After the four hour shuttle ride (door-to-door, we decided to spoil ourselves), we arrived at The Brisa Loca, in the heart of Santa Marta. After exchanging hours of horror stories, it was a bit unsettling being welcomed by a power outage and shrieking screams. Especially, after the last horror story entailed a hostel hold-up/robbery. Once the power was on, we were re-greeted with open arms. After settling in and dinner we were ready for some good rest. Yeah RIGHT! Our ceiling was the beat for the beligerent man attempting to play bongos on the roof, our room was next to the screaming contest on one side, and the entertaining bathroom on the other. Fortunately, it was more entertaining than upsetting. Conversations like an older flamboyant man insisting on seeing his first supermodel take a poo, and a British girl screaming after flying-headbutting the bathroom door into ours. As many know, we like to have a good time but this crowd took it to the next level. After some rest, we awoke determined to find out who the crazies were to show em we could hand. After an exploration of the city, we returned to the hostel to get an early start before the crazies. Seems every backpacker had left that day, leaving two drunk gringo amigos and the flamboyant man hitched at the bar. Twenty Cuba libres later and some sleep, we were ready to move.
We landed ourselves in the beautiful fishing village in the nook of the cliffs around the point from Santa Marta – Taganga. After settling in and cooling off in the pool, we headed to the beach. Enjoying some mojitos, we recognized a sweet familiar voice. It was the hard worked crew member, Juaquim. His familiar exhausted face was totally covered by his new smile when he came running towards us, with of course, his guitara in the air.
Being recommended an “awesome restaurant” we were excited! Espeially ti get some variation in our new arroz con frijoles diet. We definitely underprepared for what we were about to experience. It was a perched bamboo hut on the side of the cliff overlooking all of Taganga. The view was equally matched with the quality of the cuisine produced by the French chef. Seriously amazing! Three courses of awesome for $12. Followed with a food coma and the pressure to see what the nightlife was like, we were convinced by an amigo for one ” quick drink”. Well one drink quickly led to the reunion of the familia from the Independence dancing until sunlight at the Mirador, meeting the self- proclaimed owner of Taganga, many firsts, skinny dips for some, sunrise on the beach for others, the list goes on.
After attempting to sleep, we were abruptly awoken by the owner pleasantly telling us we had to check out. With red eyes and our tails between our legs, we limped away from Taganga in need of a good nights rest.
After some TLC from the amazing dreamer hostel in Santa Marta we decided to go stay at their additional location in the quiet beach town of Palomino. After being greater by the wildest storm yet, some beach relaxing, and lazy river tube floating through the mountains, we were ready to pack our bags and head to Tayrona National Park.
Upon arrival and some casual chat, Michael informed me in his 24 years that he had never experienced riding a horse. Luckily, we were greeted with the option of taking two wild beasts through the jungle (he had no choice!) instead of walking the two hours in. We were given long twigs immediately. When asked why, we were answered with a quick whip to the horses ass and an abrupt take-off by these untamed animals. Although his first horse ride was on a Colombian Caballo through the jungle I gotta say, he killed it. And looked incredibly manly while doing it! 😉
Reaching Cabo San Juan was a relief! We were given a camping tent and set up the casa. Seems like a holiday hot spot for the Colombians. We would soon explore and discover why.
Awoken by a boiling tent, we set off for separate morning adventures. I climbed the Jurrasic Park-like rocks catching some amazing view points. The rocks here are actually amazing. I didn’t know I was capable of appreciating them so much, but wow! Words do not do justice, but the pics should help! Michael set off for a beach day. Soaking up the Colombian sol and enjoying some cervezas. Michael and I shared some more Aguilas in one of the best places possible to celebrate. Happy Birthday America. And sportin’ our American bathing suits of course! Salud! Xoxo
Probably the best mode of transportation thus far was the Lord of the Rings boat ride back from Tayrona to Taganaga (close second being Michaels Caballo). 38 passengers wedged into this tiny boat. Growing up around boats, I have to say, I didn’t think it was near possible. Setting over the 10 foot waves, with people lying on the ground and sprawled over the luggage, we knew it was going to be a wet one. Within ten minutes a guy was hanging off the back, sick as a pup. Once our rattled minds were off the conditions and set on the landscape we were shocked. Vibrant green Sierra Nevada tops met with massive couple hundred foot jagged rock faces that plummeted into the ocean. The waves rocking the side of the cliffs not only looked amazing, but the thumping vibrations were rocking the boat. Forty wet, but experience filled minutes later (unfortunately the camera was not allowed to leave the dry bag without being destroyed, so the mental pics are all that exist), we arrived back to the majestic beaches of taganga with nothing to do and no where to be! Ahhhh!
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