The R&R Big Adventure

Unfortunately due to a lack of sleep, jet lag, and Bogota’s altitude (at over 2,600m above sea level, you definitely feel it on day one), yesterday was a bit befuddled for me. It didn’t stop us exploring the La Candelaria (Bogota’s cultural centre) and stumbling across some amazing free museums set in pretty colonial mansions, as well as llamas wandering the streets with no discernible owners. A bonus find was a wonderful restaurant called Prudencia (prudencia.net) which did an amazing set menu for lunch. Waiters were super friendly too – in fact, in two days, we haven’t met anyone who hasn’t been friendly. It really was a find, as there was no sign above the door, and you had to knock to be let in. There are clearly some great restaurants here and I can understand when our guide today said Bogota features amongst the top gastronomical capitals of the world.

After ten hours of sleep, today got off to a much better start – brain engaged, we headed out for a tour of the famous Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira, about an hour north of the city. The engineering and architecture behind it is amazing- a vast, multi-chambered structure, that in addition to the usual cathedral check-list (I’ve been to a few with Robert over the years) included an underground ice cream parlour, spa (salt treatments, of course) and modern sculpture museum. We went on a small group tour – the positive being we met a very friendly group of ladies travelling through Colombia (one of whom lives and works in Hammersmith – small world…) but the negative being the restaurant at lunchtime was very touristy. The waiters didn’t just hassle punters on the street to come in, they actually chased cars at the crossing, menus in hand. Who needs a coffee at the end of the meal when we had pan-pipe players, who didn’t know if their dress code was The Blues Brothers (all wearing sunglasses, indoors) or traditional South American costume.