Barichara

Julie and Karen had to leave today and I wandered the old sleepy cobblestones of Barichara with Darren and Babuette. Its a little town North of here known for unusual cuisine and its old antique houses and adobe rooftops. Walking its empty streets around noonday siesta the atmosphere feels entirely peaceful and timeless.

With nothing else to do but laze through the sunny streets and take in the town all afternoon we wandered into old churchs and between alleys of ancient houses draped in pastel hues snapping pictures, like this one of these local boys. I recently convinced Babuette to join blipfoto and so she's snapping all sorts of shots now. Check out her journal.

I went gift shopping and bought arequipe, the local sweet here in Santander province. A sort of dulce de leche panela that is yummy on its own, but divine on ice cream or in coffee I've found out :) I bought fresh honey too for a friend I'll see soon and the most gorgeous clay windchimes to add to my quirky colorful art collection that one day will decorate my house. One far off day, one day...

As the afternoon shadows lenghtened we sat down for a late lunch and I dined on the specialty here, ants. Yep, big jelly bean sized deep friend ants. Crispy, a little salty, they make a fine snack. I even had a steak sprinkled with them in sauce at a fancy resturant....tasty. And from there we wandered up to the top of the hill and watched the sun set over the canyon below. There was a warm breeze, the perfect light, and the most incredible view 160 degrees wrap around of the dry canyon lands from atop the town.

Picture perfect day.