tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65965688156288620902024-03-05T15:39:48.666+11:00CXLI<p align="center"><strong>An eclectic collection of miscellanea on politics, law, Linux, philosophy & food.</strong></p><p align="center"><em><strong>When ranting on twitter isn't enough.</strong></em></p>czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-35776472969366929532019-12-25T09:07:00.000+11:002019-12-25T09:07:23.713+11:00Prambanan <style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
Just outside of Yogjakarta there are several famous temples (and a church shaped like a chicken). It is possible to do Prambanan and Borobudur in a single day but considering the size of the temple complexes, it's better to do each separately.<div><br></div><div>Prambanan is very close to the city and can easily be reached by bus (or taxi). </div><div><br></div><div><div class="images"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeP_uqcS5DZgNizFxbduVAvt5Mf2p53jioyuZ94UNsF0aPE-oc5_GXkva3d2hvyJDVmtt6XIfLEWHxq8gvB5oeYQXGLP_o12qli__0mRhw5K9sce2CdGqGS5GC7zodqnt9tP0NYwOOk-v_/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577165886434.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeP_uqcS5DZgNizFxbduVAvt5Mf2p53jioyuZ94UNsF0aPE-oc5_GXkva3d2hvyJDVmtt6XIfLEWHxq8gvB5oeYQXGLP_o12qli__0mRhw5K9sce2CdGqGS5GC7zodqnt9tP0NYwOOk-v_/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577165886434.jpeg" alt="" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032"></a>
<p>Prambanan temple</p>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">Prambanan is a Hindu temple constructed in the 9th Century. It was destroyed by a volcanic eruption and largely forgotten until re- discovered by the Dutch in the 19th century. It's been under reconstruction ever since.</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hm1ClelBfYegpJo_BPMhTDWfk8FEem353si05yyOjsv91rds_dpLn1-ut6v8yGjxN9Nqo3yf3f5qcD5UQ0sdP3ZhTGlhgnxEdvEonU0D4Ej1q1mNzr6t5V9a-gLXBdBnZ184mBsfZSKI/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577166067611.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hm1ClelBfYegpJo_BPMhTDWfk8FEem353si05yyOjsv91rds_dpLn1-ut6v8yGjxN9Nqo3yf3f5qcD5UQ0sdP3ZhTGlhgnxEdvEonU0D4Ej1q1mNzr6t5V9a-gLXBdBnZ184mBsfZSKI/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577166067611.jpeg" alt="" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Buddhist temple in the Prambanan complex</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br></b></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">The complex consisted of up to 200 buildings, of which about 20 have been reconstructed. The three main temples have been fully reconstructed - the temples of Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma and facing these are the temples dedicated to the animals that serve them: the Eagle (Garuda), the Bull (Nandi) and Swan (Hamsa).</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">Within these temples are impressive statues of each of the Gods.</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QkPc5b_0vnBJ1fYVCc7jhDAaVrH2w75uzxNJ7NRLaODvJlEc5X8r_w4l9DDkxXNxtk2i5wRTr3DQPnxUO6l7wftLobwUt1mM6m6JSFJASFAUyDrSk4pN4Kcl-I_VHpfdlCwLbI-qHZDo/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577166700274.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QkPc5b_0vnBJ1fYVCc7jhDAaVrH2w75uzxNJ7NRLaODvJlEc5X8r_w4l9DDkxXNxtk2i5wRTr3DQPnxUO6l7wftLobwUt1mM6m6JSFJASFAUyDrSk4pN4Kcl-I_VHpfdlCwLbI-qHZDo/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577166700274.jpeg" alt="" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Statue of Vishnu</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvmEUPI3OdzIAz77ExSeFuBtPKg_x-7Q9FuWZIU7P6cKfSk90s3SOWaxcBxzWEj7whkYSWOO0OTKDEqvLcjsspUXhZdHzqAzYv7U_Brz964-aMvobxpf6Lf6df-2_oGIarSpsS5iKZNba/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577166758798.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvmEUPI3OdzIAz77ExSeFuBtPKg_x-7Q9FuWZIU7P6cKfSk90s3SOWaxcBxzWEj7whkYSWOO0OTKDEqvLcjsspUXhZdHzqAzYv7U_Brz964-aMvobxpf6Lf6df-2_oGIarSpsS5iKZNba/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577166758798.jpeg" alt="" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032"></a></div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBFS3ucex0Y_WdztcfFIm2KFQJNaGBlf9VZaO3OXxbrawY8tc2qpKJV3QssdvdcO395_SCrhtD_bN7zFvzeRBhEWnShi4kD-pqMDucbvNyIfSKwwK5xQQ1HnB0uCITOfrC3RLyHn9KTmq/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577166759454.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBFS3ucex0Y_WdztcfFIm2KFQJNaGBlf9VZaO3OXxbrawY8tc2qpKJV3QssdvdcO395_SCrhtD_bN7zFvzeRBhEWnShi4kD-pqMDucbvNyIfSKwwK5xQQ1HnB0uCITOfrC3RLyHn9KTmq/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577166759454.jpeg" alt="" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Statue of Ganesh</b></div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLpEpG-UwBsXfFya3Mg3CHKT6bJKgDq8b3Uyd5fplzSx8YsP28VY8QHDSm5jt_V00ZucmyYEZSWIH0rZixRq9of8zqRpHOBej7625BrzykrQtAJZ_xDwninGWrUo73B_ZCraFjIY-cRuU/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577166758119.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLpEpG-UwBsXfFya3Mg3CHKT6bJKgDq8b3Uyd5fplzSx8YsP28VY8QHDSm5jt_V00ZucmyYEZSWIH0rZixRq9of8zqRpHOBej7625BrzykrQtAJZ_xDwninGWrUo73B_ZCraFjIY-cRuU/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577166758119.jpeg" alt="" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">And the animals</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWKGfKLlgadl0F5YwoOYjmW3h-Zq9z_DxxHise-8YMeNIwQ6ynJg3yvnUK7vZi9nLHhaGY8uV5tiMN0T_pB3Nv11SGxZJbDTjLwqFNMSqRn1HbfEWoNu3txCJRayQ3O3k3NcyoSOo8Fwx/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577166817597.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWKGfKLlgadl0F5YwoOYjmW3h-Zq9z_DxxHise-8YMeNIwQ6ynJg3yvnUK7vZi9nLHhaGY8uV5tiMN0T_pB3Nv11SGxZJbDTjLwqFNMSqRn1HbfEWoNu3txCJRayQ3O3k3NcyoSOo8Fwx/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577166817597.jpeg" alt="" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Nandi</b></div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuk1zAp9FfAQ3NEewQ1bjqqafYI1FZ6aE8Ruk38ZDiST4uvlWTMTwyu-k77kUfStPYo3LLqF0rKHeQt-novg139-c-dFw1WeChd2dpH_7MiJLznDx9UH57bW_qOK5weCBZSQxhh0G5JqP/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577166816926.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuk1zAp9FfAQ3NEewQ1bjqqafYI1FZ6aE8Ruk38ZDiST4uvlWTMTwyu-k77kUfStPYo3LLqF0rKHeQt-novg139-c-dFw1WeChd2dpH_7MiJLznDx9UH57bW_qOK5weCBZSQxhh0G5JqP/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577166816926.jpeg" alt="" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">And around the temple are impressive carvings depicting Hindu stories.</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2G5VlYo6HWkh-d8pAGNLwj7_6bqtBQN48CKbJm8bWNs5sh8BjNhlgpaX6_ilDfOq5iZFs6lP5x9EuaqMoBrzp0U3SVt0KKXSWuy6efa9yZvK1roRd4bpaIqTYth-HbC8Wa3oUvmldNsf/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167024082.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2G5VlYo6HWkh-d8pAGNLwj7_6bqtBQN48CKbJm8bWNs5sh8BjNhlgpaX6_ilDfOq5iZFs6lP5x9EuaqMoBrzp0U3SVt0KKXSWuy6efa9yZvK1roRd4bpaIqTYth-HbC8Wa3oUvmldNsf/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167024082.jpeg" alt="" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Temple carvings</b></div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDPaMSqWxh_zOMgv4snu_c8QTM0zMvYrlZ75K_UbmbhTOhqaxJsKHTivFuOpCX0vK7HaZ0dIcm8MY9PBsMVeJ1tygISg5Kuu_YruJo46WJfPMMrjGyS9WO7ub4BsRBLR8gS-NWEMGkiBX/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167024777.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDPaMSqWxh_zOMgv4snu_c8QTM0zMvYrlZ75K_UbmbhTOhqaxJsKHTivFuOpCX0vK7HaZ0dIcm8MY9PBsMVeJ1tygISg5Kuu_YruJo46WJfPMMrjGyS9WO7ub4BsRBLR8gS-NWEMGkiBX/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167024777.jpeg" alt="" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024"></a></div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkT41NRSu80D8vuRgPxhZxOAtKoNgJzh-n8erj7Uq8o-9a2VYrlCoXJa9wQXwCBRmtwOvEW15S41FxZA7-Qf0NTeMHfBgAf6SQZC0PtdrhyphenhyphenMwSR3fPZNcdXQnANSvl_MvTXLXAufSzgb2/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167023412.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkT41NRSu80D8vuRgPxhZxOAtKoNgJzh-n8erj7Uq8o-9a2VYrlCoXJa9wQXwCBRmtwOvEW15S41FxZA7-Qf0NTeMHfBgAf6SQZC0PtdrhyphenhyphenMwSR3fPZNcdXQnANSvl_MvTXLXAufSzgb2/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167023412.jpeg" alt="" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">The complex is impressive in its sheer size and number of buildings.</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm-TpCyQNWgooPjFXZnI70IdjYLTg3cT4ctHWAeUKB1PKMYbUFTY68gZciC_-k9lKEMJdN0CGHuVLoNMsoopBWjbrIjT4xdzyAcVa3IsYf5gs5xUYe5rYvmcPqHQxQSeQKR_IkEMwWko7/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167152173.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm-TpCyQNWgooPjFXZnI70IdjYLTg3cT4ctHWAeUKB1PKMYbUFTY68gZciC_-k9lKEMJdN0CGHuVLoNMsoopBWjbrIjT4xdzyAcVa3IsYf5gs5xUYe5rYvmcPqHQxQSeQKR_IkEMwWko7/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167152173.jpeg" alt="" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Prambanan at sunset</b></div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfXG0pM8BpXjxTYD989zRIlbLeS7E6Adfn2u1x8gr9bLko3b2BvDa75LYix-bTRXo9V3eP73Dq8OiD84yR8hdKp3FSlHXPL37l91vrHuoI4HH-IEtQSQ6gx6GKdSKrwMlzybV-JrSBibz/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167152621.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfXG0pM8BpXjxTYD989zRIlbLeS7E6Adfn2u1x8gr9bLko3b2BvDa75LYix-bTRXo9V3eP73Dq8OiD84yR8hdKp3FSlHXPL37l91vrHuoI4HH-IEtQSQ6gx6GKdSKrwMlzybV-JrSBibz/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167152621.jpeg" alt="" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024"></a></div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXS9zQCl9-PvVaZI5rih4PTZDvpr06-I5laGj7MWpDS-2eD1vq1qMOEVbFus8vvoDvvzthzP8bG6e5qbd-AaiKP8QbtELjEB45J5b9TuiQqmidpXGioa0EF_KxwM4-_2c7N6LiIVy9u2Rf/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167151265.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXS9zQCl9-PvVaZI5rih4PTZDvpr06-I5laGj7MWpDS-2eD1vq1qMOEVbFus8vvoDvvzthzP8bG6e5qbd-AaiKP8QbtELjEB45J5b9TuiQqmidpXGioa0EF_KxwM4-_2c7N6LiIVy9u2Rf/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167151265.jpeg" alt="" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">Including some contemporary Buddhist temples on the outskirts of the complex.</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNocSA5UuSRqO0AD9eD9bv0o7jVS28CuSDUdWOb8L4aAQJ0Yy52kzT34-hMKfbMVtVbwjT7R_CJQLT0ac0j1d89E1uASwoljaaY85xMzC2YVbaDAVhS6vrGgpzmTmugykAWVTXYmtyZwt/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167221364.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNocSA5UuSRqO0AD9eD9bv0o7jVS28CuSDUdWOb8L4aAQJ0Yy52kzT34-hMKfbMVtVbwjT7R_CJQLT0ac0j1d89E1uASwoljaaY85xMzC2YVbaDAVhS6vrGgpzmTmugykAWVTXYmtyZwt/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167221364.jpeg" alt="" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032"></a></div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7ChI6BWQu-GjcteeTo-qmM2HdKiVZl3qsiAKGqmr5zdx2K1cOJNBHZYxrsfnLYCuLRlgF3XIutKt4AzTgOYKcMd02BXkUXcE5u11nmXAJlHMcYa2A6LQZ0SeG_YQNuG-8rC0JQo6IATz/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167221842.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7ChI6BWQu-GjcteeTo-qmM2HdKiVZl3qsiAKGqmr5zdx2K1cOJNBHZYxrsfnLYCuLRlgF3XIutKt4AzTgOYKcMd02BXkUXcE5u11nmXAJlHMcYa2A6LQZ0SeG_YQNuG-8rC0JQo6IATz/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167221842.jpeg" alt="" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032"></a></div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkeHb0tkiL5zil8RZYfwS0WdxTqp0pImwFmPxNcAyauneu7cC5NUSJG5iSxHVMv84Npcg6keUnNwSHqY0flkZ-7Katw2Xh3s7iV88DLhis2JdIEsF8-IT6B2aGtw9u0FyWM98xvOoS5pH/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167220885.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkeHb0tkiL5zil8RZYfwS0WdxTqp0pImwFmPxNcAyauneu7cC5NUSJG5iSxHVMv84Npcg6keUnNwSHqY0flkZ-7Katw2Xh3s7iV88DLhis2JdIEsF8-IT6B2aGtw9u0FyWM98xvOoS5pH/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167220885.jpeg" alt="" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">I would recommend at least 4 hours to enjoy the whole complex, especially since the tourist price for entry was around $A35.</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">That gives you enough time to enjoy the sunset</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DxNaIFjiHHM5YwR4pfl0dqe3azTOmRE6rxZbGjvjzq4xhw-pTyVW83qU3WBh6gaIAkOGmuHZg3L6aahoF7ZGvFOOC4wAfZLsbK0QJ1_uCmL5o1CSClzaCo0WnjE27nkdv5JhC9kNAIGf/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167381667.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DxNaIFjiHHM5YwR4pfl0dqe3azTOmRE6rxZbGjvjzq4xhw-pTyVW83qU3WBh6gaIAkOGmuHZg3L6aahoF7ZGvFOOC4wAfZLsbK0QJ1_uCmL5o1CSClzaCo0WnjE27nkdv5JhC9kNAIGf/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167381667.jpeg" alt="" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024"></a></div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MahCAy4Th5eUjdVtRYBq7GFqsazvPS10vixMcJ3_dN31ATaasl9ml3pyZwZ2SwAK_Zpl3XxIkpi5Z3kuG6eSMvxkoBbobpJEU5uGZWA8oAbcKyDoh-iDZRM2wIf5plbJ2m2Ewl0RgKIH/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167382116.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MahCAy4Th5eUjdVtRYBq7GFqsazvPS10vixMcJ3_dN31ATaasl9ml3pyZwZ2SwAK_Zpl3XxIkpi5Z3kuG6eSMvxkoBbobpJEU5uGZWA8oAbcKyDoh-iDZRM2wIf5plbJ2m2Ewl0RgKIH/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167382116.jpeg" alt="" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032"></a></div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4Bg48woGPiCF2_eAlkI9Ihw6HQXzaiIyggsi7IPIuzwJkhtWX-tAY76uJgm3GLDuG_OOkgfmbTLV-X_ZiB1hfaDIRCQRx6bmQC9Za5q6j-6rA5BqxzKwZO58b78jBBzq2MGn-tKC3wJI/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167381198.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4Bg48woGPiCF2_eAlkI9Ihw6HQXzaiIyggsi7IPIuzwJkhtWX-tAY76uJgm3GLDuG_OOkgfmbTLV-X_ZiB1hfaDIRCQRx6bmQC9Za5q6j-6rA5BqxzKwZO58b78jBBzq2MGn-tKC3wJI/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577167381198.jpeg" alt="" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;">And make it back to Yogjakarta for its eclectic Nightlife.</div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhydPHsCNTYBUeM57BylWDf1VS9xdrqKqnzDlYEgXhqwhIjoXI13Q96cjLZl6dzg-U77FTJTWLrbIZVFxx2ftM5XlsA9-hzc5UVPn_Vlih9eiewNqyrQRrAPMNM8DU_0E2GvqmRfinCE5/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577224616338.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhydPHsCNTYBUeM57BylWDf1VS9xdrqKqnzDlYEgXhqwhIjoXI13Q96cjLZl6dzg-U77FTJTWLrbIZVFxx2ftM5XlsA9-hzc5UVPn_Vlih9eiewNqyrQRrAPMNM8DU_0E2GvqmRfinCE5/s1600/IMG_ORG_1577224616338.jpeg" alt="" width="320" height="237" data-original-width="2621" data-original-height="1942"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Classic rock, Yogjakarta style</b></div><br><br></div><br><br></div><br><br></div><br><br></div><br><br></div><br><br></div><br><br></div><br><br></div><br><br></div><br><br></div><br><br></div>czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-89412251955429572792019-12-04T21:34:00.000+11:002019-12-04T21:34:20.008+11:00Yogjakarta: Water Castle and Sultan's PalaceYogjakarta is a large city in West Java known for its food and its traditional culture and arts. Within the city are several examples of 18th Century traditional architecture in the form of the Water Castle (Taman Sari) and the still used Sultan's Palace.<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div><br></div><div>Taman Sari is easily accessible from the city centre and is a nice way of spending an hour or two in Yogjakarta. Entry costs around $AUD1.5 with an additional $AUD1 for using a camera. There are several guides at the entrance who will show you around for a donation which is worth whatever you feel like paying them - inevitably the tour will go to their "father's" batik shop where you can buy overpriced batik, but apart from this typical annoyance it's worth getting a guide.</div><div><br></div><div>The tour starts through the main gate which is ornately carved with typical Javanese motifs.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqT3I7ocNHpcCLVJQgKNIF5Cp3nXB5Ou8BpTT5PvFtBigNqZOGPLkgj0LdTxf1RIVmOuEuGHT1wmLwkgZLO6XMASeF_sxDFoqtwzb6wnvdrztfJxM8UmVU_PtYJ3UJ6XVpHukn0kaGFz-u/s1600/IMG_ORG_1575453962407.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqT3I7ocNHpcCLVJQgKNIF5Cp3nXB5Ou8BpTT5PvFtBigNqZOGPLkgj0LdTxf1RIVmOuEuGHT1wmLwkgZLO6XMASeF_sxDFoqtwzb6wnvdrztfJxM8UmVU_PtYJ3UJ6XVpHukn0kaGFz-u/s1600/IMG_ORG_1575453962407.jpeg" alt="" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024"></a></div><br>Through the main gate you are greeted by the first pool, where the wives of the sultan swam.