can we help
+44(0)1983 296060
+1 757-788-8872
tell me moreJoin a rally

Menu

Ayama - LEAVING SANTA MARTA



We've had a wonderful visit to Santa Marta but time has flown and we leave at midday today. Sunday was spent doing various repairs and maintenance. I spent the afternoon in the laundry ..not one of my favourite occupations but sociable as it is the best spot for internet access.

In the evening some crews went to a beach for dinner. Per and I did our usual street food forage and finished up sitting on the pavement drinking aquadiente with a charming family. Colombians seem to have a very positive attitude about their future and have a great deal of faith in their president. Definitely a country to visit and enjoy.
Monday There was an archaeological visit in the national park which actually turned out to be a hike through the forest to a beach. Stefan and Anna saw a blue heron …Anna has a wonderful photo of it on facebook. Some of us took the complimentary minibus to the supermarket where we were greeted by staff who all wanted to assist and practise their English. Shopping is another of my pet hates and to try and do it with somebody trying to help turns it into a nightmare. We were treated like royalty and given bowls of fruit salad as we wandered around. Their shelf-stacking logic is totally different to ours so every now and then the personal assistants became useful.

In the evening we had the farewell dinner in a beautiful building beside the Marina, hosted by the Colombians. We were served large glasses of crushed iced juice and then we could add shots of rum, gin or vodka. A great idea as everybody could choose their favourite tipple. We all sat down for the speeches and prize giving. Amazingly Ayama came second in the St Lucia to Santa Marta and Stefan won a magnum of champagne and some coffee. Somehow with the handicap system and no penalties for using the engine we beat the other boats. We had a truly delicious dinner. Another very windy night with gusts up to 42 knots.

Tuesday. Anna has gone to do the last shop, boats are bustling with water-filling, last minute jobs and soon we will have to say sad goodbyes to all the wonderful people who have been so welcoming and helpful.

Previous | Next