Monday, August 26, 2013

Challenges...

As I was preparing to leave for my return to Colombia, I had a nagging feeling of unrest. I thought perhaps it was because I was not looking forward to a long flight, airports, bus rides, etc. required to get to what I consider is ¨my¨ colonial village of Barichara.

I cannot post any photos because I didn´t bring my computer with me and it´s pretty hard for me to download to the local internet cafe machines and then upload here, so I will post them later.

But the unrest premonition has come to pass... there is a national strike of coffee farmers, teachers, and transport workers which has closed at least 42 major roads across the country. There are demonstrations and ugly confrontations occurring as well, making travel in this country a far greater adventure than I wish to experience.

When I get back to the US I will write a more detailed explanation of what is going on, but in the meantime, if you go to ColombiaReports.com you can probably find out what is happening. There are no newspapers being delivered to Barichara and I don´t have TV where I am staying.

My bus trip from San Gil to Bogota was essentially cancelled requiring me to find an alternate route. More on that later as well. Many people are virtually being held hostage in their cities and villages so I hope that President Santos will start to talk to the people who are involved. I am intending good and equitable solutions for all concerned, for the highest and best good of all concerned, so be it and so it is....

5 comments:

  1. Oh, honey! What a drag. I know that you'll make the best of it, though. Welcome back "home"! ;) Nan

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  2. That is scary. I hope everything resolves peacefully.

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  3. OH, SANDY - I AM SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR TROUBLES AND FOR THOSE COLUMBIANS WHO ARE SUFFERING SUCH A BARAGE OF UNREST. MY MAIN MESSAGE TO YOU IS TO BE CAREFUL, AND KNOW THAT I AM ALIGNING WITH YOUR INTENTIONS WITH ALL MY MIGHT. MUCH LOVE AND LIGHT TO YOU, TO HELP YOU FIND SAFE PASSAGE. XOXOXOXOXO, KAREN

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  4. You need to let people know you are back and safe.
    Annoying Mouse

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  5. I have heard from a village friend that matters are somewhat improved, but it is an uneasy peace since the demands have not been met for subsidies and assurances. It took me an extra two days to get myself from Barichara to Bogota, going to Bucharamanga first and flying from there to Bogota, but upon arriving at the airport was informed by JetBlue that they did not have a reservation for me. So I had to buy ANOTHER ticket and then fight with JetBlue once back in the U.S. telling them I did not MAKE IT UP. Made for some unnecessary stress and huge expenses. Glad to be back now.

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