Jan.31

January 31

Left Popayan early as we had a 220km. Drive to Pasto. We drove up to 10,000 feet.

We wanted to hike up to Volcan Galeras but it was closed due to activity. Went to Laguna la Cotcha, the lake is at 9,500 meters. Had the best smoked trout ever so that was Norbert's birthday dinner. In the morning we visited the village, imitation swiss chalets.  Norbert seems to attract all stray dogs who want to go with him.

Went to Las Lajas, a beautiful church built in a canyon and a must see. As soon as we parked we had about 10 people who wanted to see the Blue Wonder.

One lady commented "what luxury and how elegant" I did not tell her that in the US someone called her a shitbox. i guess different values. 

Crossed the border in to Ecuador, first to export the van from Colombia and do our exit visas, then visas for Ecuador and import the van, all together 3 hours as we had to wait for the officer to have his dinner, first we could not import without Insurance but as no insurance was available ( she ran out of forms) and after Norbert sweet talked her we did get the paperwork done and will buy insurance in Otovalo.

We are now in Julio Andrade in a secure and fenced parking lot with toilets at a cost of one dollar per nite. Gas here is $1.50 per gallon and our dinner of french fries and eggs with sausage plus drink for two people was &2.70. What a difference from Colombia.

Thank you all for the Birthday wishes for Norbert and your mails.

Hugs to all.

Norbert and Greti.

Biting the hand that feeds you

Old man in modern young man in traditional

Women stick to the traditional

Lucky we did not have to leave

I did not buy the melon but gave then a lollypop and took their photo so she gave me the melon,

this is up the mountain

Soup vendor

the fields are worked up to 9000 feet.

Lago La Cotcha

Another of Norberts dogs

His companion also wants to come along

At the Coffee Finka, 

Cathedral Las Lajas

Crowd gathering to view the Blue Wonder

Farewell Colombia

Welcome Ecuador

Waiting for the officer to have his dinner