Bogota

  Bogota, Colombia
Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Week 8

Tuesday

Central Bogota

It was a welcome relief to land in Colombia. It brought renewed energy and the expectation of nicer cities, nicer people and higher standards of living. Also this was the beginning of the main part of my trip, some 3 1/2 months in South America, containing the most anticipated experiences, The Worlds Most Dangerous Road, The Inca trail to Machu Picchu, The Amazon, Carnival in Rio, The Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aries, Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia.

Street in La Candelaria

Oldest church in bogota, La Candelaria

Immigrations was alot easier they it might have being a few years. International relations between Colombia and Ireland must have come on a bit since the Colombia Three. The hostel was in the Candelaria area, the birthplace of bogota. It is said the area began with a church and 12 houses. The area now is mainly a tourist attraction during the day and home to many universtities. It is a bit more edgy at night and attracts an arty crowd.


Wednesday

View from tallest building in Bogota

Main Square Bogota

Bogota is fantastically modern, wealthy and developed in comparison to my city experiences in Central America. I spent the day wandering around looking at the endless christmas lights and also keeping an eye out for a christmas present for myself.. It finally felt like christmas here as they really go crazy almost over the top with their christmas lights, more so than other other city I have seen. The shops have everything you expect to see at home and surprisingly, not as busy, even though it is christmas. I decided to splash out on a new pair of trainers for myself, my existing pumas had served their time.


Thursday (Christmas Day!)

Christmas Dinner

The build up to Christmas itself (their most important day being Christmas Eve) is very much a family affair. Many families gather together every evening to talk and sing and pray together. On Christmas Day I was invited to an unusal Christmas dinner of pork, chicken, the equivalent of black pudding and some fried bananas and potatoes thrown in for good measure. I thought that would be the end of it but later I was treated to a huge tamalae. Chicken, potato, egg and veg steamed and served inside banana leaves. It felt strange to not be having traditional food with my family but a phone call to them reassured me that I was "missing nothing"!



Saturday
A city with a dangerous reputation was certainly far from what I saw. Huge amounts of people frequent the cities many parks at nightime. Children and adults alike, playing, talking, drinking and listening to music. I managed to sample clubbing nightlife proper on Saturday night. The nightlife in general is a little different as many people prefer to meet and drink on the streets beforehand. Inside the clubs, the bars areas are generally empty and the dancefloors are always full.  I did get some strange looks every time I returned to the bar to buy another drink. Can you imagine that ever happening in Ireland or England?


Sunday

The way up to Monserrate

View from Monserrate

The weather had been mixed with some days beautifully sunny and others quite dull and overcast. I had left the sightseeing of Monserrate, a mountain dominating the centre of the city and one of Bogotaīs main tourist attractions, until the last day and thankfully it turned out to be sunny. The queue for the cable car up was about an hour long but it was worth it as the view overlooking central Bogota was stunning. I was in for a little surprise when I checked in for my flight on Sunday evening. More on that in my next entry.... On leaving Bogota I left with only one regret, that I hadnīt stayed longer to sample more of what the country had to offer. I felt I only got a glimpse of the warmth and friendliness of the people, a little similar to what I felt in Mexico and Guatemala. I vowed to return again for longer amd next time I would like to travel on the locals advice to Cartagena, San Andreas and Medillin.