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflz28t9xPbxRkluS5qCnb82mx7sNZBkiZuaVRejtUkJbsoW8UBeb6C_hrZ4zLgLwTVSfazRUlPLBvH1wMbackUmqJJb4TiZVJdHkJeujFb6RsuOhnnEWUOEJsHVok9wXC59J7SqNp_WqV/s1600/IMG_ORG_1575454110788.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflz28t9xPbxRkluS5qCnb82mx7sNZBkiZuaVRejtUkJbsoW8UBeb6C_hrZ4zLgLwTVSfazRUlPLBvH1wMbackUmqJJb4TiZVJdHkJeujFb6RsuOhnnEWUOEJsHVok9wXC59J7SqNp_WqV/s1600/IMG_ORG_1575454110788.jpeg" alt="" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024"></a></div><br>At the far end of the pool is a viewing platform where the Sultan could watch his wives swimming. The pool is also surrounded by jasmine plants giving the area a pleasant scent.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysWP3cLYJ3tSM2gSYlqTse8kcyi3Vo64pyl_BohIXx0OGrIO8I5UHTjhEq3kfa6KEdVIgg-FXS87W-tcYg60WvJb5OMxMDQiXkog8gJcYtiKJBs0Y3EcZXANof_XYaFMYp7brtxfgSpkZ/s1600/IMG_ORG_1575454312397.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysWP3cLYJ3tSM2gSYlqTse8kcyi3Vo64pyl_BohIXx0OGrIO8I5UHTjhEq3kfa6KEdVIgg-FXS87W-tcYg60WvJb5OMxMDQiXkog8gJcYtiKJBs0Y3EcZXANof_XYaFMYp7brtxfgSpkZ/s1600/IMG_ORG_1575454312397.jpeg" alt="" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024"></a></div><br>Through the second gate is the Sultan's private swimming pool.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7sgBp_9IQfpwmtQga3-FjcqwQlBDjRJTElJcs6IqJtQiiQJc2cLLJUAxniZC18IKZycp56rkpBOwCnFZewnB38GcLkRQwPeeUveeaX6yF6X38ELeuTFZhyphenhyphenku4f2chY2e5ffQP3X0SDdv/s1600/IMG_ORG_1575454563477.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7sgBp_9IQfpwmtQga3-FjcqwQlBDjRJTElJcs6IqJtQiiQJc2cLLJUAxniZC18IKZycp56rkpBOwCnFZewnB38GcLkRQwPeeUveeaX6yF6X38ELeuTFZhyphenhyphenku4f2chY2e5ffQP3X0SDdv/s1600/IMG_ORG_1575454563477.jpeg" alt="" width="400" height="288" data-original-width="3684" data-original-height="2655"></a></div>Through the next gate brings you out into a courtyard where cock fights used to take place (the sandy area in the photo is the cockfighting ring).</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKko4xiLj2wj3gEWXkFu7KJoda6kq-HdQgyLWxMCRp0VPRA7pYYhoMtGAZHwwi678hP9k4575rKbogGrlatbDtP6fwiBdfdO_bQOTfTls6LNzTKqJoPvSw_QGf5-5REsJ3fB0fNKQFCsa/s1600/IMG_ORG_1575454817481.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKko4xiLj2wj3gEWXkFu7KJoda6kq-HdQgyLWxMCRp0VPRA7pYYhoMtGAZHwwi678hP9k4575rKbogGrlatbDtP6fwiBdfdO_bQOTfTls6LNzTKqJoPvSw_QGf5-5REsJ3fB0fNKQFCsa/s1600/IMG_ORG_1575454817481.jpeg" alt="" width="240" height="400" data-original-width="1936" data-original-height="3226"></a></div><br></div>Around this courtyard are several artisan shops making traditional puppets and batik.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbChtt7MghZDWW3qu_TI9gGOWkHfss6m8LV35yyL3DGN4nOjysNcI_beIQbJOuaArNAfpJHk69IqoNFMzkELMix8Pf7RFYJhLpqE5DOrFCgRdQ8eVpyqLwbDmFDY79U06wR4kjYxddNXX/s1600/IMG_ORG_1575454938723.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbChtt7MghZDWW3qu_TI9gGOWkHfss6m8LV35yyL3DGN4nOjysNcI_beIQbJOuaArNAfpJHk69IqoNFMzkELMix8Pf7RFYJhLpqE5DOrFCgRdQ8eVpyqLwbDmFDY79U06wR4kjYxddNXX/s1600/IMG_ORG_1575454938723.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032"></a></div><br>Further outside the main entrance is an underground mosque where the Sultan and his family would pray.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheY3zn3lTSFYPWseCyCX2nPACV0pM_XTk7BWK_2vKf9RSTB-z7FjpG3zpoawFLD0V7KMs0Trtx4CiauCoFNoUXeLreXH3WgvLi-3X05IKeSxPqlGMnXjYx5R8rEr82LB_h1Cy5mSg1cIEH/s1600/IMG_ORG_1575455044517.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheY3zn3lTSFYPWseCyCX2nPACV0pM_XTk7BWK_2vKf9RSTB-z7FjpG3zpoawFLD0V7KMs0Trtx4CiauCoFNoUXeLreXH3WgvLi-3X05IKeSxPqlGMnXjYx5R8rEr82LB_h1Cy5mSg1cIEH/s1600/IMG_ORG_1575455044517.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032"></a></div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_Pl1onUJgk64_fY_K6snpedzeDS98rN6tkZhcFE0VvaOEZzOTcvd1h2Rgq4zkaRjWuy8zDcas4G55oyQ1vR_NhXMSIuCXffjp7RasZdFQ1SHWOXzVqcgU5lBRlrarJCwpTY6DRooia1l/s1600/IMG_ORG_1575455025606.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_Pl1onUJgk64_fY_K6snpedzeDS98rN6tkZhcFE0VvaOEZzOTcvd1h2Rgq4zkaRjWuy8zDcas4G55oyQ1vR_NhXMSIuCXffjp7RasZdFQ1SHWOXzVqcgU5lBRlrarJCwpTY6DRooia1l/s1600/IMG_ORG_1575455025606.jpeg" alt="" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024"></a></div><br>From the Water Castle it is an easy walk to the Sultan's palace. </div><div><br></div><div>Entry fee to the Sultan's palace is $AUD1.5 with a $AUD1 camera fee.</div><div><br></div><div>The palace is still used by the current Sultan and employs 3000 people. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPxXQgP6ZdsJclJsqtHbI_oujg0WOoP2P_TL0jJij0UC9P2sjQosRoPzBIK_oPgPDz08uZxOcomIPEpZK6dsS_s3zasolu98CNiIliG0fvYd_KloSa2rmbWZKeg_7HHOThZ2zScEul6PR/s1600/IMG_ORG_1575455224723.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPxXQgP6ZdsJclJsqtHbI_oujg0WOoP2P_TL0jJij0UC9P2sjQosRoPzBIK_oPgPDz08uZxOcomIPEpZK6dsS_s3zasolu98CNiIliG0fvYd_KloSa2rmbWZKeg_7HHOThZ2zScEul6PR/s1600/IMG_ORG_1575455224723.jpeg" alt="" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>It contains several collections of artifacts and personal items of the Sultans. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpLdMucO01K8fO-m4RbAMQDiaVaEFxjq4rhVu1DY_sW1v2R3D1fyVWj4f5nQInVXZ_XgI-Ilyr6zqiBHil6LOTRj7X5qY69K9N0QlEVC0NcqkVuLmjQU19X2pDKbrJpSi76FUlTnYuEg8/s1600/IMG_ORG_1575455256782.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpLdMucO01K8fO-m4RbAMQDiaVaEFxjq4rhVu1DY_sW1v2R3D1fyVWj4f5nQInVXZ_XgI-Ilyr6zqiBHil6LOTRj7X5qY69K9N0QlEVC0NcqkVuLmjQU19X2pDKbrJpSi76FUlTnYuEg8/s1600/IMG_ORG_1575455256782.jpeg" alt="" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024"></a></div><br>I was a little underwhelmed by the palace but one thing it did have was a live Javanese orchestra performance, which was relaxing way to finish the day before eating my weight in satay.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8L6rLVDMLQgklpSJR3kPIKduvAhL83Z0DbNT6CG-cjjRAfGKZRd6kb0Ou8Dy1o7hli5XCMDfqJclC-DTQ7CqHLxuWwed1spIJFXmIFNK787Cz8mvFX1IDOzcdGkYLQeKiHQe0RYRVe4pU/s1600/IMG_ORG_1575455503020.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8L6rLVDMLQgklpSJR3kPIKduvAhL83Z0DbNT6CG-cjjRAfGKZRd6kb0Ou8Dy1o7hli5XCMDfqJclC-DTQ7CqHLxuWwed1spIJFXmIFNK787Cz8mvFX1IDOzcdGkYLQeKiHQe0RYRVe4pU/s1600/IMG_ORG_1575455503020.jpeg" alt="" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024"></a></div><br><br></div><div><br><br></div><div><br><br></div>czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-23782553501318492742017-05-17T18:09:00.001+10:002017-05-17T19:02:16.466+10:00Mae Kampong Village<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WNcPrs_1meQ/WRwGrkj8HfI/AAAAAAAAltg/RmNJIGFhxQo3ry0l2o4vHy6pSJsxvUNHwCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Mae Kampong village</p></div>Mae Kampong is a small village about an hour's drive from Chiang Mai near the Chae Son National Park. <br><br>The village has not quite yet made it on to the tourist trail so the village remains tranquil and small.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hle1HOyn-tU/WRwI925AFvI/AAAAAAAAlts/0IK853Bgov8i_iNa1eyLTmtVHEP6rcG2ACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The main road of Mae Kampong</p></div>The village has a little river running through it that winds past a small temple.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sb5fHFczgYY/WRwKoPZgTiI/AAAAAAAAluA/E_3weWRj-3c6Ma30tLpZwKpI3w4fYf9pACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The river</p></div>Further up the road the river flows over the Mae Kampong waterfall.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e8_cDQhWzN8/WRwMiqV6AiI/AAAAAAAAluU/WBwPg19JIlMZx5BIqHRFjFSAIuQHBmDEACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Mae Kampong waterfall</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xkote119TGk/WRwNND1gxGI/AAAAAAAAluk/tVJGFFb7RPYyqAq-Pm0r5WI0aaMpVfjlACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The top of the falls</p></div>Even further up the hill is the beginning of the trail to the Chae Son National Park.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DpUXsMbznEQ/WRwNyLHgneI/AAAAAAAAlus/Onhl4kLlZDQW2kVtkdlK2S26EBMn4zpYQCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Chae Son National Park</p></div>At around 1300m high the trail gives sweeping views accross the valley.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-136-ffxtrls/WRwOXbuQrSI/AAAAAAAAlu0/ORbWrEaCFq80Q9bOsNEkE2OxLqgOTFdvgCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The view from the trail</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jvawxgWa4qs/WRwOr0WaPjI/AAAAAAAAlu4/XpIsDmaQ_tQM97mXrY_n5-K4i3zJhvDggCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Looking down the valley</p></div>Back down the road there is a café perched on the hillside, looking down over the little village of Mae Kampong.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lo2C8cg-N3I/WRwPjvEFDoI/AAAAAAAAlvA/T7-0ePP3W18Cst4rpGRKQK74XljodUJCgCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Mae Kampong from the café</p></div>czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-53807681326197256632017-05-15T19:00:00.001+10:002017-05-15T21:40:20.212+10:00The hills around Chiang Mai<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ssd14EDamsc/WRlwM8RR_WI/AAAAAAAAlno/IRW6D0ieRkETfoFlJUzrI0pKAQBdkcNvACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Chiang Mai from the hills</p></div>Chiang Mai is surrounded by many hills covered in small villages, temples and farmland.<br><br>Just outside of Chiang Mai is the temple of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. It is easily reachable by the public red trucks or a tuk tuk. The temple is on the top of a hill outside Chiang Mai.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pMCSAoyNvwQ/WRlzEkTM9KI/AAAAAAAAln0/4Ldulp7o9786LSMNjpV4YZtL7DEgq_UAwCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The stairs to the temple</p></div>The temple is similar to many in the region.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--UDVKj3dYIU/WRlz7R9CsWI/AAAAAAAAln8/kA5qQKbpm3cVDTtm88jPQ8-m5BfquUpKACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The temple</p><br><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sXC7fKbQJ-s/WRl1K-GuYcI/AAAAAAAAloE/ZvM_esynKL4N298l8ZsR-cW88GGmzFWUwCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The altar at the temple</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tQmKYcZgWJE/WRl15CeLa6I/AAAAAAAAloQ/eMmXbWfzogomLz_TY6lSCWKzeO1Ith2lACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>A pagoda</p></div>But with spectacular views over Chiang Mai.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YhKccn9mp2Q/WRl2dxgHJgI/AAAAAAAAloY/xw54KPiG3p07vSVUw_JnKblZcejH7xCNQCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The hills around Chiang Mai from the temple</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3S3fadSTbkU/WRl228lrXTI/AAAAAAAAloc/znpUf6vxFRcO6EtoDYGK7TP-_WYyqV6XwCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Chiang Mai through the haze</p></div>Near the temple is the Huai Rap Sadet Waterfall and Nature trail. The waterfall itself is quite small (especially in the dry season) but the 1.5km nature trail gives a nice walk through the area.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0bQoms2rVG8/WRl5cJ1ssOI/AAAAAAAAlos/00mKMMDZvR8SIcXNhwJn8rLMyBPpAFWRACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The waterfall</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9D1JhbY3WuQ/WRl6Qk8MP9I/AAAAAAAAlo0/pugBhjM2qDoiw7we-7_Pm5NSXVZT-gE4ACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The bottom of the waterfall</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kn3BtRMF6hE/WRl7-uLCBOI/AAAAAAAAlpE/b1Tq5SOjcmEcg7XmcOE9bPVq-rHvNkJbgCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Chiang Mai from the nature trail</p><br><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PU8rwqGr7iU/WRl8lOaSMOI/AAAAAAAAlpM/tNwEDZrHTtkiZWdKzwNR42dPiLq1wVOuQCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The hills from the nature trail</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pvqGJNNn9qA/WRl9BkSSXgI/AAAAAAAAlpQ/ZxHnNST8RqsPrmtZr8VD3heqParrRofvQCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>An orchid</p></div>Further afield the hills are covered in farmland.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TGBof_LZpPI/WRl_BDu7ytI/AAAAAAAAlpc/LZXBUKYBzr0o_I3nKB3XVKSGT5sup4mEgCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Farmland</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wNUhp9Bl8tI/WRmAh-Ga7HI/AAAAAAAAlpo/WOz3_uuouaQ3CytyN5qFmlpisuxZWGM2gCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Banana plantation</p></div>There are also caves in the surrounding hills.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VBW5qQG00Dk/WRmCE_CATTI/AAAAAAAAlp0/i1xXPWrBe3o_a9g8BZl0gT41Tf49EDtNQCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>A cave</p></div>And many small villages offering basic accommodation.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yWvugX1xybg/WRmDMP0ZRcI/AAAAAAAAlqE/6Sod02uNyEQFxwBiFSCHqUS2By-fD3AowCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The accommodation for the night</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qIkuile1GiQ/WRmCsnyK1OI/AAAAAAAAlp8/JTg8C1I28-0ZBLEsO-14zn8YiGKUTpNRACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Sunset from the village</p></div>As well as many forested areas with various animals.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-09XkC2gi4Qw/WRmFL2i7JMI/AAAAAAAAlqQ/drOM_XP9jm4ywzRgq20y-ym3HOrXcgZ_ACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Golden Orb spider</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mTIxA3vLEYw/WRmF3gBpnpI/AAAAAAAAlqY/VCJ5pIYEPDw1QF5GxjqwrmPmsUvKNQs9wCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="312"><p>Tarantula</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g6zax-w3FLc/WRmGWa0_RiI/AAAAAAAAlqg/F6uXFIOoJNkXYx0S29uFMYIyZDU1wji-gCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Tarantula out of her burrow</p></div>And waterfalls which were perfect for a cooling swim.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tmrx6IqFQ54/WRmIPIa9CDI/AAAAAAAAlqs/QGe2S_-S0NE_23cGyifMguKElOlzKpgFQCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>A swimming hole</p></div>Before the long trek back to Chiang Mai.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6wtMeALqh48/WRmPuXCUzqI/AAAAAAAAlq8/Iw_CIhBTF00vmsxLyufuYWupU3l-j1RcQCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The trail back to Chiang Mai</p></div><br>czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-20305447469254496742017-05-06T14:58:00.001+10:002017-05-06T16:38:38.056+10:00The Northern City of Chiang Mai<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DPnbIXuL_4c/WQ1ZrrAuAjI/AAAAAAAAljg/tJfiKkWI9eAqxfZ5lUGgzxtYj7Uw9kMKACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>A canal in Chiang Mai</p></div>Chiang Mai is an old city in the North of Thailand surrounded by 600 year old city walls.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uKn3q_Ltwv4/WQ1bePiS0RI/AAAAAAAAljs/QV9WXpjF2C4cvdLvNcvq1V83gGmWaUgkgCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Fort Sri-poom</p></div>Unfortunately a fire in the 1950s destroyed much of the walls and gates, so the gates are reconstructions.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EGYuV1kHCUE/WQ1cE8BssTI/AAAAAAAAlj0/daoqNOebyyoTlnlYhGSsB1vGp_pDgHirQCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Tha Phae gate</p></div>However, there are still large sections of original walls around the city.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yguC6-KpUz8/WQ1eSOl4hYI/AAAAAAAAlkI/ArQEhQI7qUwHROkAzuSZjWfZZmwhU4DSACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Original city walls</p></div>Chiang Mai also has a 15th century temple which contains the original ruins.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yj57D3EfnpE/WQ1fZgfwRVI/AAAAAAAAlkQ/AbQtzp-CybUsUUbAhVsPUOLIjFf9MO6IwCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan</p><br><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi23kUrKrMsLDua-U5PsAxG3gtENkjLHthh5zxm2X_TeZBbrBhpS1wTUNT5VP5LAMi-eq7iYw25Xl9IgEn1X7Yl5Q3loj-gpMQLoDhIdvJrXofLCFVJuDLLV-5ri3_KRLsR92RH4sb2wse/" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The other side of the temple</p></div>As well as having a modern temple built within the complex.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xSGhewOS8xc/WQ1hvHsTHUI/AAAAAAAAlks/ZGGw9u5KjFkstq27fEfLem1QOCWPE9d0wCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The temple</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CaJGJX2F4u4/WQ1ipvoLoMI/AAAAAAAAlk0/ljxUuhQsM9s9m8ThmkiAq4lv6jS-d1ffQCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Inside the temple</p></div>Chiang Mai is situated on the Ping River and for 500 Baht you can take a cruise along the river.