¡Hola Bogotá!

To be honest, we would never have planned a vacation to Bogotá, Colombia if not for the wedding we were going to attend. We had a strong sense of excitement in going to South America for the first time. But we also had a nagging sense of hesitation stemming from common stereotypes—we are bringing our kids where?!  And just weeks after a couple of unsettling headlines on TV?! I did some research and consulted with my Latino friends, but nothing could have prepared us for the fun we would have in Bogotá.

at the Museo del Oro

A coffee cart, of course!

With 4 luggages in tow, we set off for a city which looked a lot like Manila. Upon landing (an hour late) in Bogotá, we were greeted by El Dorado airport customs and immigration line ups and found our way  to the traffic, the buildings, the street vendors—all of which felt much like being in Manila, except in Español! However, Bogotá, like Manila, had its own charm. The little towns off Bogotá that we visited were rustic and inviting, and our experiences (which I will endeavor to recount) were quite memorable.

                                                                                                                some street snacks

typical traffic

I was quite happy to note that the awesome hospitality that was shown to us by our hosts was equally  matched by the culture’s love for children. Children had their own priority doors in the Transmilenio (bus transit system) and even their own priority seats—of course, along with the elderly and handicapped. There were also mini-potties in the airport washrooms--to my youngest one’s delight. In one of our long trips, someone had to take a washroom stop. The driver promptly asked if it was one of the niñas (little girls). I will bet that he would have made it his personal mission to find a washroom if it were.  It was great to be in a country which took care of its young. The city was bustling, the food delicious, and the people, wonderful. The tourism slogan does hit the point—the only risk is wanting to stay—if only for all the other places we were not able to visit.

The TransMilenio

Our Bogotá trip statistics:                                                                

Distance from Toronto to Bogotá: 3,041 miles (or at least that was what the tiny TV in the plane said)

Time difference: Bogotá is 1 hour behind

Elevation: 2,640 metres above sea level

Number of pictures taken: 1,001

Number of hours delay for the flight back: 4 (aaaaargh)

Number of loads of laundry: 6 (ugh)