Tag 2c: Arrival in Neiva, Neiva

Why Neiva of all places?

Simple: My friend Erhard has traveled to South America several times, and his best friend lives here in Neiva. So it was quickly clear that our adventure would start right here. 😬

We had breakfast at small shops: two coffees, two croissants for about 3 €!

Neiva is located just about 300 km north of the equator – accordingly, it is hot and humid here. Temperatures around and above 30 degrees are more the rule than the exception.

Traffic? Yes, lots of it. And there are supposed to be traffic rules – but that’s about it. Mopeds and motorcycles dominate the streets, and red traffic lights are more of a decoration for them – one-way streets only apply to cars. Overtaking happens from both sides, no matter how close. Three or four people on one moped is a daily occurrence, and you see teenage drivers everywhere.

After sunset (year in and year out around 6 PM), life literally shifts “behind bars.” Crime is high – robberies and burglaries are unfortunately common. That’s why most houses are totally barred, many secured with barbed wire. Those who can afford it, like Erhard’s friend, live in guarded residential complexes. Our accommodation was also a high-security facility – the nighttime drive there was not without its challenges.

What stands out to us Europeans: Environmental protection and cleanliness are still foreign concepts here. Even larger rivers in the city often look like garbage dumps. This really spoils the picture.

For those wanting to know more about Neiva: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neiva