Ciudad Perdida, Indigineous music and the scorching beach
April 25th, 2007 by JoshHi everyone.
Just a postcard update with more to follow when time allows.
We arrived at Cartagena and caught a nasty cold at the same time slowing us down a couple of days. In terms of raw beauty this city blows away anything comparable in Central America, including Antigua but the landscape is a little less enthralling. The pollution of the city means the best beaches must be reached by ferry and insistent peddlers make walking the city at times great but at times pretty trying. I said ´fuck off´to an persisting beggar for the first time on the trip. It worked better than spanish or being polite and was definitely a cathartic moment for the times I´ve smiled and tolerated their harassment.
We went to the Ciudad Perdida (lost city), a former city of the indigenous Tayrona peoples. Abandoned after Spanish decimation of the Indians, the buildings are long gone gorgeous terraces and 2000 steps lead up to an ancient jungle site. We had some great experiences as it was a 6day return hike to reach there.
Now we head to Tayrona National Park for the famous beaches and from there have been invited to stay with a new friend in Valledupar for a balleanato music festival. Balleanato is the national folk music and has some similarity to tango in feel but more of a dancing rhythm. Although I was keen to go to Medellin, this is a great chanceto get a feel for what´s going on here and it sounds like a great party.
Until the next (more) enthralling update,
Josh
April 25th, 2007 at 8:13 pm
Re. the F*** word .. save your energy for more important things. Don’t get sucked into an argument.
Adam.
April 25th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Check out Maria Rivas singing cumbia (neither salsa, merengue, nor mambo) from Venezuela .. “Adios Carcelero y Carcel” !
Adam.
.. & Oscar d’Leon (”Los Oscares del Oscar !”).
April 25th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
Jan tells me ” Die Stahlratte” translates as “The Steel Rat” ..
April 25th, 2007 at 9:23 pm
Check out
http://www.worldcircuit.co.uk/#About
May 1st, 2007 at 11:44 am
Hey guys,
sounds like you are having an absolute blast! Can´t believe its been two months since Mexico City and that bottle of tequila…. Valencia is AWESOME. Had my first day working on a super yacht on the weekend and it was crazy. good times. Jon see you soon
love loz xoxoxox
May 1st, 2007 at 5:15 pm
Boys, Kerry here the boy from the bush (Masterton) who met you guys in Santa Marta, Tayrona.
Just thought I´d drop you a line and let you know I will forward Josh his rock star picture soon and that your website is the shizzle. Our friend and her family in Bogota said the festival you guys are at is the bigggady, biggady bong so bit gutted Kathy and I did´t join you. Also if you get to Bogota (not sure if you were) you have to check out a restaurant/bar in a place called Chia(I think) about half an hour out of Bogota. Honestly it is possibly the craziest place in the world, horrificly expensive but well worth the visit just to see.
Keep on keeping on.
Hasta Luego
The Rolonator
May 1st, 2007 at 7:56 pm
Hi Josh
Hope the missing Helmet urns up. You jut gota learn to enjoy all that heat.
May 2nd, 2007 at 10:08 am
Que Pasa, Senores ?
May 6th, 2007 at 8:30 am
So you are a lousy Rat it looks like Jon. Who the f..k is Loz? What is it about you and tequila and girls?
Your Maria. (remember me?)
May 6th, 2007 at 9:41 am
The plot thickens…
May 9th, 2007 at 5:32 am
Nah, Jon’s been breaking hearts (again) in America Central but New Zeal will get its revenge when he comes back to a job as a beancounter .. heh ! .. and a possey of squalling bambinos ..
but not mine ! Maria.
May 14th, 2007 at 7:06 am
bambinos….
….ouch
sounds fckn rad Josh - still enjoying reading yours and Jonny’s updates. keep ‘em coming as much as you can (…be bothered.) lol
Enjoy