(LATAM) Bogota - some notes

"Something always brings me back to you" - Gravity

I live in Medellin but I go to Bogota every month or two. It has always seemed to call me back.

But let's get one thing out of the way first. Don't get robbed. Or don't get robbed for a lot. And don't get hurt while being robbed. Many people I know, locals and extranjeros alike, have been, and multiple times. Bogota has an infinite collection of almost empty streets. While I'm not saying don't ever walk, a lot of times choosing to walk several blocks instead of calling a taxi can get you into trouble.

Bogota has a great collection of parks that are not only good-sized but also pretty and generally satisfying. In this aspect Bogota substantially trumps Medellin. My favorite criteria for a park is that it has spaces where you can be tranquil with yourself. Other than the more known parks like Simon Bolivar and Parque de Los Novios, my favorite is actually Parque Virgilio Barco and the library right next to it. Come discover it and you'll know what I mean.

I have a personal theory in which having many good parks substantially changes the lifestyle and wellbeing and even personality of people in a city.

The number of good coffee shops, judging by the vibe and the space and the comfort and the foods/ drinks in Bogota is astounding. I recently went to do some work at La Dacha Libreria coffee shop in Zona G. Beautiful, elegant, tranquil, amazing vibe, comfortable, tasteful music. Medellin does have good coffee shops in spades, but somehow I'm still impressed by how many of these sometimes-almost-hidden nice coffee shops there are in Bogota.

Yes, the people here do like Raegaeton, but you can find a sizable group of people who also enjoy any music that you do. I happened across the Abbot y Castello Rock Bar in Chapinero. Good crowd with big TV playing classic rock (Bon Jovi was played while I stopped by). And I know it is just one of many great rock bars in the fascinating city.

And of course, the Rolos people - to be commented upon on another day ;)