El 5 de agosto
I enjoyed a nice walk this morning with Gloria after my 2 breakfasts. Colombians like to cook, and so I didn’t have the heart to tell Cecilia or Gloria that I was eating in two places. Fortunately, both breakfasts were delicious, so I didn’t mind at all. During our walk, Gloria informed me that many streets in Bogota are closed to cars on Sundays from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm. This is a way to cut down on pollution while also promoting exercising.
Gloria and I walked to her friend’s house where I met her friend’s daughter, Dani, and her two friends, Sandy y Edna.
The four of us took a trip to a barrio in Bogota called Usaquen. On Sundays and holidays, there is a market called La Feria de Pulgas (Flea Market).
Because the streets were so crowded, we decided to take a taxi to Alimentarte, which is a smaller and cheaper version of Taste of Chicago.
We enjoyed crepes de jamon y queso, helado y malteado de ariquipe, y un tinto tambien.
El 6 de agosto
I woke up this morning to cafe tinto, jugo de naranja, y huevos (eggs). After a nice chat with Cecilia about how she is going to pray for me to bring me back to the Catholic church, I went on a day-long excursion with Nydia. Today was my first day on a Bogota bus . . .
I wish I knew the bus drivers didn't close the door or wait for you to get your entire body in the bus before moving. Fortunately, I learned my lesson: MOVE FAST!
The bus ride itself took about an hour. It was actually pretty nice to see a large portion of the city while the driver blasted salsa music :D
Nydia took me to a barrio in Bogota que se llama "Candelaria," which reminded me a lot of "La Boca," a barrio in Buenos Aires, because of the bright colored buildings.
It also had very strong Spanish influence in some of the older buildings, especially in the plaza.
Nydia also took me to the president's home. Ironically the president himself was entering the grounds right as we were walking by. Of course I wouldn't have know this, but his car was followed by several police motorcycles and an ambulance. Nydia says the president always has an ambulance on hand, just in case.
Nydia also took me to "El Museo de Arte del Banco de la Republica" . . .
and her son Ricardo's blacksmith shop. Ricardo is incredibly talented. Several buildings in Bogota have his iron artwork in their walls.
After touring his shop and listening to him sing and play the guitar, the four of us (Ricardo's daughter, Fabiana came along too!) took a trip to Monserrate. For anyone who has been to Barcelona, this reminded me very much of the Catalonian Montserrat, although it was much smaller. Nevertheless, we saw a great view of the city at almost 10,000 feet above sea level.
After a much needed nap, I went out again with Dani to a fun area full of great restaurants and clubs. I am definitely going to miss the culture and friendly faces of Bogota.
Adios!
~Quique
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