Adiós Bogotá, Hola Carnaval y Cartagena
Bogotá has flown by but I'm surprisingly glad to spend another month in Colombia. Next on the itinerary is Barranquilla for Carnaval and then a week in the beach town of Cartagena. I'll be glad for a tan (let's be honest, I'll probably burn) and a break from the high altitude! Looking back on my month, I am extremely happy with my time here. Some things to check off my bucket list: exploring La Candelaria and Bolívar Square, having dinner at the top of Monserrate (see that church up there on the mountain? I was there), horseback riding in the Colombian countryside, Andres Carne de Res, trying fruit that looks like snot, eating blowfish and quail eggs, hiking around Rocas de Suesca, worm crawling through tiny spaces in a cave, and gaining a real appreciation of the highly political graffiti/street art of Bogotá (shots below).
Here are my recos for Bogotá:
| Restaurantes |
Al Agua Patos: One of the best breakfasts I've ever had. The menu is based on a thick piece of bread with a variety of toppings and sauces over top.
Canasto Picnic Bistro: Blown away by this place. Everything is colorful and delicious. Breakfast or lunch, you can't go wrong. Calamari & shrimp salad.
Mini Mal: I got the blowfish and didn't die! Lulo sour drink was unique and yummy also.
Casa Vieja: Traditional Colombian food in Usaquén. Ajiaco con pollo is a scrumptious hearty soup with potato, corn, chicken, capers, and cream - highly recommended. Also where I ate the quail eggs.
Sant Just: In La Candelaria at a stop on the graffiti tour. Only open for lunch. French/Colombian. Superb.
| Cafes |
El Altillo: We only passed through for a quick coffee, but the atmosphere was airy and charming. Best cappuccino I've had, ever.
Papaya: Quaint coffee shop in La Candelaria owned by Australians. Get the banana bread.
| Bars & Clubs |
La Villa: Gringo Tuesdays, that is all.
El Campanario: Live music on Thursdays, fun vibe.
El Fabuloso: Packed on the weekends, and lots of reggaeton to dance to.
Andres Carne de Res: 70-page menu. Steakhouse-turned-club (but don't go for the food). The most massive restaurant I have ever been to and it stays open until 5am. Make sure to wear your party pants.
#NP: Gyal You A Party Animal (Remix) - Charly Black and Daddy Yankee
(P.S. All those Latino singers you thought fell off the face of the earth- Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, Shakira, Daddy Yankee- they are alive and well down here in LATAM!)
