Ray's Adventure: April 2016

Good Morning!
It has been a busy few months since I posted last but very good.
After returning from a great visit to see Craig & Sue Schafer in in Florida right away we headed back to Bogota to get Gloria her tourist visa at the US Embassy. Many of her friends have tried without success so she was a little apprehensive but she did get it and it is good for 10 years. While in Bogota we toured the Emerald Museum and the Salt Cathedral. The cathedral was carved out in a huge underground salt mine outside of Bogota. Absolutely beautiful.
Then after a bit we drove to the Pacific coast city of Buenaventura. Not high on the tourist list as it is a major port city. Colombia is blessed with major ports on the Atlantic and Pacific saving the costs of shipping through the Panama Canal. Bueaventura is a few miles inland with access by a protected inlet. We took a water taxi out to the coastal edge town Juanchaco, then choice of car or motorcycle ride to the beach area of Ladrelleros. Amazing beaches mixed with rock cliff walls. Very undeveloped but rich in natural beauty. We did find one very nice hotel and explored from there. We hired a local guide for a walking jungle tour and the next day he took us in his boat via inland tidal rivers up to another beach area La Barra. This place was incredible as was the mangrove lined rivers. Very poor, no road access except for a trail used only by motorcycles. But the beaches were huge, undeveloped full of natural beauty. The boat trip back was a bit tricky as the tide had lower the water by about 5'. Had to walk the last 100 yards up the uncovered river stones to the landing. The next day we walked back to La Barra via the beach, it was about an hour walk then returned by the trail the motorcycles use, I now understand why only bikes can get through. Great trip with a final stay again in Buenaventura, hotel including breakfast for just under $14, not what you think, it was a great place.
Back in Pereira we have found an apartment we bought not far from Gloria's old place. Complex is about 15 years old with security, pool, sauna and parking in a nice quiet area. Apartment is completely remodeled and we got a good deal. We will make the final payment next Tuesday but wont move in until the end of October when we come back. The previous owner will rent from us until her new house is finished, all good.
We continue our visits to areas nearby visiting a farm of another of Gloria's friends tucked up in the mountains. They grow coffee, corn, vegetables and have all the normal fruit trees such as mangos, papaya, avocados, limes, oranges and the like. Fantastic views and great visit. We also tried out another thermal pool property. This one is at the end of the road along with a quaint hotel/restaurant. Very scenic with two waterfalls, one hot feeding the pool. A vineyard tour in the town of La Union, combined with a zoo and nature park.
There have been local "ferias" or nice expositions or flea markets around town and nearby one evening was a blocked off street featuring local artists with paintings, jewelry, food and music.
I am headed back to Panama on the 19th for a couple of days as my medical visa expires on the 21st and I will have a major penalty to pay if I don't leave and return under a tourist visa. So I had bought some precious metals in Panama and I will go check out the vault and their office. Not a total waste but why you cant just check in with immigration and make the switch without the trip is beyond me. I will plan to get my "retirement visa" in November after we get back so that will put an end to this hassle. I was wanting to go to Ecuador but the tickets were more expensive and after the earthquake they suffered last night I guess Panama is a better choice.
There has been two meetings of expats here in Pereira by a new group. We have people here from all over. Nice to get together and share ideas and experiences.
Wishing you all sunny days, calm winds and a break from all the political BS that cant be escaped no matter where in the world you are,
Ray and Gloria