2/1/2012 Cartago to Buga
D94, T4.1 (6), Av21.95, Max44, Tot10716 (428)
Rained most of the way, minimal hills, dual carriageway
The bed in the motel was rock hard, though it did not stop good night’s sleep.
Getting back onto the highway, I was now presented with dual carriageway and heavy rain. This was the first time I had ridden in heavy rain, to be honest it was better than the searing heat of days past. The Ortlieb panniers were going to get a good testing. The road had a good shoulder and the climbs were slight. The rain continued to fall with only short periods of respite. The riding was pleasurable, though trucks passing close increased the drenching.
This was freeway riding so small towns were only accessed by leaving the highway. It was decided to go on.
One spot did have stalls, just the best grape juice was enjoyed, icy cold and full of the the kind of stuff to fight sore throats.
Ten kilometres from the town of Buga a car tooted motioning me to pull over. On doing so the woman introducing herself as Carolina, asked me to come and have lunch with them and maybe stay the night in their hospedaje in Buga. "That would be great" was my response.
Getting a bit held up at a roadside restaurant with the owner, an interesting conversation about the area ensued. These people are so proud of their country.
My basic observations so far tell me Colombia has a bright future with an abundance of all the necessities: great culture, perfect growing conditions and natural resources, among many other social aspects.
Of most importance I feel is that they have two economies for consumers to choose from, one for the rich and one for the not so wealthy, by that I mean street stalls and proper markets. It is unfortunate in Australia that people from all wealth spectrums have no choice but to buy food and many other basics from a duopoly who are now moving to obliterate what is left of independent corner stores and gas stations. Some farmers are familiar with the name for their customers, that of "sheep".
Hopefully this wonderful vibrant second economy here in Colombia will thrive into the future as the country develops. Buying juice on the road side from a rustic stall is a much better experience for me than in some generic neon dressed facade, where half the price of the product is going to pay for rent.
It’s a pleasure knowing that the money for the juice or fruit here is helping a family live the best they can, not fatten a landlords pocket, improve a share price, or pay for something that is not worth half the price tendered. That choice is a privilege lost in some countries, because someone said there maybe health problems or it is not fair to others trying to make a living. Those with alot of money are indifferent to this. Those with not enough to live the "dream", (this number is growing), feel a slap on the face each time they reach the cash register.
Carolina had given me her number, we would talk on my arrival to the town of about 100,00 people. The town is visited by about 3 million people a year to visit to the basilica here that is modeled on one in Rome.
There is a radio station in the town that broadcasts all the church services live.
On arrival in town I rang Luis, Carolinas friend, they came and directed me to “Buga Embassy” as they call it.
Being made instantly to feel at home, we all got on really well. Deciding then and there to stay the night my gear was unloaded. Upon inspection it was all dry.
I was welcomed with a lovely meal. Carolina introduced me to her family and friends.
The evening was spent out on the street drinking the local brew Aquardiente, a very drinkable aniseed number drunk straight. It was an enjoyable night.
We visited Luis” mums house after picking her up from church. It was a beautiful original Colombian home with period furniture within, also really interesting was some dinosaur teeth that Luis had found whilst extracting gravel from the river.
Needless to say sleep was a given once in the nest. Also needless was a plan to move on tomorrow.
D94, T4.1 (6), Av21.95, Max44, Tot10716 (428)
Rained most of the way, minimal hills, dual carriageway
The bed in the motel was rock hard, though it did not stop good night’s sleep.
Getting back onto the highway, I was now presented with dual carriageway and heavy rain. This was the first time I had ridden in heavy rain, to be honest it was better than the searing heat of days past. The Ortlieb panniers were going to get a good testing. The road had a good shoulder and the climbs were slight. The rain continued to fall with only short periods of respite. The riding was pleasurable, though trucks passing close increased the drenching.
This was freeway riding so small towns were only accessed by leaving the highway. It was decided to go on.
One spot did have stalls, just the best grape juice was enjoyed, icy cold and full of the the kind of stuff to fight sore throats.
Ten kilometres from the town of Buga a car tooted motioning me to pull over. On doing so the woman introducing herself as Carolina, asked me to come and have lunch with them and maybe stay the night in their hospedaje in Buga. "That would be great" was my response.
Getting a bit held up at a roadside restaurant with the owner, an interesting conversation about the area ensued. These people are so proud of their country.
My basic observations so far tell me Colombia has a bright future with an abundance of all the necessities: great culture, perfect growing conditions and natural resources, among many other social aspects.
Of most importance I feel is that they have two economies for consumers to choose from, one for the rich and one for the not so wealthy, by that I mean street stalls and proper markets. It is unfortunate in Australia that people from all wealth spectrums have no choice but to buy food and many other basics from a duopoly who are now moving to obliterate what is left of independent corner stores and gas stations. Some farmers are familiar with the name for their customers, that of "sheep".
Hopefully this wonderful vibrant second economy here in Colombia will thrive into the future as the country develops. Buying juice on the road side from a rustic stall is a much better experience for me than in some generic neon dressed facade, where half the price of the product is going to pay for rent.
It’s a pleasure knowing that the money for the juice or fruit here is helping a family live the best they can, not fatten a landlords pocket, improve a share price, or pay for something that is not worth half the price tendered. That choice is a privilege lost in some countries, because someone said there maybe health problems or it is not fair to others trying to make a living. Those with alot of money are indifferent to this. Those with not enough to live the "dream", (this number is growing), feel a slap on the face each time they reach the cash register.
Carolina had given me her number, we would talk on my arrival to the town of about 100,00 people. The town is visited by about 3 million people a year to visit to the basilica here that is modeled on one in Rome.
There is a radio station in the town that broadcasts all the church services live.
On arrival in town I rang Luis, Carolinas friend, they came and directed me to “Buga Embassy” as they call it.
Being made instantly to feel at home, we all got on really well. Deciding then and there to stay the night my gear was unloaded. Upon inspection it was all dry.
I was welcomed with a lovely meal. Carolina introduced me to her family and friends.
The evening was spent out on the street drinking the local brew Aquardiente, a very drinkable aniseed number drunk straight. It was an enjoyable night.
We visited Luis” mums house after picking her up from church. It was a beautiful original Colombian home with period furniture within, also really interesting was some dinosaur teeth that Luis had found whilst extracting gravel from the river.
Needless to say sleep was a given once in the nest. Also needless was a plan to move on tomorrow.