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a26ESAEdd_8/WQ1j2Bs1qII/AAAAAAAAlk8/NPz8WDnB8vImAhIkz0P1A1U4Wba4plhywCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The iron bridge</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3UNNrMwieyk/WQ1kN5Pj-mI/AAAAAAAAllA/qos4qtEMYGw9uG_AAbNykVDsiG7BgxjegCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"></div><div class="images">Sunset<br><br><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Um0gSuRV0kY/WQ1k9daVA8I/AAAAAAAAllI/0Ea9331afC4U7NfdZ6rIEmMDuJQ23LLcwCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Boats on the river</p></div>Chiang Mai is also known for having a large number of markets where you can find all manner of stuff, good food and music and cultural displays.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ls-MKjmIyuo/WQ1lsinzUvI/AAAAAAAAllQ/KbZlYBu1f7M3ow6P2Tv9HsUGrUhM583iQCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The night Bazaar</p><br><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RqsXSfsAue0/WQ1mJjglSbI/AAAAAAAAllU/zYnIL0FceNgqBjSL2iPrXsAjm8_y5dbUQCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>food at the market</p></div>And although to food at the market is delicious and cheap - sometimes it's nice to splash out on a fancy restaurant by the River and watch the sunset.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wky7GFrqvV8/WQ1nPStThZI/AAAAAAAAllc/xqm9l8jPLyEKKCJ9LEBpbUsNJmaG_cuUwCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Sunset on the Ping River</p></div>czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-7235660025645601792017-05-01T18:56:00.001+10:002017-05-02T19:51:04.109+10:00Bangkok - The old city<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YyWzYpaVBt0/WQb5ml2DoOI/AAAAAAAAlfM/b5bmuSvHofwgrP0OlEypiHv6A--giH7aQCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>A statue in the Grand Palace</p></div><br>Bangkok is probably more known for its bars and partying but the city also contains a rich history with many temples and other historic buildings. <br><br>At the heart of the old city is the Grand Palace.<br><br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IpS7e2juGOw/WQb6ygegDzI/AAAAAAAAlfU/Mat_29z0qwwt5HmB2ZDv2GxXZVA2cfGXACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Pagodas in the Grand Palace</p></div>The grand palace is an extremely popular tourist attraction and is extremely crowded. It also costs 500 Baht entry which is quite steep for Thailand. Another thing to keep in mind is that you cannot enter the complex in shorts or uncovered shoulders, so dress appropriately if you want to enter and enjoy the spectacular architecture.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PSt0WGEvlPs/WQb7xQY5QNI/AAAAAAAAlfc/zSc9FTZEW50AYf9kHcxvP4SI0fDnVnFLwCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Another Pagoda</p><br><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-emoizizhtBk/WQb8MmKQBVI/AAAAAAAAlfg/rKfskqIr7l4NFuo2lGlJZsr6cZLwDVNyACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Statues around the pagoda</p><br><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YX3coeVA1eo/WQb9TbYn5mI/AAAAAAAAlfo/JQN0Jrhw0r8upoML8ElzIe0E1tSus1llACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Decorative artwork on the main temple</p><br><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gbOC3095xzs/WQb9rGcCvxI/AAAAAAAAlfs/_SlkEJTd4eMvY73Fg9pYTD5Z3QmsaNv5QCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Inside the main temple.</p></div>Near to the Grand palace is the temple Wat Pho which is almost as impressive as the palace - and a lot less crowded.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4Ap0frR-lbU/WQb-Sn94kwI/AAAAAAAAlf0/miz-oXqSm8s7Fro64BUN6AuTZZDS0gm7wCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Wat Pho</p><br><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2Is3KxE51to/WQb-7OWaFNI/AAAAAAAAlf8/yepkAhIYbsoyBBlznTibqJP-o1t-y1KdACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The reclining Buddha</p></div>Within the temple complex is a large market with a huge variety of delicious food and drinks.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zOS7fwxfczU/WQb_YVAJS_I/AAAAAAAAlgA/U_WHRw-ljOIKdpD3ShRXex7Oatt37uSvACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The market</p></div>From Wat Pho you can either take a taxi or (overpriced) Tuk-tuk to see the other sights in the old city.<br><br>The big standing Buddha is a large statue of the Buddha within walking distance of Wat Pho.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HY64aky7JZM/WQcAgFf-NrI/AAAAAAAAlgI/x64yeN2O8q0MF_JS5qH2GZenKwsG5gkAwCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The big standing Buddha</p></div><br>Also in the Old City is the temple of Wat Saket which is on top of a small hill which gives views across the city.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3MMxrGHQwtg/WQcChMunqJI/AAAAAAAAlgY/zx4xAEFSew8H16caKuMJwZrN3E-nGLvUACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Bangkok from Wat Saket</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LKpCtW7fNMU/WQcC_3UCokI/AAAAAAAAlgg/2gj7UQcnn1YR1qXILzPGiYBwD_PCsQ4IACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The pagoda at Wat Saket</p></div><br>Accros the river is the temple of Wat Arun, which unfortunately was under repairs when I was there.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3K9N4yPxJMs/WQcDygSxdqI/AAAAAAAAlgo/6wwzImh9b1M59OVdicpJ8dQ7d0pjex6UwCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Houses on the river</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wNt6LEpeeqc/WQcEPvZQOLI/AAAAAAAAlgs/1zwD-5XxiQcA5Z7VgVNkGp5rMy4C8ysJgCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Wat Arun from the river</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qkop3gPVQdY/WQcE8KnRpRI/AAAAAAAAlg0/WdRAvxHFiEgRqRyORNb30RKeqf-wHUEswCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>A statue at Wat Arun</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3INquEk966A/WQcG5vYNjXI/AAAAAAAAlhI/PmxpzlWMMhw6kmMRtI7x0wPuflddgAwXgCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Wat Arun</p></div>Just outside of the Old City is Jim Thompson house. This historic house and museum tells the story of Jim Thompson, an American, who came to Thailand and revitalised the silk industry. The house is filled with interesting antiques and art (unfortunately they don't allow photos inside).<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jm8LP1puak4/WQhUszj1fVI/AAAAAAAAliE/I6bzuwUwSjgf3vbbK79cDCFgHpHZ-IGOwCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Jim Thompson house</p><br><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lL91tC_fKjU/WQhVKH-CTAI/AAAAAAAAliI/l0i4KTU8cMcUiQhzec7HJSfZZTIM9hJLQCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The gardens at Jim Thompson house</p></div>After the old city, I you can head into central Bangkok for the bars - some of which are better than others....<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IurLE8QZzis/WQhQAyN__2I/AAAAAAAAlhw/U6YlwrAtHi4yJvUzAQoWHvyy5asW5j22ACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>No Thailand....just no</p></div>czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-84504900534715551702017-01-20T20:35:00.001+11:002017-02-19T21:07:16.783+11:00Miami - Art Deco and Alligators<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ojStfQG9HsQ/WKleb9to3xI/AAAAAAAAkhk/0TXCxitfZQ0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The Ritz Carlton Hotel</p></div>The last stop on my 13 month journey was a brief stopover in Miami before the 24 hour flight home.<br><br>Miami is a fairly typical US city, however it has a large number of beautiful art deco buildings along the celubreous Ocean Drive near the famous Miami beach.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-woVTB44PGXo/WKlfbzkzwaI/AAAAAAAAkhw/TNCib2kldrw/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Hotels on Ocean Drive</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2yZQSx3AtYg/WKlfrv9-60I/AAAAAAAAkh0/nExvBHLlJxI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Shops and restaurants on Ocean Drive</p><br><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EmuS0vDK-rk/WKlf_qPqIrI/AAAAAAAAkh4/RMkAokG3x9Q/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The city from South Pointe pier</p><br></div>
You can walk the length of Miami beach from the famous South Pointe pier and see all the beach and the art deco hotels along Ocean Drive.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xBd-LrKGxGg/WKlgm3iIWlI/AAAAAAAAkiA/SV3okFIDjgk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The South Pointe Pier</p><br><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rMtk6mOsfcY/WKlhJjZwZaI/AAAAAAAAkiI/aS2VTd3qrAM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>A surf lifesaver station on Miami beach</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cqe4oshFeNY/WKlhc4GmbvI/AAAAAAAAkiQ/imd9C8BBmEY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Looking across the bay from South Pointe pier</p></div><br>The other thing that Miami is famous for is the Everglades. There are many companies that provide tours to the Everglades or you can easily hire a car to drive there.<br><br>Once there you can see plenty of wildlife on the airboat tours.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oMGBKeNW9oU/WKljMt1lrxI/AAAAAAAAkic/NUHiM7GiyWU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Airboats</p></div>The airboats head out across the grass sea, through channels and past many Alligators and other animals.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zCnTVProC8A/WKlkDyRozbI/AAAAAAAAkik/kiIic3VXrgE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>A channel in the Everglades</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b78qvQ6dK8w/WKlkxPNrwbI/AAAAAAAAkis/12WqOnYZtWk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The grass sea</p><br><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9uUXzqqB7ug/WKllV2R_DYI/AAAAAAAAki0/imJ5nOMiuMk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>A bird in the Everglades</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mo-5PIXe6Xw/WKlmIQ7RS-I/AAAAAAAAki8/8dABuKLfsz0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>An Alligator</p></div>There was also an alligator sanctuary where there were even more Alligators.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bZDWDDu9TpE/WKlmw_ie_2I/AAAAAAAAkjE/lkGVHVcnI4I/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The Alligator sanctuary</p></div>My last evening on this trip was spent with friends watching the US election and considering the results, I was quite happy to leave Miami...<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DSB82Q9Hr7A/WKlnmFbSeAI/AAAAAAAAkjM/vJIyH9P6mNk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The view out the window at Miami International Airport</p></div><br>This is the last blog post of my year long trip, so until I head off on my next adventure it's back to the usual politics, philosophy, technology and food :)czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-6792023597994684812017-01-15T12:20:00.001+11:002017-01-15T14:41:25.376+11:00Santa Fe de Antioquía<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XVlGGJbQbCQ/WHrQu1zInTI/AAAAAAAAkUw/L1aec_-lqNA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The Catederal Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepción in Santa Fe</p></div><br>
Santa Fe de Antioquía Is a small historic town around an hour by bus from Medellin. It is known for its colonial architecture and its historic bridge just outside of town.<br>
<br>
The main plaza is surrounded by restaurants and cafés, and in the center of the plaza there's a small market.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y7_ddWkVzmo/WHrTHl8SHhI/AAAAAAAAkU8/EF7lXfiOGSE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The main plaza and market</p>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZgNbK-w5m-M/WHrTVT-_Q7I/AAAAAAAAkVA/3NzgRQSygl4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Café's surrounding the plaza</p></div>
The streets of Santa Fe are the typical cobblestone surrounded by whitewashed colonial style buildings.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gAbHHMa1XPI/WHrT4Sx1ahI/AAAAAAAAkVE/ysfi7e0zD54/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The streets of Santa Fe</p>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hiq6UNvHwjc/WHrUymhN5MI/AAAAAAAAkVU/npEO3pu2u9w/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Another street in Santa Fe</p></div>
And of course there are many small churches.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--QNCGcNoDxQ/WHrVVrzikoI/AAAAAAAAkVY/UGQADtA4QY4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Iglesia de Jesús Nazarino</p><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1o_44lFEt24/WHrWBko07nI/AAAAAAAAkVg/VyaMFlQHI-k/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Nuestra Señora de Chiquinquirá</p><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zZ69Jexrev0/WHrYFbPmQGI/AAAAAAAAkVw/khNJ8gHjsd8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The gardens and plaza in front of the chapel</p></div><br>
And a historic convent.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xg_rea5eRlg/WHrYbhc3_3I/AAAAAAAAkV0/vtGUGalUG6Q/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Iglesia de Santa Bárbara</p></div><br>
Just outside of town is the historic Puente de Occidente - A suspension bridge over the river.<br>
<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1MPxMwl8UJs/WHraL1O4XgI/AAAAAAAAkWA/ULLkUzbYBXM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The bridge from the road</p></div>
You can get there by mototaxi from the main plaza.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Ft6LxgFccM/WHrbAKvf3fI/AAAAAAAAkWE/Lmp02KKFoh4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Crossing the bridge</p><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-spjl2NQKhnw/WHrbQsKizXI/AAAAAAAAkWI/xeTIIRUAk38/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The river from the bridge</p><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ik5um5Ule3s/WHrbo6pPunI/AAAAAAAAkWM/89vtqi30yvI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The suspension cables (and café)</p><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K2Acmb8LsQ0/WHrb66BrIvI/AAAAAAAAkWQ/cQuOX0VBhQE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The suspension towers</p></div><br>
The round trip only takes around 45 mins with taking time for photos.<br>
<br>
Santa Fe de Antioquía was my last excursion before leaving South America from Medellin.<br>
<br>
Before leaving I also made a stop in San Antonio de Pereira to enjoy a final Paisa caliente before heading to the airport.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I0skUn8FV0c/WHrdt5dl-kI/AAAAAAAAkWc/FRZlvwRqIWY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>San Antonio de Pereira Church</p>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rCkiKQmwk2U/WHreBvtLgNI/AAAAAAAAkWg/Y6Wnxfg_iXM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Paisa Calentado </p></div>
Next stop was Miami to then catch the long flight home.czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-59283101629871457892017-01-14T19:55:00.001+11:002017-01-14T21:16:03.901+11:00The salt cathedral of Zipaquirá<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O7NibLXcfIY/WHnn44k4qNI/AAAAAAAAkSc/phxfE6tYDnY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>A sculpture in the salt Cathedral</p></div>
Zipaquirá is a small town about an hour by bus from Bogotá. <br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qSote979AU8/WHnuA3cRZtI/AAAAAAAAkSs/9BBsKTg5lxI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Zipaquirá plaza</p></div>
The town is known for its salt mine which has been converted into a working Cathedral by the miners.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6OBjsfdnjbs/WHnu18821JI/AAAAAAAAkSw/-ekm-RA3BBA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The entrance to the mine</p></div>
The Cathedral also contains many sandstone and salt sculptures in the various chapels carved into the walls of the mine.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HqUxCs_H8do/WHnwC8CyIkI/AAAAAAAAkS8/6NAlPdZ2LzA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>A chapel</p></div>
Religious scenes such as the Nativity <br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G-7MYF0ac4A/WHnwYrZDNyI/AAAAAAAAkTA/ha4byh5CTgQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>A sculpture of the Nativity</p></div>
Angels,<br>
<div class="images">
<br style="font-family: sans-serif;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YuECU14TMIY/WHnvysk4VhI/AAAAAAAAkS0/vHIQ3Qsf56o/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320" style="font-family: sans-serif;"><p>Angel statue</p></div>
