Armenia is in the middle of the coffee growing region, again in the foothills of the Central Andes. We dropped a couple off in Salento and the rest of us headed to Cocora Valley for a bit of a trek to see the wax palms, protected tree and the national tree of Colombia, and some more rainforest.
It was lashing it down, but with boots and waterproofs on we headed out nonetheless! The next two hours were filled with dodging mud, crossing the river on moss covered log bridges (a bridge in only the loosest term, we were only allowed on one at a time!), scaling the side of the hills, ducking and diving through the rainforest and jumping from rock to rock. We got thoroughly soaked but I loved it!
We then headed to Filandia, another typical coffee region village with the most gorgeous church. It reminded me a bit of the domes in Russia.
Unfortunately we couldn't go in the church when we arrived as there was a funeral taking place, but Leon wanted to show us the local indoor pub sport,Tejo, which involves a 30 metre lane with a clay bullseye at each end. Gunpowder markers are placed in the bullseye. The aim is to throw palm size lead weights as close to the bullseye as possible and if you hit the gunpowder markers there is an almighty bang, everyone jumps and you get extra points! I was rubbish!
I then wandered around and meet some of the local children in the square, which was buzzing with people.
I have to say I am loving Colombia. All of the people are so friendly, they are happy to see people come to their country, and are often amazed we are here on our holidays. Tourism is in its infancy here, specifically for non Spanish speakers. We have barely seen any other tourists. Even at the Salt Cathedral, Colombia's no 1 tourist attraction, was hardly heaving with people.
I just wished I knew more Spanish!
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