Sweat Lodge, Colombia

We crossed the border via an icecream stop with an American friend we'd met in Baños. After border formalities we hopped in a collectivo (minibus) with some locals and headed towards our first stop Pasto. On the 3 hour trip our mate Judd got talking to one of the passengers (he speaks great Spanish- Bastardo!) and she invited us to see the local lagoon and see some local natural medicine practises. All she said was to bring a towel in case we got a little damp.

So the next morning with headed off with towels under our arm and caught another collectivo to a quaint little Swiss style village near the lagoon amongst cloud forest. We walked down the driveway to a great wooden house with a studio out the back with sheep and chickens scattered around the yard. We watched as the gathered group of people worked to build a sweat lodge aka North American Indian style. The men built and made a fire to heat the volcanic stones and the women constructed the sweat lodge using the frame and about 100 blankets. They talked to us about the traditions and explained the significance of specific actions. Everyone was so welcoming and it was very tranquil and spiritual as everyone was so respectful.

After the explanations, the men got the word to get ready so off Glen and Judd went and stripped down to nothing with their towels wrapped around them in about 12 degree weather. They managed to fit about 18 naked men inside the hut (about 6m x 6m x 1.5m high) and the hot rocks were placed in the pit inside the dome. After some chanting and drum playing, water was poured over the rocks and Glen says the temperature got so unbearable he was nearly lying on the floor. The guide of the ceremony requests the door to be opened about 4 times in half an hour to let out a little steam but I swear it gets to about 50 or 60 degrees. The steam and your sweat feels like boiling water on your skin.

After the men it was the women´s turn. There were about 10 of us and it was still quite intense with a lot of singing, crying and thanking the gods (albeit in Spanish, but I caught the odd bits and pieces). The temp didnt get as hot as the mens apparently and I found it bearable and quite relaxing. After, you feel relaxed and calm and ready for bed. It was definitely a surreal moment when you look around and think that you are in Colombia with 9 other naked ladies, in a North American sweat lodge!

Our new friend Angela then took us to a nearby restaurant for soup, Trout, and fruit and cheese. We had a look at the lagoon then had Hot Chocolate with Cheese in it (makes it creamy!). It was a great day that we'd never had of experienced without the Spanish of our mate Judd. Gotta keep practicing...

We then headed to Popoyan and saw a student demonstration and we're now in San Augustin to see some ruins. We'll be heading out on the horses tomorrow...Yeeha!