Bogota Colombia - this is a much cooler place than I thought!

Its hard to surprise me, but when I do get surprised I really enjoy it.  I had to go to Bogota Columbia for work and was thoroughly taken back by just how much this country has to offer.  I only had a few hours here and there to sight-see but the people were amazing, the scenery spectacular and the culture authentic. Here are a few things I was able to do.

Monserrate

What a breathtaking view from on top of the Andes back to the city!  There is a catholic church (85% of Colombians are Roman Catholics) as well as a small market up on top.  This was definitely worth it, even if there was some heavy breathing at 10340 feet up!

If that isn't a sea of humanity (~10mil) I don't know what is!

How adorable is this little guy?  I wonder if he considers that a guitar or a ukulele?

Bolivar Square

Here is where everything comes together, so to speak.  The government buildings are on one side and the main cathedral on the other.  The pope was coming to visit the day after I left so there was a lot of activity.  In fact, they had transported under heavy guard the Our Lady of the Rosary (patron saint of Colombia) from Chiquinquir so we were able to see that as well. 

The Bogota Cathedral

Our Lady of the Rosary painting

Obviously I would want to jump in on a picture with a bunch of nuns! I think they enjoyed it even more than me!?

Their military police were really nice guys as well, even humoring me with a picture.

Zipaquira, Catedral de Sal

Colombia has many natural resources and mining operations throughout the country.  One major resource is salt.  In Zipaquira they have made a cathedral carved out of the 3rd level of a salt mine.  It was rather interesting to go through the mine and end up in a large chapel area.  This particular area has been used for salt mining since the 5th century!

Lighting created some cool effects in the salt mine.

Food & Everything Else

I really enjoyed the Colombian food and had the opportunity to try out lots of it!

I love it when you can eat street food! (especially when it doesn't crawl!)

I just had to get a picture with the most famous Colombian - Juan Valdez. 

Yes, this is marijuana at the local floral store - there just might be a few issues still remaining in the country! 

If you want to see some other pictures please visit my photo album at TrekkingTrego Public Gallery. All pictures are available for purchase.