Armel and Gwendal, snorkeling with their new protective head gear. *

Tania developped a healthy fear of falling coconuts on the island. (they belong to the Kuna Indians... if you can find one they will open it for you for 25 cents) *

The reward... A small deserted island on the eastern end of the San Blas Archipelago called the Cayo Hollandeses. *

38 hours of open sea on the South Western Carabean... confused seas and a good trade wind. Carlos, our spanish fellow cyclist on board like most of us got an early bout of sea sickness. *

Ferrying the bike aboard the SV "melody" a 42 foot steel cutter, 6 days of sailing with a few stops in the San Blas archipelago. *

It was really hard to leave our new Colombian friends behind in Cartagena, after our longest break of the trip so far. *

On our departure we were given colombian hand bags conveniently arranged to mach the national flag. *

Tania and Armel got haircuts in very interesting Cartagenean barber shops and hair salons. *

The national newspaper "El Tiempo" was supposed to interview us. But the reporter did not show up. So we were interviewed by our friends in a small plaza in the Ghetsemani neighbourhood of Cartagena. Isabel and Nathan provided a very nice musical accompaniment. *

Happy New year from Boca Chica, Colombia *

Armel and Camila serving desert for the New years eve dinner. *

Riding Armel's bike like the locals. We are testing new ways to get Tania back riding cheaply. *

Saying goodbye to the previous year is personified by a mannequin that represents someone or something of the previous year. Then on new year's eve it is burned. A very interesting Colombian tradition. *

Illuminated Christmas Day chess.
The series is tied 1-1 at the moment. *

Armel found this little green Iguana on is tire.
Telus eat your heart out! *

We were lucky to make new (Colombian, Swiss and French)friends just before going to Playa blanca for Christmas who were willing to include us in their celebrations. *

My Mama, Brigitte came to see us for 10 days. We made sure to wisk her off to the beach for some Christmas camping R&R. *

Bazurto Market in Cartagena... a little scary in parts but well worth a visit if you can handle crouds in cramped spaces. *

Playing with long exposures under a full moon. The beach looks as if it is a surreal mid-day *

Cartagena rooftops seen form the city walls. *

Tania getting dirty in the crater of the Totumo mud Volcano. Its source goes down 250m and the crater is 15m above ground. Very fun and good for the skin, a highly worthwhile 40km trip from Cartagena. *

The well hidden and abandoned "Ciro-Theatro" in old Cartagena. All made of wood it reminds me of the Playland rollercoaster. *

The very colourful and beautiful streets of the historic centre of Cartagena de los Indios. Cartagena was the major port from which the Spanish filled their galleons with gold and silver from the Andes to bring back to Spain. *

Watching the sunset on the city walls of the historic part of Cartagena. We are finally down from the mountains and not quite yet used to the heat. *