Bogota, the overwhelming beast of a city that takes the title for Colombia's capital city with a staggering population of 8million. Bogota is somewhat of a surprise for the unprepared traveller as it is not what one would expect from a Colombian city, many people are somewhat confused by the cool temperatures they are faced with upon stepping out the door of El Dorado airport.
Bogota at an elevation of 2, 640m, is the perfect habit for the Irish native, with cool night time temperatures and pleasantly sunny days, whilst being substantially cooler and dryer than the its Caribbean counterparts.
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Every visit to a city or country starts with the day 1 questions, how do I get the most out of my time here and how can I possibly get a feel for how the culture and the people in such a short space of time? If ever there was an answer to that question, Ciclovía delivers.
Sundays in Bogota, whether as a local or a visitor is a hectic and yet peacefully perfect day on Carrera Séptima. Ciclovía meaning 'Bikeway', is a once a week event when the city authorities shut down the main streets of the city to polluting traffic and open them to the public. From 8am to 1pm you can walk, run, rollerblade or my personal preference cycle, as it is the most time efficient way to get around this large city. During this time everyone from families, professional athletes to dog walkers are out on the streets. Some people use this time to get in some serious exercise without the constant pollution from passing traffic, others just wander casually through the streets, meeting friends, stopping for coffee, going for a Zumba class or my personal favourite, shopping for random gifts in the Mercado De Las Pulgas De San Alejo or the street markets along Séptima from the Museo del Oro. The Mercado De Las Pulgas in itself is quite the experience, there one can find everything and yet nothing, the assortment of items on display is fairly bizarre, from old furniture and vinyls to bazookas and riot gear.
As you stroll along the streets you cannot miss out on the chance to try 'Lechona', which is most commonly encountered as a large stuffed pig sold out the back of an antique looking car, absolutely delicious but potentially problematic for weaker stomachs the morning after. If tempting fate in this way doesn't tickle your fancy then, you can't leave Colombia without trying Arepas, stuffed with anything, but first and foremost make sure there's cheese. You can't beat Colombians obsession with salty cheese, and in this case it is the perfect accompaniment for the humble corn patty that is the Arepa. If after this you feel perhaps something healthier is on the cards, grab a fruit cup from one of the numerous vendors along Séptima, the salted mango is a favourite among Colombians, and it is a strongly wonderful and refreshing snack. Admire the beautiful graffiti murals of the talented artists which Bogota is famous for as you wander the streets, most of these murals reference the countries troubled past while also highlighting the still evident problems the country is still undergoing.
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Ciclovía can produce some amasing experiences, from guinea pig races, to break out parades full of colour and life, to just feeling the pulse of the city on the day when most people can relax from the crazy hustle and bustle of the Monday to Saturday madness that is Bogota.
Sunday is a day for the family in Bogota, and this is evident at 1pm once Ciclovía finishes, the streets grow quite and the warm vibrant atmosphere of the morning fades away as everyone retreats indoors. The streets are once again open to the busy traffic that dominates Bogota's streets and life returns to normal, almost in anticipation of the rat race and long commutes that face the average inhabitant of Bogota once Monday comes.
