Friday, September 16, 2016

Villa de Leyva, Colombia

During our time in Colombia, we drove four hours from Bogotá to visit a Colombian National Treasure, Villa de Leyva. 

Founded in 1572, the preserved and protected colonial village is located 
high in the mountains at 7000 ft.

Selecting a midweek time to visit was ideal, few tourists and pleasant climate. 
Our only challenge was trying to walk on the cobblestones without turning an ankle. 
The food was delicious, the people friendly and the photo opportunities spectacular. 



Here is a YouTube video of our visit. 


Hasta luego,
CCjon

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Snapshots from Colombia 2016

Just returned from a visit to Colombia for a family gathering. Here are a few snapshots from our two weeks there.

                       Modern commercial and residential skyscrapers are very common in Bogotá. 



Close up of building workers. 
If you doubt Colombians sense of patriotism, the colors of the country's flag are yellow, blue, red, 
the same colors and in the same order as the three buckets the workers are using. 


One can still find colonial tile roofed stucco homes scattered among the modern high-rises. Because Bogotá is ringed by mountains, the demand for buildable land is insatiable. Land prices are rapidly appreciating as the city population continues to swell.


Typical lunch of chicken, beef, maiz, papa, yucca, arepa y sopa.


If that looks unhealthy, Colombians eat flavorful fresh fruit every morning.


Since traffic congestion is the daily norm, walking or bicycling is the fastest way to your destination if not going too far.  Special bike paths were established to facilitate the mobility.  Lane splitting by motorcyclists is the norm.


In spite of overcast clouds and light rain, everywhere one looks are color and points of interest. 


Street jugglers hoping for a few coins


Am still playing with the B&W photos seeking the right elements. 

A different corner, a different juggler.



Transit policemen ride in pairs on a Kawasaki KLR250. In Colombia, you must have your motorcycle license number on your helmet in large letters.


Stuck in traffic next to the abandoned train track. 


Water on display


And more drizzling outside. 


As the Colombians say...

Hasta luego, Vaya con Dios.


CCjon