B O G O T A: Rumbeando en la capital

So far I have spent one full week in Colombia, the first 6 days in Bogota. This is the first stage of a summer to be spent in this beautiful, rhythmic and welcoming country. What I have experience so far is just that, and of course the food. As one would imagine Bogota is a bustling cosmopolitan South American capital. There’s lots of movement and much to be appreciated while surrounded by lush mountains, a city in the heart of the Andes. According to other Colombians, the capital is the least friendly of the cities. I haven’t traveled around yet to verify this claim but I have felt more than welcome, and the Bogotano’s have been very helpful. The nightlife was a highlight for me; I spent my first night checking out the posh scene at Kong in Zona Rosa in the north part of the city, and weekend salsa dancing at Titico followed by a charming dance club converted from an old apartment called Hotel V Bar, all highly recommended. This was good insight into the culture as music and dance is very much part of what we know to be essentially Colombian. 

When reflecting on the riddled and complex history of Colombia one must contrast this with how vibrant those who populate this culturally rich country are. This is something I hope to further explore as I research and study here. In 6 days I move into a small rural, typical coffee farming town with much to be discovered. So here’s to the start of a summer of eating, rumbeando, absorbing this wonderful culture and (of course) studying hard ;).