A random day in Manizales

Laura: We got up and had a gorgeous breakfast provided by the hostel. we weren't sure what to do so we went for a wander in the local area. Jesse and I bought really gross ice creams from an old man who was so sweet and very grateful for our purchase. He held my hand earnestly as he gave me the change. We then jumped on a bus (transport of the day) and attempted to find some lunch. We stumbled across a restaurant in someone's garage and ordered some aluermezo (lunch) - soup, rice beans salad and some chicken. I ate as much chicken as I could stomach. It was super tasty though! Just not used to the 🐔

Next up, we walked down the hill to the eco parque. With not a soul in sight,we went for a wander down the unkept paths. Soon enough we came across a snake. The second snake of our trip so far. Almost every walk we've been on, we've seen a snake. We had to run away and back track down the path we came. It took some time for Jesse's legs to stop shaking.

(Jesse): Thinking that was the end of our day, we headed back to the hostel via the shop with the old man who sang a lovely song whilst we had a cold drink. Alas, we were so hot we needed to find somewhere for a dip. Back out we trogged to the bus into the centre of Manizales... Nothing to write home about. On to another bus and out to PNN Los Nevados, a beautiful national park, just past the cities recycling plant... Despite how it sounds it's gorgeous. We wandered up a dirt track and dip in the river, having a wee tinny, we are British after all. We then headed to the Termales, where we bathed in sulphuric water, to our hearts content. Much nicer than the previous ones!

We skooted back by bus, ending the trip with our 6th of the day. Such a cool city, with 8 microclimates reminiscent of Sheffield, so close to the national park.Read more