I feel like every day here in Colombia, I fall in love with the country a little bit more. Yesterday, I had the wonderful opportunity to fall in love with Bogotá, the nation's capital. After an 8 hour drive through impossibly high mountains on tiny, curvy roads, we finally arrived Sunday night. Rather than staying in a hotel for the two short nights we would be there, a couple that is good friends with my host parents graciously opened their doors for us to stay with them. That is something I absolutely adore about Colombia- the people here won't think twice about inviting you into their homes. Strangers here treat you like a good friend, and friends here treat you like family, even if you've only just met. The hospitality and warmth I have experienced here so far is beyond words, and I am so grateful for it all.
In Bogotá, we had to go get the German visa for my host brother, David. While my family was in the embassy doing this, I waited nearby in a small cafe, which, as I soon found out, didn't take credit cards. So, after asking several people where the nearest ATM was, I walked down the street to a super market where I withdrew some money, all by myself! Since I have gotten off the plane in Pereira, I haven't had to, or been allowed to, do anything on my own. Thus, being able to navigate finding and using an ATM by myself in a city of 9 million people was a huge boost of confidence and very reassuring.
That evening, my family and the couple we were staying with went out to explore the city. First, we went to a juice bar in Usaquen, which is a trendy area with lots of adorable restaurants and stores, as well as a small plaza which was beautiful. Later, we ate at a Peruvian restaurant (Peruvian food is AWESOME) and drove through La Candelaria. La Candelaria is definitely my favorite place in Colombia so far- it is filled with beautiful, old Spanish architecture and lots of hole-in-the-wall restaurants and clubs. It's full of life and the entire ambiance of the place was enchanting. We also stopped by Plaza Bolivar, the center of the Colombian government.
And finally- we drove up along a hillside where we could see the entire southern half of Bogotá. The view was breathtaking- I've never seen anything like it before. For miles and miles there were twinkling lights; the city seemed to never end. Looking out over this beautiful view, I truly realized just how lucky I am. To be able to experience so much, at such a young age, with such incredible people- I couldn't possibly ask for more. Thank you to everyone who has helped get me here. Only a week has gone by, and already my exchange has been life changing.
An extra little tidbit to add to this already not-so-coherent post: I saw a shooting star on the drive to Bogotá. Truly a beautiful symbol of the spectacular journey I am on.
