San Gil/Barichara/Guane

San Gil is known as the adventures sport area for tourists. For us it was another stop to make in a nice area on the way to the Carribean coast. We also wanted to meet up with Alex and Susanne again. An extra bonus being that La Pacha, the camping location is owned by Justin (English) and his wife Andrea (Columbian) and they have 2 kids, Inti a boy (7) and Sammy, a girl (5). And the kids speak English! 
Keira had not had the company of children for about a month, and it is a rare opportunity to have other kids who speak English. This was enough to send us to this location and to stay for 5 days.
La Pacha camping is about 10 mins from San Gil, and has great views over the valley. It is quite a rustic campground, but that adds to its charm.

sunset from the mirador (lookout) on the property

There were 3 goats that acted as the lawnmowers, although the place was pretty overgrown so they weren't doing a very good job. They had an old bus that served as a TV area and indoor living room, and a hammock area that was the outdoor living room. There was a large kitchen and dining room where we cooked all our meals.

Our campsite: Alex's VW bus alongside our land cruiser

The hammock living room

Mike's office

The goats are the lawn mowing service.

just hanging out on the roof

For a few days the bus became Keira's play room, TV room and her school classroom. She loved the space.

​Alex had volunteered at La Pacha through a project called "Workaway". Many people we have met along the way have also participated. It is an online resource that enables travellers to volunteer short or long term on a project. In return they get free accommodation. This may be work in hostels, on farms, in schools or various other locations. During his time at La Pacha, Alex harvested coffee beans, drying them and completing all steps in the process. The end result was quality coffee.

Alex and Susanne taking the husks off the coffee beans

                                                    THE FACILITIES

The facilities at La Pacha were basic but clean and sufficient. There was a regular toilet and electric shower (above) and an eco-toilet (right). Keira liked to use the eco-toilet since it was better for the environment. The Occupado (occupied) and Libre (free) signs were used instead of locks on the doors.

                                                           
​                                                                   CHORES

There are always daily chores to do. They are the same chores just done in a different way

Washing day- handwashing at the sink

making pizzas in a clay wood oven.

Keira had an amazing time playing with Inti and Sammy. She even had her first real sleepover with them. They all stayed the night in one of the permanent tents set up on the property. Here they are playing monsters in our roof top tent. It was hard for Keira to say good-bye.

Sammy, Keira and Inti, in our tent hiding from big foot!

                                             VW WINDOW REPAIRS

Alex was having trouble with leaking windows on his VW bus. He had realised that whoever had put the windows in the last time, had actually put the left window in the right window slot and vice versa. Mike and Alex decided to tackle the project of replacing the rubber and reversing the windows.
After doing some research and consulting utube, they set to work. Not as easy as they thought! 2 hours later and many attempts at different techniques they finally got the first window in. The next was not so bad as now they had mastered the tech. Susanne and I were also there to help as they needed extra hands.
I must say I admire their persistence, determination and skill!

pics of the different stages

It was wonderful to spend more time with Alex and Susanne. Alex is one of the most genuine, honest and kind people we have met.
We also had the pleasure of meeting 2 American sisters Aubrie and Dayci from Utah. Another English couple Miles, and Gabby and a Swiss girl Jasmine made up our community. For a few days we shared space, stories and meals.
Mike always says that a good meal can bring people together, and he has proved it time and again. He is amazingly open and social. He cooks for so many people, and offers help when ever the opportunity presents. His generosity knows no bounds.
I support him in everyway, but am a bit disturbed that this generosity has often got us labelled as "travel Mum and Dad." MMMM not always appealing to be reminded that we are almost the same age as some of the backpackers parents!!
It was hard to say goodbye to everyone, but we hoped to meet up with Alex and the girls on the Caribean coast.

Mike, Aubrie, Dayci, Susanne, Riss with Keira, and Alex (at back)

                                                      BARICHARA/GUANE

We took a day trip from La Pacha to a town called Barichara. From there we did a 2 hour hike on an old stone road to the even smaller village of Guane.
Both towns were beautiful and the hike although hot was very picturesque.
We spent some time just sitting in the tree shaded plazas, watching the world go by.

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Barichara street

church in Barichara

the scenery (Sussannes photo)

Mike and Keira on the walk

Mike on the old road that is now the trail

the beautiful mossy trees (Susanne's photo)

street scene at Guane

the cemetery at Guane

​During our time at La Pacha, we only ventured into San Gil once to get supplies. Opting for the tranquility of La Pacha instead.

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HIGHLIGHTS/CHALLENGES OF THIS AREA:
MOST VALUED POSSESION: utube for the windows, although it was more trial and error.
BEST EXPERIENCE: Mike- the walk to Guane; Keira-playing with Inti and Sammy/my sleepover; Riss- watching Keira playing with such ease without a language barrier
MOST CHALLENGING EXPERIENCE: Mike-the window repairs; Keira-getting head butted by the mumma goat- I have a scar to prove it ; Riss-trying to relax and sleep myself during Keira's sleepover
BEST FOOD DISCOVERY: Mike-,wood oven pizzas/Alex's coffee; Keira-the remaining cakes from the french bakery ; Riss-homemade gluten free pizza
BEST CAMPING SPOT: La Pacha