Monday, May 14, 2012

A Capital Trip

Colombians are generally not fans of the way Hollywood portrays them in movies.  Type-cast a drug dealer, lately?  Residents of Bogotá, in particular like to cite the 2005 Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie blockbuster Mr. & Mrs. Smith at the top of their grievances.  In the movie, the titular couple are in the capital city where jungle vines encroach on Spanish colonial-style buildings and rain is seen as a refreshing reprieve from the heat of the day. In reality, Bogotá sits at 2,625 meters above sea level (about 8,600 ft) and the residents have wardrobes containing more jackets and scarves than bikinis and bermuda shorts.  To quote the author of the blog Intercultured, "I’d say I spend approximately two-thirds of my life in Bogotá underwater."

Tragically, despite the fact that I've passed through Bogotá many times en route to other locations, either by bus or airplane, I've only spent about 24 hours here as a tourist, and that was one brief day over four years in transit to the Amazon.  This seemed to be a similar theme for five other of my colleagues, so about a month ago we decided to pick a weekend and go. 

One of the first things on our to-do list was visit "La cervecería pequeña más grande de Bogotá" (The largest small brewery in Bogotá), otherwise known as the Bogotá Beer Company.  Their slogan could be adapted to include all of Colombia, as there are few micro-breweries in the country, but until the BBC expands to other cities, they aren't necessarily incorrect.  One company, Bavaria, brews pretty much all the other brands of Colombian beer.  With this kind of monopoly it is not surprising that an artesian start-up could find a niche market.

Sam and Mandi in the BBC lab
BBC Tour stop number one!
The group at the Usaquén location.
The tour started with a pick-up in a company van in front of our hostel, a tour of their small factory, then stops at three restaurant/bars of our choosing throughout the city including a complimentary pint at each stop as well as one appetizer per every two people all for the amazing price of about $30 USD each.  Fascinating tour, informative tasting session, great food, VIP service at every establishment, and a free ride around town made for a pretty great first night out!

The next day we explored the Zona Rosa neighborhood we were staying in then headed to a small city north of Bogotá called Zipaquira.  The main draw of this town in the Salt Cathedral, an actual Catholic church carved deep inside an active salt mine.  I was the lone one to have visited this unique site before, however, I though it would be interesting to see again.  In the last four years there has been some serious work done on the tourist infrastructure, and while not anywhere near amusement park, it is a far cry from the more rustic look the area had on my first visit.

The main "room" inside the catedral de sal from the choir loft.
One of the stations of the Cross.
Later that evening we headed to an iconic Bogotá destination, the restaurant Andrés Carne de Res, located in the municipality of Chía.  If TGIFriday's in the US is considered "kitch" in decor, this is "super-kitch on steroids."  Serving an enormously diverse and international menu, the maze-like restaurant is giant party; emphasis on the word giant.  This is where people go to see and be seen but in the most unpretentious of ways.  Loud but not deafening and bright without being blinding, the entire place is an overload to all the senses.

We kicked off the last day of the weekend with a breakfast at Crepes & Waffles - despite this being available in Cali - and then headed to the Usaquén neighborhood to stroll their weekly Sunday flea and craft market.  Though the weekend was perfectly chill, both in attitude and climate, visiting the bustling and cosmopolitan mountain-top capital city was a perfect and needed break from the "big small town" feel and heat of Cali.

Strolling the streets of barrio Usaquén
Checking out some baked goods
Hipster street musicians outside an Irish Pub?  Why not!
Kelsi takes a break in style, per usual
Two of my favorite things: photography and street art.  ¡Gracias, Bogotá!

22 comments:

kelsi said...

What a great weekend and a fabulous way to end one of our last weekends in Colombia. So glad to have spent it with you :)

Unknown said...

uggs on sale, louis vuitton outlet, chanel handbags, louboutin pas cher, nike free, nike roshe run, louboutin outlet, louis vuitton, sac longchamp, louis vuitton, christian louboutin outlet, jordan shoes, oakley sunglasses, ugg boots, louis vuitton outlet, nike outlet, nike air max, longchamp, tory burch outlet, oakley sunglasses, longchamp outlet, ray ban sunglasses, oakley sunglasses, nike air max, burberry, cheap oakley sunglasses, ray ban sunglasses, polo ralph lauren outlet, ugg boots, louboutin shoes, michael kors, louboutin, longchamp outlet, tiffany and co, ralph lauren pas cher, oakley sunglasses, kate spade outlet, prada handbags, ray ban sunglasses, air max, prada outlet, nike free, replica watches, louis vuitton, longchamp pas cher, replica watches, tiffany jewelry, polo ralph lauren outlet, gucci outlet, air jordan pas cher

Unknown said...

giuseppe zanotti, nike roshe, longchamp, nike trainers, reebok shoes, timberland boots, lancel, abercrombie and fitch, converse outlet, mont blanc, hollister, ferragamo shoes, hollister, ralph lauren, p90x workout, nike air max, babyliss, beats by dre, vans, iphone cases, chi flat iron, nike air max, nfl jerseys, mcm handbags, lululemon, ray ban, wedding dresses, louboutin, valentino shoes, bottega veneta, soccer jerseys, herve leger, hollister, celine handbags, nike huarache, asics running shoes, soccer shoes, new balance, oakley, ghd, instyler, gucci, north face outlet, insanity workout, baseball bats, vans shoes, jimmy choo shoes, north face outlet, mac cosmetics, birkin bag

Anonymous said...

