7.05.2012

Santa Fe de Antioquia, Colombia




Getting here was a long journey, but it is a sweet little colonial town. It is a magnet for Colombian tourists and very well preserved. The LP talks about how Colombians have been trapped in their cities by La Violencia and now that it is safe to travel they seem to be absolutely giddy with exploring their own country.



There are several town squares to walk to, some have impromptu musicians playing and others have carts of trinkets to sell to tourists.





Elaborately carved doors are typical of the region.


Earth tones prevail but there are some riotous colors as well.





We are staying at La Plaza Menor. We checked out the Plaza Mayor as commended in the LP but it was such a horrid dive we couldn't get out of there fast enough. There were men drinking hard liquor in the courtyard and the maids were bleary eyed. It was dirty and disgusting. So the tourist office helped us find another place. All inclusive types with meals and a swimming pool included in the price are popular here. It is am expensive tourist town, where Medellin city folks come to warm up. But for the kids it was a little isolated paradise, where everything was taken care of. We dont have to schlep around looking for something to eat and we can eat right by the side of the pool. Since it is during the week we have the place to ourselves.





The room isn't anything special but we aren't spending much time in there anyway.


The beautiful view from the pool.


Meals taken at these heavy wooden dining sets, each one different and there are about 10.


It certainly isn't backpacker lodging, as there are actual courses served on matching heavy white dishes. It felt good to get off the streets and into a little haven.


They had fun being birds in the hammocks.





Odd little balconies around the corners.


The big attraction is riding in a tuk tuk imported from India to the Bridge to the West, built in the 1800's and made of wood. Only motos and tuk tuks and people can use it now, no cars. We got a ride there, got dropped of on one side, walked across, and he picked us up on the other side.





On the way back we met up with these guys who make their living panning for gold.





These teeny tiny grains of gold flecks will net him about 12 usd for the days work.


We ended the day with a cold drink on the plaza. Luis says he felt like he was in a movie.

Now it's back to Medellin to catch a semi final futbol game which we are super excited about!

1 comment:

  1. So you made it to Medellin!? How did that happen? I guess I need to read previous posts, huh? Looks like you are making up for some rough spots earlier in the trip! Nice. Happy Birthday to Luis!

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