Wed 13 Apr 2011
Several people warned me: Be prepared for Bogota. It’s big. It’s crowded. It’s noisy. It’s dangerous.
I loved it.
It’s funny, how your experiences are colored by little things – where you stay, who you meet, etc.
So many had told me I would love Medellin and while I did see some nice things there, I did not love it. I felt it was crowded, noisy, and slightly dangerous. Sound familiar? But that is because the area I stayed in (albeit a great hotel) was in the heart of the city – a city swelling with people. It turns out I liked Bogota more.
Colombia’s capital city sits at about 8500 feet (2600 meters) high giving it a crisp feel underneath the Andean peaks that surround it. Some of Bogota’s progressiveness may surprise you. Three hundred kilometers (186 miles) of bike lanes criss-cross the city and, even more unique than that is what’s called Cyclovia. Every Sunday 122km (76 miles) of roads around the city are closed to cars to allow cyclists and pedestrians free reign.
In Bogota, I stayed with my friend and fellow host of Meet Plan Go, Jeff of Career Break Secrets in the cute and quiet neighborhood of Chapinero. On my first day there, I set out to the northern neighborhoods of Zona Rosa and Parque 93, which I’d heard were nice. I figured it would be a good way to ease into the city. And I found nothing of what I was warned. What I saw: big green parks, cute residential hoods, strollers, hip eateries, business people in suits, a lot of bike lanes and medians with trees.
April 15th, 2011 at 9:53 am
Good to know! I'm headed to Bogota alone in July for up to 4 weeks. I love to hear your personal comparisons of the cities!
April 15th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
Loving the Columbia posts! Are you still there traveling or back in Chitown? I only ask because if you aren't in Chicago you may want to be aware that you have a doppelganger roaming the Red Line on Thursday nights…. Having a twin may be fine for now, but just wait until she starts robbing banks or stealing cars.
April 17th, 2011 at 7:46 am
Enjoyed the read.
April 18th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Thanks Jon. Hmmm…I am back…and did happen to be on the Red Line. You should have said hello! It's a bit nutty – and dare I say creepy – to be recognized!
April 19th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
Haha! I would have said hello (and creeped you out further no doubt) but I didn't see you until the train doors were opening and you got in the car behind me. By the time I turned to my girlfriend and said "I think that's one of the travel bloggers I follow" we were already boarded. Although she suggested we switch trains I was well aware of how terrifying that situation was likely to be for you.
Looking forward to hearing more about Columbia.
April 19th, 2011 at 8:11 pm
Jon-
Ha! That is funny! Had you written before? How long have you been reading? Colombia posts are about done now. Well, now we all have to meet up for a beer!
April 20th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
Small world I guess! I've been reading for about a year now or so. I'm going to try and make it to Meet, Plan, Go this year so I'll be sure to say hi and maybe a bunch of us can grab a beer or something.
April 20th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
Great! I will be hosting Meet Plan Go again this year in Chicago. Early tix will go on sale soooon. Stay tuned for details!
LL
April 22nd, 2011 at 4:15 pm
Thanks Gavin! Have a great time there! Take the bike tour – a great way to get acquainted with the city right away.