Thursday 13 November 2008

Popayan, Colombia: 346 kms (19026 kms)

Well it not 'alf rains in this part of the world. For the first time on this trip we started out on a day's riding with cats and dogs streaming from the heavens. And it didn't stop all day. See picture (left) taken in Cali, coincidentally of an attractive young lady! We'd have been better off wearing speedos and goggles. What's more is that it's actually pretty cold, very peculiar since we're at 2°N. Given that this is most probably our last night in the Northern Hemisphere it's time to reflect on a few local observations, most notably how stupidly insane the Colombians are when you put them behind the wheel of a car or truck. I doubt very much if there are any rules because if they exist nobody is paying any attention. The up side of this is that Matt and I can subsequently ride our bikes like absolute twats, safe in the knowledge that we are still the most sensible people on the road. If you can't beat them join them I say. Over taking on blind bends, driving on the wrong side and irresponsibly ignoring red lights will become the norm once both of us are back in Europe.

Passing through Ibaque yesterday we were abruptly stopped in our tracks by the military which, judging by the shear number of police, riot officers & soldiers (all dressed like Robocops) present you would've thought that an attempted coup was underway! Unfortunately the true reason was far more benign. Upon being re-routed for an impromptu tour of Ibaque city centre and their cholera laced fruit market (assumed), the reason for a 2 hour hiatus was nothing more than a convoy of indigenous families on their way to Bogota to protest at the way they are treated by the government. I guess the Colombian Robocops had to prove their worth but it all seemed pretty harmless really.

Our experience of Colombia so far as been extremely positive: taxis illuminate their roof light to indicate that they are for hire, roadside vegetation is pruned by strimmer as opposed to a machete and outside city centres there are actually signposts!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great picture sweetpea! ...just hope you have not chatted her up..;)

Anonymous said...

She was our “Hunny trap” but again we failed!

Seems like you guy are not easily distracted from you mission.

Hmm…

Comrade Jamieastos
FARC Rebel Leader
Eastern Section
Columbia
PS. What can I say!

Paul "Bro" Duncan said...

What an atmospheric shot - thanks for that.

Anonymous said...

As all the others say - great shot Sunshine. I liked that it was in B/W. Colour would not have been so atmospheric.

Dad

Emz said...

Amazing! Nearly as much rain as we've had in the UK recently! Happy biking xxx