Harsh reality, injuries and an amazing group of children

So happy to reach volunteer location Ecuador but the first week has been marred with an injury to Red and an attempted murder

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Arriving into El Tambo and after making a connection with a wonderful American family running a school that offers education in a rural part of Ecuador I began volunteering here over a week ago. My days are spent teaching English and Maths in the morning and I use the afternoon to renovate the dilapidated boys bathroom.

The children here are fantastic, a real eagerness to learn, arriving half an hour early to school and have to be forced to leave at the end of the day. The cost per child is $10 per month, this covered by donations that also pay for the staff and upkeep of this awesome facility. From what I have seen the level of education provided here is among the best of any volunteer project I have worked with, active for 10 years now, also played a huge part in helping the first person from this small village achieve a university degree.

On Wednesday we went into the capital Quito, there I tutored English to several students, a great day but with sad news at the end as we learnt one of the students had been stabbed in a gang related incident, a reminder of the reality. This part is unbelievable, the man was presumed dead, taken to the morgue with 15 stab wounds but somehow was found alive by staff prior to processing.

Thursday we were back into it and made some real progress with the renovations only to return to a very sad looking Red that would not come to my call. Making my way over I was told he had trampled the water supply to the home of the people with whom we are staying. Red had managed not only to demolish the water supply but had lacerated his chest and cut his legs badly in the process. Getting him to shelter I cleaned him up as best was possible and spent the night with him doing what possible to ease the pain. First thing in the morning hitching a ride to the nearest town I was able to pick up supplies from a veterinary store. We are way up in the Andes, no chance of getting a vet to my location without hundreds of dollars and so was forced to administer the antibiotic, anti inflammatory and pain killing injections myself, first time and remembering my training from Rancho Chilamate in Nicaragua all went well. Soon after Red returned to his favorite pass time of eating but still unable to walk. 3 days later now and there is a big improvement, 3 times daily treatment, lots of care and the wounds are slowly healing. The kind family even agreed to build a shelter in which to let him recover.

And so it looks like another week or two of recovery before we can hit the trail but just happy the recovery is possible! Really was touch and go and reinforced how much this clumsy old horse means to me, there is nothing that will stop us completing this journey together. The extra time spent here means the opportunity to finish the bathroom project and help with the children in the lead up to exam week so making the most of the time and hoping for a fast recovery!

A big thank you for the support through “buy a bale” was a huge help when needing medication and also for the support of this and all the great charities involved in this trip through the gofundme page.

Thank you for reading,

Marc

Fearing the worst at 3800m

Arriving at the entrance to the valley of volcanoes, a volcano lined corridor, thousands of miles of Inca trail ahead, leading to Peru and beyond disaster struck as Red pulled up unable to walk any further. I, in all honesty was inconsolable. Finding the first field in which to let him rest, massaging and applying heat to the injured leg I feared the worst. The land owner agreed to let us have use of the field for a fee, over the odds but he knew we had no choice.

We are currently at 3800m above sea level, roughly 12kms south of the equator, where with the altitude when new to the area you get out of breath brushing your teeth…… Its cold!  Camping out with Red sleeping beside me after listening to some sound advice we rested, things can look a little better after 24hrs.

The following morning Red seemed a lot better, walking, eating his way around the field (will take a lot to keep him from food!) Still I wanted a second opinion and so went to the nearest town to contact a few of my peers in the hope of a diagnosis. Vets are pretty much non existent where I am. After talking to both the team I spent time with preparing for this trip in Nicaragua and the Long Riders Guild the only real option was to rest a few days and, hope for best case scenario – a slightly twisted ankle. I figured with some free time whilst Red recovered I would take a look at a local school I heard about and see if maybe I could help out.

After meeting with the schools founders, finding out a little about the project and with their permission I am now volunteering with a fantastic project in El Tambo, a small village in the Eastern Andes. After just one day could see was a great project, not very often you see children running to school and waiting for the doors to open. This is a fantastic programme, some of the children involved are the first generation in their family to learn how to read or write in either Spanish or their native Quichua. It respects tradition and provides an opportunity that would be otherwise out of reach.

