Last days in Bogota

  Bogota, Colombia
Saturday, July 14, 2007

Towards the second part of our time in Bogota we seemed to adjust to the high altitude.  In the first few days, Cameron´s cold had left him breathless as he climbed the hill back to our hostel and I had be feeling not quite myself.  Fortunately, our bodies appear to have now adjusted. 

On day 3 in Bogota we ventured outside of the city taking a bus to the outskirts and then a collectivo (little bus = crazy driving) to the Cathedral of Salt.  Built underground adjacent to a working salt mine, the cavernous rooms and chapels and crosses sculpted or cut into the salt rock seemed quite Gothic to me.  Very unusual and worth the trip...

Garden out the back

To celebrate our acclimatization and successful adventure on the local buses we opted for an evening meal in the hostel.  Our concoction of sloppy omelet and pappy white bread cost a total of $4 AUD and even stretched to make a breakfast of egg, broccoli and cheese sandwich...hey but it was a bargain!!!!

Military

Anyhoooo, the morning of our last day was spent purchasing a new camera (yep, the camera has found a new home).  It seems cameras do not like to stay with Cameron and I for too long before they want to be set free.... Whilst walking back to the hostel, back up the hill once more... we noticed an extraordinarily large number of armed GPs and soldiers (average age 17) even by Bogota standards there was an astoundingly large number of them...They appeared to be lining the street at even intervals, with a large crowd gathered at the Presidential Palace.  On inquiring, it seems one of Colombia´s former presidents had passed away and a motorcade of government officials would be passing.  We were unsure if this was to include the dead man himself, although we figured that was probable.. On a more serious note, to me it once again brought home the control and self importance the government seems to have of itself over and above the poverty and socio-economic need of the people.. 

Dotted amongst the throngs of people were numerous men and women with signs around their necks.  ¨Minuto Cellulous... was written on the signs with the general idea being you could use their mobile phone (network of your choice) to make a call.  An ingenious way of controlling your mobile phone bill, if you ask me.

Cool Restaurant

We opted for a posh lunch after our bargain evening meal and breakfast, finding a great little place hidden behind a small doorway.  Cam and I both opted for a plate of meat (chicken) with accompanying potato given the hostel enforced vegetarianism.  The atmosphere was very local but quite plush.  Antiques and painting donning the walls.  I should add here the Colombian lemonade is old school and so delicious.

Spanish Lesson

Our final evening was spent taking Spanish lessons (we are atrocious) with Sebastian the 15 going on 24 year old that works in the hostel.  He is so lovely, enthusiastic and really cheeky.  Upon hearing we were leaving in the morning, he disappeared to return with a card.  Signed and written in Spanish, with verbal instructions to translate it ourselves.  Another example of the hospitality and warmth we have experience so far..

After Spanish we spent some time chatting to Paul and his wife who live down the road from us in Bondi (how bizarre).  After Cam and Paul had discussed house prices and which cafes they went to in Bondi we were treated to a musical performance from some of the local (communists according to Anne) and Anne´s niece.  This even included a rendition of Waltzing Matilda.

Singing in the kitchen

An early night was called.  Although Bogota was interesting, I can honestly say that I am ready to leave and get some warmth.  Its not particularly warm and the hostel often runs out of water.  Tomorrow we head to Taganga, in the north.  A very poor fishing village-town that has good scuba diving and a large national park.  I hope you are finding these entries good reading....

Another cool house