Bogota. Part 2 bike trips.

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Bogota Bike Tours is run by Mike. a journalist from California. Having spent most of his life reporting from every country in a South America for newspapers , he lost out to the power of the internet. Needing something to do he combined his vast wealth of knowledge and two wheels to start his company.

We set off around the city to explore areas where normally you'd fear to tread.

Mike gave us background to to Colombian Conflict, and took the street where the peoples hero Gaitan was assassinated in 1948. His murder was the turning point for Colombia, riots on the streets, and political disenfranchisement of the far left and right, the ramifications of which are still being felt today. Other assassination places of politicians, comedians and those who did not conform or were thought sympathisers.

Mike took us to many areas of the city. The poor districts, the red light districts, the 'St Johns wood' district, built by the British.

What I learnt is that Colombia is becoming a modern a progressive country, trying to free itself from the past. Prostitution is legal and tolerance zones have been created. Colombia recognises gay rights, marriage etc which for a very Christian country is a positive step of all inclusion.

Street art is massive and recognised. Unions and the state can sponsor artists to painted murals. South American 'Banksys' also flourish here and there artwork is very thought provoking.
Sure, there are still many problems. Poverty in the outlying districts, crime, drugs but Bogota today is no more dangerous than any other city.

We all finished the tour drinking beer and playing Tajo, a game where a 2kg weight is thrown to a clay board with envelopes of gunpowder placed strategically in the clay. Create a small 'bang' for more points.

It's my last day in Bogota so one last hoorah at the Bogota Beer Company and then across the road to a typical Colombian bar. Tomorrow I fly to Medellin. Once the most dangerous city in the world but I travel with confidence having witnessed the change that is Bogota.

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Photos

Church of San Fransisco
Oldest church in Bogota. It was near this Chiricahua that Gaitan was assassinated.

Street art
Is everywhere in Bogota

At John's Wood
Built by the British who worked for an oil company. Modelled on their home on London

Park
Near St Johns Wood area. One of the only places not built upon

Replica statue
From those found in Sam Augustine, Colombia

Street rappers
Three youths trying the make there way through music and rap. Not bad

Around the city
Near the red light tolerance zone

Tajo pit
Throw weights and make explosions

First house in Bogota
Circa 1538