After many weeks of preparation and anxiety, I made it to Colombia this afternoon. All of my posts won’t be this detailed, but I just got here, and want to remember this.
I started out in Cincinnati at 6:30 am this morning. I got through security (I was the ONLY person), did some work, and left on time at 9:10. I planned to work the entire time, however, I quickly fell asleep.
I slept until we landed in Miami. As soon as I stepped off the plane, it felt like a heatwave. I called my parents, did some work, and quickly found out the plane to Colombia was delayed. We were supposed to depart at 2:10pm, and arrive at 4:30. Long story short, the plane was delayed leaving Colombia. The weather in Bogota was horrible.
I met a friend, Randy, while we were trying to figure out where the plane was. We swapped stories over a beer (a free beer) in the bar. He’s ex-military, currently working as a Helicopter pilot (or air limo driver as he calls it) in Philly. He’s on a 6 day vacation to Barranquilla/Cartagena.
I made my way back to the terminal, did some work, met a few other people, and finally boarded the plane around 6:30pm. I sat next to a beautiful Colombian girl, my age, who couldn’t speak English. It just so happens that I can’t speak spanish, so our conversations were limited. As soon as we started taking off, her and her brother were holding hands and crying. I was trying to figure out what was wrong, but all she said was “No worry”. I think it was the flying that was bothering her.
The airplane was pretty cool. We had our own entertainment center. USB charger, game center and instant access to tv shows and movie. I watched some shows, did some work, took a nap, enjoyed a hot meal, and learned a bit of spanish. Everyone was really friendly and gave me tips about travelling around Colombia.
I got off the plane around 9:30 and scored a 90 day visa. They typically issue 60 day visas, but I accidentally booked my ticket for 67 days (before I knew they issued 60 day visas). My two options were to hope for a 90 day visa, or pay for it ($50-$60). The guy gave it to me, I made my way through customs, and on to a taxi.
I really didn’t know where to go. My plan was to get to Santa Marta (2 hrs bus ride) tonight, but that wasn’t possible since the plane was delayed. I withdrew $100,000 (yes, one hundred thousand dollars – only $53 US though) and got a taxi into town ($20,000 – or $11 US). The first hostel I went to was full, but the second one, Hotel SanFrancisco had room. I have a private room (leaky toilet, a water-hose stream for a shower, and a very strong fan) for a whopping $42,000 (or $22 US). It’s a nice room, especially for $22 US.
I’m just finishing up some work, and will probably make my way to Santa Marta tomorrow! Till then..
P.S. – It is humid here!
