I didn't take any pictures on the third day, because I didn't feel like bringing my camera. To make a long story short, Olivia and I decided to go to the hot springs while Diego and Caro (novios) went to some farm to learn about Colombian agriculture. I think you can guess why Olivia and I chose the hot springs. While they were absolutely amazing, by far the best ones I've ever visited, it was a major process to get there. We had to take two busses, which took about 2 hours, and then we had to take another willi to get to the springs. While the willi from the day before was moderately comfortable, this one was from, like, 1948. I kept hitting my head on the top of it as we bounced along the country roads. But we survived the journey, and were able to relax in reallllly hot water for about three hours. The scenery was also really beautiful--mountains and waterfalls. To get back, we took a chiva, which is pictured above. Chivas are an older mode of transport only found in rural areas; they're very recognizable due to the colorful paint. In the past, they would be filled with everything from people to agricultural products to chickens. If something didn't fit in the main compartment, they would just put it on top.
Our final day we went for a river ride on el río La Vieja. It was kind of like floating down the AuSable in Grayling, except we were in rafts and didn't have to paddle. It was very relaxing, and kind of boring at first because we were just floating along. I thought it would take an hour, but was soon informed that it would take FIVE hours to get to our destination. It ended up being really fun, though. We all got out and floated along with the river current and were able to go through rapids. Of course, I was afraid there were pirañas, crocodiles, or worst of all, snakes, but I didn't see anything of the sort. Ew, I cannot even imagine if I had seen a snake.
When we stopped for lunch, we took a hike (all uphill) to another beautiful waterfall. By this time it was really hot and humid, but it was breezy and wonderful by the falls. We stayed there for about thirty minutes enjoying the mist.
Another view of the rafts and the pretty scenery. There were two rafts in total, and Olivia, Caro and I were the only foreigners. The other group was a large, noisy, and very endearing Colombian family.
In typical out of order fashion, this is me, obvio, with Caro and Olivia. This was a really nice moment, actually. We were in yet another willi after the river ride. The climate was perfect, and the breeze was blowing as we drove along. Fonseca, my favorite group of the moment was playing one of my favorite songs on the radio, and everyone was singing along. It was definitely a, "wow...I'm in Colombia and having the time of my life" moment.
Ha, our ubiquitious guidebooks, bottled water, and Colombian soda. I like this picture. The water is potable in Bogotá, but not in smaller cities.
Aguardiente, or an anise flavored liqueur, is VERY popular in Colombia. It's found at any party, and I'm always forced to take the obligatory shot every single time I go out. Not my favorite, but not bad.
Another picture of the rafts. They were just as rickety as they look. We had to put all of our clothes and cameras in special bags so they wouldn't get wet.
The lunch they served us was amazing. It was chicken, yuca (kind of like a potato), platano, and rice wrapped in a big banana leaf. The banana leaf kept it warm, and it was just so smart. So much better than plastic! And no waste! Very smart. They also served us hot, fresh coffee, and soda.
We ate on wooden benches in the middle of the forest. The guides said it was "guerrilla style dining." Quite the experience.
And that was it! The following day Olivia and Caro headed off to Medellin (they're doing a five month journey through South America), and Diego and I headed back to Bogotá. This time my seat wouldn't stay reclined, so I had trouble falling asleep. This meant that I also felt the crazy turns and the driver's ridiculous speed as we descended the mountain, meaning that I was soon vomiting in the back of the bus. Lovely. But we arrived safe and sound...all in all, an incredible trip.
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