BUS RIDING
TRAVEL NOTE: Re: bus travel in the mountains: First of all, you must realize that the mountains here are very steep and rise high above the valleys. Therefore, the roads are a constant series of switchbacks and acute turns which make the Buckhorn look like an interstate. Also, the rules here are slightly different. Busses are permitted to travel at less than 80 kph (50 mph) only when coming to a complete stop at a bus station. This means that they hurle themselves into the blind, sharp turns as though they were dive bombing them. They have a digital speedometer mounted in the passenger compartment but, mercifully, they don’t work. Also, apparently vehicles are permitted to pass other vehicles only on the tightest and blindest of turns and hills and when there is a double yellow line on the road. Double yellow lines mean the same here as in the US: Do not cross! Here, however, they mean: Do not cross back into the right-hand lane until you see the massive truck coming at you, also traveling at more then 80 kph. The driver is a virtual artist at following these rules and will inspire your confidence by crossing himself when approaching sharp, blind corners with precarious dropoffs on the side. We were a little disturbed on the road from Villa de Leyva to San Gil because the driver failed to do this but were greatly relieved when we discovered it was because he was using his cell phone most of the time. DY