Nationality:

Colombian, Chinese, Canadian

Age:

Mixed

Location:

Anapoima

Description:

Both small towns on the cost of Peru, a few hours north of Lima, very removed from the Gringo trail locals definitely had a second look at a Gringo and a Chinese guy. For the amount of Chifas they have selling Chinese food, it seems they get very few actual Chinese people. From here we explored the Sacred City of Caral, a civilisation dating back to before the Egyptians. It was also my first experience of the dramatic Peruvian mountains. On the Beach in Barranca we ate Ceviche and I had the privilege of playing football with the locals on the beach. It was lovely to experience to openness of the locals to invite a random gringo to join their football team, simply for the enjoyment of the playing without prejudice. For me I think this was my highlight here.

Nationality:

Colombian

Age:

21

Location:

Journey Hostel

Description:

I met Ale during my short stint at the Journey hostel. Initially we didn’t speak too much but after a shift together we came friends, me speaking speaking to him in Spanish and him back to me in English. On one morning before starting our shift together we walked along to a secluded beach about 30 mins from the hostel. It was the most beautiful beach I think I went to in Colombia and we practically had it all to ourselves, couldn’t see another soul along to the horizon each way. Golden sand, crystal blue waters, the typical description of when you described a beach in stories for homework as a kid. Having to leave the hostel after only a week was a shame, but not for working at the hostel but for the time I missed on this beach with Ale and other similar experiences. I reconnected with Ale in Bogota and after time exploring the city together he also introduced me to his very fashionable friend Dani. We partied together at Mad Radio ( techno club on a Wednesday ) and Video club ( reggaeton and techno on Friday ) before visiting a waterfall a few hours away on Sunday with their extended friendship group. Ale is going to finish off his studies as a Pastry Chef in France so I wish him all the best and hope to see him again, either in Europe or back in Colombia.

Nationality:

Venezuelan

Age:

25

Location:

San Rafel, Colombia - Ritmo Del Rio

Description:

Hector had been working on the Permaculture farm for about a year when I arrived, originally from Venezuela but migrated with his brother and sister to San Rafael. A pretty chaotic individual and always full of energy. He didn’t speak much English and my Spanish not being pretty minimal our relationship wasn’t full of conversation. We spent plenty of time together working the field, by the campfire, playing card games after dinner and drinking Aguardiente from a carton in el pueblo.

Nationality:

Australian

Age:

23

Location:

San Rafel, Colombia - Ritmo Del Rio

Description:

What to say about Sophie, from down under but living in Rome. The other 1/3 of the Ritmo Del Rio trio. Someone that might be nearly as sarcastic as me. I’ll remember the times we went to the Ashram for our yoga sessions, learning Spanish together and laughing at my mispronunciation of the band Khraungbin.

Nationality:

Spanish - Madrid

Age:

31

Location:

San Rafel, Colombia - Ritmo Del Rio

Description:

Carlos, Charlie, Charlos or simply the Spanish Stallion from Madrid. A lovely energetic person who told me the translation for Aguadiente is `Horny Water` (probably not wrong). Had a lovely time walking through the scenic Colombian country side mushroom hunting with Michel. No apoya no folla!

Nationality:

English

Age:

23

Location:

San Rafel, Colombia - Ritmo Del Rio

Description:

Shock another person from London travelling Colombia. 1/3 of the Ritmo Del Rio Trio. I'd say Issy and I got on from the start, me being new and Issy being there for a week already I remember her inviting me to join them at the river on the first day. Made me feel immediately welcome. Being a chaotic person like me we spent plenty of time giggling around the campfire, drinking beers after work and eating ice cream and cake.

Nationality:

Colombian

Age:

Appox 4

Location:

San Carlos, Colombia - Spanish Adventure

Description:

Chispas was a staple of the Spanish Adventure experience. Originally bought by the family to eat but kept as they thought she was pregnant but now used as a garbage disposal. She’s been on a diet recently so her belly no longer touches the ground when she walks but she’s still living the easy life.