What do screaming travellers, steel pucks, and explosives have in common?—Tejo. Had a wonderful afternoon learning to play Colombia’s national sport. When someone hits the gun powder on the target, and it explodes, you really jump. Dad managed to get a gun powder explosion. He was excited, but not half as excited as our new American friend. I hope you enjoy the video. You are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom.
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There are only two Salt Cathedrals in the world—so apparently I have now seen half of them!
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá had humble beginnings. Originally the miners placed religious statutes in rocks as places to pray for their safety. The more extravagant and updated cathedral we saw today was designed by architects and is considered one of the wonders of Colombia. We travelled 200m under ground to see the cross above the main alter which is over 15 m high. Yes, I did touch the walls and lick my fingers. And, yes, it was salty. You are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom. It wasn’t much of a search—the Muisca raft was waiting for us at the Bogota Gold Museum. It is very old and really not that big (approx 10 cm x 20 cm), but it tells a BIG story. I can almost imagine the Muisca chief floating on Guatavita Lagoon. It would have been a spectacular celebration. I bet they had music—I can almost hear it!
I had hot chocolate with cheese in it at lunch. Not going to bring that tradition home, but sure would love a golden raft😄 You are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom. There is always something happening in Plaza de Bolivar! A great place to enjoy an arepa for lunch. It is definitely different than Listowel and it is definitely a lot of fun. Look closely at the photo; can you find at least five things that would be very unusual to see in North Perth? And yes, if you watch the video I do apologize to a pigeon. How Canadian! You are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom. We have had the pleasure of being hosted by the most gracious Colombian family. Their son lived in Listowel as an international student and now attends Conestoga College.
Last evening they drove us up to the funicular. It takes you from city level—up the side of Monserrate—well above the trees and the city. It was after dark and the lights of Bogota spread out as far as we could see. The buildings looked like tiny specs. Today we chased the legend of El Dorado. Our hosts loaded us up in the car and we worked our way through Bogota traffic to the Guatavita Lagoon. The hike is not long, but as we are at a very high altitude the walking literally takes your breath away. The traditional story promises that gold honouring the Muisca King still exists in the bottom of the lagoon. We didn’t dive for gold, but the beauty was priceless. After a late lunch of local dishes we were sad to say goodbye to our new Colombian friends—our official tour starts tomorrow. Heads up Daniel and Schaefer family—treats and hugs are on their way back to Canada. You are Always in My Prayers. Love Mom. We have arrived in Colombia. Bogota is a busy big city of eight million people.
Today was our first experience with the TransMilenio or bus system. It is like Toronto’s metro except it is above ground with very long and very fast buses driving in their own special lanes. People are jammed in. We had a lot of help from the Colombian riders learning how find the stops and push our way through. Everyone has been so kind. The Street Art Tour taught us a lot. Some of the Street Art the government lets stay up and some of it gets painted over. There is so much of it that it seems they must start painting again as soon as it is erased. Some of the paintings are traditional, some just pretty, and some are meant to have a message. What do you think the message of this mural is? You are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom. This morning when we woke up there was a sea lion sitting on the back of our boat. It almost felt like he knew we were leaving and wanted to come with us!
Yesterday, on our last full day, we were still seeing new things. Finally had a chance to see the Red Footed Boobie—bonus...she was on a nest with her chick. And, the snorkelling with the sea lions was the best yet. There were so many we didn’t even know where to look. On to more adventures. You are Always in My Prayers. Love Mom. Does he look scary to you or does he look like he is smiling? The land iguanas are very big. They have rounded tails—the marine iguanas have flatter tails. Their skin must be very tough because they climb up the cactus trees. Cactus is something they like to eat. They usually sit very still while we take their pictures.
Every day we see something new. You are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom. |
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Ray & Diane
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