Adiós mi Amigo, for now...Colombia Part 2 #21

From June, 2015

The Salt Cathedral just outside of the capital in Zipaquira is noted for being the country’s first ‘wonder’, and after cathedral connoisseur Rodney had rated it in his top three, it was a must see. The two-hour bus journey could not have been more worth it as the enormous underground-caved cathedral was like nothing I'd seen before. For just COL $25,000 – a mere £6.50 – I was able to see the inspiring religious sculptures and areas of worship. You also get an unfitting 90s techno music and ceiling light show displaying colours of Colombia and a short movie explaining the history of the mine – these I could take or leave. It was a real shame to see stalls and arcade games as it removed much of the authenticity. Nonetheless, it was still an incredible sight and was enjoyed with two delightful fellow Londoners I'd met before entering.

To continue my habit of seeing previously met people living overseas, I thought it'd be perfect to meet distant relatives living in Bogota. I was treated to a delightful lunch in the north of the capital as I properly met family members I don't even remember meeting over 15 years previously. My caring uncle then had his driver take me to the airport as I sat awkwardly rocking – yet somewhat comfortably – on a garden chair in the back of his van.

Cartagena - on the northern coast - was a beautiful tourist town reminiscent of northern France. It was by far the hottest destination on my travels so far, and the heat became quite unbearable; forcing little activity. I met up with Rodney again and we walked to the disappointing beach which – although goes on for some distance – lacked width, and it had too many disturbing sellers who failed to take the dropping of much more than a hint. A highlight was playing beach football – regularly nutmegging the embarrassed Rodney – with some young locals. The weather was even too much for them as they regularly left the ‘pitch’ to jump into the sea to cool down.

We walked along the historic Cartagena Wall by the coast and saw a great city and ocean view. With the aim of saving money and eating healthily, I went to buy ingredients to cook at the hostel, only to realise before paying that – due to the ridiculously cheap restaurants – it would prove to be less costly eating out. It was the right choice, as I found a delicious vegan and vegetarian place on the street we were staying on less than a minute away. Then my sweet tooth came back and an Australian and a Belgian introduced us to a wonderful ice cream shop. We visited a few bars and were unexpectedly reunited with a Peruvian from our hostel in Bogota. He complimented my salsa dancing and offered his sincere advice to Rodney...

The last month had seen Rodney and I attempt to improve our football ‘keepy ups’ and we had struggled significantly. On our final night in Cartagena we found an empty pitch beside a large pond and tried again. We eventually smashed our target and were pretty damn chuffed with ourselves. This was after playing with two local kids – one of whom was a third of my age but already had considerably better skills than me. On an occasion, my poor kick caused the ball to travel towards the water. Due to the slow pace of the ball, I knew it would stop before reaching the water. Nevertheless, Rodney ran cautiously, picked the ball up and idiotically threw it straight at a tree, causing it to bounce into the middle of the pond. In he went to fish it out. He really is a plonker sometimes.

The two of us have decided to part ways temporarily as he moves on to explore the Amazon and South America. I have chosen to return to my beloved New York to attend to unfinished personal business I have with the glorious city, and to assess its future living potential. We plan to meet in Central America in the near future but who knows what may come our way next...Bonjour, Rodney!