Translated El Tiempo's Platypus Article - "The Tequendama" for Backpackers.

A hostel in Bogota’s Candelaria is “The Tequendama�? for backpackers.

The place stirs feelings among the young foreigners who go travelling throughout the world and arrive at the capital. It is recommended by Lonely Planet.

Lorraine Caputo defines herself as a wandering poet. Since 1988, along with her backpack, la rocinante, and a pretext of writing her verses, she began a trip that has taken her through 19 countries, from Alaska to Patagonia.

In these travels she has met travellers like herself, who prefer hostels where they find comfort at low prices and an environment that promotes sharing stories and adventures.

A week ago she arrived in Bogota and found Platypus, which she considers “ one of the best hostels for travellers in Latin America�?: Platypus a place that has been running for 10 years, and today is the first choice for accommodation among backpackers, not only because it is economical - a night costs 14 K pesos-, but because of the warmth and level of social interaction among guests found within its threshold, nearly all of them foreigners.
“It has prestige among frequent travellers like myself�?, comments Lorraine.

Success with a hint.

Platypus was born of an idea of proprietor German Escobar, an ex-backpacker who in 15 years travelled in more than 120 countries.

“When I returned to Colombia I didn’t know what to do with my life. That’s where I was when I received a surprise call from a Frenchman who I had met while travelling in Africa, I went to go and visit him, but the place that he was lodged at was terrible. Outside there were prostitutes, drug addicts, and assailants. It was then that I realised that Bogota was missing a good place for backpackers to stay at�?, recalls Escobar.

Today, after some work and renovation, Platypus counts 11 rooms, with a capacity for 30 people, and has 5 bathrooms with hot water. In addition, it offers guest a kitchen to cook their own meals in, and offers free coffee at all times.

Each year it receives 700 guests, of which only 70 are Colombian; most come between March and August, months which are of the most occupancy. “At this moment most of the visitors are English, but I have noticed an increase in travellers who arrive from the United States. In 2003 we only had 3 people from the US all year long, and right now, so far in 2006 we’ve already had 40�?, Escobar notes.

The success of the place is in the knowledge that German has of the backpackers world, and of their needs. In addition he is the primary source of knowledge for his guests; he speaks English, French, German, and Italian, an advantage that facilitates communication with the guests.

All of those who know Platypus give assurance that it is a special place. “The best thing is that here you find real a real community of backpackers, a place where you can find travellers from all over the world, and share stories�?.

George Martin, another guest, arrived from England to stay in Bogota for only four days. “I’ve liked this place so much, that I’m going on a month here. Platypus is a very social place, where you find people from the whole world. For example, a few days ago I met guy from Ethiopia. It’s marvellous to have contact with people like this.�?.

According to German, strong bonds have been formed at Platypus - some couples have gone on to marry and have children. He also recalls guests who first visit the city as backpackers and who later return on international business.

“I remember that one time, the UN Nutrition program representative came to Colombia. She knew that the only place where she could cook was here. Despite being a high level executive she didn’t look for a five-star hotel: she came here. And she loved to cook, we’d pool money from everyone and she’d cook dinner."

When the guests arrive from their activities, they gather in the living room to play cards while they trade stories, because according to Lorraine, being a traveller, is at times, solitary work.

[*]estcol at eltiempo.com.co
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Link: http://eltiempo.terra.com.co/bogo/2006-04-30/ARTICULO-WEB-_NOTA_INTERIOR-2866035.html

By adrimm on Apr 30, 2006, 19:32 in Friendly Talkzone.

Irothko says on May 1, 2006, 14:56:

Overrated Platypus By far the most overrated hostel in South America . Not only is it a damp, flea trap, I know a lot of people have been robbed of there.

adrimm says on May 1, 2006, 18:11:

Harsh words Wow. While I can't say it is the "best in SA" becuase I haven't been all over SA, I have seen far far worse hostels in other countries (including "developed" ones).

My own experiences there were wonderful, and those who I have kept contact with that I met there also had no problems. I hope to return on my Colombia future trips, even if just to say hello to German.

ixent says on May 2, 2006, 09:22:

Good place to get up-to-date safety information In my experience, it's a good place to talk to other backpackers who may have recently arrived from e.g., Cocuy or San Agustin, and get reassurance (or not, as the case may be) that the places in question are trouble free.

And I've always felt very welcome there, German Escobar is a very friendly chap.