Our Journey Through Colombia

From Medellin to Bogota By Bus

I thought we would take the bus from Medellin to Bogota, Columbia. In my mind, this would give us the opportunity to see some of the country side we might not see from a plane. If most adventure has some sort of element of danger associated with it, then this trip through the Andes to Bogota would fit that bill.

I had seen images of buses traversing alongside narrow roads that wrapped around a mountain, but thought this trip would not be as harrowing or heart-stopping. In some ways, I was correct. This trip gave us plenty to see over the more than 12 hours it took to move between these Colombian cities, often along single lane roads in both directions jammed packed with trucks moving commerce and people.

I should have questioned my decision when we boarded the bus and found our seat belts broken. Having travelled around the world to many countries over the years, I understand the level of risk that sometimes goes into moving about. Other countries also have different standards for safety, as in families riding helmet less on motorcycles with small children in Vietnam or trucks jammed with people, many hanging on the sides, in India. Why did I think this experience in South America would be so different?

Tom and I were sitting in the front of the bus on the left side, so we had a good vantage of where we were going. There were many times I closed my eyes, my body tightening up, as the driver passed a large semi around the curving roads of the Andes. I prayed and hoped and even had the thought I might die this way.

In the end we made it alive, to Bogota, though a little worn and tired. Even during this arduous journey that had me nearly tipping over and peeing on myself in the buses onboard toilet, I found humor and happiness. I leaned over to Tom and said, despite all of this, the rude and annoying tag team bus drivers, the loud Latin American music, the stinky toilet, I was having fun. I was alive with the energy and sense of adventure I only get when I travel the World with Tom and experience all it has to offer.