Ok so I know I haven’t posted a blog in a really really long time, but it’s because I’ve been too busy having the time of my life, and now I don’t even know where to begin. Bogota is a bustling city of 7.5 million people. The roads are filled with taxis and the sidewalks are globbed with pedestrians. There is the constant sound of music- salsa, merengue, vallenato, reggaeton,… it’s never quiet. We have been spending our days sight-seeing. We’ve been to Museo de Oro, Plaza Bolivar, Catedral de Sal, Parque 93, Old Bogota, Candelaria District, Candelera View Point, Monserrate, small towns outside of Bogota like Chia and Mongar, and countless Central Comercials. Leading up to Christmas we attended Novenas, a type of prayer service with family with singing and reading from the Novena about the Virgin Mary and the Saints, followed by food and games. We have done a TON in the last 2 weeks.
Our days have been followed by night after night of dancing and partying, basically. This place never sleeps. On Christmas, we waited for midnight with Daniel’s family, cheered to Feliz Navidad, and then went to a neighbor’s house and danced the rest of the morning. We left his friend’s house at 8am, bought tamales on the street, and went to sleep. We didn’t wake up until 4pm. I really don’t know how we have seen so much of Bogota when our days don’t usually even get started until 2pm. In any case, we have been having a good time, I have found a new love of salsa dancing and arepas, and it has been really good to see our Colombian friends from the cannery again.
So today is New Year’s Eve. I’ve had an amazing 2009, filled with challenges and accomplishments, and I can’t wait to see what 2010 has in store! I think we’re going to celebrate tonight with Camilo’s family, and it’ll probably be an earlier than usual night in, which will be nice. I’m kind of pooped! We’re going to have to adjust to a new sleep schedule when we get to Ecuador on Saturday.
I wish everybody a very Happy New Year!!
Thanks so much for writing, Arianna! Happy New Year!!
Thanks, Arianna, it was worth the wait!
With 7.5 million people, you have certainly jumped from one contrast to another with population. Glad you have the opportunity to experience both.
Happy New Year to you also! We look forward to your next adventure in Ecuador and then back to Phoenix for a big, big hug!
Love, Grandma
Arianna! I love reading your blog!
What amazing experiences you both are having!
Have a good final month on your travels in Ecuador!
Happy New Year!
Arianna,
It seems like you are having a really good time on your travels and it sounds like an amazing experience! I heard last summer you worked on an alaskan fishing boat and had a great time. I was wondering if you would be able to send me some information about the fishing boat job so that I could apply. Just email me at wglenn@mines.edu
Thanks a lot,
Weston
Happy New Year to you and friends, Arianna. Your journal is so interesting. Makes me feel like I am there with you.
Thanks for sharing your adventures. Barbara