Day 861
Election Day
‘Tiredness is temporary, satisfaction is forever’, read the sign halfway up the climb. This could not be truer than when talking about cycling through Colombia. Time and again we have had to dig deep, but the beauty of this country, its people, animals and fauna have all contributed to keeping us going.
As our time in Colombia nears its end, we have slowed down somewhat so we can enjoy every moment. Having left San Agustin, we have made our way to Mocoa, the start point for the Trampolin de la Muerte. Traffic has been light, the road in pretty good condition, both ensuring a great ride. The best bit though has been the glorious scenery. We are on the edge of the Amazon Basin and we are both overawed by its size and beauty. The birds and butterflies in this area have to be seen to be believed. Tom has christened me the ‘butterfly whisperer’ as they love landing on me, though I think it’s my colourful top not my charm that attracts them!
This road gradually became more remote with few places to buy water and food and ever fewer places to stop for the night. We had expected to camp at a restaurant which was recommended on ‘iOverlander’, an app for travellers, which we use. However, we had passed that too early in the day. Not going as slow as we thought! Finally, we pulled up at a restaurant that advertised it was also a hotel. For £20 we could have a cabana for the night, a sort of triangular shed. We thought it was a bit expensive, we normally pay about half that, often less, but it did have an awesome view.
Unsure if it even had electric and a shower and toilet we were relieved to see it did. Things though were going to get even better. With a flourish, the lady showing us around, opened the door to the balcony. We had the rainforest view, but even better, we had a jacuzzi bath made for two. She had already filled it with warm water and plenty of bubbles. Hard to explain our joy, but for a couple used to a cold shower with water from a pipe in the wall, this left us speechless. Never has £20 been well spent.
For the past few weeks, we have seen an endless display of billboards advertising the upcoming local elections. On 29 October Colombia went to the polling booths to vote in 1,002 new mayors and some other civic positions. We passed huge queues of people patiently waiting to vote. Supporters were everywhere, waving flags and colourful balloons. By evening some results were clearly in and Mocoa was celebrating. There were thousands of people on the streets. On foot, on bike, in cars and trucks. Everyone had a flag, a plastic horn, balloons, often all three. People were wearing the colours of their chosen party. It was complete gridlock. The noise was deafening. From the smallest child to the oldest person everyone was joining in with the celebrations. Needless to say Tom and I got stuck in with the masses, grinning, waving and I even got to shake the hand of the new mayor. I couldn’t help but compare this joyous spectacle with our somewhat lacklustre attitude to our right to vote in the UK.
Today, all is calm. We rest. Tomorrow. The Trampolin de la Muerte!
