A Day Solving Problems in Bogota

Once back at the Amandamayi Hostel, we agreed that we definately wanted to stay yet another day in Bogota for more exploration, sightseeing around the Simon Bolivar Square, and a visit to the Museo del Oro (Museum of Gold). Unforeseen events, however, postponed these plans. First, the self-destruction of Harry’s new Dell mini-computer necessitated a search for a replacement. Second, the unpleasant discovery that I no longer possessed my moto-importation documents, which were necessary in order to leave Colombia, required a return to the shipping /holding company to obtain duplicates. Thus, our third day in Bogota was spent accomplishing these tasks. It must be said, however, that when we returned with the sad story of the missing documents, the officials, whom we had encountered two days before, could not have been more accommodating and friendly in solving the problem. As I was been assisted in obtaining duplicates, Harry was watching the bikes and practicing his Spanish in answering many inquiries about our trip. Likewise, when Harry was shopping for a new computer in a busy, upscale part of Bogota, I watched the illegally parked bikes and had numerous conversations with curious pedestrians about our planned destination. When Harry returned with his new computer, I was answering the good-natured but incredulous questions of several members of the Policia Nacional. One young cop laughingly concluded: “You americanos are crazy, but a good kind of crazy.” We supposed that this was a complement and politely bid our farewell.

I also spent the 3 hours looking at old cars and trucks while waiting for Chris. Colombia has a fair numer of modern cars and trucks as well as fair numer of interesting classics. I'm old and this truck was old when I was a kid.

Here is the amazing Bogota Computer Super Store. It consist of aout 70 shops al selling computers and parts. The prices are a little higher than in the US but no sales tax helps to reduce the difference plus you get a international warrently vs the US only when you buy in the US. The downside is the operating system is in Spanish.

Chris entertaining his new police friends while we parked illegally in front of the computer market. It was getting dark and I could not use a flash ecause of the police reflective vest would wash out the picture.