So we were supposed to leave the hostel at 7am as the hostel had arranged for a bus to come and pick us up and take us to the park. But being on Colombian time I was thinking around 730. But the bus had a puncture and in the end we didn’t end up leaving until around 830am – the bonus was that we managed to have the inclusive breakfast before we left. The taxi to the park took around an hour and even though we’d reserved our tickets online there was still a bit of a queue to get in. But once we were in the first thing we heard were howler monkeys. I’d heard these before in Costa Rica but had never seen one – but this time I actually saw a couple of them. The walk through the park was amazing- everything was so green and the beaches were gorgeous.

It took us about 2 hours to get to Cabo san Juan beach where I was going to be spending the night. First thing we did was swim in the sea which was lovely and refreshing after the sweaty walk.

We managed to meet up with the guys from the other hostel (Melissa, Michelle, Florian and Heiko) but they all had to leave around 3pm to get out of the park before it shut at 5pm. Luckily I met another girl, Hanna, who was staying the night too. We watched the sunset with a beer – it was a bit cloudy so it wasn’t the best but still pretty beautiful. We had dinner at the only restaurant at the camp site and met up with a couple of other girls from England and Colombia. It’s great getting tips from everyone as you travel round. Sleeping in the hammock was an interesting experience. It was a pretty windy night so was a bit colder than I was expecting so I hardly slept at all despite the hammock being really comfortable. But it meant I was awake to see the sunrise from the viewing point. We decided to do the walk to Pueblito to see the ruins and indigenous village and then out of the park via Calabazo. To be honest I had no idea how difficult this trek was and we had to scramble over rocks and climb a huge amount of steps- but it was definitely worth it. I had to get the local bus back to Santa Marta where the air con was open windows and for most of the journey I was standing as the bus was packed with the conductor literally hanging out of the door! After the most needed shower it was off for some pizza with Elissa and Onur before heading to a rooftop bar for a few rum and cokes and a bit of salsa dancing! Am looking forward to a lovely sleep and a relaxing day on the beach tomorrow

After walking round the old town of Cartagena and then walking over the walls of the city in 32 degrees heat yesterday I was pretty knackered. So I tried to have a little kip but didn’t really sleep.

Around 5pm I set out to cafe del Mar which is THE place to watch the sunset over the ocean – all the tourists go there. But despite being quite full, and the drinks being expensive for Colombia, it is definitely worth it.

For dinner I just walked down Carerra 10 in the Getsemani area, stopped for a bit of people watching at Trinidad square and then had a delicious traditional meal at Viva restaurant. The food was delicious and cheap.

After a quick rum at the Hostel bar I was in bed by 1030pm which meant I woke up nice and refreshed this morning, ready for my trip to Santa Marta.

By the way, I would definitely recommend El Arsenal Hostel- it has really good, clean facilities, a small pool and the staff are really helpful (and they speak English).

I got the bus to Santa Marta which took around four hours. Luckily it had air con and I managed to have a little sleep. The leg room left something to be desired. My new friends Elissa and Onur were on the bus too.

We checked into the hostel in Santa Marta and then went to get some food with a couple of Canadian girls too. I had some delicious seafood.

And after a couple of beers I’m going to have an earlyish night as a few of us ate heading to Parque Tayrona tomorrow and it’s an early start.

Loving Colombia so far!

The flights went smoothly, the food was pretty good and my luggage arrived at the same airport as me.

I arrived very early this morning so made the most of it and took a free walking tour around Cartagena – which I highly recommend. This is a beautiful city – lots of old colonial buildings and still surrounded by an old fortress wall.

It’s been invaded lots of times and once by Francis Drake who destroyed quite a few of the buildings before he left. It has a pirate history too.

The weather is amazing – currently around 32 with beautiful blue skies. Luckily my hostel has a small swimming pool to cool off in. I’ve tried some of the local food – Arueppe (or spelt something like that) which was corn bread with beef and egg inside and then fried- pretty good.

May go and watch the sunset later and grab a beer or two.

Life is good

So today is the day I leave. I hardly slept at all last night even though I’d pretty much packed up my room and the rucksacks were full to bursting! I really can’t fit anything else in either of them.

I saw a word on Facebook last week that described exactly how I’m feeling- excitement and nervousness about an upcoming trip. Obviously I forgot to save it so I can’t tell you what it is!

I am so going to miss everyone but I’ll keep in touch via this blog. I’ve set up whatsapp groups for family and close friends as I’m coming off Facebook while I’m away- otherwise it’ll take too much time finding out what everyone else is up to.

I’m going to miss waking up to this little man too.

Will let you know I arrive in Columbia safely!

Buen viaje

H xx

So this time next week I will be in Cartagena in Colombia at the start of my 100 day South America trip. I am really excited but also pretty scared about it. But I think at the moment the excitement out weights the nervousness. And there is the attraction of warmth and sunshine too!

Its the first time I’ve ever travelled completely on my own, doing all my own organising and booking hostels and trips. I’ve got to say, without the internet I would be at a complete loss, HostelWorld has proved invaluable.

Lots of people are giving me tips on where to go and what to see – some are telling me horror stories which is not really what I want to hear right now. But everyone who has been there says what a beautiful place it is, really diverse and on the whole the people are welcoming and friendly.

I’m thinking about what I need to pack – trying to fit everything I think I will need into a 40l and 20l rucksack is not going to be easy but I intend to travel light as I’m the one who’s got to carry it all!

There’s a lot to do before I leave – like pack up my room so I can rent it out, sort out all the finances so the bills are paid when I’m away, finish off all the odds and ends at work (last day this Friday!!!) and sort out what I am actually going to take with me.

I’ll keep you posted on how I get on as I travel around.