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@radiobrendan
Regular readers of this blog (stop it, there are a couple) will know I’m generally happiest when on the move.
That tends to mean travelling, but it can also refer to feeling busy, having lots to do from a ‘fulfilling’ work point of view.
On that latter front, however, and not really by design, it has been quieter than usual. It’s been a bit like the old Irish back-to-work scheme, Fás; one week on, one week off (although with less money coming in to the coffers in this case).
Picturesque: The hills around Vélez offer some nice views.
Nonetheless, after over six years of this come day, go day employment whilst looking for something more ‘serious’ — it’s Latin America, things move slowly here do remember — one learns to budget for the lean times, ensuring there’s money available for the things that matter most.
In this regard, when there’s no pressing need to be in Bogotá, that means getting out of the place. Plus, a little getaway from the capital doesn’t have to cost an awful lot, doing it the ‘Wrong Way’ way in any case. (Electing for locations that aren’t on the main tourist trail usually means you’ll find plenty of value, in terms of accommodation if nothing else.)
Vélez in view
So following on from the recent trip to Guaviare, this time the town of Vélez — the unofficial bocadillo (guava jelly) capital of Colombia — in the Santander department was on the radar. The only reason I knew of it was because a rather crazy (aren’t all Santandereanas that way?) ex fling is from there.
That might be reason enough for some to stay away from the place, but that particular bridge has seen plenty of water pass under it. What’s more, buses to Vélez go via Bogotá’s northern terminal, a very convenient 15-minute walk from my current abode.
Being a four-hour drive or so away, it doesn’t really fall into the backpacker favourite ‘leave at night, arrive in the morning’ category. Those journeys are great in terms of ‘saving’ on a night’s accommodation for a traveller, but when you’re already living in the country and paying monthly rent, the benefits of them are significantly reduced.
In any case, at 28,000 COP (about eight euros) one-way, the daytime trip doubles up as a sightseeing tour, without the regular stops. Some of the views along the way in this mountainous terrain, especially after the city of Tunja, are pretty impressive.
Tough competition
Vélez itself, or more precisely its setting, is impressive as well. The thing is, we’re spoilt for choice in these parts as regards quaint, colonial-style towns in hilly surrounds, replete with stand out cathedrals/churches. On top of this, other similar places might be more ‘tourist ready’ so to put it.
Notwithstanding that, I for one don’t get tired of checking out a different location on a regular basis — a change and a break from Bogotá life all in one.
Indeed, Vélez isn’t really a tourist hub for the very reason that it doesn’t seem to be set up that way. For some, this can be a frustration. “Tell us what’s there to do and see here, please.”
Curious cattle: While there were no humans wandering around the hills, there were plenty of cattle.
From a personal point of view, if there are a few adjacent hills to wander up in peace and quiet, I’m happy out. Get the obligatory panoramic view of the place in question. On this score, Vélez came good.
Now it wasn’t clear if the trail I went on is meant for public use. It looked more trodden by cattle than trekkers and there are gates and fences to cross, but of the few people I encountered at the start no one told me I shouldn’t be doing it.
Be about your business
In fact, in general the good folk of Vélez, Veleños as they’re called, tend to leave you to your own devices. From what I experienced, they’ll only engage if you do firstly; suits me down to the ground that.
Public trail or not, those hills to the south-west of Vélez offer some nice views over the town and surrounding countryside — if and when the clouds go away that is. Plus, there is a statue of the Virgin Mary in the vicinity of where I walked, so I’m guessing it is an attraction of sorts.
The route I took, though, didn’t appear to be the correct one to get to that; I approached the Virgin from, um, behind. In defence, when I got there, I couldn’t find a clearer alternative approach, honestly.
Thankfully the clouds largely cleared around midday and I found myself a nice little isolated spot to take in the sun and simply enjoy the scenery and tranquility. Simple pleasures.
That probably best sums up Vélez: ‘Simple pleasures’. Ignorance might have resulted in me missing out on a host of attractions around the place. Yet the whole idea of this mini-break from Bogotá was to do my own thing, annoyed by nobody. Vélez satisfied that want. Pity I can’t say that about the ex from there.
*Hotel Agatá has comfortable en suite rooms with a TV & WiFi from 15,000 COP per night.
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