This is a homage to the people we've met.
Guaduas - La Vega 58 kilometers
Colombians. Sure, they don't know how to drive. Sure, they like their music blaring out on full volume from bad speakers. Sure, they're notorioulsly late for appointments. If they show up at all.
Despite their flaws as a people, we have made some wonderful aquaintances along the way. When constantly on the move, it's difficult to make long-lasting friendships. But the short conversations we've had along the way, are nuggets of good memories.
The walker. We met him while climbing from Manizales. He had walked for seven days from Armenia and was still more than 300 kilometers away from Bogotá, his destination. Hopefully you got there safely.
The cyclist. Our greatest regret on this trip is that we lost you before saying good bye. That wasn't our intention, Estiben.
The helper. Juan Pablo drove us around Santa Rosa to find information about our next destinations and then to fill up our supplies. We wouldn't have made it to Los Nevados without you, JP.
The yoghurt girl. There are so many stalls along the road. This girl represents them all. Helpful and with great products at a reasonable price.
The host. Alba is the host at Campoalegre hostal at Los Nevados. She let us hug the oven for a while and then provided us with 12 blankets to get us through the night.
The Cuban. Not really a Colombian, but after 40 years living here, he is included. He knew the capital of Norway, Denmark and Finland, and here he is picking his own brain to the right answer for Sweden.
The uncle. Omar's uncle and his family provided for us for two days, and we felt so at home.
The motivators. Nothing is like a good laugh. We met these people on our way to Los Nevados, and their humour gave us inspiration.
The guide. The museum in Honda was closed, but Marcela took some time to answer our questions, and organized entry to the museum.
Status
Today was all work, no fun, as we followed the main transportation route towards Bogotá. Omar is well again, climbing like a mountain goat. I was a turtle, getting there in the end.
We saw what drivers can do today. A dog was chasing us and a bus came full speed and drove right over it. The dog ran off, but it can't be ok.
The heat was once again our archenemy, but we had immense fun going downhil on steep and curvy roads, passing trucks in 80 kilometers an hour.
One more climb to Bogotá. Will our legs carry us?