Monday I start with the school proper and cannot wait. I look forward to giving some more information! And the big question, Red, somehow has made what seems to be a miraculous recovery, walking fine I am still massaging and applying heat daily but confident a week long rest and time to acclimatize and he should be fit for the road ahead. Hoping for the best.

Thank you for reading, update on my time volunteering coming soon!

Where the Amazon meets the Andes

Border crossing can be tricky enough, but throw in a horse and a border well-known for drug and weapons trafficking and things can become interesting. After resting 30kms from the border and a dry run to see what I could expect we set off. I had been lucky enough to meet Geraldo, local business owner but more importantly horse owner. He allowed us the use of a field and gave some invaluable advice on passing into Ecuador. With the help of some extremely generous donations I was able to purchase the paperwork needed to pass into Ecuador – a GIA (authorisation to transport livestock) and have Red’s blood test results “processed”. Everything in order we set of for the final 2 days of this trip in Colombia. “tell them you are visiting an Uncle” and “whatever you do, do not say you are going to Peru” were Geraldo’s final words of advice as I saddled up. Covering 20kms we rested in a kural just short of the border, wanting to arrive early incase of hold ups. the following day the Amazon delivered the heaviest downpour I have ever witnessed and with it a leaving present from Colombia. I don’t think I will offend anyone by saying Colombians are not fans of the rain, I have often been asked what I do when it rains as if it makes travel impossible. And so we arrived at this little used border crossing, San Miguel, deep in the Amazon jungle, a region where, in addition to coca cultivation, guerrillas and paramilitaries have been engaged in a long internal conflict. Just a giant river that provides a natural border, 1 bridge and a corridor of armed border control guards stand in front of our entry into Ecuador. As we approached the bridge, rain pouring off the brim of my hat the first guard gives a nod from under his shelter and motions to pass, and the next the same until we arrive at the final two guards, walking straight towards them they part, allowing us to pass between the two of them and with an acknowledging nod to them both I walk on through as though I have done this a million times, onto the bridge and for the first time on Ecuadorian soil! A little confused as to how easy it was I asked a taxi driver where we get stamped “4kms” I am told as he points South, my elation disappeared but still, stage one was done and all it took was a little rain to help the process. Now was just the paperwork to deal with, arriving at immigration and a series of very serious (and a little confused by the foreigner on horseback) looking Ecuadorian officials. I tied up Red and after explaining the reason for the overstay in Colombia, a nervous 10 minutes whilst my paperwork was checked over we had entry and exit stamps and were officially in Ecuador! As sad as I was to leave what has been one of the most hospitable and beautiful countries I have ever visited behind, Ecuador is a country I have wanted to visit for as long as I can remember as here waits something I have dreamt of seeing for many years. Walking out to a whinny from Red we had passed what for me is a huge milestone and onto our second country. Continuing in the rain, spirits high I looked for a resting spot, after several “no senor” replies we arrived at the home of an incredibly welcoming Colombian family who with open arms let me put Red into their field and hang the hammock in the coral. There we rested for two days, getting here had been tough going on us both. The 2 days were spent helping Llario train his previously unrideable mare and cleaning the jungle off of my gear. After a fantastic last evening I had the chance to thank my new friends for one of the warmest welcomes I have ever received and we were ready to make for the Andes. After many kilometres (pushing 2800 in total) we are now in the Napo province of Ecuador, at an altitude of 3,300m just off the Eastern Cordilleras where the Amazon meets the Andes, here we rejoin the INCA trail and enter the valley of volcanoes. From here we carry on South and to my next volunteer destination, roughly 12 days ride from here. To everybody that has taken the time to read, support and message thank you. We are now in Country number 2! With your “buy a bale” donations Red is in the best shape of his life and one of the best travelled horses in South America, and the messages do give us a real lift when needed the most. I look forward to writing to you next from our volunteer location where we turn our focus to the main aspect of the trip. As always, thank you for reading, Marc

Amazonia

I am currently on the fringes of the Amazon, a beautiful but unyielding part of Colombia. Snakes and tarantulas too many to count, using the flashlight at night only lights up the eyes around you. Have seen my jeans turn black covered in mosquitos, gone days without real food, slept in abandoned buildings, kurals and even a dissused abatoir, walked 3 days straight in driving rain, but never felt so alive.

