Chapter 8

Colombia

–Leticia-

We arrived at midday in Santa Marta and we stayed there only for a short time. First of all, the most important thing, coffee and something to eat. After the emigration (it worked fast and easy because there were nobody there, expect Lisa, Justinus, I and one police guy) we leaved the small village and went with a taxiboat to Leticia. A new chapter was born, my first country in Colombia!!

Some short information about Leticia:
Leticia is the southernmost city in the Republic of Colombia, capital of the department of Amazonas, and one of the major ports on the Amazon river. Leticia has long been Colombia’s shipping point for tropical fish for the aquarium trade. Leticia has approximately 50.000 inhabitants and is located at the point where Colombia, Brazil and Peru come together in an area called “Tres Fronteras”.

And also some short information about Colombia:
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia is a country in the north of South America. Colombia has about 50 million inhabitants. The meaning of the flag colours: Yellow represents the riches of the county, gold. Blue represents the seas on Colombia’s shores, the rivers that run through, and the sky above. Red represents the blood spilled for Colombia’s independence.
Colombia is bounded on the north by the Caribbean Sea, the northwest by Panama, the south by both Ecuador and Peru, the east by Venezuela, the southeast by Brazil, and the west by the Pacific. It comprises thirtytwo departments, with the capital in Bogotá.
In Colombia you can find everything, like Amazon rainforest, highland, grassland, deserts, and islands along both seas, Atlantic and Pacific. Colombia is the only NATO gobal partner in Latin America.
The name “Colombia” is derived from the last name of the Italian navigator Christopher Columbus. You can find there a lot of culture and history. There is a lot to say about this wonderful country, but you know, Wikipedia is your best friend. And I am thinking that you will read more about my experience, some funny storys and adventures.

Leticia is an other world than Santa Marta. About one kilometer next to Santa Marta but it is more beautiful. You have streets, electricity, shops, restaurants there and it is much more cleaner than Santa Marta.
The immigration in Colombia was also fine and without problems. On the contrary, it was really funny. We took some pictures with the border-police-man, made some jokes and were allowed to go on the police boat. That’s how I love a border crossing, bienvenido a Colombia!!

Lisa, Justinus and I went to a hostel which was recommend in an travel guide. We booked a dormitory, four beds. The fourth man in our beautiful community was also a german guy but we did not see him often.
We also met an guy from Austria, Mattersburg, his name was Christoph. And how should it be otherwise, we understood each other right from the start. Thanks Chris for the nice days! We see us this year in Austria, I am looking forward to it!! But I am sure that we will go climbing or make a tour together! We are still in contact. Stay health and hasta luego!

It is also funny because most of the South America people don´t know Austria. I often said that I also come from Germany to make it easier for me =) or the people understood “Australia”. Either, I was an australian or a german tourist =)

After the check in we did some organisation stuff. Justinus was booking a jungle tour, Lisa and I were thinking and searching about flights to Bogotá. There is also an other option to get to Bogotá, ten days on a boat again, No Thanks =) it was an easy decision =)
We also washed our clothes and at the evening we went out to get a good meal. After three days of diet I needed something good between my teeth, a good oil for the engine =).
First, the “hugo naturales con leche” was a dream. We could choose between about 20 different fruits! mhmmmmm I am loving that drinks for gods, my favourit was maracuja with milk. One of many things that I will miss when I come back to Austria.
Second, the main dish, the fish of the day. It was exactly what I needed. With new strength we went for a walk through the city but there was not much to see.
Back to the hostel, drunk some beers and talked about our trips. The best thing this night, we slept with air conditioning and without mosquitos and wind =) I had a perfect sleep!!

The next day was also easy cheese. After a good breakfest and a short walk in the city we went with the taxi to the airport. Two hours flight, I could smell the next capital of my trip. We also had luck with the weather because at the airport it started to rain.
I liked the airport, it was still new. So I did an inspection round, final inspection =) The three gates pased my test =) The only thing I complained was the ping pong table at gate two =)

OK, so goodby Amazonas. It was a honor for me. It was relly nice and interesting to see such a life. All you need is in the nature. Respect of the people who are living there and who know all the things about nature and animals. Hopefully this great knowledge will never be lost!! We, Europeans, can learn a lot from the people there, about nature and animals.
Unfortunately, we are living at a time that is too modern. We only trust and believe what the internet or the news are telling us. or worse, what facebook and insta tells us. Thank you for showing me your life and to teaching me about your knowledge. Respect of the people who are living there because it is not easy. The clima, weather, tempretaure are really hard. Many different typs of animals and flowers. The last that I would say, it was another wonderful place in our wonderful world, THANKS!!!