Medellín and Cali

We had lots of fun with the sculptures of Botero in Medellín. The view from Cerro Nutibarra and the bar-and-restaurant-hopping at El Poblado were relaxing, but the centre felt even more packed and stressed than Bogota somehow. There were also many people selling "minutos cellular" with a few cellphones chained to their bodies. My only real impression from Cali were that it seemed to be a city that never sleeps, there were queues everywhere, and a very chaotic bus terminal. I think that was Cali's way to get me to go back again for a better experience.

Cartegena

Lonely Planet called Cartegena the most romantic city in South America. I haven't been to that many places on the continent yet but it was by far the most touristic one. It was undoubtedly beautiful though, and I have nothing to complain about welcoming 2008 on a beach on the Carribean Coast and spending the first day of the new year on a boat trip out to Islas del Rosarios to look for corals.

.:: Bogotá ::.

Sancocho and arepa as breakfast tasted great in the break of an 24 hour bus ride. Apart from the street snacks, museums and many many colourful buses, what I loved the most about Bogotá was the atmosphere. Every few blocks seemed to have a different vibe. All in all it was very dynamic and happening city which was hard to leave.

.:: Tulcan and Ipiales ::.

Colombia has long been my number 1 dream country to visit and also partly why I ended up in Ecuador. Crossing over to Ipiales from Tulcan, the formalities at the border on both sides took... very long. It was quite a view seeing elderlies and children standing in queues for hours from 05:30 in the cold (yes it can also be cold in Colombia). Being a border city, it did not feel too different from Ecuador, but it was very green.