Cienaga and Taganga

Day 5 (and 6)

The long ride to Ceinaga provided much more exertion than I needed for my second day of cycling. We figured the trip might be about 98km, but it was 118! Funny, often those who transport themselves by car don’t always grasp the importance of kilometre estimation – an extra 20 kilometers equals a very cranky lady and a very raw, (insert Rob whistle), private region. Mind you I think Rob is worse off than I am.



    

The long ride was flat and the shoulder was cycle-path worthy. Interesting fact - road cycling is quite popular here. For those who don’t follow the Tour-de-France, a Colombian placed 2nd this year. He is a national hero, (obviously), as declared by Wilma – my airplane neighbour.

Anyhoo, the road followed the ocean and meandered into the Magdalena Delta – the largest river on the Caribbean coast of South America. I am sure bird watching would be exceptional in the area as the pelican flock formation was really something.

But beauty rapidly turned into beast and the slums outside of Cienaga were like nothing I have seen. The visuals were perhaps no worse than those seen in photos from magazines or clips on TV, but the smell is what made me physically gag – it was like a combination of vomit, dead animals and rotting fish. Amazingly, the vision that is stuck in my mind is not the make-shift lean-to’s engrossed in garbage and mosquito-infested swamps, but a little boy expertly flying his brightly-coloured kite – a very charming moment that only an enthusiastic child can deliver. Unfortunately, I didn't capture it.



 

Tonight we are in Taganga  - see photos – imagine Israelis gone wild and a fishing town gone VERY wrong. Love it our loathe it...tomorrow I will advice:)

Notes to self...

Always check the nicest hotel first. We scored an awesome hotel for $25.00 with a pool and seaside room! Shockingly the room with a sea-side view was cheaper than the one that looked to the parking lot.

Always ask for directions if you are without a map. We cycled an extra 10km today because we missed the turn-off to Taganga.

Rob's take - http://robamysouthamerica.blogspot.ca/