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.
30 Comments
Mrs. B Grade 3
3/2/2018 06:35:12 am
How deep is the lagoon? Are there any animals living in there?
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Ray Homewood
3/2/2018 02:56:26 pm
The water is green because of algae growth. According to our guide that algae growth is so thick at about 50 meters deep that the true depth is not known. The lagoon has been there for thousands of years and is thought to have been formed as a sinkhole. The water is slightly salty and only one small species of fish lives in the lagoon.
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Eden
3/2/2018 07:04:42 am
How deep is the water
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Diane
3/2/2018 03:13:13 pm
The true depth is not known but at least 50 m.
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Austin mr.s
3/2/2018 07:06:51 am
Can you drink the water
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Ray Homewood
3/2/2018 02:59:18 pm
The water is salty so no you can't drink it.
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Alyssa
3/2/2018 07:08:56 am
How long were you with the Colombian family?
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Ray Homewood
3/2/2018 03:01:17 pm
We spent one evening when we went for a funicular ride and supper and most of the next day.
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Sarah
3/2/2018 07:10:17 am
How long did it take to get there?
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Ray Homewood
3/2/2018 03:02:23 pm
It was over an hour's drive north of the city.
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Ally
3/2/2018 07:10:50 am
What causes the water to be so green?
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Ray Homewood
3/2/2018 03:02:44 pm
It has a lot of algae.
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Carter Mr.S
3/2/2018 07:11:09 am
How many days do you stay in Colombia?
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Ray Homewood
3/2/2018 03:03:17 pm
Two weeks.
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Emily
3/2/2018 07:11:59 am
Do you know exactly how high up you are?
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Ray Homewood
3/2/2018 03:06:08 pm
The lake surface is at 3000 meters and the rim around it is about 3100 meters. This is high enough to feel the effects of the thin air when walking up the hill.
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Haley
3/2/2018 07:12:00 am
Did you get to swim in the lagoon?
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Ray Homewood
3/2/2018 03:07:53 pm
While it might have been fun to go snorkeling for gold, the lake is a protected sight and you are not allowed to go down to the water.
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Luke
3/2/2018 07:15:28 am
Why is the water so green?
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Ray Homewood
3/2/2018 03:08:09 pm
Algae growth.
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Laurel
3/2/2018 07:16:15 am
What was your favorite food you ate?
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Ray Homewood
3/2/2018 03:10:43 pm
I had a big bowl of Ajiaco, a soup made of chicken and three different types of potatoes.
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Devlin
3/2/2018 07:16:40 am
Was the water really deep
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Ray Homewood
3/2/2018 03:11:26 pm
Yes, greater than 50 meters.
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Chase
3/2/2018 07:18:09 am
How has your trip been so far? And what was your favourite part?
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Ray Homewood
3/2/2018 03:12:46 pm
Been an amazing trip, the Galapagos was my dream for so long I think it will be the highlight for me.
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Xander
3/2/2018 07:22:08 am
Can u swim in it and why is it green
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Diane
3/2/2018 03:12:11 pm
The green is from Algae and you can’t swim in it.
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Mrs. PB's class
3/5/2018 08:09:52 am
What is the weather like in Columbia? Is it windy?
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Ray Homewood
3/6/2018 05:29:04 pm
Being in the mountains the weather is changeable. We have had a few brief rain showers but generally very comfortable temperatures.
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