Actually, it is easy to forget about the soldier standing on the sidewalk armed with a heavy-duty semi-automatic.
Bogotá D.C., the capital of an erroneously ill-reputed country, has literally taken my breath away. Situated at an altitude of 2600m, the city offers much more than the notorious international reputation associated with all things Colombian. I find myself feeling at home here, no longer hit by the effects of reverse culture shock that I experienced after briefly returning to North America in my life after Africa (round one, anyway). But it must also have something to do with the gente amable who offer some of the most amazing hospitality I have ever encountered around the world. Rich lessons from history, a modern city with few tourists, late night rumbas, impeccable Spanish and stunning vistas are all part of my daily grind--so far-removed from the infamous dark side of Colombia.
More thumbnails ...
| 
