Caliento Cali

Moving north from Popayan, we actually had our hostel call ahead for a room at the popular Iguana hostel in Cali. Only the second time on this trip that we've made a reservation and it was good that we did because the place was full of 20-somethings from all over Europe and Australia. Friendly enough crowd, but deep into the cerveza and rum by dinner time. Everyone sitting around diddling with their i-whatevers, having multiple loud conversations, demonstrating cultural mastery, and performing radio-karaoke in furious spurts.

Am I sounding critical and old? OK so be it. But I did appreciate the Swiss pair who took over an hour in the kitchen to prepare an artful vegetable crepe dish. I did appreciate the acoustic guitar player over on the hammock patio who really knew some good old '70s licks.

Starr and I made a unique and wonderful tropical juice drink with our local purchases. Grenadine, sapote, acidic guava, sweet guava, and others I can't remember. So good!

After dinner the sky really opened up and the thunder and lightning came closer until finally the flash and the crash were exactly simultaneous. Starr showed me a rapid sort of tap dance to show how she would act if she was scared.

The thunder subsided by bedtime, but the party rocked on loudly for hours and hours. We were able to sleep, awakened only by the occasional shriek. Mind you, this was their TGI-Tuesday party.  Colombians REALLY party on the weekends!

In the morning we had a chance to meet and become friends with the owner, Urs, who emigrated to Colombia from Switzerland 25 years ago. Urs has walked in our shoes and offered many helpful ideas for our exploration of Colombia.

One night in Cali and we were ready to head out again.