Keo and I got up an had a wander around town today. Things we have learnt: 1- jeez it's humid! Think instant T-shirt stuck to your body weather. Shade and fans seem to offer no respite.. 2. Colombians don't wear sunglasses, are very friendly but really don't speak much english! 3. Cartagena is very beautiful, SO colourful, even the chivas (local buses) are painted technicolour- lots of tumbledown houses next to brand new/ turn of the century but beautifully pr...

We have landed safely in Cartagena! Had a relatively easy if long journey and the airport had an excellent system where you agree a standard rate with a representative at the airport, they print a receipt which you then give to your driver. Saved a lot of my worry about bargaining in Spanish and was a much cheaper taxi than the guide books said it would be! First impressions- incredible- driving through in taxi you can really see you're in south America- ramshack...

Hey folks, arrived at bogota airport still with the stretch to Cartagena to go but with lots of sprite and coffee hopefully will make it ok. Already been sniggered at by airline staff for lack of Spanish and wondered around like lost puppets but have checked into connecting flight and waiting it out now. Much love

So here we are, sat on the excruciatingly early 6.40 flight to Paris, from Paris we head to Bogota then Bogota to Cartagena arriving around 7pm local time. With some scribbled instructions from Harry as to how to negotiate a taxi fare to our hotel we are hopefully just prepared enough to get to the hostel. From there on Spanish school may become a necessity!

How on earth do you pack for three and a half months?!!!