Rolos x Medallo
We land in Bogotá. It’s been two long days since Colombia’s capital and I met. Back where I longed to be upon departure, back to the city where I’ll happily serve as a part time tour guide for my travel companion.
We take the same cable cart, that I took three days before, up to the Monserrate and enjoy the views once more.
We walk the streets of the historic centre. Eat the food that Colombians pride themselves on, I make and take time to put words on paper and we make our way to Medellín.
Medellín, few cities are as aesthetically pleasing as this one. A city built into the mountains with its centre in the valley. The result is a gorgeous sight and a pleasant climate.
Our spacious apartment turns out to be on the top floor in a tranquil neighbourhood, with a grand view. From there we go and explore the city.
We ride the metro connecting the majority of the city and stop at all that seems worth while. We enjoy street vendors’ war cries in touristy areas and receive looks of wonder in the rural parts of town.
The next morning we get to the cable carts and go up to a forest hidden behind the mountains. There we are welcomed with coffee and the delightful scent of pine trees.
We expect to find a path leading us into the forest guiding us past all available highlights. But in reality we find a group of self proclaimed tour guides attempting to rip us off, trying to convince us that nothing can be seen without their guidance and permission.
Since we’re only partially retarded we decide to not believe the charlatans and walk down a path with a destination unknown. During our descend we meet a group of Greeks with a similar plan and join forces.
With a mixture of Spanish, sign language and a number of wrong turns we eventually end up at a campsite split into two by a river. As is so often the case in life, the journey trumps the destination: new acquaintances, nature and an anecdote to write about.
We grab a farewell coffee with the Greeks, say our goodbyes, enjoy a final night in Medellín and leave to a village east of the city.
Colourful streets, a lake struck by the low tide and bus loads of tourists that leave once the hands of the clock strike six. Right before sunset we make our way out of the village and manage to catch the sunset at a spot somewhere secluded from humanity - moments to remember.
We spend the night in the village that transforms into a ghost town at night and head back to Bogotá. My friend flies back to his home country, while I wait for my midnight flight.
I count down at the airport. Exhilaration beats sleepiness. Ready to explore once more, ready to add another chapter to this adventure.
Be sure to follow: www.instagram.com/campdky
I wrote a novel! It’s available on: https://www.amazon.com/Vic-Koopmans-ebook/dp/B0B6TC4WX9/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=GWSYPFYSYYSU&keywords=vic+koopmans+head+first&qid=1658281167&sprefix=vic+koopmans+headfirst%2Caps%2C127&sr=8