Simon Bolivar The Caribbean on the Colombian Coast….. So they say.
David and I decided to see the Highlights of Santa Marta. Our guide was a very positive man. He told us that drug cartels are no longer in existence. People live here in harmony. You won’t find drugs here like you did in the past. Unemployment is 2%. People make $5-$6 an hour. There is a 400% tax on cars and most people have cars. Colombia is now a very safe place, unlike the past. People live well and happily here. OK.
There were no stoplights or stop signs in this oldest city in Colombia. Santa Marta dates back to 1525. There are no speed limits. You can drive on the left or the right. You just Go. Also squatter’s rights reign. You find a plot of land, live on it for 10 years and it is yours. You see make shift huts everywhere in all sorts of colors and conditions. I was wondering about new condo developments. Do squatter’s rights work there too?
Lots of traffic. Lots of people sitting in front of their ‘homes’ and in cafes. Socializing is what I saw everywhere, very laid back. Garbage everywhere. We traveled through Santa Marta, traveled on to EL Rodadero, which is a beach resort sort of place, and ended the tour at Quinta de San Pedro de Alejandrino. This was the hacienda where Simon Bolivar spent his last days. He is Colombia’s revered hero of independence. When I saw dancers performing, I left my group standing under a tree listening to the guide and took videos. Wish I could download them here for you..... Then I found my group and stayed with them. David stayed on the bus where he was nice and cool. The rest of us scorched under the brutal sun. The Casa and its grounds were lovely.
These are squatters living in the hills.....Live here for 10 years, the plot of land is yours.....
Simon's Casa and Estate
Fruit of street venders looked great!
Dinner at Prego, always a treat!!!
Love the attention as our beef carpaccio is prepared for us.
New favorite desert: Deconstructed tierra misu Lady fingers on the bottom.... ice cream, coffee brewed on top of dish and poured over .... so it steams.
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