Having arrived in style about 8th in the fleet after such a good sail we set out to explore Columbia. Millionaires here as there are 4500 Columbian Pesos to the Pound. A hot and arid country but a great scene particularly after dusk with lively squares and streets of out side restaurants. Last nights supper was outstanding.

We have learnt lots of history in particular about Simon Bolivar who died in this city. He lived from 1783 to 1830 and was largely hailed for ridding this area of Spanish domination. His ambition was to unite Columbia,Venezuela, Ecuador and Bolivia. Panama was a district of Columbia until it broke away in about 1898 at the time the Panama canal was being built by Firstly the French [de Lessops] who went bust and finally successfully by the Americans.

 Simon Bolivar lived out his final days in a fine villa, ironically owned by a local Spaniard - a very fine and peaceful cool park and garden.

we were shown a statue of one of Columbia’s heroes a footballer called Carlos Alberti “El PIBE” Valderrama, quite a hairy looking chap.