we’ve spent a week in Santa Marta, and now the time has come to say goodbye. thankfully, my legs are almost back to normal, just a few small patches of rash left.

our time here has been relaxing and enjoyable, and i have no complaints. i suppose sometimes it takes a rather large, and in this case itchy and expensive, wake-up call to make you stop, slow down and take time to breathe. not something i do very often……

Sunday was a quiet day in town.  maybe because it was Sunday and people were spending time with the family or maybe because it was Mother’s Day and more people were places like the beach or park. or a nice air conditioned cafe.

we took the opportunity to visit the Museo del Oro Tairona Casa de la Aduana.  this originally was the Customs House that Simon Bolivar stayed at for six days before he went to the plantation home where he passed away.  the photo above is the view he would have had from his bedroom window, minus all of the modern day additions of course. the museum was really interesting, providing a history of the Pre-Hispanic societies, the people of the Magdalena Province, stories from the Casa de la Aduana (the house itself) and of course, of Simon Bolivar.

Monday held a visit of a totally different kind, to the local dental clinic.  note: never have dental work done the week you leave for a three week vacation.  i must say, Dentix was a lovely clinic in Santa Marta, with some very friendly staff.  through my passable Spanish, their little bit of English and Google Translator, we were able to diagnose and remedy the problem.  needless to say i need to call my dentist while here and schedule an appt. for when i return.  the issue?  my new crown has a high spot and it is hitting on the lower tooth in just a way to make it painful to bite & chew.  not ideal.

today was spent relaxing, wandering, repacking and a massage.  we booked the massages last week in anticipation of needing them after the hike.  why cancel because the hike didn’t happen?  you never need a reason for a massage!  then there was a rain storm.  a BIG rain storm.  the streets were flooded, the power was out, thunder & lightening……it was just like home 2 months ago.

tomorrow we’re off to the airport, headed to Medellín, where we will stay for three nights. they say it’s cooler there.  right, where have i heard that before?!

so long Santa Marta, it’s been fun!