Bogota is a great city. Like any other big city it is busy, chaotic, with its own personality. Bogota has a lot of history dating back to the 1500's. The big Plaza Bolivar and the cathedral were started in 1553. Now Bogota has between 8-10 million people and at 2650m it is one of the highest capitals in the world.
We spent most of the day in the Candelaria district (historic center). Great neighborhood with its own unique character. Lots of people, museums, emerald trading ... and interesting graffiti. We took the cable car to the top of Montserrat mountain for great views of the city.
This week has been a holiday in Colombia so there were a lot of people out. Great colonial streets everywhere that wind up and down the hill towards the plaza. Lots of history ... and Juan Valdez coffee shops (no Starbucks here ... yet).
Andy's height was a great hit with all the high school kids ... they wanted to take pictures of him, with him ... and even do interviews for school projects. Apparently dating amongst teenagers follow more of the Mexican model than the American model ... either friends or steady, nothing in between : )
We went to a typical Bogotan restaurant and had the local Ajiaco soup - big bowl with avocado, rice, corn, capers, chicken and who knows what else ... amazing. It is also de rigueur to have fruit juices in Colombia. The best? Maracuya. Dinner was at the famous "Andres Carne de Res" ... Hundreds of people over many long tables spread over 5 stories ... and the best food. Worth the visit.
Tomorrow, we head north towards Cartagena and go by the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá (an underground Roman Catholic church built within the tunnels of a salt mine 200 meters underground.)
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