Heading down the west side of Colombia

Medellin is the second largest city in Colombia. Apart from a quick look around the centre of the city and the Artist Boteros robust sculptures in public view, it rained, so we spent most of our time at the really good set up Black Sheep Hostal - run by a Kiwi. On recommendation we then stayed out of the city of Pereira at Finca Villa Maria (finca meaning farm), that grew coffee and bananas. Unfortunately there we no other guests at the time, as the staff were abit scared of talking to us with our limited Spanish. But the place was beautiful, loads of plants and flowers that attracted the birds, especially Hummingbirds, and a baby tucan. We spent much time by the pool, and taking a walk in the hillside. The city of Armenia has Parque Nacional Cafe, which is a coffee theme park, which houses a museum, amusement rides, and a day full of activities. It was the Easter weekend that we went, so we were not prepared to stand in the huge lines to get on any of the rides. It was still an enjoyable thing to do though. We also visited Valle de Cocora where the wax palm trees are found (best place in the world apparently). They are able to grow above 2500 metres in altitude, grow up to 60 metres, and have a life span of 200 years. The town of Cali is famous for its beautiful women, sport and salsa music. It is the 3rd largest city in the country. We visited the Museo Arqueological Le Merced, which was a former convent. We also took in the popular Juan Chitos nightclub, and danced until 6am. Now that hardly ever happends. Being the only Westerners we created some attention. Popayan is one of Colombias most beautiful colonial cities. Due to the Easter weekend, there were parades of tiny children dressed in costume carrying the 12 stations of the cross, through the streets. Very cute! It is from here that you can visit both San Agustin and Tierradentro, two very important archaelogical sites, for statues and underground burial chambers. We were lazy and decided not to visit them. The 5 odd hours and dirt roads did have a lot to do with putting us off the once enthusiastic idea. We stopped in the city of Pasto to visit the volcano and lake. Well the Volcan Galera at 4267 mtrs is currently active, so we were unable to climb it, and I was unwell, so Ian went to the Laguna la Cocha on his own. He did a boat trip to the island, and thought it would be one of those lovely, quiet places to stay for a few days, but is not mentioned in the book, so you would not think of doing any more than a day trip. At the border crossing town of Ipiales there is a beautiful church to see. Santuario de las Lajas is a neo-gothic church built on a bridge spanning a deep gorge over a river. It was erected to commenorate the appearance of the virgen in the 18th century. The back of the inside of the church is the rock wall, there are loads of plagues along the alley stating miracles that have happened to people, and old and used crutches and braces that have been left. Quite spectacular. It is literally the only thing to do in the town, so we did this on our way through to Ecuador.