Villa de Llevya

 

This town was as quaint and scenic as it gets.

 

Bev enjoyed her breakfast of broth and huge hunk-o- meat-on-a-bone.

 

But hey, it's the World Cup.

 

The local treat is a deliciously light, fluffy, and sugary treat called Girlfriend Kisses. They are delectable.

Zipaquira

 

We visited the salt cathedral in the small town of Zipaquira. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colombia.

 

This mountain was originally mined for salt.

 

Since so many miners have died, they built a sort of memorial to them as well as a full on Catholic church. It's really amazing.

 

There are statues everywhere.

Catedral de Sal

 

Salt!

 

This little carving was way in the back, near the bathroom. It turned out to be my favorite becasue it didn't fit in with the rest.

 

Along with dozens of religious icons, they had World Cup t-shirts for sale in the gift shop.

Convento de Santo Ecce Homo

 

Built in 1620, this monastery was home to many Dominican monks. When we arrived, it was sunny with blue skies.

 

There are lots of fossils in the area, and they often use them in the architecture.

 

After about 10 minutes of exploring, we heard thunder, and the skies opened up, and rain poured down. I don't know where the rain came from, bui It was incredible.

More hostels

 

I was a little horrified to realize that little Jefe's room was now given out to boarders for a measley $8.50.

 

Sign posted in a bathroom reminding visitors to put their toilet paper in the waste basket, not the toilet.

 

What appeared to be an insane asylum was actually my favorite hotel.

Parapente

 

Bev and I signed up for paragliding. We didn't really know what to expect, but it sounded fun.

 

We drove to the top of a mountain near San Gil by a corn & tobacco farm.

 

Flying above Colombia

 

Bev went first. We were nervous because they asked our weight, and we were frantically trying to convert pounds to kilograms. No worries though; I'm sure the helmet would totally protect us in a freefall scenario.

 

There's Bev!

 

It truly was like being a bird.

 

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Salento

 

The builings were painted Argentinian style.

 

El Rincon de Lucy has the best food. After we discovered it, we ate no where else. This was my breakfast, and it cost about $3.

 

As usual, we created a scene wherever we went.

 

Barichara

 

Barichara was cute with cobblestone streets, but it was kind of boring.

 

We ended up hiking down an old trail to the even smaller town of Guane.

 

Every town in Colombia has an impressive Catholic church, and they all had huge golden altars.

 

At night, everybody gathers in the town square, and you can drink in public. The grocery store where we bought the wine, opened it for us and provided cups. I love Colombia!

Hormigas Culonas

 

When you're in Barrichara, you must try the local treat, fat-bottomed ants.

 

They are lima bean sized bugs fried in oil for a few minutes in a pan.

 

They taste like salt and giant crispy ants.

 

Mmmmm...

San Gil

 

Colombians are friendly and kind.

 

There's a giant fruit market.

 

With steep, winding streets, San Gil is the perfect setting for a bike race. These 2 boys were not only following the race of their radio, but also they were literally following the riders through town.

 

I was always carrying around lots of pretty Colombian pesos. Everything was still very cheap there.