Since we were unable to do the more pleasant things that we had contemplated, we agreed that we should stay another day in Bogota for the sightseeing activities. After a nice breakfast at one of the many small restaurants in the neighborhood, we set off on foot to the Simon Bolivar Square where many of the government buildings are located. When we arrived at the Square, we found that the Colombian Legislature was in session. The heightened security was plainly evident with the presence of many soldiers and the personal bodyguards of the legislators waiting for their charges to complete their business. We eventually found our way to the Museo del Oro and wandered through the numerous exhibits. After lunch we then went to the Museo de Botero (Fernando Botero, the contemporary Colombian artist probably best known for his corpulent animal and human figures). While we had discussed the idea of taking cabs to our sightseeing venues, we ended up walking throughout the day. By the end of the day, we realized that the hills and the altitude ( almost 9,000 feet) were taking its toll. Thus, we were pleased to be back at our hostel for our final night before we started the ride to Cali.
The Chandalaria (Old Bogota) area is filled with artist. Some of their street art is fairly whimsical.
The Palace Guards changing shifts. I think they were trying to figure out how to politely tell me to MOVE IT! so they could march off in formation. I would have been worried had I not noticed the yellow safeties in their rife's chambers.
One last observation about Bogota. I've heard others refer to Colombia as 2nd or 3rd World. Hard to imagine a 2nd World Country with dedicated Urban Bus Lanes and the infrastructure to support cars that have been converted to natural gas. I also saw a fair amount of pulic recyle containers.
The Palace Guards changing shifts. I think they were trying to figure out how to politely tell me to MOVE IT! so they could march off in formation. I would have been worried had I not noticed the yellow safeties in their rife's chambers.
One last observation about Bogota. I've heard others refer to Colombia as 2nd or 3rd World. Hard to imagine a 2nd World Country with dedicated Urban Bus Lanes and the infrastructure to support cars that have been converted to natural gas. I also saw a fair amount of pulic recyle containers.
Here and old Mazda converted to natural gas is being refueled where we were refueling the motorcycles. Yes this time I cropped the picture to focus on the refueling process not the car owner on the left.
1 comment:
Hi Harry ! Hi Chris. I've been enjoying the photos and whimiscal commentary. Hey...how come Chris looks taller than the cops? So is Bogota the South American version of New York's SoHo district? Keep posting the pix and commentary. Hope to hear some of the details of your travels when you both come home. Kristin, Jimmy's daughter
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