Casa Clemencia

One of the wonderful people we got to know in Cartagena was Victor Manuel Coneo who worked at the apartment building where we were staying in Bocagrande.  We went to the lobby for internet, and while Luc struggled to download GPS maps of Colombia (and thank goodness he did!), he got to know almost everyone who worked at the Galeon Azul.

Despite an early start, it took us most of the day last Monday to get the vehicles out of Cartagena.  Driving in Cartagena traffic with the bike on the trailer behind was pretty stressful. We were headed to Santa Marta where we had read wonderful things about the beaches, the Park Tayrona and (me) a museum that was a must before visiting the Ciudad Perdido (on our list for the way back).  Victor's home in Clemencia was on the way, and Luc was excited to show him the motorcycle, since the two of them had spent quite a bit of time talking bikes in Cartagena.

Motorcycles are everywhere here!  It is not unusual to see a family of three loaded onto a 125 cc motor cycle.  Outside of the cities there are certainly more motos than cars.  However, a large bike like Luc's 1200 GS is a novelty here, and everyone wants to try it.

We arrived in the late afternoon in Clemencia.  Victor, who had the day off, arrived soon after.  He brought us to his home where we were taken into the full embrace of his lovely family.

Laura, Rosini, Manuela, Rodolfo, Maria, me, Victor

Their home is next to the police station and the central square. We received permission from the police to park the van and trailer in front of the house and station and enjoyed a lovely evening visiting them and the town center.

Clemencia Town Hall

Early the next morning, Victor left on his motorbike for his 5 AM shift at work, but before he left he tapped on the door of the van to say goodbye and to give us a lovely gift.  After breakfast, his cousin and sister, Rosini and Laura, gave us the full tour of Clemencia, which is much bigger than it appears from the main road.

We walked out toward the farms, where there is no running water, so it must be carried.  We also had a tour of the elementary and secondary schools.  What a treat for me to see their schools in action. We arrived back at their home and enjoyed an incredible meal prepared by Victor's aunt Maria before heading toward Santa Marta.

Clemencia is a lovely town, but it was here that we first began to understand the incredible warmth, generosity and opened of Colombians.   Since we spent our first night in Colombia in the camper in Clemencia, we have decided to call our little home the Casa Clemencia.