Bogota

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We survived another day in Bogota! We have both decided that we are not big fans of this city. While there is much to appreciate about it, it is just too big and bustling for both of us. The streets are ALWAYS crowded, no matter what time of day it is, with both pedestrians and vehicles. There is major costruction going on on every street as they try to improve the street traffic throughout the city. We are also here during the rainy season (for Bogota, perhaps not for all of Colombia), so we have gotten rained on both days. Yesterday wasn´t so bad, but today it has been raining all afternoon so now we are killing time in an internet cafe. We have eaten some good food though... some arepas yesterday and crepes today. Plus, this city is situated in a very pretty area, just at the bottom of a big, lucious green mountain. It´s just unfortunate that it´s so ridiculously congested and there is graffiti every where. The entire city smells like exhaust fumes for all the buses and cars that seemingly have no emissions regulations.

One good thing about the city is that it seems safe. We have never felt unsafe or concerned about ourselves or our belongings. The people are very friendly and helpful and I´ve gotten to talk to many of them (of course in Spanish) because we are constantly having to ask for directions. But we tend to get a lot of stares, probably because Ryan looks like a Swedish super model. Another great thing, for me, about Bogota (perhaps all of Colombia, we´ll wait and see) is that no one speaks English. So I get to practice my Spanish a lot.

Today we visited the Candelaria area, historic downtown. Not as pretty as I had hoped. I suppose I´ve been spoiled in Europe. We also went to the Botero Museum, the Art Museum of the Banco Republica, La Casa Monedas (money museum), and the Museum of Modern Art. A very educational day indeed!

Tomorrow we are off to Villa de Leyva, which is a very small city and should hopefully be a nice break from the hustle and bustle and stink of Bogota.

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Comments

[Matt Swindell]

Sweet
Love that you set up a blog. Glad you guys are having a good time. :)

[Miranda]

Cool blog! Nice to hear about your travels so far.

[Kate Smiles]

Living vicariously!
Hi Kathryn, Thanks for sharing your blog link with us...we'll be following your adventures closely, envious of a world free of stinky diapers and sleepless nights, and full of exploration and good food ;) Keep the travel tales coming. xo, All of The Smiles

[Jess]

Wow
Sounds freakin' great Kathryn! Take it all in! And thanks for keeping me posted on your awesome travels and experiences! Wish I was there with you :)

[Shirley Bailey]

Good to hear form you!!
I'm so glad you are doing well and having fun for the most part.. I will check into writing Bogota a letter and enforcing the smog and emissions regulations I'm sure they will listen to me.. Love the pic's of you and Ryan.. AKA (Swedish super model)... I’m also glad to hear the food is good but most of all HAPPY to hear you are SAFE.. Stay safe and keep in touch can’t wait to hear about Villa de Leyva and the next adventure. Love ya, Shirley

[Caroline]

So great to hear from you and know that you guys are safe and doing well. I guess you probably didn't have high hopes for Bogota, considering what guidebooks and people who have travelled there have said about the city. Enjoy your next destination and keep blogging - ummm, and more pictures too :P Love you and of course miss you loads xx