Un díá al centro en Valledupar

No official winner of the election yet so I'll have to wait for that one. I spent the first part of the day with Cecy in town today. The weather, no surprise, is scorchio. No problem however because I bought myself a sombrero vueltiao and because I have the video on this site I can even fold it to fit in my pocket.

I had my first beer today, an Aquila - actually two, one light and one normal. I decided to show admirable control and drink very slowly only to raise eyebrows of everyone else in the room, the custom here being to finish a bottle in two swigs......even the women. I'm still loving every minute.

Walking around town it was nice to see the freedom the Colombians have to be proud of their country without offending any visitors of other nationalities. If you are offended by Colombian pride then you are probable best advised to stay away, especially since I have been told that most men here have guns. I really enjoyed actually getting to la plaza de Alfonso Lopez and to see el momumento de la revolución en marcha.

Election day

The Colombians are having their presidential elections today. There is a high visibility approach to policing in our barrio but that is understandable. There are a large number of policemen living in our street, in fact all of our neighbours on all sides to start with. How do I know that? Well, neighbours here not only know each other they also take the time to speak to each other.

The policemen in the picture were gracious enough to pose with me and Filipe, they wouldn't do the same for a native Colombian because they are exposed to great dangers and there is a problem with being identifiable. It was explained to me that most of the men here have guns but only to protect the household. There was previously a problem with guerilla groups locally but the police and local government have done sterling work in trying to improve local security.

I was also surprised today to sit in the street and watch the local boys playing football in the street. Not only do the neighbours not complain they come out to sit and cheer the boys on. It was also remarkable to see many of the boys playing in bare feet! The longer I spend here the more I begin to think that in the UK we have forgotten how to live.

Later this week, I am hoping to watch the play-off final for the Colombian League Championship. I am also looking forward to the World Cup but will remember not to say anything praising Chile; they were responsible for Colombia's elimination from el Mundial and it is still a touchy subject.

Family values

OK, I wanted to experience the real Colombia just fitting in with everyone else rather than having anyone meet me half way. I can't say how pleased I am to be here. We were all sat around today after getting back from town, a family doing things together, talking together. I have to say that my Spanish is getting a real testing here. I have given my Spanish dictionary away because in Valledupar there are different words for everything, the Spanish I have already learned over the last seven years is sadly lacking!

So, we were sat around chatting and one of the kids from next door walked in through the front door (which isn't locked and is left wide open during the day) to let us know that they were having a game of football in the street outside. Juan Pablo and Flaco went to join in. Can you imagine!!?? Kids playing football in the street. No-one complains and some of the adults went to sit outside their houses and watch, cheering the kids on. The kids separated themselves into two teams, unfortunately England lost 10-3. It was funny listening to them commentate on their own match in progress: "Rrrooooney, pasa el defensor, Stefen Herrard tita en gol.....uuufffffffffffffffff.

Game over and back into the house for a shower then sitting down with the family; doing puzzles, reading and chatting.

Valledupar, al centro

Went into the centre of Valledupar today to do a little shopping. Just a quick look then back home for a little relaxation with Cecy and the kids. Needed the rest after though. I took three rides in taxis today and although it was fantastic not to have to wear a seatbelt for the first time in years I soon realised the reason behind wearing them. The rules of the road here appear to be very flexible and open to interpretation, the most popular view being do what you want provided you don't crash. Everyone's car horn is broken I'm sure because they beep at regulat intervals during the drive for no apparent reason. Overtaking is compulsory from what I can make out, even if there is no room to do so, no matter how fast the overtaken car is driving. The other difference from driving at home is not so much that they break late but more accurately that they do not use breaks under any circumstances. I can only imagine that the cost of replacement pads is prohibitive.

Having said that, I am enjoying every moment here. Tomorrow I'll be learning to dance la salsa!

Here at last

Hey folks. What a journey, more to follow on that, and what a lovely family. All three flights were delayed on route but thanks to Air France and Avianca for getting me here. I had to spend the night
 in Bogota because of the delays but got here yesterday. Everybody is so friendly, what a fantastic place. I`m going into town today to take some pics.......those to follow later. Chaoooooooooooo

Taking my time today, there is no rush. I'll soon be finished packing etc, shower and a change of clothes and I am then off to Heathrow this evening for my morning flight tomorrow at 06:40. AIr france to Paris Charles de Gaulle and a through flight with the same airline to Bogotá in Colombia. The internal flight to Valledupar is prohibitively expensive if you pay for it in the UK so I will book it on arrival.

Countdown to lift off!

Nearly there! I have been delaying booking my flight until as late as possible, a real lastminute.com situation. I don't want to book the flight only to have it cancelled and lose all the money if the volcano in Iceland has a fresh eruption. Monday is the day, I'll book the flight then.

Como se hace un Sombrero Vueltiao

EL PILON VALLENATO Love this song