We have been in a delicate area, lined one side by a heavy presence of Colombian Military and the other by guerillas so night time can be a gamble, ask for permission and make my presence known or wait until dark and try to go unnoticed.

Over the last 2 months I have been carefully selecting my routes, sadly Colombia is second in the world for land mine victims, only behind Afghanistan. The majority of these are close to areas inhabited by the indigenous people of Colombia and so I have had little contact until now. Passing small villages I pretty much go unnoticed, just another man on a horse I get to enjoy the beauty of this incredible country, the people I have encountered have been some of the most hospitable in the world, it is not uncommon to have somebody come up, offer you a cold drink and invite you into their home for lunch before you have even said hello. Sometimes lunch even comes with a gift of a bible (picture below) And the indigenous area is no different, all the warnings and “tread with caution” messages I received this in parts has been one of the most welcoming areas.

With the visa being a big issue we had to do something. After several hours of pleading and the use of donations to help the process along we have been granted an extra 2 weeks to pass Colombia, this came at a cost but gave the breathing space needed. Still though, 400kms was a daunting prospect. Pushing hard, at times going 8 days straight in a bid to make it in time. But here we are, 30kms out from Ecuador, Red exhausted I have stopped to recharge for 2 days before we run the gauntlet of border control. For the generous donations recieved through the “buy a bale” I cannot say thank you enough, with those we were able to “purchase” extra time and more importantly keep Red strong.

So far we have covered 1930kms, so proud of what this horse has achieved, passed 9 states, countless villages, recieved armed escorts out of areas I should not be and experienced things that make previous ambitions in life appear ridiculous. The one thing that really shines through is the genuine kindness of people in this beautiful part of the world. Although sad to be leaving I cannot wait for what lay ahead. Colombia and everyone I have met, thank you. I hope to be seeing you again. The full story of my last few weeks in Colombia still to come.

Thank you for reading,

Marc

What good story ends with “and then I gave up and took the easy route”

10 days ago I set off from Palermo knowing I was limited in time to make it to the border by the 17th. 3 days ago after filling a plastic bag with other people’s leftovers from a restuarant table I nearly broke. Tired, hungry, boots full of blisters and the body feeling the last 5 months of travel. I have to be honest and admit there have been times over the last weeks I have though of giving up. Exhausted I have considered looking for a farm to guard Red and finish the journey some other way. Then after finding a cural in which to spend the night realised. What good story ends with “and then I gave up and took the easy route” I knew this was not going to be easy, nothing worth achieving is

We have been pushing hard to make the border ever since Pereira 2 months ago. Resting 1 day in 6, sometimes covering up to 42kms on foot in a day. Making sure my horse gets enough feed and carrying on by foot in order to allow us to cover more ground, has gotten pretty tough going the last few weeks. But lying there in the hammock and Red coming over to butt heads I knew there is no way I can give up. We have come too far. Spending the last 10 nights anywhere we can, from cattle weighing stations to curals, nights in the hammock or on the floor, any space out of sight. Have been told many times this area is “calliente” Guerilla territory, heard this many times before in areas I passed with no problems but here I can believe it. The people wary at times, getting permission to rest in a field at night is hard to come by and so we wait until dark to sneak in and leave before sunrise. Saying this though I have passed some stunning scenery, mountain passes, riding lone for days without even seeing another person, has been an incredible if testing section of the journey. Even was joined by a slightly unhinged man who decided to walk 12hrs with me, to be honest was glad of the company, made a change, even if I did have to hear countless times how walking hurts his colon.

