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My Final Day in Cartagena: -02:00 hours on the road to Cali de Santiago, Colombia
Ready for my 22-hour bus ride across Colombia
My last day in Cartagena.
My sleepy thoughts have me pulling the covers back over my head, as my cell’s alarm blares in the background. My clock reads 6:15 am, which means it is time to get ready to check out of my hotel. Today is the day that I am FINALLY leaving Cartagena. While both magical and beautiful, Cartagena’s humidity and tropical rainstorms have chewed me up and spit me out.
To say that I am ready for a new scene is an understatement. Don’t get me wrong. I had very many great experiences here, but as I mentioned before in my past blog entries, I was very unhappy with my apartment. For me, home is everything…even if it’s a temporary home. At home, I make it a point to create an atmosphere of safety, security, relaxation, and most importantly….a place where I can feel well-rested. So yeah, I am happy to be out!
I’ve taken a bus only two times here in Colombia. The first time I was 23, hungover, and very lucky that I got to my destination alive. The second time was back in February when I was visiting my ex’s hometown for the first time. This time, it’s just me and a bunch of other strangers. Now because my Spanish accent isn’t the best, it is very important that I get to my destination early to check in. I’ve got to show my ticket, check my luggage, grab breakfast, and make sure I don’t miss my bus connection on the 1st stop. Can you say STRESSED?!
Luckily, today is Saturday and I don’t have any work tomorrow. I am just going to go with the flow and if I miss a bus/connection, I’ll just break into my emergency fund and figure things out. I know…who am I!? …I am totally at peace at this moment. I love road trips, so I am honestly looking forward to this 28-hour journey from Cartagena to Cali. Anyway…I’ve gotta get packed and walk to the bus station (It’s only a 5-minute walk from the Hotel Agenda Esperanza).
The Ride
My favorite bus company to use here in Colombia.
As I mentioned above, I have only taken a bus here a few times. The first time, I had NO IDEA what I was doing. However, now there is only one bus company that I trust with my safety and well-being. That is Espreso Brasilia (please note that I don't have a paid partnership with this company). What I love the most is that they change out their drives every 4-5 hours. The drivers are also extremely experienced in driving on all terrains and weather conditions. And...regardless if you are Spanish/English speaking...they are alert and aware enough to know who you are and what stop you are supposed to be getting off at. When I say I have all the confidence in this company, I truly mean it. Safety and security are everything to me!
With all that said, I think I am finally ready to answer your question. Why take a long bus ride? Well, why not? I am here in Colombia for another month, I have no obligations for the weekend, and I am here to experience new things. While some may think that road-tripping is miserable and uncomfortable, I love it! I remember back when I worked for Be the Match in Southern California and all the driving I volunteered to do. It was me, my Chevy Equinox, and my ex-boyfriend. I remember stopping in Gillroy for their Garlic Festival, checking out the redwoods in Palo Alto, and picking my own peaches at local orchards in Central California.
Road trips present an opportunity to see things that you wouldn't normally see if you were on an airplane (especially if you're not the driver). I mean, in one day, I saw the coast, part of a national rainforest, and a small mountain village. And because I was selective with the bus company, I got to see all of those places while reclined in a comfy chair (with Wi-Fi, a TV monitor, a clean bathroom, and regular stops at yummy restaurants).
The coast, the forest, and a small town
The only complaint that I have is that the woman in front of me had a really bad body odor. Every other inch of the bus smelled great, but she was funky. Thankfully I always pack a face mask!
Check back in tomorrow for what else I saw on my bus ride to Cali.
Your friend,
BrookeLynn the Friendly Blogger
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