Some people questioned our choice of country to visit, because they equate it with cocaine and the drug issues. Having seen for ourselves how complex the issues are and how entwined the coca leaf is to the Colombian culture, it made us aware that things are not as black and white as we often assume.… Continue reading Coca Leaves
Month: March 2019
Gold Museum
The Gold Museum was amazing! It has the largest pre-Hispanic goldsmith collection in the world with over 35,000 pieces of gold and tumbaga (alloy of gold and copper). It was astonishing to see how intricate some of the artwork was. It also has pottery, stone, shell, wood and textile objects that were also made by… Continue reading Gold Museum
The Streets of Bogotá
Bogotá is an 8 million people metropolis and with the narrow streets in the old city, traffic is crazy. There are over 50,000 licensed taxis in Bogotá, with their bright yellow colour and it seems many people use them to get to work, because of the traffic issues. Even if you drive, finding parking is… Continue reading The Streets of Bogotá
Bogotá Street Art
Graffiti has taken a complete turnaround in Bogotá. In 2011 graffiti was cracked down on, to the point that a 16-year-old artist, Diego Felipe Becerra was killed by the police. It caused an outcry, changed attitudes and a new tolerance for street art was born. Today, the authorities in Bogotá are hiring artists and it… Continue reading Bogotá Street Art
Callejón del Embudo and El Chorro de Quevedo
El Chorro de Quevedo is another square in La Candelaria neighbourhood, that is also significant to the history of Bogotá. Some historians say (although there are no documents to prove it) that it was in this square that Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada (the Spanish explorer and conquistador), tired of traveling from Santa Marta and after… Continue reading Callejón del Embudo and El Chorro de Quevedo
Monserrate
Monserrate is one of the main tourist landmarks of Bogotá. It is located at 10,341 feet above sea level and from its top you can see a panoramic view of Bogotá. However, Bogotá itself is 8,660 above sea level, so the mountain is only a climb of 1,681 feet. I read if you are in… Continue reading Monserrate
Bolívar Square
Bolívar Square is the main square in Bogotá and dates back to the pre-Colombian era, when the site was part of the Muisca Confederation. It is named after Simón Bolívar and has his statue in the square. Bolívar was a Venezuelan military and political leader, who led the campaign for independence in 1808. He founded… Continue reading Bolívar Square
Hotel De La Opera
Now we are home and life is returning to normal, we are enjoying looking back at our photos and reminding ourselves of all the wonderful experiences we had in Colombia. It is going to take me ages to sort through all my pictures and you will be pleased to hear, I don't intend to post… Continue reading Hotel De La Opera
Day 12
Today we booked an optical extra tour to the National Aviary, which is one hour outside Cartagena. The Aviary has gone to great lengths to recreate the natural habitats of their birds, but designed it so that visitors can get up close and personal. The habitats of the rarer and endangered species are enclosed and… Continue reading Day 12
Day 11 – Cartagena
We started the day with a four hour walking tour of the old town in Cartagena. Cartagena was established in 1533 and the colonial era is visible all around you in the architecture of the old town. Catedral de Cartagena was built in 1576. Inquisition Palace, was used by the Inquisition as it's central command… Continue reading Day 11 – Cartagena
Colombia Trip 2019 