So here we are, 5 months and 14 days into the ride through Colombia, 1485kms covered and 400kms out from the border with only 7 days to make Ecuador. With severe penalties for overstaying your visa (even more so when granted an extension once) I am unfortunately forced to consider the expensive option of transporting to the border. Goes against everything but I have not much choice if I wish to finish the journey with Red. And so now more than ever your support is appreciated as I consider having to use the “buy a bale” donations and pay to get Red across the border and keep the journey alive. Quitting is not an option, the bond I have with my horse is incredible, the difference in the the last 5 months unbelievable. The messages and support really do keep us moving, motivated, the target of the next volunteer destination is in sight. And so there is only one thing for it. As a wise man once told me – “get out there and fill your boots” I hope to be writting to you again after the 17th. From Ecuador

Thank you for reading.

Marc

Footprints in the dirt

7 long days ago I left San Antonio and we continued the journey south. Even after what I have seen already could not have been prepaired for what was to come in this section.

Taking 2 days to rest and re-organise in San Antionio I was fortunate enough to have the use of a farm. Here I rested alone enjoying the peace and quiet with Red feeding in the field. A chance to wash the clothes, cook on a stove and not move a great deal! Looking over the maps I planned out the next few days with a little advice from Hernando, the owner of the farm. Only problem with my planned route was it happened to pass the home of a certain revolutionary group leader. Is ok I am told, just dont talk too much and pass quietly. I have no choice, 28 days to pass a border 500kms away there is no backtracking. After giving my thanks and loading up we were back moving. 

I had opted to head over the mountains in a bid to make quick progress and avoid the road. The track was smooth for the first hour or so before again turning into just a footpath, dropping and rising 50 metres into ravines, the going got tough fast. I was passed by with the sun going down I asked where the nearest farm was – “ask the house at the top of the hill” as he rushed past. Soon I came to a river, wide, deep and no sign of where the path continued the other side. Knowing I had just been passed I looked for the footprints to lead me to the right path. So lucky I had been passed as would never have found the right track otherwise.

I eventually arrived at the house on top of the hill and there was the guy that had passed me by, the people were expecting me which made me a little nervous. Inviting me in and letting me put Red in the field. Within 5 minutes I had a plate of food infront of me and was bombarded with questions, an incredibly nice family. The next day after a good nights rest Red and I were fed well, and helping to make ‘jugo de cana’ – sugar cane juice – I filled my canteen and carried on with the assistace of Elmer guiding me. There had been a lot of rainfall in recent days and so I had to change my route as the river was too strong to cross, adding a few miles but a safe track to follow.

We continued South, Red getting stronger and stronger by the day, really cannot explain how strong the bond becomes, the trust in each others senses, you really are 4 ears and 4 eyes when travelling horseback. We pass small villages, staring faces watch as we roll through. Getting hungry and food running low I spotted a dairy farm, asking if could camp for the night and maybe help out in return for a safe spot for the night. The farm manager , Jose Victor was extremely welcoming and let me hang the hammock, rest and fill my cup with fresh milk whilst I helped out on the farm.

The next day the air changed, the tension palpable. Even the normally reasuring silence felt odd. I had been told of a strange ambient, of bad things that had passed, this is usually nothing more than peoples imagination and tall stories but this occasion was right. Riding through the stunning mountains was something stopping me from enjoying the stunning countryside as much as usuall. Not wanting to be stuck for somewhere to spend the night I started looking early. After several closed doors I came to the home of Miriam, a lady that would not tell me her name until I gave mine, not let me passs until had been checked out by several family members. Eventually I was permited entry to their field. Stunning spot filled with fruit trees and horses. I pitched up and relaxed a little. With the sun going down I had my first visitor of the night, the usuall questions before he got to the point “are you military?” No I answer, just wanting to pass and enjoy this beautiful country. “But you have the same equipment as the military” pointing at my hammock. I explain my trip and without reaction my interrigator walks away. An hour or so later comes another, “are you on an excercise?” No sir, just wanting to pass quietly. And again, no reaction, dissapears back into the trees. At this point you cannot change location, is dark, late and you just have to hope that your answers were good enough. You dont really sleep and when you do is with your clothes on, kit tied to your leg. The sun eventually came, I packed up and moved. Although am confident there was never any danger is still an uneasy feeling that does not permit you to rest. I passed La Linea and within a few hours spirits lifted. Smiles were back and the sun was beaming.

