I arrived home to give my last English classes. The kids were very cute giving me hugs with sad faces. Their numbers had dwindled over the months with the girls staying the keenest, which I was really pleased about. My adult class had progressed really well and they were insistent on knowing when I would be back!  It had been a real pleasure to give these classes.

The next day was Paula’s birthday. She didn’t want to make it a big deal in town, preferring to host a site party for the final day of work instead so we trundled off to Las Palmas, cake and French champagne in hand for a dinner with Nelson and Alejandra who had also had recent birthdays. They’d decorated the table and opened a bottle of rosé for the occasion, which was really cute.

Site party day – it was a really fun day. Paula had hired Piñeco to make sancocho, the typical Colombian soup loaded with chicken, berg, potatoes, plantain and yuca (basically meat, water and carbs!), and Paula had put on a heap of drinks. People from town wandered in throughout the day and the grande pot slowly emptied.

I headed home as the sun went down having forgotten to wear repellent and needing to pack for my next journey – road tripping with Lilia and a trip to Panama. I ma aged to catch up with Paula and a few of the crew later at Cafe Tertulia (having thankfully walked past on my way back out of town to the block) they’d ended up there after the rain had come early in the evening.

Mario, who I’d only met that day and who was rather drunk, had decided throughout the day that he was in love with me …. his maddening persistence eventually drove Paula and I home.

The next morning it was time for Lilia and I to farewell Paula as we jumped on the bus to get to Cali. Paula was leaving later on the Wednesday with a few loose ends to sort out before her departure. Safe travels my good friend, it’s been amazing – see you back in Australia!

The barn doors ready to go onto the track

Sliding timber windows are in!

Final touches to have a functioning bathroom 

The back wall sealed for protection from water

The birthday girl’s party table at Las Palmas

Team Paula y Lilia collecting guavas

Un poco torta con su crema?

Finishing the night at Cafe Tertulia

Will miss the Tamesis fruit stalls with their giant aguacate!

Piñeco gets the fire ready for the sancocho 

Waiting for the veggies 

Jaime and his novia!

Mario and his grande yuca!

Christening the bar!

Jaime (now Jimmy) takes over after Mario cuts his finger. More hygienic?!?!

Ready!

A happy Tato

Enjoying an ale with Humberto’s (now Albert) partner

Georgeous Sarita (Jimmy’s sister)

Jimmy and Israel

Shown up by Jimmy’s mum in her party dress!

Just about done and dusted