Almost unrecorded.

Short video test for GoPro 960.

I have also posted on Vimeo (http://www.vimeo.com/19314434). I compressed to about 15% of the original size to make the video a more manageable size. Let me know if there is something wrong with the video.

I know it is a double solid but this is Colombia! That brown smudge is a dead bug.

Day 253 (Monday January 24, 2011): Ipiales, Colombia to Quito, Ecuador

Fastest border crossing yet! 20 minutes on the Colombian side to de-register the motorcycle and to get my exit stamp. 30 minutes to register in Ecuador and to get my entrance stamp. Unfortunately, it takes me 3.5 hours to figure out insurance for my bike. Mostly because I get sent to four separate locations before finally finding a place that will sell to foreigner. At the final location I met an Ecuadorian family that will be meeting me in Quito and Atacames.

Nothing like newly paved asphalt to make a five hour journey take three.

Day 252 (Sunday January 23, 2011): Popayan, Colombia to Ipiales, Colombia (La Frontera)

Yeah. . . The views never cease to amaze.

The road is never boring.

Around Las Lajas

Las Lajas

Thank you for letting me park my motorcycle in front of the police station!

Day 251 (Saturday January 22, 2011): Cali, Colombia to Popayan, Colombia

Goodbye Cali. I will be back someday.

Popayan, the white city.

Day 240-250 (Tuesday January 11, 2010 to Friday January 21, 2011): Cali, Colombia

Although I have been itching to hit the road again while waiting for my package to arrive, the undeniably seductive atmosphere of Cali keeps me occupied. In no other city have I felt such a strong connection between the people and music. This connection makes for a lively, intoxicating ambiance. I am still consistently blown away by the openness of the people in Colombia. The people have an incredible amount of pride for their country. I do not blame them, I have fallen in love with the country as well.

The friendliness extends to dance floor (which, at times in Cali, feels like any bit of solid ground with the slightest hint of music in the air) and actually becomes a fun annoyance when trying to head home. There is always one more person that will ask for a dance. On one of my last nights out in Cali, after saying my final 'goodbyes' I was walking out the door and I feel someone grab my hand. I was really tired and wanted to head home but turning a girl down not only makes you look like a giant wanker but I cannot imagine is makes the girl feel great either. So I turn around and all reluctance is immediately pushed from my head. . . Along with all of my newfound salsa confidence and skills. In front of me was who I thought was the best salsa-er, in moves and looks, in the club (I knew because I had watched her a few times. . . totally un-creepily of course). At first I can't seem to feel the music. The distress I was experiencing must have been written all over my face because she leans in to my ear and whispers, "tranquilo." Somehow, that one word brings all my musicality back.

Walking over to check our papers? No, they just wanted to see the bikes!

Bjorn (motorcyclist that has been travelling around the world for two-and-a-half years), checking out a chunk of old road that dropped a few meters.

Lago Calima, north of Cali.

Day 228-239 (Thursday December 30, 2010 to Monday January 10, 2011): Cali, Colombia

I have no problems with others drinking alcohol until they start acting immorally. Since when is ones actions, regardless of the state of intoxication, not ones responsibility?

I started a run up to the Three Crosses that overlook the city far too late in the evening one day and by the time I was running back down, dusk had fallen. Part of the run goes through a barrio (slum). Most people I had asked for directions along the way had warned me to stay away from at night. Having completely disregarded their advice it was rather fitting for me to be stopped by two individuals and asked to hand over my hydration pack. They seemed like the type that would try to rob somebody if the opportunity arose but wouldn't go out of their way to steal something. I had run this scenario through my head before so I was fairly sure that refusing to give them anything would result in them giving up. I simply told them in Spanish that they did not want to rob me and they waved me past after a quick look at each other.

Salsa classes in Cali. Chichoky!