If you didn’t know that Colombia has the reputation it has, you wouldn’t even be able to imagine it here, on the breezy Caribbean coast. And if you don’t know what reputation I’m talking about, disregard and carry on!
In these tropical and balmy days it is easy to forget that anyhow.
It is also easy to forget – among these tanned, creased faces – that it’s January, and a harsh winter, elsewhere.
What can I say, some like it hot..
The charm of un(der)developed countries is that the rules can be bent easily, and in your favour. I put those speculations (which I speculate myself) to test. This time, with inter-urban transit.
It’s easy to flag a ride anywhere along their general route as they all run frequently and collect passengers on the way. They only cost 1200-1500 COP (= 0.60-0.85 USD). Correct change is appreciated, although no one will tap their foot agitatedly while you scrap for monedas. No one appears to be in a hurry here.
On these rides you will encounter the allure of laidback coastal life: exchange of greetings when someone new hops on board, daily gossip, snacks being passed around, and best of all: singing out loud, in unison, buoyant, and uninhibited.
I do it even without knowing the words (but there’s usually ‘mi amor’ or ‘mi corazon’ somewhere in there – listen for it). View full article »