And crosses<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r0M6zaXECSA/WHnw5bZJJXI/AAAAAAAAkTE/REAbO8qnrfg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>A cross</p></div>
can be found throughout the many galleries in the Cathedral as well as a copy of Michaelangelo's "Creation of Adam" <br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r7h8CnJf84I/WHnxyTQE4ZI/AAAAAAAAkTM/fI6_KCNWB7A/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="263"><p>The Creation of Adam</p></div>
And other original sculptures depicting scenes of nature.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SLDsODKHRmA/WHnydIb8b3I/AAAAAAAAkTQ/e3nXBEayoUQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Pachamama sculpture</p></div>
The mine is still a working salt mine and you can take a tour to see parts of the actual mine (although you can't enter the working part) and mine your own salt.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CTbcABSwi7c/WHnz035sRmI/AAAAAAAAkTY/yskddApa60g/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Mining for salt</p></div><br>
czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-56445458466791381032016-12-30T18:57:00.001+11:002017-01-14T19:41:24.561+11:00Santander: The Camino Real<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mUFO9ltIwNY/WGYT22z8PKI/AAAAAAAAkD4/UF3805ydM4c/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The Camino Real</p></div>The Camino real is a 2-3 day walk from the town of Barichara to Los Santos. It follows a series of roads and old right of ways through farmland before climbing through the Chicamocha Canyon.<br>
<br>
Barichara is known for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. The town is popular with tourists so it has many restaurants for tourists, however it's better to find the teijo court, grab a couple of beers and try the local bar snack - Hormigas Culonas (you can buy packets of them in any shop).<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kf95ImzDlXM/WGh8_zXg3DI/AAAAAAAAkHU/VcnRb86rU9Y/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Hormigas Culonas</p></div>
These deep fried ants taste like peanuts and are a delicious accompaniment to the local beer.<br>
After a few rounds of teijo you can wander the historic streets of Barichara.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EVeIlOgcbbg/WGhOYXmVhEI/AAAAAAAAkEo/Jxw5JXPCuJ8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Moonrise over Barichara</p><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WZCeUu4qIi4/WGhO0pcc3gI/AAAAAAAAkEw/6isQoQg5pag/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The streets of Barichara at dusk</p></div>
Which is also pretty during the day.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G1iKzajpOpk/WGhPgekcElI/AAAAAAAAkFI/k97-mjih4JQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The streets of Barichara during the day</p></div>
The town also has several historic churches dating back to the 18th Century.<br>
<br>
In the main plaza is the Church of the immaculate conception and on the hill overlooking the town is the Chapel of Santa Barbara.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RqX79l8Q0js/WGhRBAxrWYI/AAAAAAAAkFo/ZIB5wHiS1xc/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The Church of the Immaculate conception</p><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XO4UZhkxkd4/WGhRmh_HT4I/AAAAAAAAkF8/ycyHekJr3RQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Inside the church</p>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dZM51TggKFg/WGhSvFvnjTI/AAAAAAAAkGY/mUkQIbE_1Qs/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Santa Barbara Chapel</p>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oBa6mECbbP8/WGhTo9798eI/AAAAAAAAkGs/RJInAw5m8CE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Inside the chapel</p></div>The Camino Real trail can be found to the left of the square in front of the Chapel of Santa Barbara - walk along the road from the square and follow the signs.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0yVTwYqWe7g/WGmgectE4YI/AAAAAAAAkIY/Rwen34o17VQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Looking down the hill to Barichara</p></div>
There is a stone marker and a sign that mark the beginning of the Camino Real.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MqdogtoazDw/WGmeOwoBe5I/AAAAAAAAkH8/SRvMq7WZKv4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The sign at the start of the trail: it tells the story of Geo van Langueke who restored the trail in the 1800s</p></div><br>
The Camino itself is a fairly rough stone track that heads down the hill to the road.Once it crosses the road, it flattens out and travels through farmland.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4zPWS-1w1RM/WGmfrDJ0yOI/AAAAAAAAkIM/vmgyo1EgcFI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The Camino</p></div>
After a few kilometers there is a farmhouse that sells refreshments. They also have a lookout in the form of a large boulder with a white cross.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--LiOHhQ1c44/WGmjKD_IAGI/AAAAAAAAkIk/PoMBI0cvG2Q/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The Mirador</p></div>
From this point you can see right across the valley.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-evzVdCc5NUc/WGmlf7JBTRI/AAAAAAAAkIw/SgXwuqodw5Y/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="97"><p>The valley looking towards Guane</p></div>
The Camino Real continues on towards the small colonial town on Guane - the road is well marked so there's little chance of getting lost.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A0eVrSv6-XI/WGmmjqSM5NI/AAAAAAAAkI4/aGkljH_EK-s/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The road into Guane</p><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-95PPhXTO7XY/WHGJVNQDLII/AAAAAAAAkME/uY90qIAHa3w/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The main plaza</p>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0cY_qlfRdSc/WHGJw3uVt3I/AAAAAAAAkMI/ziDS72PE1fk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Guane church</p></div>
The Camino Real continues from the end of Calle 6 and becomes very steep as it begins to climb up the hill.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1TU5pVFaCMo/WHHCmW5LWxI/AAAAAAAAkMk/yJSZKe4H2ws/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The trail up the hill</p><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OSxKGwtuF0I/WHHDFIUxMZI/AAAAAAAAkMs/pqXrv-QnLmg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Looking back to Guane</p></div>
The trail continues up the hill until it reaches a crossroad - continue straight up the hill.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jvevO3POUUg/WHHJtCCq6tI/AAAAAAAAkNA/YA2x1m5G_JU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The valley from the top of the road</p></div>
The road continues to climb, changing from a good dirt road to a 4wd track as it continues to climb up the hill until you reach a crossroad at the top and can see Villanueva in the distance.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0DOYxZcsGVE/WHHKyMAF9iI/AAAAAAAAkNI/mPOTXe8qDEc/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Villanueva</p></div>
Take the left fork and continue down the hill. The road quickly becomes an overgrown cattle track but eventually leads to a road which leads into Villanueva.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jsX7TAencvM/WHHMVQsOFjI/AAAAAAAAkNU/b3RhxoP6zNY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Villanueva from lower on the trail</p></div>
Villanueva is a small rural centre, lacking the colonial architecture of Guane or Barichara<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-anJrMT-zKLo/WHHOiqCnBsI/AAAAAAAAkNg/C4uAKRYWcGs/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The main plaza</p><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gGdI-vym3KE/WHHO7LM61gI/AAAAAAAAkNk/Pj0PR_Q1SrQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Villanueva Church</p></div>
but it is a reasonable place to rest before the next part of the trail to Jordan. The hotel San Miguel on the main road was a good cheap and comfortable hotel to spend a night.<br>
<br>
From Villanueva take the road on the left of the church right to the end then turn right until you reach the T-junction and turn left towards the town of Jordan in the Chicamocha Canyon.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RcbxoPkw0qY/WHSpwOfle6I/AAAAAAAAkOo/kWGQMcR_QsU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Farmland near Villanueva</p></div>
Continue along the main road which initially climbs up the hill before it rapidly descends towards the canyon.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EtQ72_TdX1c/WHSqpfwC6yI/AAAAAAAAkO0/Ln5rxyQeUAI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Chicamocha Canyon</p></div>
After the descent the road flattens out along a ridge and passes a school. Just after this there is a road to the right that rapidly descends (the main road continues straight). There is a gate across the road which you go through to continue heading towards the canyon. Several signs point you towards the farmhouse. At the farmhouse the farmer will take you to the lookout for $COP1000 ($A0.5).<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pyYW2VKiN_o/WHSvH7e1qqI/AAAAAAAAkPA/lbWKmfw0ghQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The canyon from the lookout</p><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ry7FVT7a5_g/WHSwY3TP79I/AAAAAAAAkPQ/QKZKghQs_Ws/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Another view of the canyon</p></div>
From the farmhouse follow the fence line down until you see the track into the canyon.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-exMZb9lUbbg/WHSwEA2liiI/AAAAAAAAkPE/n5NuQNOfpNU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>A cactus on the trail</p>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CF7l9bLAezA/WHSxCiHwd-I/AAAAAAAAkPY/YFu7Kh2KQ5g/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The river in the canyon</p></div>
The descent is very steep but finally ends in a road that leads to Jordan.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UhbDlmEJk7M/WHSxqFUgO5I/AAAAAAAAkPg/PgtjNUjPZa0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Looking down the trail</p><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IrMOu2A8Rh8/WHSyh2YP-lI/AAAAAAAAkPs/pu2U2kf7u-I/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The beginning of the road to Jordan</p>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I3UuzTiBxgY/WHSzvVpzlZI/AAAAAAAAkQA/18gFI74tQgU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Entering Jordan</p></div>
Jordan is a tiny town with a few shops around the main plaza.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c4sNU-Qvalo/WHS0T9JwgfI/AAAAAAAAkQI/Iy-oQkQipxE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Jordan church</p></div>
The trail up the other side of the canyon starts over the bridge from the main square.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1gFVFsw5Lg0/WHS1i-uAqzI/AAAAAAAAkQY/fBOShahHSes/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Jordan bridge</p></div>
Across the bridge is a place where you can grab a decent lunch (it's a house but it has a beer sign attached to the side). From here the trail heads through farmland until it begins a long, steep ascent.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E88QdEVXT30/WHS3CS5SnNI/AAAAAAAAkQk/k3M7lDPVmS8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Farmland near Jordan</p>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dCwe99PLq3o/WHS3XhmTMBI/AAAAAAAAkQo/bZ3-mJi7BRg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The trail ascending the canyon</p></div>
The trail is very steep and exposed, so make sure you carry plenty of water. From the top of the trail there are views back accros the canyon.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0JZ3jgHs23Q/WHS4weariEI/AAAAAAAAkQ0/37rR3Kdykxs/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Jordan from high on the trail</p><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dqCTO1l4Dcg/WHS48ULyQGI/AAAAAAAAkQ8/YduVdN4WuUU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Looking back accros the canyon</p></div>
The trail continues to climb steeply until it reaches the town of Los Santos where you can grab a cold beer and a bus back to Bucaramanga.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gww4E3im-FM/WHS5sZPuA_I/AAAAAAAAkRI/HbL_IQbDtCg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Los Santos</p></div>
Detailed directions for the Camino can be found on the <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/San_Gil">Wikitravel page for San Gil.</a>
czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-12903300881756292502016-12-29T13:40:00.001+11:002016-12-30T12:13:38.489+11:00Santander: San Gil - The adventure capital<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jk5i0H5k3wI/WGR37SEwqcI/AAAAAAAAj_Y/z4hbauYZhYI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="165"><p>San Gil</p></div>San Gil is around 2 hours by bus from Bucaramanga situated on the Fonce River.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ngl0M9c6mDI/WGR5LGwkzfI/AAAAAAAAj_g/8lqz3THOEZA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Iguana by the River Fonce</p></div>The town itself is quite small with a small main square with colonial architecture.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x_1FhOYfOqA/WGR7o2PneKI/AAAAAAAAj_0/aeJMXvz_BpM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>San Gil church in the main plaza</p></div>Overlooking the town is the Cerro de La Cruz, from which you can get panoramic views of the town.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jb1-QvBxpqY/WGR8jtrBl-I/AAAAAAAAj_4/Hla8JEp1pRQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The cross on the top of Cerro de la cruz</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gL3cEhFC8fk/WGR838ExIbI/AAAAAAAAj_8/8G2v-BbaGFM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240">San Gil town</div>The river and the surrounding hills are well known for adventure sports such as paragliding, bungee and kayaking. <br><br>For kayaking, the river has some good class 2 and class 3 rapids and when I went there had been a good, solid rain so the rapids were especially large.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lfTxg5Ti7ps/WGR6DYX7RnI/AAAAAAAAj_k/0BKi1tPZaEc/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>A calmer part of the River Fonce</p></div>I ended up spending a lot of time under water, mainly because I hadn't done whitewater kayaking in many years and it took a while for all the techniques to come back - however the class 2 rapids were quite manageable (the class 3's were where I ran into trouble). There are also class 4 rapids for those who are experienced - I took a pass on those.<br><br>Nearby to San Gil is the small town of Páramo which is known for its small cave system which can be explored with a guide for $COP30,000 (around $A15).<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dgsk-YLMyDk/WGWgVWn1NCI/AAAAAAAAkBI/0hnLFUCeM28/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The cave entrance</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0imQYUSGhng/WGWiIv-gLmI/AAAAAAAAkBg/zxb6KQ39wIY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The river at the cave exit</p></div>The cave has several narrow passageways and large caverns full of bats.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WuhGny5YyuM/WGWgvQ_jh-I/AAAAAAAAkBM/t3n1qYhUoC4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Narrow passageway</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EJTYHuDFfEs/WGWhMp24qFI/AAAAAAAAkBQ/iAl7Vo28Sgs/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Bats in the cave</p></div>Páramo Is also well known for its historic church and the grotto of the Páramo Virgen de Salud - a small grotto whose waters are said to have health-giving properties.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wp9s6EcnCA8/WGWjZy6YgdI/AAAAAAAAkBo/S-dn-72fmUc/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Páramo church</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9xoQwoNe7XI/WGWkTlY2wPI/AAAAAAAAkBs/9p2bCcR5TTk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Santuario de la virgen de la salud</p></div>Also near to San Gil is the Juan Curí waterfall. Easily reachable by bus, you need to ask the driver to drop you at the entrance to the falls.<br><br>The trail to the waterfall is relatively short and easy.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kKLsGW4X2jU/WGWl-BghraI/AAAAAAAAkB0/4y9c1cirHNk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The trail</p></div>However there are many river crossings, so waterproof or reef shoes are essential.