An animal paradise, where those with wings have more freedom of movement than the owner. The finca de Gabriel is his own private refuge from a world that is hard for those without the use of their legs. A place where birds roam in and out of the kitchen at will, and where dawn brings a chorus of chirping, squawking and the shouts of the casual labourers chopping fruit from the farm and chatting as they turn up for work. Where there are paths laid under the trees for easy wheelchair access and the whole set-up is constructed for Gabriel to be as mobile as the next man.
New buildings and view points are being constructed every year to give work to the local men, in an area where there is huge unemployment and most income comes from a fishing industry that is dying. Over population is a big problem in this predominantly Catholic country. One labourer, Chello, aged 71, has 33 children, the youngest just 20 days old. Needless to say, not all by the same mother. As is alcohol consumption. The chances were that the days wages would be spent in a local bar before reaching the hungry mouths at home.
We were welcomed with open arms. And very fast Spanish. With food, a bed and a wonderful setting on the Carribbean sea, where waves full of driftwood crash against the earthen cliffs. Tiago was given a new name ´Tigo´, also the name of one of the most popular cellphone networks, and I had to improve my vocabulary fast. The dictionary got a lot of use!
Gabriel even drove us to Medellin, our next stop, a mere 7 hours away into the mountains. It was a hair-raising trip with thick fog and switch-back roads with Gabriel laughing away in the front seat. And then a steep descent down into Medellin, nestling amongst the mountains.
Our next stop.....his sister´s!
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