Greetings from Colombia

Hi Everyone (Kat, Desi, UC, etc.)!! I'm having a fantastic time here in CO. I've been here a week and I'm just exhausted from lack of sleep. Staying in Mosquera (strato 2) and I'm sooooo comfortable with the folks out here in the barrios. I played futbol with the locals and felt like I was having a heart attack. Harder to breathe out here! I've visited 11 barrios already...the farthest was out near La Catedral de Sal. All the barrios were pretty similar except some distinctions like who had the most colourful houses, the most paved roads, the nicest church, etc. I've been clubbing at Zona Rosa, went to Salitre and ate at the waffle/crepes restaurant (had the most delicious shrimp curry crepe ever!) Already been to the Luis-something clinica and gave my condolences to a senor who passed on just hours after meeting me so went to his funeral- quite an experience.

Also had lunch at a cafeteria and realized that none of us had pesos (I hadn't changed any of my Cdn money b/c the banks don't accept and the casa de cambios were too cheap.) So I've got useless money on me at the moment. My debit cards didn't work at any of the malls so I can only get money from ATM which is fine but the fees will add up for sure!

I am eating waaaay too much. I like arepa with cheese and hot chocolate. I like the longaniza but not so much the rellano. I tried sangua (sp?)...eggs/bread in milk or water all boiled together..interesting. I'm missing real coffee though (only instant nescafe avail. in the house) but it sure isn't easy finding cappuccino o espresso in Bogota or in the barrios. I expected coffee to be everywhere like Starbucks. Saw 2 McD's and looks like only the wealthy can afford to eat there.

The weather is perfect. Love the rain in spurts and the sun is hot when shining.

To end my first week, I was given a surprise welcoming party complete with a mariachi band. I was so caught off-guard. We had just returned from a Bingo game held at some campo in Facatativa by Exito (only a thousand people attended), sang the national anthem and Faca's anthem as well, then picked up some beer and aguardiente (sp?) and arrived home to a huge fiesta for me! I cried!

I'm having a blast ya'll!

By analyzethis1 on Apr 30, 2007, 19:33 in Friendly Talkzone.

goin_south says on Apr 30, 2007, 21:16:

some girls get all the breaks. glad to hear of such a fun trip.
It sounds like they are spoiing you all over again, Analyzethis1!

and, thank you.

goin_south says on Apr 30, 2007, 21:17:

We all expect you to go to Valleduapar to visit Mike.
and, report back.
:)

and, thank you.

adrimm says on Apr 30, 2007, 21:46:

I wanna go..... So glad to hear that you are having fun, so jealous! Keep us updated!

kat1 (Moderator) says on May 1, 2007, 00:57:

I didn't know you already left, wow!! have lots fun and take lots of pictures...

go to a local cafeteria, you will find real coffe there :)

engage brain before opening mouth

miamimike says on May 1, 2007, 01:15:

Leave the Zona Rosa and see the Real Col Night Clubs,,, Quite a difference as you will see,,,Big difference in prices also,,,Nice to hear you are enjoying yourself!

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

mecca says on May 1, 2007, 07:01:

Great to hear your first report. Wow!! Now that makes me miss Colombia like crazy. Have fun!!!

Desideria (Moderator) says on May 1, 2007, 07:15:

sound great! analyzethis1, I'm glad you're having wonderful time in Bogotá. Are you planning to visit other cities?

Just go to the next grocery store and buy one of those filter bags made of fabric that are re-usable, they come with a metal handle, and some good, fresh coffee, boil water in a pot and filter your own coffee. Yummy!

Cheers,
Desi

"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe
they are free." —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

webmanco says on May 1, 2007, 07:26:

Try to go to La Feria del Libro and above all have fun. Today is the last day.

Minero

Imagen

Entrada

Iglesia

Visitantes

Mina

But, I'm going to start making some assumptions here.... Which means I might actually end up making an ass out of myself ..........Thu 04 17, 2008 11:34 am

Mononoke28 says on May 1, 2007, 10:03:

I love... ... that Waffles and Crepes restaurant. We went about 4 times when I was in Colombia and I had the chicken and mushroom crepe and the chocolate one with strawberries, bananas, chocolate sauce, caramel and whipped creme. It was sooooooooo gooooooooooooooood!!!! =D~

Diana