Journey to Bolivia - Bogota

Lunch in La Catedral

Time to travel the world and blog. We are in Bolivia, our first trip to South America. We’re traveling with our friends Matt and Lydia who started Help Bolivia 4 years ago in support of struggling indigenous children in El Alto, just above La Paz. We’ve been with them from the start, but they’ve been here many times – this is our first.

We flew here through Toronto, a very troubled airport, but we escaped unscathed. As we walked to our gate to enroute to Bogota, ours was the only international flight that didn’t show as ‘delayed’… …it didn’t last. Boarding completed, and the captain announced: “We’re ready to go except for the baggage – we’re short of handlers and they need another 20 minutes. Once they are complete, or have done the best they can, we’ll be off.” We hoped their best included our bags!

Our journey included a 17-hour layover in Bogota, Colombia and after a few hours of sleep we headed out for a drive with Miguel, a friend of Lydia’s. He took us up the sid of a mountain for views of this city of 11 million. Then it was a lunch of traditional cuisine at La Puerta de la Catedral. Delicious rice and beans with sausage, pork belly, black pudding and plantain.

 

We walked through Candelaria, the historic downtown area; vendors and artisans filled the streets to the restaurant, creating and selling their wares. I bought a Panama hat. The one I picked was too large, but the guy ran around the hats holding up a small thin belt. I thought he was going to measure my head, but he put the belt around the hat and cinched it down to fit – and all for about $5.

The Chicken Singer

Simon Bolivar Plaza, a huge open paved area surrounded by government buildings is topped by an historic Cathedral. A focus point for demonstrations, in amongst the palomas (pigeons), a large group listened to a speaker. He sang his message with passion, accompanied by guitar and drums; supporters on either side held up live chickens, making for a festive atmosphere, as the police looked on.  

Wild dog in clover

Bogota is the City of Gold and famous for its esmeraldas (emeralds) so, of course, I bought Carol some earrings. It’s narrow hilly streets, and tiny squares are crammed with interesting sights; paintings, cafes and 3D art, and it was hard not to stop for an enticing snack or two! But motorists don’t stop for pedestrians so watch-out when crossing. I must mention dogs roam everywhere – not likely to attack they are often sleeping in the sun or posing for photos.

Off to La Paz on another late night/early morning flight.

Club with figures in 3D relief