You’ve travelled round South America. What would you recommend to everyone who is heading to the West, on the southern hemisphere? Are there some traps?
"For us South America meant summer. We had bathing suits, full backpacks of t-shirts and other summer apparel. Yes, the high temperature in the rainy season over 2,600 metres above sea level are more the exception rather than the rule. Two sweaters and a jacket, which were in the luggage, came really handy. In many cases all at the same time. My summer pyjamas was often replaced with a tracksuit and a sweater. So much about going on a journey unprepared. Despite the bad weather forecasts, we're still lucky. There was not a lot of rain and when the sun shined, the temperature rose."
From Bogota you drove to the "summer"…
"After 10 hours on a surprisingly comfortable bus that even had wi-fi we arrived in the city of Medellin and got a great hostel. A really pleasant surprise, especially because it was clean. As in Bogota, the first night in Columbia, we experienced a shock! After 20 hours in the air and at the airports and after the first nonofficial cab, we just fell down into a bed full of hair. Grose, I know! In the room there was only 10 degrees. Of course there was no sign of any heating. So the first night a combination of all the warm clothes we had with us, was also on us. We covered the hair with a towel and hoped that bad start really means a good ending. Once you’re in the ugly little room and there's hair on the bed, you do not need much to be content. In Medellin we then felt like we were in a 5-star hotel."
Medellin was once 'famous' for drugs. Did you feel safe?
"Medellin is a city where it used to be a lot of drugs. The city as such is not a big deal. Until we signed up for a free city tour, where we met the most interesting guide in our life! If someone can impress you so much with a four hour speech, you do not leave one sentence out, just hats off! In the eyes of our young guide amassed tears when he talked about how dangerous it was 10 years ago. I can't even explain what kinds of feelings he arose in me. He made me start asking questions about the history of the country. And when I got home, I actually sat down and investigated what happened there. He led us to the places, where the tourists do not go. We went to places, where we would never walk alone, because people there were a little bit 'different'. Then we came to the church, where he, too, has stopped and said that he is not allowed to go further. Anyway, we were then wondering what the hell is behind of that church. Because my motto is ‘Stay out of trouble if it is not absolutely necessary’, we then gave up the thought of exploring."
Did you have any contact with drugs?
"We haven't had any contact with drugs, nor did nobody offer us the stuff. It was a bit strange, because everywhere in the world that happened to me. Dealers were whispering to me if I’d like some... How did they found me? I'm totally against drugs. So I expected to see something similar in Colombia, too, but there was no sign of it. The situation is like that, that the drug dealers and the police cooperate with each other. If a drug dealer sells you drugs, the police will immediately stop you on the next corner. That is what Columbians say, we didn't have such experiences. Is it safe? Yes, I felt safe. But it can happen anytime and anywhere that you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Of course, you can also have a bad experience on the street in your home town.
"Maybe I can give one piece of advice that I always stick to. Listen to yourself, trust your instincts. People may advice not to travel as if to say how dangerous it is. But they have never been outside Europe! How can you talk about how it is in South America, if you've never been there!? And because of that I went on a trip a bit scared. This external influence may restrict your freedom. So listen and trust yourself. If you have a bad feeling about one thing, don't do it. The same is with talking or hanging out with humans."
Do you like nature or are you more of a city person?
"We had no plan; we were in the nature and in the cities. We met a lot of people, at the cost of non-planning. To point out: this was the trip of my life. I've never had such a good time. The only plan we’ve had was to have a crazy good time. So, even if something goes wrong, we're going to find the highlight of the day. Every day. And really, in a month and a half I was able to write the highlight of the day, every day. On the way we met great people. We travelled the cities and places people said are worth to see."
And what would be your advice? Beside Medellin.
"In Colombia I really liked Salento. We were in one hostel, owned by European guy, which has its own coffee plantation. It was very interesting. We went on a trekking, where we’ve got lost, although it was supposed to be the only trekking, where you do not need a map, the preparations and the like. We came to a crossroads with two signs and if you don't know the way… We, of course, went in the wrong direction, so we were walking two hours to nowhere. At the hostel they prepare you on a hike with rubber boots. It was the rainy season and it was muddy. That's right; you're going to the mountains with rubber boots.
I have to also mention the small town of Baños in Ecuador. We learned about it by the way, from random people. I felt like at home there; if I had to pick a place where I would study Spanish for a half a year, it would be Baños. Excellent restaurants owned by Europeans; since what the locals own is for our European taste a disaster. And Zumba! There are dancing the old and the young. Great energy! In Baños is also this famous swing on long strings above the abyss. It was really wooow! It is also compulsory to go to the centre of the Earth in Ecuador. Centro del mondo. Really awesome Museum, where on the line 0° 00' 00" fascinating things happen."
You also visited Peru. What about Machu Picchu?
"I was expecting to be commercialized; however, it takes breath away. Really amazing place. Once again we were really lucky because the sky cleared at the time we came to the top. We found ourselves in front of a wonderful view of the historic settlement, flooded by the sun. We also met an elderly gentleman, who explained us, what it was like 20 years ago: 'You could sleep on the mountain, watching the stars and the UFOs. A lot of UFOs.' We glanced at one another: Now what is that? Is he kidding? Is he serious? He did not laugh. Later we met two guys from Peru and we made a joke about the UFO. They were quite serious: 'Yes, there are a lot of them to be seen.' Okay…"
How is with Spanish? Is it necessary to speak it?
