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I'm back in Cucuta - car ownership 100%

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CAtoMDE
  4/16/2019 12:55 EST

For those of you who profess that you don't need a car and better yet should not own a car here in Colombia maybe you should stop reading this post now......

OK the convenience for me so far outweighs the cost, the hassle of always relying on public transportation, the freedom of travel at anytime day or night just get up and go - an incredible feeling.

After 7 months of purchasing my car and taking 5 long road trips, the most recent was a 3km trip from medellin to the north coast and all around I returned to Cucuta and exploring volunteering opportunities.

Whenever I have an itch I can be on the road within an hour. The best example is last Thursday I awoke at 2:30 AM and got that itch there I was laying in my bed in my apartment in Medellin and started thinking about returning to Cucuta, so

within an hour I got dressed, packed, had a few cups of coffee and off I went, left my apartment at exactly 4 AM and stopped only for a tank fill up and 3 piss stops along the road, took me 13 hours.

This is what I call freedom, I am one lucky guy for having this opportunity.

Understand that I don't have much in terms of monthly income or assets but what I have money can not buy, my spanish is greatly increasing by the day now, and just in the past 7 or 8 months with my car I have explored and experienced more of the real Colombia than 99% of Colombians will ever an opportunity and arguably 100% of all gringos put together, and this is after 8 months.

Just some random thoughts as I sit here in my hotel room in Cucuta ready to spend another day in my on-going quest to experience the real life here in Colombia.

BTW - the round trip cost of this trip will be 2.5 tanks of gas or roughly 200 mil, 16 tolls RT or 140 mil, 5 nights hotel at 65 mil/night or 350 mil, all told it will cost me 700 mil or roughly $250 USD, wow to think what an incredible value to see the world.

LaPiranha
  4/16/2019 14:35 EST

CAtoMDE. Hahaha, not quite 100% of gringos, (maybe 99.99%), for I too, enjoy exploring Colombia, Yep, when you have a week where you have nothing planned, just jump in the car, and away you go. I haven't had quite as much free time as you, so I have to go a bit longer between trips. But when I do, its great fun.

Totally agree, these are experiences that would be near impossible without a car, and we're so lucky to have the opportunity. And yet, it isn't even much money involved, as you highlight. What's $250? Peanuts compared to the rewards.

I too, recommend buying a car, and see the country from a different perspective. (Ok, but the damned tolls are a pain, haha).

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SkyMan
  4/16/2019 15:29 EST

CA...Great post ! I totally agree with you and La, in that owning a vehicle greatly enhances your life here in Colombia. Driving in the traffic here in Medellin=not too much...but in my travels throughout this beautiful country of Colombia=yes ! The cost of owning a car or SUV is what it is...and to benefit from that ownership...yes, you gotta hit the road...to see what's out there. Thanks for the travel updates...good reading !Buena Suerte ! Tranquilo.

EpaEpaEpa
  4/16/2019 16:16 EST

I agree having a car is extremely convenient but if I lived in the city I might not have one. Living in the country it becomes almost necessary. But I had no idea Medellin was cheek by jowl with the north coast!

eltecnicoingenioso
  4/16/2019 23:52 EST

I look forwards to your posts CAtoMDE, as they're cheerful, adventuresome, and informative - - which attracts similar comment from some of the site's most experienced and centred members

This is particularly valuable to me as I intend bringing to or purchasing my own vehicle in Colombia in order to similarly explore the country

Thanks to all - -

elpdiver
  4/19/2019 07:40 EST

If you really want freedom and adventure...buy a moto.

LPd

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pocopelo
  4/19/2019 08:32 EST

Just wondering, on your moto, how does it feel going around a blind turn that there may be oncoming traffic in your lane? I see it all the time during bus travel. The roads are often dangerous to an alarming degree. Well, if you like the adrenaline rush...

elpdiver
  4/20/2019 15:53 EST

Poco wrote,

Just wondering, on your moto, how does it feel going around a blind turn that there may be oncoming traffic in your lane? I see it all the time during bus travel. The roads are often dangerous to an alarming degree. Well, if you like the adrenaline rush...

It actually feel terrific. Is riding a moto dangerous? Yes of course; but, the level of danger from head on traffic is probably somewhere between 9-10 items down the list.

If there are hair pin switch backs then there is usually opportunity to observe what is coming your way in advance. If it is a tight turn the speeds involved will allow you to maneuver around traffic. On the other hand it they are broad sweeping turns you have more time to pick an out/evasive move.

I am far more comfortable on a remote mountain road than in the city surrounded by hundreds of lunatics.

Are you going to be any less dead if the truck or bus pushes you over the 100 meter drop of in you car than on my valkyrie?

For me personally the worst hazard is mud, gravel, and other detritus on the road.

LPd

elpdiver
  4/20/2019 15:53 EST

Poco wrote,

Just wondering, on your moto, how does it feel going around a blind turn that there may be oncoming traffic in your lane? I see it all the time during bus travel. The roads are often dangerous to an alarming degree. Well, if you like the adrenaline rush...

It actually feel terrific. Is riding a moto dangerous? Yes of course; but, the level of danger from head on traffic is probably somewhere between 9-10 items down the list.

If there are hair pin switch backs then there is usually opportunity to observe what is coming your way in advance. If it is a tight turn the speeds involved will allow you to maneuver around traffic. On the other hand it they are broad sweeping turns you have more time to pick an out/evasive move.

I am far more comfortable on a remote mountain road than in the city surrounded by hundreds of lunatics.

Are you going to be any less dead if the truck or bus pushes you over the 100 meter drop of in you car than on my valkyrie?

For me personally the worst hazard is mud, gravel, and other detritus on the road.

LPd

CAtoMDE
  4/20/2019 16:58 EST

@ elpdiver, yes I also have a moto.

CAtoMDE
  4/20/2019 17:08 EST

I also have a unique perspective with colombian road travel as exactly 2 years ago I had the opportunity to ride shot gun in a tractor trailer for a week, started in Medellin and ended up in Cali then over to Buenaventura then up to Pereida and returned to Medellin/Copacabana.

Over the course of that week I observed my friend the truck driver and was able to get into their mind on how they approach curves, especially switchbacks and mountains, which basically is they don't or I should say can't give a damn as the trucks are big and long and they must turn wide to make the curve, period end of story.

We continually off loaded and on loaded cargo especially in Buenaventura where we picked up a full load then made numerous off loads as we made our way back up to Medellin.

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elpdiver
  4/20/2019 18:13 EST

I always just assume that there is something coming around the corner. I actually prefer to ride at night because head light give a great visual clue. Mine are very intense. Though night time travel is not advised. You pays yo money and yo takes yo chances.


LPd

SunsetSteve
  4/21/2019 17:43 EST

A Valkyrie in Colombia! You must get a lot of looks - I never saw a bike that size there. If you had that in Europe you would be larger than many of the cars. And certainly more powerful!

elpdiver
  4/24/2019 14:57 EST

I think I was fortunate to never have it stolen. Yes it was a conversation starter.

LPd

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