Santa Marta

Getting from Cartagena to Santa Marta was a miniture nightmare. It felt pretty much like one long over priced traffic jam. I was told that my ticket would get me to Santa Marta, but infact i had to get off half way and then pay for another bus ride which i was pissed about. I did kick up a bit of a fuss but not speaking fluent Espanol made things a little more tricky. The bus kept stopping and people slowly piled on. The bus moved at a snails pace then stopped again, for i dont know what. My meant to be 4 hour journey took 8 hours. At the end a young man got on the bus and did his personal selling things act. On every bus ride thus far in my journey at least one person entertains the bus audience with a speach about their product and why we should buy it. Sometimes they do very well, sometimes they even do magick tricks and get everyone laughing or singing or clapping! This particular man did a speach on God and sold CD's of various God related seminars and music. As i sat listening and eating little mangos I wished i could understand more of what he was saying. When he realised i was English he requested that I write down the words, in English so he could learn them, GOD LOVES YOU. When talking about God he always made hand gestures towards the sky. This inspired me to write, below GOD LOVES YOU, GOD IS WITHIN. And hoped he might integrate that into his english vocab. THinking about it now, i wish i has also written GOD IS THE DEVIL TOO!
When off the bus, this God dude was very helpful and helped me get a cheap Taxi ride to my desired Hotel. As i drove off towards my final destination (phew), he waved at me and shouted GOD LOVES YOU gesturing towards the sky and his heart. An interesting end to my very long journey!

Now im settled into a Gringo magnet hotel. I havnt been around this many English speakers for a very long time! This place is cheap, vibrant, very spacious and with its own bar and swimming pool. Next door is a Mexican Resturant owned by a New York chef. Its the most gourmet food i have had in a very very long time. It was exquisite, utterly. Melt in your mouth must lick the plate exquisite. After eating i contemplated my love for food and how i have been at war with this love for a long time. Ive decided to embrace that i love food, to love that i love food! It can make me very happy... ofcource, its all temporary. But as far as temporary pleasure goes, im pretty content with a good plate of Gourmet Mexican food.

Ok, short post for today. Now...maybe a dip in the swimming pool. And to plan a six day Trek. My body wants some challenging physical activity and my mind is meeting that request.

Amor para todos ustedes,
xx