OR ANCIENT GOLD AND MODERN GALLERIES.
I’m revisiting this time last year in Colombia as a reminder the wonder and beauty is still all out there!
Alert: I was right at the beginning of my South American trip and thankful for my relatively good Spanish. It was all so scary but exhilarating and you were never out after 6…..Looking back on this it’s amazing how differently I wrote then and was still very confused as to the whole blog thing so I just addad a couple of extra pics and left it be!
ALERT: MY FLIGHT TO NEIVA IS SIX HOURS LATE SO I PAID FOR VIP LOUNGE TO WAIT OUT THE STORM IN COMFORT. WISH ME LUCK THINGS DON’T GET WORSE! I SHOULD BE KNOWN AS THE TYPHOID MARY OF FLIGHT DEPARTURES! I’M SOOOOOO TIRED ……
It’s been a fabulous first few days in Bogota but tomorrow I must leave for Neiva, but before I do here’s another glut of photos from the very fine Gold Museum, and the Miguel Urrutia Art Gallery Complex MAMU, along with the rest of my shennanagins!
I’ve tramped around Candelaria and Bolivar Square with it’s palace and government buildings. MAMBO was an eye opener with it’s psychodelic trippy video shows. Today I escaped the hustle and bustle and went to the Botanic Gardens then walked around to the posh bit of town for lunch at what turned out to be the Marriots restaurant Cico. I must be honest it was a relief to be in the shiny new bit of Bogota and not be watching my possessions so hysterically, there’s no doubt that although much improved there’s a tense edgy feel in town even with a lot of police with guns evident in some parts.
THE GOLD MUSEUM OF BOGOTA.
So much gold so little time!
This museum is massive. I thought it would house a few glittering objects but there was an ABUNDANCE! It explains the history of all the precious metals and goes into details of where they were mined and how historically they learnt more complex ways of working them (lost wax casting for example) there are ceramic sculptures, pots, figurines too and a well described history of their beliefs and death rituals. Obviously that meant a lot revolved around the natural world.
It’s opulence reminded me that apart from being amazing craftsmen they also had an abundance of gold that like alchemists they manipulated to achieve different colours and malleability. I do love a bit of gold!
Ceremonial frog 
Gold on gourd! 
ceremonial figure with female breasts 
Nose ring decoration 
Gold covered shell 
Large gold container for coca
Shamens’ would go into deep trances and enter creatures of power to reveal the world that they believed lived alongside them. Indeed many of the elaborate containers were for coca leaves and lime. These chewed together would heighten the senses and were used for these ceremonies
Rainy weather 
Totem 
Death mask 
Typical restaurant 
clay model of a “powwow” 
Funerary vessl 
Funerary chairs for remains
After the Gold Museum the heavens opened and oh my god the rain was cold. I had gone out in ridiculously optimistic clothes so struggled back through the crowded walking avenue which is being modernised so is chaotic. This is the environment where you must clutch your possessions as it’s a perfect environment for thieves.
Top Tip: Bogota is much improved crime wise but as an old bird I noted that narrow streets should be avoided. Rucksack and/or bumbag safely esconsed under your jacket/zipper top. Don’t look at your phone unless stopped in a reputable shop doorway. There you can check your map. There are a lot of armed police in some areas so if you need something ask them NOT a stranger. Unless you’re uptown, where the posh hotels are, you must always be on your guard on the street and I never went out after six when it gets dark. This sounds daunting but trust me it’s second nature after the first day and it won’t affect your trip. If you want to go out in the evening get a cab from your hotel to the safe big hotel zone and a taxi back to your hotel door. If in doubt just check with your hotel.
BOTANIC GARDEN.
Out of town and so peaceful after the madness of the centre, all the gardens across the world offer respite after a city’s hubbub. I always head to them especially if I need to charge my batteries and seek out the indigenous plants in all there glory. Take a look.
MAMU.
This wonderful museum complex will keep you busy for hours. It’s in Candellaria so you’ll be able to find a trendy restaurant after visiting and look around the pretty brightly coloured streets.
Got to go to the airport now so will catch you all later.
ITS WITH MIXED EMOTIONS I LEAVE BOGOTA IT’S A BIT MARMITE! I’M READY FOR THE ROAD NOW AND EXCITED FOR NEIVA AND MY FOLLOWING TRIP TO TIERRADENTRO AND THE ANCIENT TOMBS
Old Bird Travels Solo! 