Over the next few days and nights we had many more encounters, some good, some bad and the extreme generosity of the Colombian people shining through. Feeding me when I needed it the most and helping with directions – one thing anybody that has travelled  Central or South America will know is that if asked for directions nobody says “sorry, I dont know” Distances change from 1hr to noooo, not possible today.  My advice – take the middle number and carry on. By day 6 I was pretty exhausted and listening to directions though I was only 5hrs from a town where I could find a stable and rest in preperation for my next leg.Carying on on foot in order to let Red rest 5 hours turned to 6,7,8 and it was getting dark. The road tough going and flanked either side. to the right a 60 metre cliff face and to the left a 40 metre drop to the river below. No choice but to carry on. Over the last few days I have experienced the hardest, the most beautiful and most testing riding of my life. This section we were tired but no option but to carry on through. Pitch black and full cloud cover preventing any moonlight I had to aim for light, knowing dipping into a field was not possible we pushed on. As always although you dont like to count on it the amazing hospitality of the Colombian people shone through and was I was welcomed in by Ricardo and his wife, offereing me the chance to use their field until daybreak. Could not have come at a better time!

I have to say thank you for all the support, messages and donations through the “buy a bale” not only does this keep us moving and motivated but gives a massive boost. Cannot thank you enough! I hope to rest for the next few days, let my horse recover before we head on, 21 days to make the border ……………

Armed escorts and a welcome in the most unexpected place.

9 days and 180kms since the last blog. Been highs and lows, but as always Colombia delivers.

After a good rest in Boqueron, a small town rarely passed by tourists I headed into the mountains and due South, 20minutes walking the highway and we were back on dirt tracks, these soon turned into footpaths before completely dissapearing and we were back to the compass. Climbing higher and the higher the views were incredible but was clear this was not the best choice of route.The “buen dias” soon turned into “a donde vas?” With people more concerned about where I was going and what was doing there than saying hello and wishing you good day. At one point I was given an unofficial escort out of an area I should not see, but this done in the nicest possible way.

Thinking I had a long sleepless night ahead I stopped atop another huge mountain looking for somewhere to hide out when I heard 2 dogs barking and an elderly lady carrying a chainsaw came into view. The first time somebody asked how I was doing before asking where I was going. After a small exchange and me explaining what I was doing there  we were joined by a man on horseback, I made to leave and Sylvie told me to stay with a motion of her hand. With the man out of sight she invited me to her farm where I could rest out of sight. One of the most uplifting moments of the trip and sums up Colombia, you think things are looking rough and along comes a complete stranger that helps in a way more than you could have ever hoped.

Sylvie was an incredible host, letting me cut feed for Red, giving him a field of his own and feeding me until I could not move whilst we sat up and talked late into the night, drinking coffee grown, harvested and roasted by herself from the garden. Slept with an incredible view of the valley and was back on the trail at sunrise. This country never stops suprising you in the most pleasant ways. Still, it is always the people with less that are willing to offer you more.

From  here I continued until the track became way too much for Red to pass safely and spotting a dirt track in the distance I headed that way. After 2 more nights, 1 in a stable and another sleeping out under the stars watching as an electric storm circled the valled I was in Rovira. Here I rested in a real bed, the first in a month now. Red fit again we continued the ride South. Passing some of the most stunning countryside so far but not always the most hospitable, seeing 2 pythons take down their prey that looked to be a larger snake or a big lizard, then stand to look me square in the eye for the longest 2 seconds of the trip so far before Red and I bolted out of there, had enough encounters with snakes and the last cost us a month of rest time so sorry but did not hang around for a photo!. Finding fields to camp in and places to hide out we made steady progress. Turned out the cash machine in Rovira gave nearly $60 in false bills, and having trouble using them on my way to my current destination I had the difference pointed out several times, at least I know what to look for now! Here in the small town on San Antonio we will rest again and use those much appreciated “buy a Bale” donations to prepare Red for the next leg.

