Armenia - Colombia

We flew to Bogota, the capital of Colombia. From there we got a taxi to the bus terminal, and aboard we got on to yet another 9 hour bus journey. It was a long journey, even though the distance to Armenia isnt far, the roads are in awful condition so it was a very windy journey!
We met up with Juliana, Oscars sister and her boyfriend Andres-We were staying in their apartment for 5 days.  ´

The next day we went to meet Oscars family and his other half sister who was leaving that day to go on holiday. We went to Oscars parents house to chill out and meet the many pets they own! Then we headed to the restaurant in the centre which they own, and had a free menu to choose whichever beers and food we wanted...dream! All of the family are just so friendly and lovely. And none of them speak english, so it was a great way for me to practice. James is even learning quite a bit too.

That afternoon we went to explore around the local towns in the Area, one being Finlandia-which is very Colombian..people sitting outside drinking the famous coffee, brightly coloured houses, horses and carriages. We went up to the highest point to overlook everything. Armenia is very green and hillly, so it was an amazing view. That evening we went to stay the night in a friends mansion (which the dad is currently looking after) and we watched Colombia has talent and drank Arguardiente (the local bottle of spirit which you drink casually with the family by having shots with water after)!

We visited a coffee farm today to see how the process of coffee takes place in Colombia. Coffee is considered the best in the world here, so its a massive part of the culture. Unfortunatley the whole tour was in spanish so James didnt understand much, so i had to translate as best as I could. It was really interesting though, and we got to pick the coffee beans ourselves! We also tried on the traditional outfits worn in the farms used to pick coffee...i think the girls enjoyed that bit more than the boys. Poor old James didnt really know what was happening, especially when the boys had to get up and dance-a hilarious sight to see J not having a clue what was going on! Included in the tour was a traditional lunch of rice and beans with roasted banana...very yummy.That evening we went out into the town to lots of bars with Juliana and Andres. We went to a fun bar where you have to wear hats to take shots, and some drinks come served on fire!

Next day we walked around the town, buying presents and had some coffee and some traditional sweet bread that they love here. Its just great being with locals, trying all the food and drink out and being shown around. That afternoon we ate a big soup with the parents and chilled at their house. James by this point was becoming a bit fed up of the language barrier, as it was hard to communicate with everyone. But somehow he got by!

The last day was spent driving to a lovely town about 1 hour away called Salento. We looked around the town and walked right to the top of the hill to have a look over the area. There were lots of little boutique shops with lots of sombreros, coffees, touristy goods to buy. Juliana and I bought sombreros. For lunch we ate the typical food of the town, called Trucha (Trout with huge fried banana chips). It was delicious. That afternoon we visited Cocora, well known for having 100 metre tall wax palm trees (please google!) - the most beautiful sight ever, as theyre hidden in the mountains with the clouds low down. We went horse riding around the mountains and lakes, it was just stunning. James horse was not very obedient and it kept going really fast! I also nearly fell off mine because we went into a tree and I had to duck suddenly! Slightly dangerous experience, as the trail was very slippy and very up and down...it looked very difficult for the horses!

On the last morning we were suppose to be going White water rafting but it had been raing and it was too dangerous. So we spent the morning at the restaurant with the family speaking spanish of course!
After an action packed week we had no time to write this blog!
However it was an incredible 5 days and experience, definatelty one to remember.

xxxx