I slept and rested on my bench on the third floor unnoticed by the security as long as possible and walked then back to the only bench with plugs next to it and occupied all the 3 plugs. I worked on the usual stuff, recharged the usual equipment and after 2 hours I was ready for sightseeing. The bus terminal of Cali was located very well, very close to the center. I dragged 2 policemen to one of the kiosks, to the city map to show me the location of the bus terminal, the best way to the center and the main attractions. After some serious difficulties to locate the bus terminal they showed me the way to the tunnel, the underground entrance/exit to the main roundabout opposite the bus terminal and to the main street to the center.

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I called Robert, who I had met in Leticia to let him know that I was in Cali and that I would be arriving in Popayan later today but would give him another call once in Popayan to discuss where to meet. I am sure he did not expect to hear from me again and sounded quiet surprised. I walked passed the German chemistry and had a quick look at the fire department, not quickly enough though for the supervisor. He insisted for me to come in and proudly showed me the red old nostalgic fire engine which was still in use with its 15 story ladder.

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Market stands appeared and I could easily follow them in order to find my way to the main square and the government buildings. The Bolivar square was busy with religious speakers and their listeners or followers. Each of them shouted to the small crowd that had gathered around them. I had not seen this in any other city.

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I followed the market stands around the corner and was at the main square, the church to one side and the main government building to the other. The square was full of pigeons which had become the third main attraction, more to the children than to international tourist.

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I took a picture of the corn seller and consequently had to buy a portion of corn which I gave to the family with 3 children.

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Since Pereira I had noticed the appearance of pineapple snack stands all over and I had spotted a stand in the corner of the square. I wanted to try a slice and a minute later I was holding and eating the best, most sweet and juicy pineapple I have ever had in my life. I still had time for more attractions I followed my intuition and came to the ‘Boulevard del Rio’.

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On one side a beautiful historical church with its small square and on the other side modern government buildings. My time was up and I walked along the boulevard back to the main street and back to the bus terminal and took the 12:00 hour’s bus out of the city and to the village of Jamundi. No luck and so I chose to take another bus to the city of Santander de Quilichao. More luck this time, actually I could have gone all the way to Pasto but I wanted to see Robert.

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We arrived in Popayan in the after work traffic and I asked to get off to not make the driver waste his time. My decision had the consequence that I had to walk 5 kilometers to the center now. At the corner I asked for the way and met Colin the Scotsman; Colin the English teacher; Colin the tourist guide. Colin knew Robert and offered me to call him; I would see him only tomorrow morning. We waited for the heavy shower to end and went to Colin’s apartment to wait for Andrew. Andrew arrived and Colin invited us for Areppa from ‘Rapiareppa’. We waited for the bill and for Milagros, it was his birthday. Milagros arrived and Colin offered us cake from the newly opened Arabian snack bar. It was bedtime and Colin offered for me to stay at his apartment and sleep on a spare mattress, kind of a Japanese futon. Thank you very much.

For a small understanding of the days travel, I have included a Google Earth map. The red pins mark the locations I have stopped and taken pictures. At the bottom of the page you will find a link for all the pictures I have taken. The link will open in a Google+ Album.

Please click on map to enlarge!!!

See map and distances / Siehe Karte und Entfernungen / Ver mapa e distâncias / Ver mapa y distancias

0 km      Cali

25 km    Jamundi

65 km    Santander

140 km  Popayan

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