Soldiers, guns, trucks, fencing and barbed wire were the only things that stood in our way into Venezuela! They'd shut all land entrances for the elections the day before we arrived with no set date being given for when we'd be allowed in.
A week later in this Colombian border town like all border towns globally there's nothing going for it and we'd done everything Cucutta had to offer in our first few days. Staying in a complex that should have been set in LA, the school principals Uncle had kindly offered to host us for a few days. Each day became more awkward though as we overstayed our welcome and hung our hand washed underwear out the window.

8 days later we were finally in Venezuela only to be told that visa documents were incorrect and couldn't be processed. Rachel had to leave for Yopal and I was left waiting for the school to airmail me the correct papers.

If I hadn't been told the bridge crossing was a link between two countries I would have been none the wiser. Students linking arms strolled across to the neighbouring country ready for class, ladies dragged shopping bags and electrical items from the cheaper Venezuelan supermarkets and motorcycle drivers liner the Colombian side as men placed rubber pipes in the petrol tank sucked quickly as the gasoline surged into jerry cans and bottles, later to be sold at discounted prices at makeshift 'petrol stations' on street corners.

On day 10 I'd left money in my bag in the house presuming it would be safer than carrying it across borders instead I unfortunately realised you can't trust anyone even in nice environments. Next time I'll take the money with me, at least the story would be more interesting! But I was finally granted a Colombian visa to work legally (yes legally, none of this Chinese under the table stuff!)

Ciao Cucutta (woo!) Hola again Yopal x