Dream Trip Day 158-162: Lovely Bogotá

Posted On 24/08/2014

I have no expectation towards capital cities after travelling 5 months in Central America. But this first South American capital in the trip gave me a pleasant surprise.

Cool weather, nice buildings, clean streets, nice people, reasonably cheap prices etc. It's just nice and beautiful. Even the kitty in the hostel is soooooo cute and active!!! I loved it so much I almost wanted to stay in the hostel for a few more nights!

The superb hospitality of Colombians can be reflected in the successful rate of finding CS Host - even last minute. Again, felt so warm and welcomed in this nice duplex in a safe and affluent area of the city.

Was lucky enough to met this ceremonial performance three times in Bogota. Before they start, large area was cordoned and the whole plaza fell silent. When the first drum start, hundreds of pigeons on the ground was scared and all soared passed the audience in chaos. "Wow!" I yelled, protecting my head from droppings immediately.

Before coming, I though the 'Salt Cathedral' was a cathedral made of salt. (So silly, what if it rains?) Actually, it's a part inside a working salt mine where some religious structures were built. With the explanation of the tour guide about the history and constructions, and the lighting inside, it feels like a dream place. Though a little bit touristic. There are souvenir shops inside & outside the mine. But you can get the salt on the wall for free!

I don't have a single art cell in my whole body. If I go to any Art Museum, it must be free of charge or I go with companions. That's why I completely forgot the name of this one - Botero before I was kindly reminded of it, haha. This place is famous for the fat - no, the artist said 'disproportionate' - figures.

The most famous / interesting one must be the fat - disproportionate - version of Mona Lisa. I wonder what would Da Vinci think about it.

And there're some interesting stuff too. Like the completely black picture. Hmmm, it must be trying to say something really, really dark and deep... Some artwork even comes with a magnifying lens! Hmm, good for pretending to be artistic...

I'm so glad to meet L from CS so that we can go together to take the cable car uphill for Bogota's night view. Comparing to the Hong Kong night view from the peak, I'd say it's the difference between 2D and 3D. Here it's like a large pretty glittering sheet while in Hong Kong it's a pile of glowing toy blocks. Oh btw, the Museo de Oro had a very nice collection of sparkling gold objects from the past. I'm not a fan of museums but this one is highly recommended!