Finally we managed it to get used to c.t. At this final day of wedding ceremonies we participated in a brunch, originally set to be at 10 AM, but we appeared on the scene just around 12:30. Interestingly, the whole town centre was blocked for traffic (because of J.C.´s visit to town), so we could freely roam around the streets. For me it was the final day in Cartagena and also in Columbia (for this time), so with the help of Andreas and Tero I dragged my luggage along from the hotel to Casa Pestagua. Not only to enjoy my time with my friends as much as possible, but also because access to non-barred streets was easier from there. So we went there and I had one backpack on my back and a smaller version on my front. Given the looks of it, in the streets of Cartagena a new expression was coined: Holiday Marine.
Having arrived we noted that, well, we were a bit late for brunch, but there still was plenty to eat and especially to drink. So for the next couple of hours we helped Matt to get rid of the rest of food and beer, sitting at the pool side and chatting. And what could a brunch be without the compulsory band playing music? I guess, Tere´s counting the combos has reached the number of seven that day.
Finally the moment of goodbye had come and the pain of it was only lessened by the fact that we all will see each other again already in a couple of months, when it is Giacomo´s turn to marry in Milano. Oh, yes, and good old Matt tried to soothen the farewell with another pint of beer for the go.
At the airport finally, just when our flight was called and we went to the plane, coincidentally J.C. arrived and the guards where all standing in formation of honours. Quite impressive, but unfortunately the good man missed out on the wedding completely. What a pity, it would have enriched also his life, I guess.
Well, nothing much to talk about the flight to Bogota and the connection to Lima. Everything like in a normal flight.
When I arrived in Lima, Peter already waited for me and we both were quite happy to see each other, especially here in Peru. I was happy to be here and I guess, he was happy that a friend made it to his new home country (for the time being) – given my experience when I lived in Copenhagen, I also was very happy whenever somebody I knew came along to visit me there.
During the journey to the hotel good old Peter told me a bit about the airport, its surroundings, the way to the hotel (at least the first few districts) and I started questioning my decision to come to this place a bit. Summarized: we had to pass through areas, where you wouldn´t want to walk alone, let alone in the night. But finally we managed it to the hotel, passing by Peter`s company on the way and I could check in, tired, but happy to be here. The hotel is called „Montereal“ and has the unique advantage of
- being nearly around the corner to Peter`s office
- being within walking distance to the major sights in Miraflores, one of the better districts of Lima (if not the best)
- being quite quiet – a bonus for people who came travelling a long way