Celebramos el puente: Desierto Tatacoa

It's a three-day weekend. It's raining in Bogota. It's time for a ROAD TRIP!

The choice for this weekend: Desierto Tatacoa near Neiva, Huila...

Our transportation - half the fun is getting there...

THE BUS: We started bright and early at Bogota's Terminal de Transportes - catching a comfy Cootranhuila (including juice and snacks) to Neiva.

THE TRUCK: Five hours later, we unloaded the bus to add some gas (yes, required here)...then 30 minutes later embraced the heat of our destination. After a $2.50 lunch special, we set to find ourselves some transport to Villavieja (60 minutes away) and el Desierto. So what did I find: a mini-pickup, the opportunity to save 50 cents, and a highlight of our adventure. The best were the looks we received as we oozed out of the back of our first class accommodations.


THE DESERT CRUISER: From there, we hoped on the next most unique transport we could find and headed straight into the desert. I full recommend our guide

The hospitality for the weekend was also unforgettable...

Dona Lina: We enjoyed a comfy little cabin and helped the local economy. The municipio created these cabin's on people's homesteads as a source of income. Our night supported a widow, her daughters, and her daughter's family. Camping is also a free option for others.

The Food: Romantic dinner by candlelight, the finest of Colombian delicacies, and a Poker is always a hit!

The Sacrificial Land: Yes, I just jumped back to those farm roots as they prepared the freshest ingredients for Sunday dinner...too bad, we were on our way back to Bogota!

The Cactus Man: Candies, jellies, lotions, and shampoos . . . you name it and he'll find a way to make it out of cactus. Who knew it was such a versatile plant? This place is a must see in Villavieja.
The Helados! Yes, once again, we are attracted by what's in the back of a truck. This time it is fruttie flavored ice cream for the bargain price of 50 cents. Two scoops, please!

The return to Bogota...a picture is worth a thousands words
(or, maybe we are just recovering from smelling the fried chicken and coca-cola we had to stop a pick up for the bus drivers through about three lanes of traffic?!)

Imani: Rumba Cumpleanera!

OK, maybe that title involves no correct application of the Spanish language but I sure love celebrating birthdays! The best parts of celebrating in Colombia:

1. Dancing!
We selected the ever popular Wednesday night spot of Quiebracanto. Once of the highlights of the evening is musica negra - so they pumped up some Beyonce and Snoop Dog and we busted a move.



2. Aguardiente!
OK, every Colombian celebration calls for this fine beverage but it is even more festive on a birthday. I just can't believe it was my idea to buy the second bottle!



3. Happy Birthday to You...
Yes, we sing in English...with a Spanish accent. I love it. I mean why would there be a need to sing the Spanish version.



All and all, a fabulous night out with the crew and a great way to send of Imani as she headed to DC to surprise her Mom!

Dia de la Mujer: Run, Lola, Run!

5 kilometers - shared across 7 other cities;

A Sunny Sunday;

Lunch at Crepes and Waffles with the Girls;

and a Great Day to Celebrate the Dia Internacional de la Mujer!

Bogota Day Trippin' #5: Parque Chingaza (Lagunas de Siecha)

Yes, it is time for another adventure outside the boundaries of Bogota. Today, the choice is Parque Chingaza - a national park a couple of hours from Bogota that supplies the majority of water to the city. The total hike lasted about 5 hours and, as always, half the fun was getting there...let me tell you:

THE ARRIVAL (about 1.5 hours)

Bus #1 (Bogota to Guasca): We hopped on the bus to Guacsa at Calle 72 y Cra 13 and traveled via La Calera. The views were spectacular and the change in scenery refreshing.

Bus #2 (Guasca to Pasahonda): We arrived in Guasca just in time to catch the colectivo -other word for van with no leg room that acts like a public taxi service. Since we were a little vague on the directions, we inspired a little bus discussion and received lots of helpful hints on how to arrive. The most advantageous was that one of the other passengers was one of the park guards (excellent!).



Stop #3 (Pasahonda): Actually, it wasn't so much of a city as it was a sheltered bus stop...bustling with activity (everyone eager to help us find the entrance).



THE ENTRANCE (about 1 hour)
We ventured out on foot and soon came upon the park entrance sign - yes, on the right track! Then, we worked on some international relations with the local wildlife - there may have been an unexpected kiss involved. A few more twists and turns and the little casita of the parque rangers appears - none too soon for these randomly wandering travelers.




