Bogota Colombia

An historic time in Colombia with the peace accord finally being signed between the government and FARC - thus officially ending more than 50 years of war

Like all political accords this was one not without it’s detractors. In fact more than half of the population voted against the agreement, not so much because they did not want peace but because they felt that the government was being far too generous with what they offered the guerrillas. After the losing vote, the president Juan Manuel Santos made a few changes to the agreement and pushed it through parliament. For his efforts he received the Nobel Peace Prize.

My time in the capital Bogota flew by and I achieved a new record in getting my Brazilian visa in just 4 days.

There was so much to see and I even broke my cardinal travel rule of No Museums by visiting the very impressive Museo del Oro ( Gold Museum)

Gold fish hooks

Fine filigree ear rings

This museum is dedicated to showing the history of the pre-Colombian peoples through gold artifacts from archeological discoveries. More than 55,000 pieces are displayed - can you even imagine what that is worth!! Not only that but this is after the Spanish carted off an estimated 235,00 tons of this precious metal during their years of conquest.

The Candelaria area is the old town area of this bustling city where the parliament buildings and presidential palace are situated. 

Bolivar Square and Cathedral

Capitol Building

Street in the Candelaria district

A whimsical statue on a house

Presidential Palace

Presidential guard

I had not planned on visiting this city and probably would not have done so if it was not for the need to visit the Brazilian Embassy but I am so pleased I did. A big stately city with a deep rooted tradition of fine architecture and support for the arts and culture.

By the time I got to the city my motorbike was in need of some tender loving care, and this it got from the fantastic folks at KTM Bogota Powershop. A full service, tune up, valve adjustment, brake and clutch fluid flush, oil change and a new set of tires. It is like riding a new bike, in fact it is running smoother than it has done on the whole trip. To top it all the owner, Santiago Bernal took me out to a Cabaret themed restaurant with a few of his buddies - now that is REAL service.

KTM Bogota

Life is a cabaret

Next stop Medellin