The Dirt Cricket Abides

Thus far Colombia has been quite a pleasant surprise. Friendly people, relatively safe, and just simply a beautiful city to wander around. As i figure out the best way to offload my good photos (ones form the SLR) I will show why this breathtaking Colonial city should be on everyone’s list to visit.

The cost of living is quite fabulous…an average breakfast eggs & rice with a fresh glass of OJ seems to run about $1.35 US and a shockingly good dinner of Thai Curry with a beer was a hair under $4 US. The best part is that my fellow travelers are groaning about how expensive Bogotá is????
As I become more accustomed to local prices I am sure this feeling will be existent for me as well. So far each evening has wound up being lots of drinks, heavy political discussions, and future talk of where to go and where not to go. I have to remark that it is remarkably easy to meet people and make your friends for the day. Some will certainly stick and others will fade and be a part of the photo album.

So far I have visited the Gold museum and the Military museum and found them both appealing. The gold museum in particular was quite impressive and the presentation was truly world class. My only critique would be that it was overwhelming t try and see it all.

The one little touristy thing that blew me away was taking a Gondola to the top of Monte Serrate. This is an old monastery overlooking the city of Bogotá from about 1500 feet above. Just amazing is all i have to say but breathtaking because the altitude had to be over 10,000 feet and i think it was closer to 11,000.

My new friends form Seattle & Buenos Aires & I checked out an artisans market on the outskirts of the city. I had been hoping for gritty street market and instead we got super high end wealthy Colombian market with outrageously expensive prices (think only half SF standards). The craftsmanship was stunning and if i ever decide i want to furnish or clothe myself with modern Colombian chic it’s the place to go…

I’m shaking from the rocket fuel (the coffee here) and waiting for Greg and Christy to show up here…I’m marginally concerned b/c I expected them over an hour ago but I amm sure it will all work out.

Chirp Chirp

So the reality sunk in as I walked up to the Avianca counter in Miami International and realized until i flashed a perplexed look I was not going to hear English. There was a moment of panic but I decided to just smile and force my way on the plane. However, there was a fantastic moment of joy when i realized i was on flight 007! That’s right the international man of mystery was to be my guiding light. Please oh please let Pussy Galore welcome me onto the plane.

The Bond theme perpetuated as I stood in disbelief at how amazingly hot Colombian women are. They have a swagger and a style that American women just do not have (sorry friends) and i was damning myself for packing the sunglasses away b/c i wanted to stare with impunity. They carried themselves like Bond girls would…WWBD (What Would Bond Do) is now my new motto.

One thing that did strike me was the armfuls of consumer goods that the Colombians were carrying on the plane…Flat Screens, massage chairs, brand spanking new luggage filled with new clothing…just an interesting side note.

OK back to the Bond theme, as i was strolling on the plane there were 4 HUGE men in uniforms with guns and batons…umm what the fuck? So as I walked past them–glad i had no contraband–I read their badges that said something to the effect of “The Department of Extradition.” I quickly quipped “what drug lord is flying with us?” to which the glance of I can break you in half with this pinky finger sent me quickly and dutifully onto the plane. I still could not get out of the Bond mode as i was strolling onto the nicest plane I have ever been on and was dumbstruck by how beautiful the stewardesses were…is this the 60’s? I mean the women are exploited for their looks and they are still proud of their jobs! The service was amazing, I was handed a warm moist wipe before my outstanding steak dinner and wondered this is how James must have done it.

After I landed in Bogotá full paranoia came back as i had to get a taxi convert dollars to pesos but it all worked out in the end and i am now getting drunk and ending this blog

Money Penney another shot of aguardiente

Chirp Chirp

I had a few extra days here at home and my mother and I were about to get into WWF Smackdown 2008, so I had to run away for a few days.  I made it to NYC only to put my tail right back between my legs and run even faster out of that town.  Holy Shit how much do I hate $8 beers, $15 appetizers, and a hangover each and every day.  I was thrilled to see a bunch of my friends, but i also realized how I am vehemently opposed to needless expenditures of money.  Also why does every person wear black in that town?  Who Died?

I did hit up the two oldest pubs in NY: McSorley’s and Old Town Bar both of which are my kind of place.  McSorely’s is extra special because there are only two options, light or dark beer.  No Mojitos, no Cosmopolitans, vodka sodas with a twist or even a simple rum and coke…light or dark beer.  The food menu is even better: Cheese and Crackers.  What are cheese and crackers…simple, a sleeve of saltines, about 20 pieces of pepper jack cheese and the fucking hottest Horseradish mustard ever.  Well my friend Brian and I both played the “who can eat 5 saltines in one minute” game.  It cannot be done.  It should be on the list of games for people you don’t like with the Spoonful of Cinnamon and the Gallon of Milk challenges.

Shit I leave Monday morning for Colombia and I am now officially uneasy, terrified, full of self doubt, excited and stoked.

Chirp Chirp