Terry Traveller at the Equator
Terry traveling alone… always a scary thought. We’ve had accountants quit over the expense reports. – Editor
It might be a hot Iowa summer, but this is nothing compared to my summer along the equator.
I had just finished a long tour of the most northern point of the globe and thought I deserved a little fun in the sun.
I had been reading a fun book by Joan Wilder- I think it was called “The Stones of Romance” or something like that. So off to Columbia I went!
Columbia is home to coffee, oil, coal, and gold. It has a rich cultural history, thick forests that hide amongst the ageless trees, charming villages and caring people.
It is true that my parka generated a great deal of attention but after a few days of detainment and hours of conversation, I was sent on my way with a note pinned to the breast pocket which roughly translated read, “Crazy. Do not ask about coat. Avoid all conversation.” El Presidente.
The rest of my 2 month trip was uneventful, due in a great part to my approximate 2 month visit to the local hospital.
From what I remember, I had spent 3 days aboard a small bus, peopled with chickens, winding my way along a narrow mountain road following a vintage travel brochure from 1946.
We had reached a resting point when I apparently fainted exiting the bus.
I spent the remainder of my trip confined to my hospital bed and corridors regaining my strength from a serious case of heat stroke with a touch of typhoid.
The nurses seemed to like me well enough, at least they laughed when I walked the halls pushing my orange coat in a wheelchair.
I wasn’t allowed to wear the coat due to hospital policy but found it to be a comforting reminder of home.
On the day of my discharge I was given several hugs and souvenirs to bring back to the states.
I was detained again this time passing through US customs with a note that read, “Crazy. Do not ask about coat. There are bigger fish.”
People speculate that was government lingo for calling me a drug mule but I maintain it was the fishing tackle in my carry on bag that prompted such a response.
This is Terry saying it may not be true but it might as well be.
– Terry
Terry Traveller
Email: terry@discoveradel.com
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