PowerCycle

10/31 Happy Halloween! I’m in the city of Tunja (pop. 152,419) where they celebrate the holiday in a big way. The main plaza, called the Plaza de Bolivar, was jam packed with kids dressed up in all kinds of cute costumes. There was a live band playing and the stores in the area handed out candy so there’d be a mob of kids in front of each one yelling “Truco o regalo!” (at least I think that’s what they were yelling). The police here are numerous and very helpful. When I first got into the city I rode around for a bit trying to find the plaza but finally broke down and asked one for directions. He ended up walking me about 10 blocks to where it was.

The biggest grocery store I’ve seen in Colombia is called Exito. It’s smaller than a Walmart but not by much. The reason why I’m mentioning this is they don’t sell peanut butter. They sell jam though. Very strange. A Snickers was $1.53 (passed).

Did the big climb from Barbosa to Tunja today. It wasn’t 7500 feet like I’d heard–more like 5,659 feet. The lack of switchbacks (3?) and an overall low grade made for a very easy day. The weather was perfect although the wind started getting really cold at 8500 feet. At 10,000 feet I was tempted to stop and don a jacket but a thick layer of awesomeness kept me warm. Hit 10,301 feet which is the highest I’ve ever been on land. Actually I don’t think I even went that high skydiving.

The night in Socorro ended up being a nightmare. The hotel I stayed at was called Hotel Tamacara. It’s right across the street from a church. Not kidding, every freaking half an hour for the entire night the damn bells would ring. On top of that the room was on the second floor so it was hot as hell and there was no fan. They also said there was hot water and there wasn’t. They did have wifi so it wasn’t a total disaster.

Got a little sick in the town of Santa Ana and had to stay an extra day. Stomach issues. Took the miracle drug Tinidazol and the next morning I was good to go.

Staying at the Hotel Conquistador de America in Tunja for 25 mil ($13.75). The room is pretty decent and they have nice hot showers, cable TV and warm blankets. No wifi.

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