Actually I am surprised very nature of Colombia, but illegal logging will not lead to good . Just read here that are searching for villains , and if they have the means and et offense : https://quivo.co/12965-aumenta-el-decomiso-de-madera-ilegal.html. In my country , too, quite a lot of criminals and how to deal with them , and no one knows whether there is any abatement options .

g said...

AMIGOS , encontraron un interesante artículo "Colombia igualó con Argentina en amistoso rumbo a Olímpicos". Learn more about it here https://quivo.co/15247-colombia-empato-con-argentina-en-amistoso-rumbo-olimpicos.html

¿Cuáles son sus impresiones?

Anonymous said...

I was in Colombia, there are amazing..But recently I read on the website https://quivo.co what happened to forests in Colombia,and was very disappointed. I do not know whether now to go there on vacation. This news surprised me,as now to be. I think we should fight this injustice. Don't pass it by.

Unknown said...

Colombia is very intersting country which has a lot of possibilities for travelling. We have spent there two wonderfull weeks. Its unforgetable! Looking for some unusual information about this country I came across a very interesting article about a famous top model there is video too. Its really cool look here https://quivo.co/16441-mira-el-video-en-que-le-agarran-la-cola-esta-modelo.html

Unknown said...


Hello everybody! Yes Colombia is very amazing and beautiful country with its own unique attractions that are on posmotret.V every country has its own pros and cons , recently read statte about 5 most awkward Colombian thieves https://quivo.co/17949-mira-los-cinco- ladrones-mas-torpes-de-colombia-te-dejaran-sorprendido.html who were detained , they were unable to vospolzovatsya loot and share it . What do you think ?

Unknown said...

They condemn Jonathan Vega, who attacked with acid at women. He had recently released the request of the defense of Jonathan Vega, about asking for the freedom of man who attacked with acid Natalia Ponce due to expiration of terms - https://quivo.co/17830-sera-condenado-el-hombre-que-ataco-con-acido-natalia-ponce.html

Unknown said...

I was surprised at the cruelty of people when I read this article girl... https://quivo.co/19502-menor-es-violada-y-estrangulada-en-su-cumpleanos.html

Unknown said...


En Internet encontré una noticia fresca. He leído con placer, hay una foto. Noticias interesantes. Sobre la madera y eventos en el mismo. Advierten sobre macabros payasos que asustan en los bosques. Lee aquíhttps://quivo.co/20139-advierten-sobre-macabros-payasos-que-asustan-en-los-bosques.html 2016.

Unknown said...


En Internet encontré una noticia fresca. He leído con placer, hay una foto. Noticias interesantes. Sobre la madera y eventos en el mismo. Advierten sobre macabros payasos que asustan en los bosques. Lee aquí https://quivo.co/20139-advierten-sobre-macabros-payasos-que-asustan-en-los-bosques.html 2016.

Max said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Max said...

And I am fully agree with previous authors, about the site. You should properly read all information about the country you'll arrive.
https://quivo.co/11578-homenaje-julio-cesar-turbay-ayala.html

Anonymous said...

Guys! It is true that in Kenya since developed a children's alcoholism? Now I saw the news on the site https://quivo.co/ there zaderzhalibolee 100 children who got drunk at a party !!! I'm in shock ... what's going on in your country?

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Hello! This thing about adventures in Colombia is absolutely right! I' ve just found an article where a man fights with a crocodile there! That's incredible guys! https://quivo.co/23099-se-enfrento-un-enorme-cocodrilo-que-pretendia-comerse-su-perro.html

Unknown said...

HI GUYS! I have fond the intresting article about crazy teens which have tortured elementary school students with electrisity!!! I shocked guys!!! If u see this article, please u will tell me about ur opinion. It is very important to me. U can see this article there https://quivo.co/30736-en-colegio-torturaban-sus-hijos-con-descargas-electricas.html

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Hey dudes I find cool web site. Here it is ---> https://quivo.co/11578-homenaje-julio-cesar-turbay-ayala.html . Really, I've never seen something like it before. Just read this! So click on it, really. You will have an orgasm reading this. Don't waste your free time for something another. Just keep it. I hope you'll enjoy ;)

Anonymous said...

GUYS! I HAVE READ A TERRIBLE ARTICLE ABOUT MAN WHOSE PARENTS HAVE LOCKED HIM IN BASEMENT! HE HAD BEEN SITTING HERE FOT TWO YEARS! GUYS I AM SHOCKED! PLEASE READ THIS ARTICLE AND SHAPE YOUR OPINION WITH ME!!!ARTICLE: https://quivo.co/31287-los-padres-de-este-hombre-lo-encerraron-en-el-sotano-durante-2-decadas.html

Unknown said...

Hey man, I see you love to travel, it's very cool, by the way, I also love to travel. I really like your pictures, you're really cool to take pictures. By the way, there is an interesting article about Colombia and entertainment, see: https://quivo.co/31086-la-particular-forma-de-divertirse-de-este-cachorro-enternece-todos.html