A festival has been going on here for the last few days. I am not sure what it is all about, but part of it is electing Miss Columbia, who will go on to compete in the Miss Universe pageant. There have been parades going on in the "Centro" district the last couple of days. We were in Centro just before the parade started and it seemed pretty crazy to us. There were guys that were covered in black paint or white paint - often with colorful wigs on and they would extort money from you with the threat of a hug. It seemed to me a little like Halloween, but these are adults. We left before it got really crazy. Some people we know had their camera stolen right out of his hands and then the thief used the crowed to his advantage.

Yesterday they parade took to the water. There were hundreds of boats out driving around and making for a very bouncy anchorage. The had the Miss Columbia contestants in boats parading by the military boats. I am amazed that there were not accidents. One large ship holding hundreds of people was listing badly and we thought for sure it was going to roll over.

And the party goes long into the night. Last night there were fireworks being shot off at 3:00am right behind where we are anchored. And not just a few - they had a very impressive display. The night before, there was a live band playing at 4:00am in the old fort right behind us. We have had boats go through the anchorage at all hours of the night with their music BLARING. Oblivious to all of the gringos sleeping on there boats....

Craig and Krystal - we are very sorry for your loss. Out thoughts are with you during this difficult time.