Delight = Bogota

Something about landing in a city post a sleepless night in an airport, eating three subway sandwiches and sitting next to a screaming kid, just make you overjoyed. Or ready to punch the next person you see, if you have an inner pent up rage like I seem to. Luckily, my rage did not win over and I was  overjoyed this past Friday when I landed in Bogota.

It would be impossible for me to tell you just how ready I have been to head to South America. I made it a hard decision because I know that my family and friends worry about me. I know that there are real risks to being in Colombia (not all places, but certainly some). But all my qualms and issues were squashed as soon as I made it here. Firstly, it was lush and green. The city is in the valley of misty covered hills and there is a magic in the air. And something about the atmosphere of the City was calm and safe.

I arrived just in time to see the university students leave class and start milling around. I have never seen so many hipsters in my life. And the shoes here are incredible. Everyone here seems to care, greatly, about their appearance, looking more like they have left the runways in Milan then a place of learning. You see the students milling about in the Parque Periodistas, some of them even toting guitars with them. Somehow, I feel like I’m at home.

There are artesian markets in all the little squares in my district, La Candelaria, selling jewels and toques. But what I really needed was something to eat. I went to a place called Sanalejo, which inside looked like an old tavern, and had trolls painted on the walls. And artifacts like old blacksmith tools, skates, and more hanging from the walls. I selected a table in frount of the window, so I could people watch. I was not disappointed.

While I chowed down on an amazing salad, mashed potatoes, and coconut rice I watched as groups of young Colombians walked by with backpacks and old couples walking hand-in-hand. There really is something romantic about this city. Whether it is the gorgeous brick stadium, looking like it would be more at home in Morocco than in this capital, for the bull fights or the Museo de Oro (Gold Museum).

All I know is that I have fallen in love with Colombia. The Spanish squares, the chaos of this big city, the man in frount of a Church with a llama, and the world class museums all make me come to one conclusion. This is a world-class city.

Also the corner-store style grocers have totally won over my heart. You’re telling me I can find delicious fresh produce, like I would get from a farmers market, one block away? Sign me up. Though I still prefer the farm method of “picking it yourself”.