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jMsgnIwbMPI/WGWmcXHrx4I/AAAAAAAAkB8/R0o_SOIHzEA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>A river crossing</p></div>There are several swimming holes under the falls as well.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-My16Bi3nhwI/WGWm01fwmHI/AAAAAAAAkCE/B8c-oG5treo/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Swimming pool beneath the falls</p></div>As well as many trails giving varying views of the falls.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bpZjqPpw9yk/WGWnuhQyRMI/AAAAAAAAkCU/KEyvFOcnwho/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The falls</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-38ShzJLNoHA/WGWoLCqoKTI/AAAAAAAAkCY/t8e2iT2Wk_g/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The falls and the pool</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lXSAwywr1Ms/WGWojr2EbjI/AAAAAAAAkCc/_jgQvNy2uPg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The River beneath the falls</p></div>There are also several trails alongside the river where there are other smaller waterfalls.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gl7sOjnaNr8/WGWrhSe7FzI/AAAAAAAAkCs/em-k30IQd6E/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Another waterfall on the trail</p><br><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-59beFZ0Q_mM/WGWr7nUG7uI/AAAAAAAAkCw/Rs19S2iGNKs/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>A small waterfall</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IsczWsCkZIA/WGWsQ2ujfaI/AAAAAAAAkC0/TiCnKKBU9tM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The river along the trail</p></div>And views of the river and some of its inhabitants.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_IJVq_8tAHQ/WGWtD4fBCGI/AAAAAAAAkDE/_OnmOTj2ucw/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The river</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lPEf32TlqJU/WGWtY8EIrlI/AAAAAAAAkDI/-S21CweM1Sg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Butterflies on the trail</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZNLP8uH8W-E/WGWuA730PpI/AAAAAAAAkDQ/0NRFOwafKek/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>A frog</p></div>The trail continues down the opposite side river until it reaches the road back to San Gil where you can hail a bus back to the town.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xYxnPniGxOI/WGWuspjUX4I/AAAAAAAAkDc/xfNQA3P0pKQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Looking back to the falls from the road</p></div><br>
czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-41753568342339550142016-12-28T18:01:00.001+11:002016-12-28T20:03:03.315+11:00Santander: Bucaramanga<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8QNnAON3P2U/WGNlPOrqj7I/AAAAAAAAj7I/ZwMwaSlDCHQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Parque García Rovira, Bucaramanga</p></div>Bucaramanga is the capital and major regional centre of the Santander region. It is surrounded by many small historic towns such as Girón - a small town with a lot of original colonial architecture.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0QxDHqp4TAM/WGNnHgHdbDI/AAAAAAAAj7U/ibeS3NXWVtM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The streets in Girón</p><br><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PlNc_vEjNPo/WGNnYTtrJxI/AAAAAAAAj7Y/d8LUwwznOp8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Another view of Girón</p><br><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZFpmPViRUnY/WGNnkq18XDI/AAAAAAAAj7c/eIde2z_Ma4Q/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The Basilica in Girón</p></div>Bucaramanga itself also has several historic buildings in the city centre such as the Cathedral de Sagrada Familia.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8WUJ5o2Gq2Q/WGNqPjDDGnI/AAAAAAAAj7s/W0UTPOKFujE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Cathedral de la Sagrada Familia</p></div>And the Parroquia San Laureano.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YZFJWeb2j88/WGNwlkzt5zI/AAAAAAAAj78/JGap3V8m1yc/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Parroquia San Laureano</p></div>Bucaramanga also has a small but pretty botanical garden which is a relaxing reprieve from the busy city.
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vu8a8-x2RTM/WGNxeGxvBDI/AAAAAAAAj8E/pHmJGQJ1KrQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The lake in the gardens</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XqOEqXgeSUI/WGNxw_CtcoI/AAAAAAAAj8I/6xo5DJPGPvk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Turtles in the lake</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mVwv-UCZfAA/WGNx-9VpFvI/AAAAAAAAj8M/_9ierih26bg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"></div><div class="images">A tortoise on the lawn<br><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_W3Vfzhfy7g/WGNyRfdjOsI/AAAAAAAAj8U/5XHOAHQ-Ag0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Red squirrel</p></div>In the suburb of Floridablanca, a teleférico leads up into the surrounding hills.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K8Mmj3QFcqc/WGN1E-HzZaI/AAAAAAAAj84/2rQ7alDRI6o/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Floridablanca church</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-96abu0L1iCI/WGN1Tu668fI/AAAAAAAAj88/YXI8-gEqxNs/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Ascending at sunset on the teleférico</p></div>From the top of the Cerro de Santísimo there are sweeping views of the city<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kV4-B06la9c/WGN2CF2T4cI/AAAAAAAAj9E/JeLaJ2KYWFE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Bucaramanga at night</p></div>There is also a giant Christ statue on the top of the hill.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DAsSoj5UhfQ/WGN2oWuxF9I/AAAAAAAAj9Q/LUdi-uHWu8U/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Statue of Christ</p></div>And there is a lift to the top of the statue, from the top there are more views of Bucaramanga.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pd6cGBaDwlc/WGN3PkmR82I/AAAAAAAAj9Y/SWQucSIiYTc/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Bucaramanga from the top of the statue</p></div>And after taking in the views of the city, you can relax with a beer and watch the coloured fountain show set to music.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rwEfTo5dcDw/WGN4QE9-ptI/AAAAAAAAj9s/WlB5UN_pRL0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The fountain music and light show</p></div>Although Bucaramanga is a small city it has a diverse range of things to do, from the restaurants and bars of the Cabacera barrio to the colonial architecture or Girón, Floridablanca and Piedecuesta it makes a perfect base for exploring the Santander area.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8-2CdeAEmUk/WGN743pnidI/AAAAAAAAj94/DLvrQT3XOOg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The main square in Piedecuesta</p></div><br>czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-21532851107717770242016-12-28T12:25:00.001+11:002016-12-28T13:12:53.645+11:00La Chorrera - Tallest waterfall in Colombia<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tyEBTsPKCXw/WGMU6hO7TuI/AAAAAAAAj5I/Di2nS1RN_js/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>La Chorrera falls</p></div>The La Chorrera waterfall is the tallest falls in Colombia, located just outside of Bogota. It is easily reachable by bus. <br><br>You can take the bus to Choachí (near the Tercer Milenio Transmilenio station) and ask the driver to drop you off at the turnoff to the falls.<br><br>From the turnoff it's about a 6km walk through scenic farmland to the end of the road and the beginning of the trail.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gYEugLSVC-w/WGMXBA8mnuI/AAAAAAAAj5c/lyaCceokFrw/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Choachí valley from the road</p></div>At the beginning of the trail, you can explore the smaller, yet still pretty, El Chifón falls. The El Chifón trail is a relatively easy 20 minute round trip.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--zsS1JVBz3o/WGMXup65jAI/AAAAAAAAj5k/DRqM47CxsxQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>El Chifón falls</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1AkC7pEOWzU/WGMYKw8vHiI/AAAAAAAAj5o/m4vHxjuDMos/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The river</p></div>From the El Chifón falls it's about 2.5 to 3 hours round trip to LA Chorrera. The trail heads through farmland before heading up into the mountains.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xTdbYiufuCY/WGMZacSwDXI/AAAAAAAAj5s/Yw_FSvZxC1w/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The trail through farmland</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zAsTs_ShaiM/WGMZwL1TOdI/AAAAAAAAj5w/_ChI5F81Mgw/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Further along the trail</p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElZBQWMj3y1L11uL9-vVwxL_vAdX-d_Ho0BuKpWJahPxMf-Sm60VNBKcwBXnwXzponSCUPndH5KxlbtH9xmdVBSySNEqt7q4LNxB2d7b6P3A4_hNWJJhDYFEqAWOIf02b1lqJnhxFBZ9F/" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Orchids on trees along the trail</p></div>The trail becomes very steep through thick rainforest but it well marked.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9spztMWsF4M/WGMabBK8vMI/AAAAAAAAj54/viv24m4bCjg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The trail through the rainforest</p></div>There are several trails which lead to several lookouts that give you many different views of the falls.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N9nvVf4eI6k/WGMbQ_D0-pI/AAAAAAAAj6I/jmI2sTzN-tc/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The falls</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xxpc4EQX8LQ/WGMbf-w8xUI/AAAAAAAAj6M/hfwwtgNC4aY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The falls through the rainforest</p></div>Until you reach the bottom of the falls.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FtkrkiAhY04/WGMbyvei2NI/AAAAAAAAj6Q/KaZeP8KtERw/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The falls from the base of the waterfall</p><br><br><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A0EYqI_ngVU/WGMcM5xWUwI/AAAAAAAAj6c/WirgKnhn_Ro/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"></div><div class="images">Another view of the falls</div><div class="images"><br><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s7Yuv2MbWgA/WGMcYIZUcqI/AAAAAAAAj6g/_Bc_CYTdO1g/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Looking back at the falls from the trail</p></div><br>Before returning back to the main road where you can flag down the bus back to Bogota.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-63jveksNmS0/WGMc_XPPc-I/AAAAAAAAj6s/TozLAdQqfY4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Looking towards the road through the forest</p>
</div>czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-31460631151324941332016-12-13T18:57:00.001+11:002016-12-23T19:59:50.332+11:00Bogota - Colombia's Capital<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vfLbl1tD538/WE-xy_-LlcI/AAAAAAAAjew/lLfVeGsrR4Q/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Simon Bolivar Plaza</p></div>Bogota is the largest city in Colombia and like all big South American cities it is a mix of the modern and colonial. The centre of the city consists of modern office buildings surrounding the historic candalaria barrio. <br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hziB8COn11U/WFTCiFhzXRI/AAAAAAAAjgo/dThQR2rEhL8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>A street in La Candalaria</p></div>And the main square <br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OAB4onJ0AWU/WFTDRv0XnPI/AAAAAAAAjgs/RvgBWeRrcsI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Simon Bolivar plaza</p></div>Which is surrounded by various government buildings <br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FImwcIGssY8/WFTD1-I-ExI/AAAAAAAAjg0/x-2DyInvQQY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Government building</p></div>And the cathedral <br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rWRb9Jxuiog/WFTEOXXiN9I/AAAAAAAAjhA/-YSoEhx1rB8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The Bogota Cathedral</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eTK-CovFXoA/WFow42iMjaI/AAAAAAAAjho/tkl8m5CMHx8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Inside the Cathedral</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zx0IJrWdmjs/WFoxNC8yILI/AAAAAAAAjhs/DLb-jKtrzSE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Another view inside the Cathedral</p></div>In the streets around the square there are more historic buildings, such as the Iglesia de candalaria <br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0CLj-_AJBp0/WFoxaQ5o3EI/AAAAAAAAjhw/H06Ls0QTe84/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Iglesia de la Candelaria</p></div>And the colegio salesiano<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eF5UJPXjpys/WFoxp-DjLZI/AAAAAAAAjh4/lWinNH5tXcs/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Colegio Salesiano</p></div>amongst many others.<br><br>On the weekends, the main streets are closed in the centre of Bogota for markets and bike riding. Locals all come out to enjoy a ride or a skate and the bands and other entertainment in the street.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w7dKvv3D_Ek/WFo2bhjWeaI/AAAAAAAAjiM/pZpdBRJ0nlI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Street entertainment</p></div>Overlooking Bogota is the mountain of Monserrate which is easily reached by the teleferico or a funicular. On the weekends it is extremely busy and wait times can be very long. <br><br>From the top there are sweeping views of the city.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K1zHgJ_uLas/WFo5YgK9ZYI/AAAAAAAAjiY/QbFlHZ64CXo/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Bogota from Monserrate</p></div>Also on top of Monserrate is the Basilica de santuario del señor de Monserrate which attracts many worshipers to the Sunday services.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6RheJjVMZd4/WFza5gdFk5I/AAAAAAAAjvg/-7eQ3eN_Rew/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The Basilica</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZHFVRb-iuWE/WFzbUcP8-HI/AAAAAAAAjvk/egCxtAgR3PM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Inside the Basilica</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rAkYRO9z11g/WFzbn9UN_fI/AAAAAAAAjvs/gF0lGVvH55w/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>One of the chapels</p></div>There are also several touristy restaurants on Monserrate <br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JbQmKRVgurI/WFzc1eEyZzI/AAAAAAAAjv8/1bdAkP46W_c/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Looking down from the Basilica</p></div>But it's much better to go to one of the hipster bars back in la Candelaria to catch some live music.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Th8MqegwQF4/WFzdsKertHI/AAAAAAAAjwE/0motqgvXhNQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Live band at "El Gato Gris"</p></div><br>
czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-88100422062009368342016-11-16T11:43:00.001+11:002016-12-08T18:36:22.397+11:00Caño Cristales - The river of many colours<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_uo60SYneY4/WCutbAcoCNI/AAAAAAAAjNE/wBcUV8oDgzk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Caño cristales</p></div>
Caño cristales is the name of several rivers that flow thought the Parque Nacional Serranía de la Macarena near the small town of La Macarena.<br>
<br>
The only way to get to La Macarena is by plane from Bogota or chartered flight from Villavicencio - overland is too dangerous due to guerilla presence in the surrounding areas.<br>
<br>
The "Airport" at La Macarena is basically an airstrip with a small shed for the terminal. Once you land you need to register with the police as you enter the airport. <br>
<br>
After collecting your bags from the room next to the terminal, you can find one of the many hostels available in the town. I stayed in Hostal Mariana for a very reasonable $40,000 ($A20) per night.<br>
<br>
Next to the airport is a small tourism office run by the super efficient Carolina where you can book your trip to Caño cristales.<br>
<br>
It is impossible to travel to the park without a guide and it is best to book at least two days in the park as it often rains and it is difficult to see the colours if there is not clear sky. In addition, you must complete a briefing before you are allowed to enter the park, so it is best to attend the day before your trek. At the briefing you are given the list of prohibited items. It is prohibited to bring (or put on):<br><ul>
