The check in procedure was very poorly implemented, especially for an airport at an important tourist destination. At check in we were told we needed to go to another counter and purchase an entry visa for San Andres at 17,000 pesos each, so off we went and then back in line to see the same woman as before. Then we had to stand in another very long line while all the luggage was checked by hand, they opened all cosmetics, deodorants etc. to check for drugs I assume. I didn't see any drug sniffing dogs at all. I am not sure if this is the normal procedure or if the x-ray machines were broken. We then waited an extra 1 1/2 hours before being called into the gate area because the flight was delayed. Once in the gate things improved, it is very nicely outfitted with very clean toilet facilities with toilet seats, toilet paper & a working hand dryer!!

The flight on AeroRepública was nice & smooth as before, and once again we were given a ham & cheese croissant and a glass of Colombiana. 

The airport at San Andres is a bit primitive and hot, no air-conditioning and open to the elements. The taxis lined up outside consisted mostly of 1980s vintage Chevrolet Caprice models, quite a change from mainland Colombia. Indeed it is hard to fathom that you are in fact in Colombia, the fellow that helped us put the luggage into the taxi spoke perfect English. The price of the taxi is very steep, especially as we could have walked from the airport to the hotel, we found out that this is not the exception on San Andres, most things are a bit expensive, at least by Colombian standards.

San Andres is a typical Caribbean island, the buildings all look as though they have seen better days, the streets are mostly in poor condition and everything just has a shabby look, except our hotel. Our suite at Hotel Arena Blanca overlooks a poor neighbourhood which includes a bar that blasts reggaeton and champeta music at full volume until the wee hours. Notice in the photo to the right, the quality of the construction of the homes, this strong construction can be found throughout Colombia.  The hotel is all inclusive as are most of them on the island. So we quickly popped down to the dining room before the lunch buffet was packed up. Shortly after that we had supper. I guess we ate a bit too much, but the food was very good. In the evening we went to the pool and hung out, and as drinks are included in the price, Maria had a couple of cocktails. 

Today has been exhausting, so we went to bed around 11. 

 All content copyright © 2004 Jim Thompson

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