Coffee and Tea
The Zona Cafetera is an area of lush green coffee plantations, deep in the Colombian Andes, where much of Columbia’s coffee is grown. So what is the first thing I do when I arrive here? Buy some tea bags and make a cup of tea!
Our hostel here is the first place we have stayed where our room has a real window to the actual outdoors, but with this view out of it, it was worth the wait.
Room with a view, Salento
A short jeep ride away was the Valle de Cocora, which provided us with our first chance to do some trekking. We walked for 2 hours through spectacular Wax Palm plantations and pristine cloud forest, without seeing a single other person, to a small humming bird reserve, where the birds whizzed and hummed freely all around us. We stayed for almost an hour, drinking coffee, watching the birds and trying to get the perfect photograph.
Trekking in the Valle de Cocora
Rob fairing better on the bridges than Rachel
Valle de Cocora
Hummingbirds, Valle de Cocora
Although most of the best Colombian coffee is exported, it is still possible in this region to get some of the “good stuff” – I am even starting to like it. Don´t get me wrong though I´m not going to be giving up my 3 p.m. cup of tea and a biscuit!
Coffee
We both agree the Zona Cafetera is one of the most relaxing places we have ever been. As we sat on the terrace of our hostel, drinking fresh coffee, looking out at the amazing scenery, with no job to worry or stress about, life felt pretty good.
Hacienda Guyanbal, Manizales
By the “good stuff”, I assume you are referring to Nescafé Gold Blend?
Fantastic shot of the two hummingbirds by the way.
I agree the humming bird picture is great. All Rach´s work.
and very easy to tell which is the husband and which the wife in that pic!!!!
Sitting in recess(chelmsford) dosen`t have quite the same appeal anymore having visualised you guys sitting outside your hostel drinking good coffe. Aint got no cheesecake though have you.
Keep well you two !!
Dadx
would appear i’ve been a bit slow on joining the 12countries12months gang, sorry about that! Some good updates so far Rob, but no slacking off yet, we’re all looking for you to exceed your goal of keeping this interesting for the full 12 months – so quit relaxing and get thinking!
Hello Jackster, welcome aboard!
I have plenty up my sleeve yet! Be sure to send some abuse the moment you get bored though.
Thought i would provide a quick cricket update.
Aus need around 400 runs to win and England need 8 wickets.
In case you didn’t hear already – we won the last test by 197 runs and therefore won the Ashes.
Freddie made a stunning run out on Ponting when it looked like it might be getting away from us. Great series, great result.
England! Thanks, bit disappointed I missed out on all the ashes action actually, from the bits of info I have picked up sounds like a pretty exciting series.
Thanks to both of you for your updates. I will expect a similar service for the 6 nations next year!
Glad to learn that you are still getting your vital cuppa tea.
How many cups from each pot – does it match Caerleon Hotel?
Photos are great. We now go to Spain for 3 weeks – so no more feedback till return.
Luv Mum & Dad
God – those views are amazing – very jealous! It beats mine, out of the lounge window, of the local teenage massive making their way past! I expect to hear news soon of a tea revolution over taking South America…
x
Happy Birthday ROD !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope Rae` lets you near the budget to buy yourself a Birthday Beer ” CHEERS ” Billy & Lynette
Thank you! I was allowed a birthday beer, only one mind you! A post on what we did for my birthday is coming soon.
Feliz cumpleanos, Rob!!!
Gracias amigo
Happy birthday mate, hope you have a great 30th! I will put the beer on hold and enjoy it when you get back, although Brazil may be back on!
Cheers Dave, see you in Brazil for a Brahma
Happy Birthday Rod!! xxx
Thanks Hannah, a post on what I did is coming along shortly.
Sounds as if you are both having a great time. Wonderful pictures.
Looking forward to following the rest of your trip.
Judith