THE PARQUE CHINGAZA (2 hours)



We finally arrived at the park rangers cabin and knew we were on the right track. From there, we headed in with the two rangers and visited all three lakes. We had reached the paramo and walked through the forests of frailejones - which bares a striking resemblance to a Dr. Suess book! Here are some of the photo highlights including our friendly guides and my fellow adventurer, Sergio (the only one brave enough to trust my scattered directions!):



GUASCA
We bid farewell to the beautiful scenery and friendly hosts and made our way back to the "bus stop". We celebrated our adventure with a quick tour of Guasca - as well as a stop at the local panaderia and church. Of course, when you are two people who are at least 6 feet tall...it is amazing the type of attention you attract. Just more of an excuse to get to know the locals:)

Bogota Day Trippin' #4: Suesca

The holidays may be over but the travels are far from done. On this edition of Let's Get Out of Bogota, I take you on a lovely trip to Suesca - the rock climbing capital of Colombia.





Just a quick Transmilenio ride to Portal del Norte than a 60 minute bus ride and I was in the heart of Suesca. Have I expressed how much I love visiting the center plaza of these beautiful pueblos? Suesca did not disappoint with the church, monument, and government building all surrounding the square.

How about for this trip, we do a little timetable(I know, can I make it any more exciting?!):



10:00 AM Rollin' Into Town I bypassed the entrance to the rocks since I wanted to take it straight to city hall! I love those centers of town. It was such a peaceful Saturday afternoon...and I am sure my gringa presence added an air of excitement to normal activities.



10:45 AMAlways Time for Cafe y Almojabanas! Oh, I love panadarias. And what better way to get introduced to a town then visiting one. It was delicious!



11:45 AMClimb Every MountainFueled by my delicious breakfast, I eagerly walked the 15 minutes to the path entrance and turned to conquer the mountain - only to be greeted by the gaggle of middle schoolers heading down. I knew I was on the right path!



12:30 PMI'm on Top of the World Looking Down on the City... It was an inspiring day and a beautiful day. It is amazing to think that in 60 minutes the immenseness of Bogota evaporated into this picturesque countryside. Even more exciting were the number of climbers that were starting to appear.



1:15 PMJust Put One Foot in Front of the Other Well, at least, that is how easy some of the climbers made it. Of course, I think it was the fact that the Virgin Mary was overseeing their climb...how great is it that there is a 10 feet tall Virgin Mary statue amidst a rock outcropping.

And, as time flies when you're having fun, the moment arrived to catch the bus back to Bogota. It was a great day and yet another reason to remind me of the beauty that Colombia has to offer. Let's just say it was a day of rock -n- roll. . .

Medellin: Visiting the City of Eternal Spring

The second largest city in Colombia...
The location of Colombia's only metro...
The headquarters of the infamous Pablo Escobar...
And, my selection for a weekend adventure:

Welcome to Medellin!

It all started at about 9:00 PM on a rainy Bogota night and ended upon a sunny 6:00 AM arrival in Medellin. We headed out on the overnight bus and winded through the Colombia mountains to the department of Antioquia, also known as Paisa country. (A rather enjoyable bus ride except for the intense air conditioning and man arguing about not getting off the bus when we filled up with gas).

A few highlights of the trip included:

1. Delicious Delicacies: As food is always a highlight for me, Medellin did not disappoint. We enjoyed Choclos (sweet corn arepas) and Bandeja Paisa (pictured). Who doesn't enjoy a plate full of beans, rice, and three types of meat?!




2. The Art: Yes, the home of Botero didn't disappoint with replicas of his statues dispersed throughout the city. This particular bird actually suffered an attack in 1995.



3. Trainspotting: The only metro system in Colombia is a smooth operating machine...albeit rather packed. It made me feel as if I was right back in Washington, DC.



4. Barefoot and Loving it! Yes, an entire city park (Parque de los Pies Descalzos) created so people could dip their little piggies in the refreshing water. It was a lovely way to pass the afternoon.











5. The Garden of Eden: Well, not quite, but the Jardin Botanico was fabuloso. Not only did they have great flowers, butterflies, and walking paths...we got in on a meditation session and a cheerleading practice. There is something for everyone!



And, of course, I can't forget about the people! From the servers wanting to be as tall as me (though they changed their minds when I explained how hard it would be to find a Colombian boyfriend tall enough...) to the many curious watchers in the city square, people were always interested in meeting someone new.

All and all, it was a great mini-vacation and a welcomed change in climate.