Isla Barú, Bolivar, Colombia
Flying with Copa Airlines, it took just six hours from Toronto to their hub in Panama City. All the way there the sky was blue, with almost no turbulence. That was until our new Boeing 737, sometimes called 737-800, other times 738, or 737 New Generation, was about to touch down. We were 15 or so metres from the tarmac when the engines started to roar. A split second later we were off like a fighter plane, back to the high skies. You can’t imagine the quietness of the passengers over the next 20 minutes, as we circled the airport, again and again. All the while, a stewardess spoke rapidly in both Spanish and indecipherable English over the intercom. When we did safely land, everyone onboard clapped the Captain and crew. As we walked the aisle to deplane, I detected a distinct barnyard scent.
Afterwards, I tried Googling the above mentioned planes. It seems to me as though great public relation efforts have been put into masking the number of B-737 MAX crashes, that have occurred over the past few years. Hence the title word, ‘obfuscation’.
On our second leg, a short 45 minute flight from Panama City to Cartagena, Colombia, we experienced another new and different scare. No sooner had we hit the tarmac, when the pilot slammed on the brakes, as if we might be heading for a brick wall. If not for seat-belts, the entire inside of the plane would’ve been a mess with passengers slamming into the seats in front of them . And then we read about the crash at Toronto’s Pearson Airport, where everyone miraculously survived — all on this very same freaking day.
The following morning, after bit of shuteye in a hostel near the Cartagena airport, we found a car and driver to take us to Baru Island, an hour away. On the way there the driver started playing the most monotonous English language rap, ever. His English was about as good as my Spanish, but I was able to convince him to play some old, soft-rock Latino tunes. When a rendition of the venerable Mexican band Mana’s, Mariposa Traicionera, came to life, Elenka and I joined in and did a sing-along. Our driver damn near crashed the car, in wonder of how we could hit such beautiful notes, in a language we didn’t really speak so well.
Our new beachfront place on Isla Baru is called Posada Chikiluky. The food is a touch better than good and they have a really cool little kitten. So after just one night we decided to stay longer. While Elenka was doing a price negotiation with the manager, I played with their kitten. As the deal was about to be consummated — using my best Colombian Spanish — I interrupted, asking if we could keep the cat. Without giving it a second thought the manager said, ‘Si Señor’.
Irene
2025-02-20
Well that was a bit concerning! Thankfully you arrived safe and sound. Seems you were flying on could be called National Don't fly DAY!. Enjoy your get away! I'm looking forward to updates and Elenka's usual amazing photography. Be safe my friends!
Monica
2025-02-20
Hello Elenka and Jack Happy to hear you arrived safely. Enjoy the beautiful weather. The cold and no tanning weather is making us all look pale hear. Elenka can you get whatapp where you are?. Jack, are you planning to bring the kitten home?? Looking forward to reading about our new adventures. Take care
Mary
2025-02-20
Never a dull moment for you two. I’m glad you did make it there safely after a few bumps along the way. Take care of yourselves and now a kitten too. I’m sure your exciting adventures will bring you so many great memories. The pictures are amazing. Take care.
PD
2025-02-20
I'm sure Cheeky Lucky (the cat) will enjoy the cruise to Barcelona!
Renate
2025-02-24
I am so happy with you, that your flights comes to a good end. Enjoy your stay by the beach. I don't believe, that you bring s the cat to Canada. You are by the beginning from your trip and you have already three at home. Mango would be very unhappy, that she lost the status from a queen.
Liz
2025-03-08
Yes, it's me back in TO, and yes, am finally first time ever commenting - OMG!! I see from next posts that you're having a good trip since. Keep it up, please. Love the pix, as per.