More to come on route here, including wildlife encounters, a lost camera returned and the warning of towns with a voilent past that turned to be the most welcoming.

As always thank you for reading.

Marc

Raging bulls, silent giants

Salento, Colombia. A buzzing tourist town South West of the Capital Bogota. Here I spent 2 days prepairing for what has so far been an incredible ride South. Making my way towards the border of Ecuador, 6 weeks and 600kms lay ahead.

I had previosly had a chance meeting with Peter, a Dutch mushroom farmer resident in Colombia for thirty years and in doing so got to see some usefull maps of the area (and enjoy a feast prepaired by volunteers on his farm) After 2 nights rest at the hospitable Casa de lili in Salento I began my route, following in the hoofprints of “El Libertador” Simon Bolivar. Loaded with supplies I headed into what has been some of the most stunning countryside I have seen so far. Dirt tracks lined by farmed fields that soon turned into thick jungle. Winding through the mountains at the end of the first day easily found a spot to hang the hammock and rest for the night with a rare opportunity to sleep without worry of farmers or other unwelcome visitors in the night.

Rising early and after a warm cup of milk straight from the source, courtesy of some dairy farmers I passed, I entered the stunning giant wax palm forest. These impressive palms shooting up to 72m into the sky, this incredible landscape led me to the foot of Volcan Machin. A 3000m high active volcano looks nothing more than a big hill in the surrounding mountains. Riding along i was joined by Jose Cero, a local plantain farmer, we rode together for nearly 2hrs hardly saying a word save for complimenting each others horses, not through lack of ability to comminucate but simply enjoying the reasuring silence, as with the farmers with whom I shared a cup of milk, there was no pointless chat, no “where are you from” “where are you going” no wasted words.

Eventually reaching the small village of Toche looking for somewhere to eat and rest for the night. A town with more mules than people. The first place I stopped was Rosario’s tienda. Here I spent the night camping in the garden and answering the million questions from her 6yr old son Fernando, great kid and as I was settling down for the night (more exhasuted from the interigation than the days ride) he came over with one of his teddy bears for me, telling me would help me sleep better and keep me safe.

On the third day I continued through the humbling scenery. Mountains as far as you can see. I soon came to a small village where I thought I could pick up more supplies and refresh. Was something else, like being in a wesern. Riding into town the doors of the houses closed like dominoes infront of me. I noticed the spray painted messages on the walls and figured was best to continue on. I soon passed many of the men from the village out working the fields, friendly and with good advice of which direction I should take I began to look for a spot for the night.

Knowing was not going to be easy here to find a spot to rest I dipped into a field with the sun going down. Was going to be another night where setting up camp was not really an option as a quick exit may be needed. Under the moonlight Red was startled by something and when I looked to see what saw 3 sets of eyes looking straight at me, followed by another and another until there were at least 7 of these giant horned, muscular, snorting bulls on the ridge. Thought the flash of the camera may scare them away but had the opposite effect. One bull charging at me and a rush of blood to the head I ran straight at him arms waving and fortunately he turned, running back to the herd. Quickly saddling up with Red being unusually still, letting me get him out of there pronto. Moving on I found another spot to rest under the stars, without bulls! Sometimes you get preoccupied with the worry of human visitors in the night you can forget about the animals around. Lesson learnt.

Waking with my horse by my side I continued to my current location. Boqueron, a small area but big enough to find a stable, a shower and computer. Enjoying 2 nights rest before continuing South.

Thank you for reading and for the support through the buy a bale link on the get involved page. Really is very much appreciated.

