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Saturday July 18, 2015
Well we actually did manage to get a tour of Cali this morning through one of the partners at the Mansion Del Norte Hotel where we were staying. The driver was a quiet guy named Hari who was one of the scariest drivers I have ever seen. He doesn't seem to check mirrors, just drives in the middle of two lanes and slides over at will, heedless of other vehicles or the hundreds of motorcycles...
The day was really overcast which was probably a blessing as it made things warm, but not uncomfortable. Hari had air-conditioning so we were good throughout.
We went to a cat park, reminiscent of the colourful cow days in Cowtown, where similar cat statues are all decorated differently by different artists. Then we went to a lookout dominated by the statue of Sebastian Benalcazar.
Everybody knows of the huge statue of Jesus overlooking Rio De Janiero but few people know that Cali has the same statue, just 10 feet smaller.... It certainly has an impressive view from up there. We then saw the oldest church in Cali before heading to see the 48,000 person stadium. There was actually some activity going on and I could hear announcements in English, and it sounded like a track meet. We asked if we could just have a peek and take a few photos and they said entrance was free, and handed us tickets!! It turns out that it was the IAAF World Youth Championships! We entered in time to see the finale of the speedwalking competition which I think was won by an Ethiopian girl. The was certainly an unexpected bonus on the day. Then we saw a couple more impressive churches and headed back.
We just packed up and headed to the bus station and caught a micro-bus to Tulua, then an unofficial taxi to Andalucia, a suburb where Cristina lives with her son Cristiaan, and 3 puppies.
I think we are visiting with family tomorrow so I hope we can get a decent sleep.
After a full day so far, my first impressions is that it is very lush here, and the people and the drivers are much the same as in Ecuador.
I hope you enjoy the photos. That was the day's excitement, Cheers, Al
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| Remember the cows in Cowtown? |
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| This competition is all cats |
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| Hari took this shot for us |
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| This was Cristina's favourite |
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| The view for Sebastian Benalcazar |
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| They went thataway |
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| Yes, I am sure, thataway. |
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| The statue of Cristo Rey is impressive |
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| They have to mar this with communication towers.. |
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| This is quite a great view of Cali |
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| This is another part of the view |
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| This is on the back side |
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| Speaking of backsides... |
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| There are going to be a few different angles |
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| Hari took this one too |
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| Cristo Rey (Christ The King) is similar to the one in Rio |
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| I made sure I took the opportunity to get a lot of good shots |
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| I like this angle... |
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| Even in portrait style |
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| OK, the last close-up |
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| A lovely little shrine near the statue |
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| Another view of the backside of the mountain |
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| A panorama of Cali with my little camera |
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| Panorama #2 |
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| A look back as we drive back down |
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| The lovely 48,000 person stadium |
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| The last look back, I promise |
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| I think Hari said this was the oldest church in Cali |
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| You know that I like bells and belfries |
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| Another view of Cali |
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| Old church, Cristina & Hari |
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| Corner view of the old church |
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| Walking up to the big stadium |
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| IAAF World Youth Championships were in progress |
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| Speedwalkers were getting very tired at the bell lap |
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| Funny walking style, trying not to actually run. |
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| Exhaustion taking its toll on these girls |
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| My favourite tender moment of the day |
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| Can you see the javelin just leaving his hand |
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| Church with unusual construction style |
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| Another church |
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| Gotta like these Gothic-style churches |
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| The church was deceptively small |
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| Certainly a gorgeous exterior |
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| Love this king of church |
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| A bit of a corner view |
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| A river runs through Cali |
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| .. and on the other side of the bridge... |
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| Hari wanted me to get a shot of a tunnel |
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| Cristina admiring her black straight hair |
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| This is their little place in Andalucia |
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| Some of the neighborhood views |
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| Surrounded by greenery. See that huge tree! |
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| Last shot for the day. |