"Yes, all of these three countries are Spanish-speaking. I know the basics, but without Tanča’s knowledge we would be lost. Many people do not speak English, especially if you move outside of the tourist areas. Let me mention the situation in Ecuador. We took an all-day bus and arrived in the city of Cuenca. We had four hours until the next bus and we wanted to see the Cathedral with a blue dome. We got there. It was closed. Now what? Either way, we want to see this dome, so we went to the first high building that we saw and took the lift into the 7th floor. The elevator doors opened, we saw only bars and a bell. We rung the bell and the door opened. Hmmm, how to explain what we want? The conversation was something like: 'Por favor, photo, por favor, the Church, can we see, por favor'. In the office there was about 20 people and no one knew the word in English. But we somehow managed to explain what we want and they let us to the window, where we could take pictures of this dome. It was a funny situation; in my opinion, we’ve made each other day."
What would you say about the people?
"People are really friendly, especially in Colombia. They are all helpful and obliging and that is crazy. In Ecuador people are more closed; in Peru, I got a feeling, they are fed up with tourists. I am crazy about Colombia, as not so many tourists go there. The locals are really giving their best for every tourist. I like their temperament, energy and music! Wherever I've been, they were dancing salsa. South Americans have a special bond with nature, which was a nice change in comparison with the European materialistic-oriented lifestyle. For example, in Peru, when the old or the young drink, they first dip a finger into a drink and shake it on to the ground. For the Mother Earth, they say. They do it all! First is the Earth, then we."
You’ve travelled before. Why do you think travelling is important part of your life? Why do you travel?
"I always wanted to travel. But my parents drew the line: 'When you’ll be 18, you can start to travel,' they said. I couldn't wait! So when I turned 18, soon after my birthday, I went to visit a friend on the other end of Europe, alone. Maybe it is going to sound funny, but I don't know how else to tell you … When I travel, I feel like I’m really living. That's it, that's when I'm alive, that's life. Of course moments come, such as the endless bus rides, you just want to strangle yourself, but still … This is a love that never seems to go away. One more thing you learn, when you travel, is not to take things for granted. It's true that we're all embedded in materialism, but that is not a thing for me. Warm water when showering? Drinking tap water? It is here in Slovenia, we take for granted all this things, but on such trips they are not. I really want to live in Slovenia, I don't want to leave. Here I feel safe. It's clean, the tap water is drinkable, I am not a stranger and I can speak Slovene. I know that the current situation is not exactly rosy, but it is always nice to come home."
What would you advise to those, who can't decide for travelling and are looking for all possible excuses?
"Just go! As soon as possible! Because all of a sudden you’re old, you have kids, a full-time job ... That does not mean it is all over, however, you no longer have such a freedom. We travelled for a month and a half; my longest trip was for half a year, but I came home after 4 months … I ran out of money. This is another story. But when you meet people from all over the world, they are asking: ‘Are you really travelling just for a month and a half, is it even worth it?’ You know, those are we, Slovenians. Our budget probably does not allow us something more. Otherwise, people travel a year, two, or three. The world broadens your horizon, but only that backpacker’s world. You meet people from all over the world, you get new contacts. Thanks to this contacts I’ve been in India, Spain, China, on Indian wedding in England, also in Colombia we visited a friend. It's nice to meet people who live on the other side of the world, and maybe you thought you’ll never see them again. It’s always a great feeling!"
It is true; on trips you meet people from all over the world. But even though we are only 2 Million Slovenians, you find us everywhere!
"I have to mention the situations in Colombia, on the bus from Medellin to Guatape. Mostly we were the only 'white ones' on buses, but this time, slightly older backpackers also took the same ride. They sat down on the floor, as there was no space. So I proposed a replacement. But they said it's not necessary. Then a man, as old as the Earth, entered the bus. He was standing, nobody gave him a seat. I got up so he could sit down. I should mention how uncomfortable it was to stand in the middle of the bus, as I was, in addition to the already mentioned travelers and Tanča, the only white woman. Dressed in shorts and a t-shirt. On top of all, the old gentleman said Tanča should tell me, I have the body of a Greek goddess! All that rushed through my head was I have to immediately sit down. If he said that ... Yes, all the others were literally staring at me. So I went to the start of the bus and sat down next to the 'white guys'. We started talking and I asked them, where they are coming from. 'Slovenia', they said. At that moment I was so shocked, I said: ‘What!?’ They repeated: 'Sloooveniiiijaaa.' I couldn’t believe it! I got up and shouted: 'Tanča, they are from Slovenia!' The rest of the way, we talked about everything possible. Later we met again, at the other end of a country. In short, we connected. And we stayed in touch also in Slovenia. At the end of a bus drive that grandpa came up to me and asked me, if he may kiss me. Of course I said yes. Then, in all this happiness, he forgot to pay for a ticket. Once again, everybody was staring at us. This time, because the driver was yelling very loud."