Marc

On the road again

Having been fortunate enough to volunteer with Corporacion Crisol, and the planned 2 weeks turning into 5, it was fantastic to finish on a high and with generous donations we were able to take the children on a field trip to the stunning cascada frailes – (friars waterfall) For the trip to the falls the children were buzzing from the start, the moment we met at 7am(ish) never stopped laughing, singing and dancing all the way. Not suprisingly the noise kept away the wildlife we hoped to see but was more about the experience. A great way to end my time here in Periera and some great memories to leave with.

During these weeks have got to know these children and seen them go from being unable to even touch a horse to telling me off when I arrived late to class. Thank you to everybody I have met through my time here, has been an absolute pleasure and would recommend anyone coming to Colombia come see this stunning part of the country first hand. (and of course volunteer with this great project if you have the chance!)

Now I have an eye on the next leg. Tomorrow I saddle up and start the journey South. What should be a 6 week, 600km ride through national parks, mountains and valleys, on to the border of Ecuador. This section is something have been really looking forward to and look forward to letting you know how it goes.

Anybody looking to get involved, support this trip or any of the organisations involved we would love to hear from you. Please check out the How you can get involved page.

Thank you for reading.

Marc

Volunteering in Colombia

Finally I have reached the volunteer destination in Colombia! Has been long overdue but worth the wait. I am now in Pereira, Colombia – a town that lies at the most northerly point of what was once a busy INCA trade route.

I began volunteering here with Corporacion Crisol three weeks ago. This fantastic organisation founded by Cesar Valencia has been in operation since January 2009 with the aim of offering support and education to the community of Las Colonias, a small suburb of Pereira. The project is a one hour ride from my other volunteer placement in Pereira – Finca Apopori. Here I work 5hrs a day, 5 days a week in return for unbelievable accommodation and 3 healthy, filling meals a day. This place is luxury for me, an actual bed and best of all a space for the horse.

RED MEETING SOME OF THE CHILDREN AT THE PROJECT FOR THE FIRST TIME

“Todo evento, produce una enseñanza” – Every event produces an education. This quote from the mission statement of Corporacion Crisol rings true. Corporacion Crisol is a great experience and would highly recommend it for anyone looking to volunteer in Colombia. There is a huge emphasis on open learning and it’s refreshing to see a project that embraces different teaching methods. One thing that I have been extremely lucky with in all my volunteer locations throughout Central and South America is they all respect and value local culture, operating to provide support and create opportunities, and this project is no different.

Cesar has created a wonderful resource for the people of Las Colonias and it is clear his work is appreciated with over 60 children involved in the program. My time is spent working with 5 children at a time, which is great as it gives a chance to offer individual attention. Teaching not only how to ride a horse but care for animals, art classes and a little bit of South American geography. Get asked on a daily basis “and you really ride to Peru?!” The support provided here is well managed and given with the right intention. I am extremely proud to be associated with this and all the programs I have worked with so far.

Here in Pereira I have been fortunate enough to find a way to cover living costs by volunteering at Finca Apopori. The Finca is a pristine hotel that also doubles as an event centre. Work consists of painting, building an earth-bag house (picture below), electrical work, assisting with clients and anything else that is needed. The opportunity is greatly appreciated as there is absolutely no chance this kind of luxury was ever on the cards! The hotel itself is stunning and extremely peaceful, lined with orange, mango and star fruit trees which will make it hard to leave. Allowing me to fit my time here around the school, the owner is a true gent and a pleasure to work for, again Colombian hospitality is incredible.

I now have just a short time left before I take the long ride from here to the border of Ecuador. My horse is resting well and thanks to the generous donations through Buy a Bale is in great health. A huge thank you to all that have supported us, so far we have received $140 here and it really does help! Below you can see the difference from when I first picked up Red and the condition he is in now.

To anybody wishing to know more about the charities involved in this trip or maybe wanting to get involved I would love to hear from you – take a look at the How you can get involved page. Thank you for reading.

Marc