Bogota Cathedral with the Monserrate shrine in the background
Bogotá is my second home, the city that I know better than any other aside from my home city of Philadelphia. I first went there on a Fulbright scholarship in 1980-81 to study political science at the Universidad Javeriana, a Jesuit university in Bogotá that has been in existence for several hundred years. Over the year I grew extremely fond of the city, the country and the Colombian people in general. I found Colombians to be hospitable, unselfish and sincerely interested in one's welfare.
Destiny would put Colombia, and particularly Bogotá, in my path for life. After returning to Philadelphia, I met a girl from Bogotá, and we have been happily married for 24 years. Travel to Colombia on an average of once every two years has been an important part of our lives to stay connected with the extended family. Relatives from Bogotá visit us in Philadelphia whenever they can.
Bogotá is a huge city - the estimate is at 7 million people - and has seen remarkable growth and modernization since I first went there in 1980. The situation of many of its residents is desperate, as many of the poor have come there to escape rural violence, but at the same time the city has become more livable, with efforts to reduce traffic congestion and create open spaces for recreation. For example, every Sunday morning certain roads are closed off to make room for pedestrians and cyclists in what is known as the "Ciclovía." Also, there is a perception (I'm not sure if this is shared universally) that the entire country has become safer in recent years. Certainly for the tourist there are areas that were once off limits which are now accessible due to better security. Many tourist attractions, such as the sanctuary of Monserrate on a hill overlooking Bogotá, are cleaner, more modern and more accommodating for the visitor.
There is always activity in the Plaza de Bolivar
Mime performing in the streets of Bogota
Display of bronze horses in the Plaza de Bolivar, 2007
Copyright 2011 by Michael Esposito. All rights reserved. Todos los derechos reservados. E-mail: meesposito@gmail.com This site updated October 9, 2011/Este sitio fue ampliado el 9 de octubre de 2011 Santa Fe Travel: a division of L & M Travel - Michael Esposito: IC Travel Specialist of L & M Travel - CST# 2043262-40 L & M Travel IC Agent
