Busy First Day in Bogotá

We had a whirlwind three day tour of Bogotá, Colombia’s capital and biggest city with a population of 6.7 million! With so much to do and little time, we enjoyed a busy first day in Bogotá, visiting museums, salsa clubs and meeting new people.

Where We Stayed

We had an easy flight from Cartagena, and took a taxi to our lodgings in Bogotá. We’re couchsurfing with a friendly, interesting and generous guy named Robin, who was a big part of making our first day here so much fun. He has a roommate who is on crutches, Anna Maria, and 3 cats. His apartment takes up the 2nd floor of a building in the heart of a great neighborhood called Chapinero. We chose a place in Chapinero, a barrio north of the city centre which has good nightlife and lots of restaurants, because we like the convenience of walking at night.

Despite arriving to Bogotá in the middle of the afternoon, we saw some of the city and started to get acclimated, but I think it will take a bit longer because the elevation of Bogotá is over 2,6000 meters above sea level.

Bogota Map
Bogota Barrio Map

After traveling and settling in, we didn’t get into the city until 2pm but we still managed to see and do a bit to get acclimated. We enjoyed a rewarding first day in Bogotá.

Continue reading “Busy First Day in Bogotá”

Things About Colombia

I’ve been here for over 3 weeks and I’ve noticed a lot of little things about Colombia that stand out as unique to me as a North American. These are my thoughts on interesting things about Colombia.

Continue reading “Things About Colombia”

Hanging with the Hostel Crowd at Petronio

After the cancelled tour and troubles with Avianca, I’ll admit I was feeling a little down yesterday evening. I didn’t want to spend my Saturday night in Cali alone, so I did what I came to a hostel to do: went downstairs and grabbed a beer and started talking to people in the lobby. Within ten minutes, my plans for the night were set: Petronio Music Fest with about ten 20-somethings from all over the globe who were visiting for the festival itself. Being a solo traveler, you have to put yourself out there and when I did I got to spend my Saturday night hanging with the hostel crowd at Petronio.

Petronio Festival

Yes, I got lucky and came to Cali during an amazing free festival called The Petronio Álvarez Afro-Colombian festival. It is held in a large sports complex across town and includes free live music and a huge food tent and today is the last night. So you see how good my timing is!?

The Music

I have been to a lot of music festivals, and this one was a great new experience. I saw 4 different musical acts last night, starting with the incredible Pacifico Sinfonico, a Colombian symphony orchestra.

Continue reading “Hanging with the Hostel Crowd at Petronio”

First Day in Cartagena: Buenas Dias

So it’s my first full day and I thought I’d get a post in before I move around this busy city. I am excited and nervous as a new solo traveler for my first day in Cartagena!

Sleeping In My New Home on My First Day in Cartagena

I slept well despite the heat. As Marcela hosts volunteers regularly, she knows we gringos can’t take the heat, so I have lots of fans. I have one ceiling fan and two area fans, which are both blasting straight at me, because it is very hot in Cartagena! If you want to know more about where I am staying, you can read more about the homestay.

Breakfast in The Homestay

My desayuno (breakfast) and coffee were provided by my Colombian mom, (who is my age but treats me like a mom) Marcela. Juevos revueltos and pan (scrambled eggs and bread) and both were a little sweet and delicious!

desayuno scrambled eggs first day in Cartagena
Continue reading “First Day in Cartagena: Buenas Dias”