So you think Colombia is all about Narcos and Terrorist Drug Lords? Let me tell you what Colombia is doing to break all those bad connotations in this 2 part blog series, starting with the nation's capital city of Bogota.
My adventure in Bogota began with a half-day tour of the city. My first stop was at Mt. Monserrate, a church that sits 10,000 feet high, located on top of a mountain, overlooking the city center of Bogota. You reach the top by taking a very steep but smooth cable car ride. Once you disembark and exit the cable car station, there are a few stairs you have to trek up to get to the church and the lookout point over the city. Don't panic if you are short of breath upon getting to the top. Take your time...in about 5 minutes, you should be able to adjust, catch your breath, and enjoy the city's view.
Keep in mind, once you get to the top there are a few shops where you can grab a hot or cold drink, even ice cream. There is even a great restaurant that serves lunch...Casa Santa Clara. The property closes at 11 PM, so there is plenty of time to enjoy the views at night as well as have dinner.
After having lunch, my tour guide took me Downtown and to La Candelaria...a quaint area with colorful homes and steep hills. Eventually, we made our way to Bolivar Square, where I was able to take in the Congress Building, Justice Palace, and a few other important buildings.
Afterward, I was taken to the renowned Botero Museum. Now I have never been much of an art enthusiast, but after this visit, I have grown a great appreciation for the famous local artist Fernando Botero. He has an amazing signature style of sculpting and painting that depicts figures and people in a very large exaggerated manner. As you can see below, I'm a very big fan...lol
Overall, my experience in this Bogota was fantastic. There is certainly more to see and do in this great city than what I experienced during my first visit. If you have the time, you can make a day trip to see the Salt Lake Cathedral and Lake Guatavita. Also, there is no shortage of museums and restaurants to try. Make sure you try Bandeja paisa....the nation's most popular dish...red beans cooked with pork, white rice, carne molida (ground meat), chicharrón, fried egg, plantain (plátano maduro), chorizo, arepa, hogao sauce, black pudding (morcilla), and avocado.
Bogota has certainly done its part to make Colombia a desirable place to visit. Make sure you plan to visit Bogota's sister city as well...Medellin!
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