the Pacific side of Colombia

If you remember, we spent 3 days in Cartagena at the end of last month on the Caribbean side of Colombia. Now we are in the middle of our stay in Tumaco on the Pacific side. From my one day on shore so far I liked what I saw. Jungle, lots of buildings on stilts with tsunami evacuation signs pointing inland, and gorgeous flowering trees.

I really wish I could know where these people were going on their scooter with their furniture in tow. Were they moving? Shopping? There are so many things I want to know about these places we've been. I read about them, and hear the briefs given by embassy officials, and I see the people at the clinics. But as far as really getting a good idea of what the culture is like? There isn't a good way of doing this with out getting myself in a lot of trouble. I wish I was a vet or a Seabee {construction battalion} because they really get out there and get immersed. It really has been an interesting way to travel through these countries with the Navy and on such a tight leash. I'm not complaining about that leash, it is a good thing. I get it that we are in dangerous places and force protection is an important part of our day to day life. But what I wouldn't give though to wander down some of the roads I've seen just to see what is out there.

It is probably a really good thing I am mainly on the ship. I wouldn't want to be held accountable for wandering off to see what the jungle looks like just 10' feet in... or maybe 50'... or maybe just up over that...