<li>Sunscreen (so wear protective clothing)</li>
<li>Deodorant</li>
<li>
Perfume</li>
<li>
Makeup; and</li>
<li>
Insect repellent</li>
</ul>
Also you can't bring plastic bottles, so you need to buy a sports bottle or two (all shops in La Macarena sell them cheaply).<br>
<br>
The town is very small but has a number of hostels, an ATM (despite what other travel guides say), restaurants and bars.<br>
<br>
One thing to bear in mind is that the power is quite unreliable (it went off twice while I was there), so make sure you have a good torch and sufficient cash in case there's an extended blackout.<br>
<br>
Most hotels don't have internet access and 3G is patchy (to say the least) but there is free WiFi in the main park.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dxTE5obvkNM/WC0mQTfdnaI/AAAAAAAAjOs/r1OEpID10WU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240">The park at sunset<br></div>
Just up from the central park towards the airport is an area with a number of street food vendors where you can get an excellent (and cheap) meal for dinner - it's better value than the restaurants in the town.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RGXrmdYJX2E/WDOK6C4_R6I/AAAAAAAAjQo/bNtCWhtAH6g/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Delicious fried food</p></div>
The treks in Caño cristales leave between 7 and 10 in the morning, depending on which trail the guide has chosen for you. <br>
<br>
The trip begins with a boat trip up the river to the trail head.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFusL8PUcYLWFVNqENtATPS5am6xpf4aErJK43dzu9kT-5bnv1YknMfkgp6dmEfEIgJF6imXvT68jEFVoQiB1hqNtmYv6YwhyphenhyphenFPqL-2Sr8CnIIBR3cMQ3B6ZRs4SsIMBXqkaHDO6vpX8sl/" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Guayabero river</p></div>
Once you arrive the national park staff search bags and check for prohibited items before heading into the park.<br>
<br>
After some "warm up" exercises, the walk begins.<br>
<br>
The first trail I did was the 12 km "Aguilla" trail. The trail starts through a savannah of low plants which dominate the landscape around the rivers.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DQztw86Zfw8/WDQFlmGbnwI/AAAAAAAAjRo/ZAbfnM03XfA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The vegetation around the river</p></div>
However it is the <i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Nimbus Sans L", Arial, "Liberation Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Macarenia clavígera</i><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Nimbus Sans L", Arial, "Liberation Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> plants in the river that give the spectacular colour effect that Caño cristales is famous for.<br>
</span>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xt0hqSTqc0M/WDQG0BFUUfI/AAAAAAAAjRw/5PzElzI3Z0c/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p><em>Macarenia clavígera</em></p><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rO3OUxyRaNo/WDQHLDPoUuI/AAAAAAAAjR0/1euT0veCG_E/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>A single <em>Macarenia clavígera</em>plant</p></div>
The Aguilla trail leads past many sections of the river where the plant grows.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6CAiZi5LYgI/WDQIACBfAfI/AAAAAAAAjR8/BYWjYlv7YYo/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p><em>Macarenia clavígera </em>plants under the water</p></div>
As well as waterfalls<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mRvoiQjbmzs/WDQIq5t-NyI/AAAAAAAAjSA/a1QaaEP7mZE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>A waterfall on the river</p></div>
swimming holes<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v_14kgA4um4/WDQJGrtmDMI/AAAAAAAAjSE/EFvg0RIJCBI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>one of many swimming holes</p></div>
And various rock formations.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0IM6Zmy_LQo/WDQJslomL4I/AAAAAAAAjSI/12qwQhv4daM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>A natural rock bridge</p></div>
Parts of the trail cross the river which requires wading waist deep through the water so it is important to bring bathers and shoes that can get wet (I bought reef shoes).<br>
<br>
The trek gets back to La Macarena around 16:30 which gives enough time to change and then enjoy the sunset and internet in the central park.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K4WdDfJrrqU/WDQKntE567I/AAAAAAAAjSQ/Ze126o0WJx4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Parque Principal at sunset</p></div>
Another trail through Caño cristales is the "Los Pianos" trail which is a much easier 8 km trek. This trail goes past many formations in the river where the colourful plants grow.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DI0LOriJbRw/WDQMSyFQReI/AAAAAAAAjSc/yWQRwzTPWqs/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Los Pianos</p></div>
And more waterfalls<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bKUwh-jKGTs/WDQNqiDpBdI/AAAAAAAAjSo/8lHVDyrrvPI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Another waterfall</p></div>
The trail also leads along the ridge above the river which gives beautiful views over the water.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eBmNBKp8c58/WDQOpUpfpaI/AAAAAAAAjSs/QFUnV5Wrcb0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Los Ochos formation</p><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uZBYl1JYY1U/WDQPNd7xg3I/AAAAAAAAjSw/Jqxn92M09dg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The river from high on the trail</p><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1NiX0JEi5d4/WDQPopm8k9I/AAAAAAAAjS4/3D_nQdfrPOg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The river from the trail</p></div><br>
For the next day I headed to a different part of the Caño cristales - Los Cristalitos. This isn't part of the park and is privately owned. However, it is easy to organise to visit through the same agency as for Caño cristales.<br>
<br>
The first part of the tour is to visit a turtle hatchery and then have lunch at the farmhouse.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ooXDb-LVYaU/WDQQwiiTElI/AAAAAAAAjTA/efk412GQsfc/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Turtles in the hatchery</p></div><br>
During my lunch I was joined by an entertaining lunch companion who was keen to share my lunch with me.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yBF6R2NPJDk/WDQRVhwNuiI/AAAAAAAAjTE/JwMMj6qMv0k/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Cheeky Monkey</p></div><br>
After lunch the guide took me to the lookout above the farmhouse for views across the valley.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4PRYjIR6soY/WDQSFF4KS_I/AAAAAAAAjTM/k3e-cYcxIPY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The view from the lookout</p></div>
Before heading to the coloured river.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E457TAN8M1s/WDQSpB22UpI/AAAAAAAAjTU/aT81EIWQW3Q/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Cristalitos</p>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5S-1G2mU1xo/WDQTKMnFlXI/AAAAAAAAjTc/NcpFok7RDmI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Green <em>Macarenia clavígera</em></p>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fpRbzSW3Nhk/WDQThedDP-I/AAAAAAAAjTg/C0olPivYyQk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The river</p></div>
To get back from Los Cristalitos I took a kayak back down the river.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jO9CzgB6L4E/WDQUYroJ5aI/AAAAAAAAjTo/7To8XnK-ERI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Strong currents in the river</p></div><br>
On my final day I went out to another site outside of the park - Caño Pierdas. It is easily accessible by mototaxi from La Macarena (although the army is generally not too happy about foreigners going there).<br>
<br>
Caño Pierdas is much smaller than Caño cristales but it is lined with palm trees which don't grow anywhere else in the park.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h-NtLN-Tyw4/WEVRhhMrX6I/AAAAAAAAjbk/_5DtQ1cCUso/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Caño Pierdas</p><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LS7zABrgTGw/WEVU-VH_CfI/AAAAAAAAjbs/RHV-FLm3XPI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Palms along the river</p></div><br>
There is a hike that follows the river up to Cerro de Conejos from which you can see accross Meta province.<br>
<br>
The trail begins through farmland until it climbs to the top of the small hill.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTxoJVu_DudiXl4cXVmkKzVhWTsGE02wXHxTjrP07D_kRO4qeOJg-MT89yu6IW7FRIVC4BBf2trx1upaEgqpzlCNryC4nJwFyrvRc21FEVw75uZi80jpt26YIlHVMIxWHPviOn6GrBaL5/" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The trail to Cerro Conejo</p><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_1gutJIm9eQ/WEVWOQq1lSI/AAAAAAAAjb0/XSMos_9VzdM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The view from Cerro Conejo</p></div>
Eagles nest in the rock formations around the hill and I was lucky enough to pass by a nest.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PZ2hccCDwtM/WEVWs3OtBBI/AAAAAAAAjb8/E87VIVQXYng/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Rock formations</p>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ImWCoqpIbJg/WEVXBIIu7OI/AAAAAAAAjcA/rc6WO2TStoA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>An eagle's nest</p></div>
While being watched by the eagles <br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2Y8xY6KFBaY/WEVXTIVLa2I/AAAAAAAAjcE/igWwK60pV7E/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>An eagle watching us</p></div>
As a storm began to roll in<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2UoSNup-ruE/WEVXnIC3TJI/AAAAAAAAjcI/qDpjl593afQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Stormclouds</p></div>
And we retreated back to the mototaxi.<br>
<br>
There are many other treks to do around La Macarena but unfortunately they are difficult to access because if the security situation. But those treks that are easy to access are truly incredible and La Macarena was a nice little laid back country town, I was a little sad to leave.<br>
<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nMyD8r6k7To/WEVZPQhUhhI/AAAAAAAAjcU/jM__5MRgwa0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The main Street of La Macarena</p></div>
czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-34579378066470694132016-11-13T08:33:00.001+11:002016-11-15T17:11:16.906+11:00Eje Cafetero: Salento<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P57jwZmv4yc/WCeK-TchmhI/AAAAAAAAjH8/Zz11oHvqNqA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Salento church</p></div>Salento is a small picturesque town in the Eje Cafetero region. It is easily reached by bus from either Pereira or Armenia.<br>
<br>
Although the town is very much set up for tourism, it still retains a traditional country town charm. As in many country towns in Colombia there us a Tejo court, and because the town has many tourists, the locals are keen to teach visitors about the traditional game.<br>
<br>
Tejo consists of throwing metal weights at a clay filled box to try and land the weight in a metal ring embedded in the clay.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J0ShFdl5M4M/WCpdf3V27hI/AAAAAAAAjMQ/v9zpWfGqUeI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Tejo weights</p></div>To spice up the game, the metal ring has small packets of gunpowder which explode when hit by the weights (gaining the player extra points). <br>
<br>
The court is in Carrera 4 just outside of the town centre - just ask for "Amigos Tejo". The games are free with purchasing drinks. I started by drinking beer but the locals told me that drinking Aguardiente (the local anise-flavoured liquor) would improve my game - and after a few shots, I was rewarded with several explosions.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b4rZiDtoXZY/WCpfsV5-bAI/AAAAAAAAjMc/9VETekYiNKA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>After a few more drinks we amped up the game by adding more explosives</p></div>The town has two lookouts in the surrounding hills that give a beautiful view of the town and the cocora valley behind the town.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2-ABeowu8o4/WCeMbb21qPI/AAAAAAAAjIA/H8jga8iRhP0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Salento</p>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hLTScR2k8-Y/WCeMv6iqHzI/AAAAAAAAjIE/26t-VEZlvYQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The Cocora valley</p></div>
The Cocora valley is famous for its tall wax Palms and there are several walking trails through the valley to see them. The best trail is the 5 1/2 hour trail through the jungle in the surrounding hills.<br>
<br>
To get to the trail you need to take one of the jeeps from the main square for $COP3000 (about $A1.50). The best time to go is to catch the 7:30am cars before the trail gets too crowded.<br>
<br>
The trail starts through farmland<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_pM3d6aaRPo/WCpQ-cj7ahI/AAAAAAAAjKM/3pDC7h4M3y8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Farms with the wax palms growing on the hills</p></div>
before entering the jungle.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z3BcHMPcD4w/WCpRsV2mnpI/AAAAAAAAjKU/1sRQVL57Wt4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>A bridge crossing the river</p></div>
The trail leads up into the mountains until it reaches a small hummingbird sanctuary where for $COP6000 (around $A3) you can enjoy a hot chocolate and piece of the local cheese.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d-vVmyp9UWU/WCpTo39Wa7I/AAAAAAAAjLE/ci5NdXdV9tY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="228"><p>Hummingbird</p></div>
The trail then continues up the mountain until you reach a farmhouse at the top of the hill.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dusfT_oA4JY/WCpVLkCMn1I/AAAAAAAAjLc/fvJAty1zfjg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The top of the hill</p></div>
The road then leads back down the hills until it passes the majestic wax palms.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9WU6mDc4BGg/WCpZbIY9Z_I/AAAAAAAAjLs/3a8U1PeuIwM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Wax palms</p>
<br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P6giaehRk1w/WCpaev7yBWI/AAAAAAAAjL4/hDEJBqu7eSI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Wax palm in the mist</p><br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cDbltXoC6PI/WCpay_YgjKI/AAAAAAAAjL8/MlgVmbrKL2o/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Farmland with wax palms</p></div>
The trail then leads past more farmland until you reach the dropoff point where you can take a jeep back to Salento.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JietbcXymXI/WCpbbO5o06I/AAAAAAAAjME/Xv-i-PNwwUo/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The last stand of palms before catching the jeep</p></div><br>
<br>
<br>
czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-56552613277055912842016-11-11T16:34:00.001+11:002016-11-11T19:28:51.793+11:00Eje Cafetero: Pereira and Santa Rosa<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Au5iW9WXHu4/WCVZE8UmAnI/AAAAAAAAjEk/nCeu5BQIQ_0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Parque El Largo, Pereira</p></div>The Eje Cafetero region is a famous coffee growing region in Colombia. One of the largest cities in the zone is Pereira. The city itself is a large regional hub for visiting the more tourist oriented towns in the zone which usually makes Pereira just a quick stop off.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-epuNkRe0-XU/WCVgTP97zAI/AAAAAAAAjFc/Pqb3xaNDydo/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Pereira church</p></div>The town of Florida on the outskirts of Pereira is easily reachable by local bus and contains several short walks along the river and through a nature reserve.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zl4JBDFwYGo/WCVcFPPz_5I/AAAAAAAAjE4/cqm5U-RgXG0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The trail through the nature reserve</p></div>The trail is very flat and mostly along a dirt road through pretty farmland.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VvItSaRgOso/WCVccHMyhZI/AAAAAAAAjFA/N7e2FnGzU0s/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Farmland in Florida</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Moyn5QqL7fI/WCVc6wF_rrI/AAAAAAAAjFI/2Y5VX9hYuQQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Birds on a fence</p></div>Until you reach the river.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xZwKq-2rR_w/WCVePV10tFI/AAAAAAAAjFQ/GMZhvUqhTkA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240">The river<br><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-INP-z9e_5cU/WCVfhNww4uI/AAAAAAAAjFU/BA0CdKGiW50/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Looking upstream</p></div>Another short trip from Pereira is the little town of Santa Rosa.<br><br>Santa Rosa is famous for its natural hot springs which are easily accessible by shared taxi (you catch them from outside the main market) and are open until late in tge night. Which is perfect for relaxing after seeing Santa Rosa's other attraction - San Vicente Falls.<br><br>The trail to the falls starts just outside of town (10 mins by taxi) beside the Don Lol restaurant.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R8cZxMGSx9w/WCViXyDWRkI/AAAAAAAAjFs/ul5r5kSpEv4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>View from the top of the trail</p></div>The trail heads down a steep valley through farmland until it reaches the bottom of the valley.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X2A-kkQhi58/WCVmgNQ7fZI/AAAAAAAAjF4/01Z418vwxiA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The trail heading down</p></div>And crosses the river over a rickety bridge.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Ztxh24aaCs/WCVnE49xU3I/AAAAAAAAjF8/ntBM0P8iBZg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Sturdier than it looks</p></div>The trail then heads up the other side of the valley<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7-BP59Hla24/WCVnhCg_WUI/AAAAAAAAjGA/MpIKZR6GngQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Trail heading up the valley</p></div>And through a canyon<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bsb2vfUJbdc/WCVy2hQitUI/AAAAAAAAjHA/KfWZF2Q0-Nk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The river flowing through the canyon</p></div>Until it finally reaches the waterfall<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UmkFp4AYzFY/WCVoXn6N0uI/AAAAAAAAjGI/kc7_XbPIkE4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The waterfall</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9JYHHp72fnM/WCVrgGF7suI/AAAAAAAAjGo/CIz6umJlQuE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Top of the falls</p><br><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PN85UvOzifk/WCVsAi9CjTI/AAAAAAAAjGs/0nAdZ_LaikQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The pool at the bottom</p></div>And after the 3 hr round trip, it's perfect to head up to the thermal pools to relax.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gUV8egZtIlo/WCVzXgvFfBI/AAAAAAAAjHE/k-HDGz2CTQs/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Santa Rosa hot springs</p></div>czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-90865559739787949242016-11-09T03:38:00.001+11:002016-11-09T07:54:58.457+11:00Rio Claro river reserve<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeH7FkF8ARA7RUDAflqxBYEJMhlBwjlDJoUZkyhXdgacNyzQBIWtA7eS2fNKzZo759dIPCvaiWTesw8Yr1Dv6eW4a57hXwjNZNeSyTKFDtmBc_J-Q_SQ_LEaOfKb5PZbi8jXr9q7WAW2X/" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Río Claro</p></div>Río Claro reserve is around four hours drive from Medellin and is a popular destination for locals to enjoy rafting, caving and trekking through the reserve.<br><br>There is a hostal within the reserve which is economical and allows you to stay close to all the attractions in the park.<br><br>There is an easy trail from near the hostal restaurant that follows the river.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QO77YycL6MA/WCIrkToHSgI/AAAAAAAAjAQ/YMzZuTIll4A/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The river from the trail</p></div><br>The trail winds past limestone formations<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yuEntQZFrb8/WCIr2oiEhSI/AAAAAAAAjAU/vRuNCBX_DjQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>A cave on the trail</p></div><br>and along the river.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2MVeZD_fiSk/WCItw5XdKTI/AAAAAAAAjAc/WMHLYVKwuZM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Río Claro</p><br><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UQfXn4Vs2Kg/WCIt_qoA5sI/AAAAAAAAjAg/FusK4MBfn5U/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Another part of Río Claro</p></div>And I was lucky enough to spot a diamond backed viper - one of the most poisonous snakes in Colombia.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FwU4FZprRMk/WCIumELvV0I/AAAAAAAAjAk/d6_e8utIKJ0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Well camouflaged Diamond backed Viper</p></div>Also along the trail are several caves which can be explored with a guide from the hotel ($A10).<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X1bdWFO1y5c/WCIve0pw-VI/AAAAAAAAjAo/F2iWZAe2O9E/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The cave exit accross the river</p></div>The trail to the entrance to the caves is a long and steep trail through the jungle to the entrance.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B-XsUDTgPM8/WCIzSa4jTZI/AAAAAAAAjA0/GZ5xVFPYMaQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The cave entrance</p></div>The cave itself is a long underground trail with sections that require swimming.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jCxoxtAc7DM/WCIzxgR4nPI/AAAAAAAAjA4/dSdG2T_OBVg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="302" height="320"><p>Walking through the cave</p></div>And the exit of the cave requires swimming back accross the river after climbing down from the cave.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WmUO_l1QOdo/WCI0KqehkuI/AAAAAAAAjA8/-JE_uD0byOY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="167" height="320"><p>The cave exit</p></div><br>Another popular tour to do in Rio Claro is to take a raft down the river.<br>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sVI-0BIy2jc/WCI1_GUM-UI/AAAAAAAAjBA/ipUkpOn5VYQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p style="text-align: center;">Rafting</p></div>There is a small amount of whitewater but it is not overly challenging.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pDrOjUXwx3Y/WCI2WJeMQsI/AAAAAAAAjBM/pyK8Jq5C2kc/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Small whitewater</p></div>The river flows past many limestone formations<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BOUkrSMKK7U/WCI2q4figOI/AAAAAAAAjBQ/gJkRKNV9Jx0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Stalactites</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WdOJxl6cPw4/WCI28KmHMLI/AAAAAAAAjBU/r5f12n2Sey4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>More limestone caverns</p></div>
And plenty of opportunities to swim.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y6kv9HVndCg/WCI3VPQYNMI/AAAAAAAAjBY/9xqMEIBrPbM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>A swimming hole</p></div>Before heading back down a calm, scenic section of the river to to pickup point back to the hotel.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R8BEHkLSnI8/WCI39lgZMVI/AAAAAAAAjBc/2rrh-mNt1xM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Rio Claro</p></div><br>
czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-46444245915478603112016-11-07T10:02:00.001+11:002016-11-09T03:32:07.069+11:00El Peñol and Guatape: The rock and the lake<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O_CT3-pEKh0/WCDrqic-CmI/AAAAAAAAi74/27bdGq1me7Q/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Guatape church</p></div><br>The town of Guatape is a small village just outside of Medellin and is a popular weekend destination for locals due to its proximity to a large lake.<br><br>The town maintains its traditional architecture, with narrow cobblestone streets and colourful buildings.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SuHjva_OBMM/WCDxapU7LaI/AAAAAAAAi8I/nTDtXBEqeOg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The streets of Guatape</p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVM2T1Ufys6WIhJez-ZSgCvE1hfAsLlR2fpLRzM2kNz2acl78GSW72bN1HTI6IcpuXuLeCi_4wlhB-6WFz1aEo9qZzTMayD0ExA8rEqxxvX-6J0Uzn4x-H29TtQZp2HWRDuLos6wtvlgR/" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Traditional buildings in Guatape</p></div>Just outside of the town is a giant volcanic rock - El Peñol. There are 275 steep steps to the top<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SRoLlgKRKrg/WCDyrC9I6lI/AAAAAAAAi8Q/Gzbj3PLzHvI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>El Peñol</p></div>from which you get great views of the lake and surrounding valleys.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BSZTA_s3pfs/WCH33bsyEkI/AAAAAAAAi-k/s2E0J4sPMms/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The lake from El Peñol</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8z5r6sC4bcA/WCH4nU_TAVI/AAAAAAAAi-o/WqwA4fmx0UA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Another view from the top</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V1J8RYgDomc/WCH40KOg72I/AAAAAAAAi-w/RCcQc711Rnk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Looking over the lake</p></div>Both Guatape and El Peñol ate easily reached from Terminal Norte in Medellin and is an easy day trip to enjoy the lake and the rock.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yZEcqEBQ7Jo/WCH6ZkwmkgI/AAAAAAAAi-8/m-_rgcskD6Q/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The lake and valley from El Peñol</p></div>czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-69192718217290459212016-11-07T04:57:00.001+11:002016-11-07T09:55:52.227+11:00Medellin - The city of eternal spring<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sxyCDidNqDQ/WB9vf6Wi98I/AAAAAAAAi3k/40geFYggW68/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Medellin city</p></div>Medellin is Colombia's second biggest city and is one of the most organised and clean Colombian cities I have visited.<br><br>The city has an efficient metro which makes the city very easy to navigate. The other thing that is great about Medellin is the climate - it's known as the "City of eternal spring" because of its mild sunny climate.<br><br>In the centre of the city is Parque Berrío which is one of the major metro stations in Medellin and is close to many tourist attractions such as the sculptures in Plaza Botero.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jg-N4U92kqI/WB9yI1RdBqI/AAAAAAAAi3w/tCRAcI7Zg7c/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Sculptures in the plaza</p></div>And the Medellin Cathedral.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A80Vv9i3wVU/WB9yxrtcDMI/AAAAAAAAi30/EHZUeWw-AKk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Medellin Cathedral</p></div>It is also easy to access the teleferico which leads to the nature reserve of Parque Avrí - Take the A line towards Niquía and get off at the Metro cable. From there you take the teleferico to the end of the line where you change to the tourist teleferico to the park - you have to pay a separate fare for the park teleferico.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d40nax7M4I4/WB9zxMUxGkI/AAAAAAAAi38/b_mlMfCIHE4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The teleferico to the park</p></div>The ride to the park takes around 15 minutes and gives good views of the city and of the park.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yU-B28k9di4/WB91DfbHv_I/AAAAAAAAi4I/tbdXEEglV2Q/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Medellin from the teleferico</p></div>In the park there are several trails and a canopy course (which, despite my dislike of heights was a lot of fun).<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eOq-yqPTNnY/WB91klyocDI/AAAAAAAAi4M/KVKLEcoCoGI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>A trail in Parque Avrí</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2bkb8dGosxo/WB911fqnVHI/AAAAAAAAi4U/r6FI3s5C5Jo/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>An old salt mine on the trail</p></div>Also easily accessible (by taxi or bus) from Parque Berrío is the little model village of Pueblo Paisa.<br><br>Situated on top of Cerro Nutibara, the village attempts to create a colonial Colombian village. <br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A2qY8FPhYbM/WB-ZKsWtunI/AAAAAAAAi4k/3aVQPkJFRUI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Pueblo Paisa</p></div>Also from the hill you get great views of the beautiful city of Medellin.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Y-ji8JQnK8/WB-cw9B6dmI/AAAAAAAAi44/3yL2a3Zj3hM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="104"><p>Panoramic view of Medellin</p></div>czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-85488485714786242502016-10-28T07:07:00.001+11:002016-10-31T03:48:56.226+11:00San Andrés - A Colombian island paradise<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AOd-h78akR0/WBJfC13ZHFI/AAAAAAAAie0/nspAPm4NwZg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>San Andrés beach</p></div>
San Andrés is a small island in the Caribbean off the coast of Nicaragua. Although it is part of Colombia, it has a very distinct carribean culture - including its own Creole language.<br>
The island is relatively underdeveloped with only a few large expensive resorts. The town is mostly just a laid back local place.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E0DDSGNYuAE/WBYaHykcV8I/AAAAAAAAiik/J5aeLxNrvlQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>San Andrés town</p></div>
The island is known for it's beautiful blue waters and white sand beaches.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cR82FbASeo4/WBJhGFNvjkI/AAAAAAAAifA/T7ji2fiek5A/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>San Andrés from the boat to Johnny Cay</p></div>
And it's excellent snorkelling, especially on its nearby coral quays.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lHkFyIRGdFc/WBOhjnTJL9I/AAAAAAAAigE/rtjUC7WJNkY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Boats with Johnny Cay In the background</p>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dbu0zBOaDBk/WBYaXdLeWnI/AAAAAAAAiio/F49-oBid1uk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Johnny Cay</p></div>
To get to the main coral quay (Johnny cay) you can take a boat from the main beach (tickets are sold from the yellow transport co-op building).<br>
<br>
It's better value to buy the trip that goes to the acuario Island too which is better for snorkeling.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-876Ii7t-rOs/WBYV7Mb93sI/AAAAAAAAih0/xr3_zYj1xbA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Fish at Acuario Island - my phone doesn't take great photos underwater</p></div>
As well as Johnny cay and Acuario Island, there is another coral quay easily reached from the main town. Just outside of the village of San Luis is the excellent snorkelling spot of Rocky Cay.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VuWcS30Zx8E/WBYWlpfo22I/AAAAAAAAih4/s9js9eDlwi8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>San Luis beach</p>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S1cCi0WZ2o0/WBYW9txqdBI/AAAAAAAAih8/FXLOZ9-ZMqY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Rocky Cay</p></div>
You can easily walk out the 250m through the shallow water to the island<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6h-WLtD7e14/WBYXZoErDdI/AAAAAAAAiiA/7jmS2S4fpnQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Walking out to Rocky Cay</p></div>
where there is excellent snorkelling around the reef and the sunken ships that are nearby.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o___7XWiPXE/WBYX4i-6YgI/AAAAAAAAiiI/vbcbZFRwTnw/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>A Rusting ship</p></div>
Further up the coast is a short nature trail through the mangroves which is filled with birds and other animals. <br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1EXiIFjWehU/WBYYm44JmLI/AAAAAAAAiiQ/3DYrAbjX12g/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The walkway</p>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oTmvNmt_Z64/WBYZEFtMNHI/AAAAAAAAiiU/_qMYPun1xvo/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The river through the mangroves</p>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dK_DzX0_t0w/WBYZS97w0MI/AAAAAAAAiiY/_7eax-11Ofs/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Mud crab in its burrow</p></div>
