My Trip

I'm hesitant to post my experiences. Latinas lurk on lwl and pl. Probably less so on 2 Gringos. And my amiga works on the internet. But, I have some observations that may be useful, and I owe it to the board to contribute.

I was recently in Bogota for a week. Not much time, but I viewed it as a reconnaisance mission. I've been communicating with a woman i met over the internet for a year and finally decided to head down for a visit.

First impressions. The city is very modern and clean. At least the north, never ventured to the south side. In fact, i felt safer in Bogota than many American cities.
I walked all over the Zona Rosa at night, rode the Transmilenio buses, and never had a hint of trouble. My lasting impression is that i could live in Bogota.

For a budget option in the north, La Casona del Patio Amarillo is a good bet. About $17 a night, very clean, basic. Good, helpful staff. However, they would probably not be amenable to "guests", if you are so inclined.

I cannot really recommmend writing or communicating with someone before you go. This turned into a one woman trip. Accordingly she pretty much determined my agenda for the time I was down there. We became friends over the internet. She is a great person and we remain good friends. Unfortunately, there were no physical sparks, on her part as well as mine.

She had to work some nights, so I was able to head off to the Zona Rosa by myself. It can be a bewildering place. I enjoyed Charlotte's, good mix of people, good music. I finally got to try out my salsa, HA HA!
Another time, I stumbled into one of those hole in the wall bars. Really good guys, they were giving me shots of Aguardiente, I showed them how to make a real caipirinha. I left without my $2 umbrella, and they chased me down the street to return it.

Me and my amiga took a bus out to Zipaquira and el Catedral de Sal. Personally, I found it somber and gloomy, but the countryside is beautiful and peaceful. Also, Monserrate is a must do. It's a really spectacular view from there. Note: Not only Gringos wear shorts. I saw plenty of Colombians wearing shorts on Monserrate, but was told they were mostly paisas showing off their strength.

Most people are very high on Uribe. Finally, they have a President who is serious about handling the guerillas. There is a movement in the Congress to amend the Constitution, so he can run for reelection. If the government can restore peace, there is going to be a serious appreciation in real estate values in Bogota and the rest of the country.
Something to think about.

I admit, I was worried about going down there. Just act sane, and it's a piece of cake. To anyone on the fence, buy the ticket. You'll be glad you did.

[Laredo]

So you found out the secret, eh??

I too know that Bogotá is a fabulous city that I would like to live in. I also like Chia and Zipaquira.

While I am looking for a better job, if I do not find something that involves Latin America, then I would like to at least purchase my retirement property down there. La clima en Bogota, especially, is to my liking, since I like the option of being able to keep warm at night with a fire. I have traveled to the region four times since November 2000, and have fallen in love with it.

You are right Wasp—one should act sane, and they will do well.

[Bill123]

Hopefully Uribe will survive thru his first term!!

And Montserrate...did you go there before or after you decided she was not marriage material. If it was before, you may have been hit with the Curse of Montserrate. I am surprised she would even go up there.

You know, in hindsight, she wasn't that psyched to go up there.

Seriously, we talked alot. She's very close to her family and is in no hurry to leave Colombia. Plus, she has a good job, etc. It didn't bother me much to hear that, which tells me something also.

I don't recommend going down there to meet someone. Every 5 minutes you see a more attractive woman. The most attractive one i met was an 18 year old from Manizales. No, don't worry. I'm not crazy!