Random Musings from Bogota
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
Tags: Colombia, South America, Travel
dirtcricket
I would recommend the National Museo, which has an original (my mind is failing….but famous european artist) rodin sculpture. Also, there is a little museo idigeno close to the administration de haciendo (look around, you can find (cheap) someone to stand in line for you for next to nothing….it saved me days! The Yanuda restraurant on la septima has a great Steak a la llanero (Argentine style.) Be sure to try the Cola y pola beverage, and Pilsen beer. I lived in Colombia for 5 years and taught English for the Meyer Language Centers, and the Colombo-Americano. I married one of my first English students (although we knew each other for 6 years) and are coming up on 35 years. I traveled back every 2 years for 20 years, but all my in-laws are now up in the EEUU. Best of luck. It’s a heads up ballgame, but if you like the pace, you can’t beat Bogota. Brother Dan (Daniel Poore)