After many trips out snorkelling and trekking through mangroves, San Andrés is also the perfect place to relax on the beach with a cocktail or two - including the (in)famous Coco Loco, an incendiary mix of liquor served in a coconut.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jtwngo_xXdY/WBYa-tkn2tI/AAAAAAAAiiw/xUla-lff96I/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>One of the many beach side bars</p></div>
San Andrés is the perfect place in Colombia to relax and enjoy the carribean without the stress of some of the larger cities. <br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KiKfX_qBLs0/WBYbZUowSHI/AAAAAAAAii0/EvWwPVc3Dfs/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Another part of San Andrés beach</p></div>
It's beautiful beaches, laid back culture and small town feel made it the perfect place to relax before continuing my journey away from the coast - inland to the city of Medellin.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NW3eD3FCH2w/WBYc5prQClI/AAAAAAAAijE/5QPOxrd0F-0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>San Andreas from the air</p></div>
czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-45137633900605746102016-10-23T03:35:00.001+11:002016-10-23T05:23:51.478+11:00Cities of the coast: Cartagena<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jQjSav6imDs/WAuV_tIoS6I/AAAAAAAAiQI/knKd9rvhBYA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Cartagena's old city</p></div>Cartagena is a colonial city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. It is best known for its old city and colonial architecture. The city itself has an interesting history of colonisation, pirates, privateers and battles amongst all the colonial powers.<br><br>Overseeing the old city is the imposing fort of San Felipe de Bajaras<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I9_RTlA-HY4/WAuWq53gIgI/AAAAAAAAiQM/z2RMxdk2p14/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Castillo San Felipe de Barajas</p></div>This enormous fort protected the old city of Cartagena from privateer attacks, as well as attacks from the French (a successful attack) and the British and colonial US forces (an unmitigated disaster). Interestingly, the father of George Washington participated in the unsuccessful British attack.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FuNAcWNa0IQ/WAuY15SmP5I/AAAAAAAAiQg/d5UkljVEyGc/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>One of the many cannons used to repel the British attack.</p></div>When you explore the fort's defences it is easy to see why it was so difficult to take and why the French attack was only successful due to the cunning of their commander, the French intelligence about the lack of defenders in the fort at the time and the utter incompetence of the defenders (forgetting to destroy the wooden stairway that allowed entry to the fort).<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P56PYMF-TBI/WAuYOS-Up_I/AAAAAAAAiQY/mKq4i9tH2CI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The entry showing the reconstructed stairway (red)</p></div>The fort also has an extensive number of tunnels that were used for transporting troops and ammunition between the many batteries in the fort.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8mlHBzk4cDs/WAuZaZvfyQI/AAAAAAAAiQk/X7xfOIIOC-I/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>One of the many tunnels</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y2zYfsXGvYQ/WAuZvqaWjsI/AAAAAAAAiQo/ZfWo5qWj9UY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The tower from one of the batteries</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jR3IhMqY8h8/WAuaARiRBPI/AAAAAAAAiQw/jApYhJROsL8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The South battery in the tower.</p></div>The old city of Cartagena is also surrounded by city walls with an impressive display of cannons.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L3bpQnW5tM4/WAuah5E4WSI/AAAAAAAAiQ0/Kt2jEO_J1PM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The city walls</p></div>And enclosed within these walls are narrow colonial streets<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NgZqCVi5l5U/WAua_jScYBI/AAAAAAAAiQ4/bTa6JTSSKHY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>A street in the old city</p></div><br>Colonial churches<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SBLLIVHBgzk/WAujU78ODVI/AAAAAAAAiRI/KZYThtyZRbQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>San Pedro church</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J8g2fFZYRmw/WAuj1ALps3I/AAAAAAAAiRQ/hCkh2zSSHN4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The Cathedral</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JR1PVZGp_AU/WAujnZYxn5I/AAAAAAAAiRM/B0Ougo27Yh4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>San Domingo church</p></div>Plazas<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-thD5UDiIjEA/WAuknBU3whI/AAAAAAAAiRg/c_VSnGUwzDc/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Plaza de los coches</p></div>And of course the city walls and defences.
<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P1K1nTJm1yI/WAukOCKP0WI/AAAAAAAAiRU/MVuPSwBpRyM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>City walls overlooking the harbour</p>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lyGIyl9dC7Y/WAukaiv973I/AAAAAAAAiRY/GSM7ayk77eI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The clock gate</p></div>Just outside the city walls are even more narrow colonial streets.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DcmTz4r7hWk/WAuk7-MdiHI/AAAAAAAAiRk/OKxfbNqz9AA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Streets in the Getsemani barrio</p></div>Often adorned with street art<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lva4ZI5XjxQ/WAulPW-KCpI/AAAAAAAAiRo/HK_46o-6EIk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Street art in Getsemani</p></div>Further afield is the modern part of Cartagena, which is just like any modern city and, although the beaches are nice, the constant harassment from aggressive street sellers makes a trip to Cartagena beach quite unpleasant.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Iw689badDqc/WAul501iMZI/AAAAAAAAiR0/7niGta23T3Q/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Cartagena beach</p></div>Much better to enjoy a beer and the sunset in one of the bars on the walls of the old city.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iiNbdwP9tB4/WAumTll4T7I/AAAAAAAAiR4/yWqrfFDMbFs/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>View at night from one of the bars on the wall</p></div>czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-74618818272199477992016-10-21T01:15:00.001+11:002016-10-21T01:52:00.295+11:00Minca - Coffee in the mountains<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pNUrzG-MRCo/WAjSVneAX2I/AAAAAAAAiNg/TWO03W0HNas/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Mist rising over the mountains in Minca</p></div>Minca is a small village about 30 minutes from Santa Marta. It is famous for its coffee and beautiful mountain scenery. Sadly, on the day I went it rained heavily for most of the morning, so I was forced to enjoy it's coffee from a café rather than the coffee farm.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OAKVBh1L278/WAjTFWlJjaI/AAAAAAAAiNk/HNoJEDLd8Y0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Lots of rain and lots of coffee while waiting</p></div>By the time the rain had stopped, I lacked sufficient time to go to the lookout or the coffee farm so I decided to walk up to the local swimming hole - Pozo Azul.<br><br>The walk is basically up one of the few roads in Minca until you reach the well marked turnoff to Pozo Azul.<br><br>From the end of this road there is a short trail until you reach the river.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g1g2dJiU9eQ/WAjT8wJC6AI/AAAAAAAAiNo/iTeJ6odErKM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>a fairly rickety bridge over the river</p></div>As there had been a lot of rain the pool wasn't particularly 'Azul' (blue) and the river was more a torrent.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X5oP3PeHfdk/WAjUprGFCZI/AAAAAAAAiNw/uium0Qi4zJ8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>More brown than blue</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wr91q-vZZDQ/WAjU9nlXYSI/AAAAAAAAiN0/tWBasN9VkSU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The swollen river</p></div>On the way back from Pozo Azul, I discovered a sign for a 'nature trail', so having an hour or so to spare, I decided to investigate.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZBL2hAytvjI/WAjVsOX6QXI/AAAAAAAAiN4/1qtpujt259s/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The trail</p></div>The 30 minute round trip is well marked but steep and slippery. It takes you up into the jungle for views over the valley.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RFo7J6tDEQs/WAjWLlkQEoI/AAAAAAAAiN8/WSuBwc-jYTQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Halfway up the trail</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z92Ns3I0uTc/WAjWbGRg89I/AAAAAAAAiOA/DqPWIHq8SfM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>View from the top</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4vvw1v8STV4/WAjWwhN0QZI/AAAAAAAAiOI/PGYyIlRIxa4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Descending the trail</p></div>As the light was beginning to fade, I had to hurry back to the main road - just in time to see the sun set over Santa Marta in the distance.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mlWv03fooyI/WAjXJYEDJDI/AAAAAAAAiOM/8Is-Zf00g-A/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Sunset over Santa Marta from the top of the road</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IEgEichj1bE/WAjXTCvQrWI/AAAAAAAAiOQ/PWUBDu7kGjs/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Santa Marta from Minca</p></div><br>czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-1554312233881318582016-10-20T02:18:00.001+11:002016-10-20T06:35:18.122+11:00Trekking in Parque Tayrona<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q7qRUVM0HLo/WAeQ9_vxs6I/AAAAAAAAiJg/rScg0FTEct4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Beach at Tayrona Park</p></div>The Tayrona national park is around an hour by bus from Santa Marta. The bus drops you off at the entrance to the park where you must pay the entrance fee of $COP16,000 (about $A8). From here you can take a $COP3000 ($A1.50) minibus to the trail into the park. <br><br>The trail takes about 1.5hrs over fairly flat terrain to reach the campsite.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eagUgz4JlLY/WAekrzvuPJI/AAAAAAAAiJw/pTN_IvhHzxc/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>View from the trail</p></div>At the campsite you can hire a tent for $COP25,000 ($A12.50).<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pggTeQNstLc/WAelWgx_AGI/AAAAAAAAiJ0/9yqxGTGwaJU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The campsite</p></div>The campsite is right on the beach where you can swim<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vWm1Jyf3yAI/WAemVk-pDPI/AAAAAAAAiJ4/Tu9Xx7vR4g8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Swimming at the beach</p></div>Watch the local wildlife<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KXProhvD3VE/WAemqkNOAuI/AAAAAAAAiJ8/7iwrGQzmpPo/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Pelicans</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tdaka23qn64/WAenZqxMzFI/AAAAAAAAiKE/wdsPvskwHu4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Lizard</p></div>And enjoy the sunset with a quiet beer from the overpriced restaurant on site.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DxZGdl_v_4c/WAenERdkA4I/AAAAAAAAiKA/yYQHKcA37DU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Sunset over the beach</p></div>There are several walking trails near the campsite - one leads high into the surrounding hills to an archaeological site.<br><br>This trek is very steep and difficult in the hot sun as much if it is exposed.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vWhmpFMyk2U/WAeqYY7JIVI/AAAAAAAAiKQ/dfPlaDO1kN0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The trail</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M6pT7p7uw3A/WAet8d32CUI/AAAAAAAAiKc/wH00fvEytrg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>View from the top of the trail</p></div>Once the trail reaches the top of the hill it descends into a small valley where there are several ruins.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kchcMYJ4gnY/WAfG40JbXqI/AAAAAAAAiK8/RWDoLWPCWV4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>The ruins</p></div>And reconstructed buildings.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1IAPm-Yb_3A/WAfHXZH4NnI/AAAAAAAAiLA/z7MhZJQRmoc/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Reconstructed buildings</p></div>The entire trip takes a good part of the day so there's time to make it back to the beach for another stunning sunset.<br><div class="images">
<br style="font-family: sans-serif;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uKC3KQDm48E/WAepSfdJI0I/AAAAAAAAiKM/6CRjozItZLE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320" style="font-family: sans-serif;"><p>Sunset</p></div><br>czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596568815628862090.post-83395613923582957672016-10-12T12:42:00.001+11:002016-10-20T02:10:01.047+11:00Cities of the coast: Santa Marta<style>
div.images {
text-align: center;
font-size: small;
font-weight: bold;
}
</style>
<div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cry3GM24e5c/WAd8UF-paCI/AAAAAAAAiIM/HgflTrS7CSU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Sunset over Santa Marta beach</p></div>Santa Marta is a city In the coast known for it's beaches and the nearby Tayrona national park.<br><br>The old city near the beach is a relaxed place with a mix of old colonial architecture, narrow streets and open air markets.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-naNs3mM07yc/WAd9R-KhMHI/AAAAAAAAiIQ/StDMczLxXhc/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Santa Marta church</p></div>The nearby beach is a perfect place to enjoy the sunset or a swim, although the nearby Tanganga beach is better for swimming.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yT8FCPP1thI/WAd_mf3AjlI/AAAAAAAAiIY/u8MaO4s1k4g/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Santa Marta beach</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mGvSUtGjJik/WAd_68RzgXI/AAAAAAAAiIc/IkhaOWv-LFI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Taganga beach</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YNMz_RSKsbo/WAeAOx4CrzI/AAAAAAAAiIk/sM0skVj8hrU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Cocktails on Taganga beach</p></div>Also in the city of Santa Marta is the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino - a restored hacienda which was the place where Simon Bolivar died.<br><br>The hacienda has now been restored and is a unique tourist attraction showing the history of Bolivar's last days.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F-dzWyifwLU/WAeBrcUpClI/AAAAAAAAiIs/3uL8O3q7BHU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>The hacienda</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CJ1boF_q4bk/WAeB85t3cPI/AAAAAAAAiI0/kSjCdRA2q4o/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Monument to Simon Bolivar</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P18iTbnIOnI/WAeCZKCdbrI/AAAAAAAAiI4/YLQbIgEMOqE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Statue of Simon Bolivar inside the monument</p></div>The impressive gardens in the hacienda also have a large population of iguanas - who seemed quite sanguine despite the large number of tourists eagerly taking photos.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l-jYCV6aQEc/WAeDJ3COSbI/AAAAAAAAiJE/eCkaMcKGEbQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Iguanas</p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BfbqBbqp4q0/WAeDWrwOZ_I/AAAAAAAAiJI/959e6a4L7Fo/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="320"><p>Iguana climbing a tree</p></div>On the other side of Santa Marta is the upmarket area of Rodadero, lined with upscale apartments along the beach. The beach here is perfect for swimming but lacks the charm of the Santa Marta beach...<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-emVS4lPoC_c/WAeFCBpRaBI/AAAAAAAAiJM/orr0C7csw-k/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Rodadero beach</p></div>... which is a much nicer place to enjoy a quiet cocktail at sunset.<br><div class="images">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dL9qTe7VVCU/WAeFcN2AEwI/AAAAAAAAiJQ/_MvsBXTn2eU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>Sunset over Santa Marta beach</p></div>czaxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03282214302249849961noreply@blogger.com0