Today's story starts by my arrival to the Colombian border town called Ipiales.
It is a known Cartel area. All the coca plantations and processing plants are scattered all around the countryside near by. For this reason it can sound a little dangerous but that is not necessarily the case. it is also a popular tourist route between Colombia and Ecuador so there has been efforts done to make visitors feel like home.
It was another day in the bus and I have arrived pretty hungry. Got some sausage and meat stick - both delicious and checked into Xantico.
The hostel was superb. I had no intentions of making friends or socialize at all, so I only had a short conversation with some Israelis while making my cafe. The shower was warm and bed sheets one of the most comfortable I have ever tried in a hostel environment.
Next day I set of early to catch the "colectivo" to the border and get stamped...
The taxi drove me and another three people to the no-man's land between the two countries. I had to even go back a little to make sure I get my Colombian exit stamp.
If you follow my blog you might remember my strange border crossing stories and experiences. This time was smooth though. The only weird thing was the "Chinese" gate for Colombian nationals. One guy was trying to get through and it was flashing some error. Imagine being trapped inside the gate for some unknown reason... Scary future indeed!
I got my exit stamp without any unnecessary harassment and off I was to Ecuador.
Immigration officer on Ecuadorian side was asking me how long I intend to stay and where I plan to go to. That is a standard minimum in my case and I have always answers ready. She reinforced that I have three months per year in her country and agreed to let me in afterwards.
That is really unfortunate reality as a simple border run is not an option here. Let's hope for this to change so us - real Global Locals can have a decent existence...
Next thing was another "colectivo" from the border to the first town in Ecuador. It was packed with all sorts of people but more importantly kids. If you have ever traveled with kids you might know what I am talking about. A mother next to me was almost force feeding her little boy until he puked his sandwich with all the other content of his stomach out and over his blanket. He was sitting right next to me and I was exceptionally lucky to stay away from his stream of unwanted food and liquids.
After another six hours in a bus I have finally arrived to Quito - the capital city of Ecuador and was at the end of my powers. I ended up taking taxi for pleasant eight dollars - after negotiation of course and last seven kilometers to my accommodation passed by easy practicing my Spanish with the driver...
All the best,
Global Local