusiastic locals (particularly in the hat selling arena). If Colombia was a hotel it would probably be Fawlty Towers. My first experience was on the flight over on a brand new Dreamliner and the cabin crew in fire engine red uniforms with lipstick to match. They enthusiastically handed out newspapers down one side and forgot the other side and were surprised when no one on either side wanted a three course meal at 1:00 am in the morning.
I have not felt any degree of unease since arriving here, even when our hotel in Cartagena was permanently padlocked from the inside. Everywhere we have been, the locals have been very friendly and happy to chat endlessly to Mike whose Spanish is now virtually fluent. I love the signage here complete with extremely helpful graphics. In these two examples one warns of the effects of excessive drinking and the other is fairly obvious.
The Pan American highway – now there’s a road and a half. It’s either the most amazing surface you could imagine or very much work in progress with endless roadworks. One technique I have learned is overtaking while approaching a massive speed bump. This involves accelerating towards the speed bump disregarding the possibility of there being any traffic coming the other way, based on the assumption they must be slowing down. The big challenge is the final last minute slow down to avoid head injuries for all passengers.
What has been great for me has been the huge contrast I have seen from the searing heat of Cartagena up into to mountains and crazy roads where you feel like you are approaching the end of the world and suddenly end up in Medellin which is about the size of Manchester.
I also loved the coffee region where we had a lovely two night stay apart from the cockerel who started squawking at around three in the morning and didn’t have a stop button of any sort. It staggered me how they can put coffee plants on almost vertical slopes which then have to be picked by hand.
Journey’s end in Colombia for us was Buga, which is a charming small town with a massive cathedral in the middle of it. We were staying at a Fawlty Towers type hotel with the world’s largest hotel swimming pool but needs a bit of a makeover.
I’ve been trying on my outfit for the AGM next week but I appear to be a tad overdressed for Colombia.
The final leg for me was the short drive to Cali then two flights to Quito in Ecuador where my South American journey ends and starts for Doug who is my replacement in the guest seat. Having complained to the boys about having the stigma of a double digit row we got upgraded to business class – result! Doug, remember you are on a fixed price deal here so make the most of it, I certainly have.
So it just remains for me to say a huge thank you to the guys for inviting me and making me feel so much part of the team. I am genuinely sad to be leaving at this point although I suspect my liver wouldn’t agree with that statement. So good luck with your travels boys, continue to have fun and above all stay safe.
Our America’s Challenge Drive 