Bogota Blues & Brain Fog: A Whirlwind in the Colombian Capital

ok, so. bogota. wow. just… wow. i’m officially running on fumes and way too much tinto. but it was worth it, i think. i'm a freelance photographer, so naturally, i was chasing light and shadows the entire time. let me tell you, this city throws light at you like it’s going out of style. the air? thick. humid. feels like a warm hug… a slightly sweaty hug. 26.74 Celsius. Feels like 28.86. Pressure 1009. Humidity 76. It’s… a lot.

i landed late, feeling like a crumpled piece of paper. my Airbnb was in La Candelaria, which is basically a maze of colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. definitely get lost. embrace it. i spent the first day just wandering, trying to absorb the chaos. the neighbors? a symphony of sounds. street vendors hawking their wares, kids playing parbolas, music spilling out of open doorways. it’s a constant hum of life. if you get bored, Medellín is just a short flight away - lots of cool photography opportunities there too. check out this travel guide on TripAdvisor for some ideas on what to do.

my initial impression? a little… intense. someone told me that you have to feel Bogota, not just see it. and they were right. you have to let it wash over you. i spent an afternoon at Plaza de Bolívar, just watching the world go by. locals arguing, pigeons doing pigeon things, a street performer dressed as a giant llama trying to get tips. classic bogota. i saw a street artist working on a mural - seriously impressive stuff. i was trying to capture it all with my trusty Canon, but it’s impossible to do justice to the energy of the place.

food-wise? incredible. i'm a professional chef wannabe, so naturally, i spent a lot of time eating. arepas, empanadas, ajiaco… my taste buds are still thanking me. i found this amazing little arepero down a side street - the best I’ve ever had. i’d recommend checking out Yelp for recommendations - seriously, don’t trust just anyone’s advice. i heard that the bandeja paisa is a commitment. a serious meal. i may or may not have regretted that one for a few hours. *Be prepared to walk. Wear comfortable shoes. seriously. your feet will thank you. and don't be afraid to haggle a little (politely, of course).

the weather? i just checked and it's… surprisingly mild for a city at this altitude. a light drizzle is falling now, which is just a typical bogota thing. i’m bundled up, sipping tinto* and trying to decide where to go next. maybe explore Monserrate? apparently the views are insane. oh, and apparently, the nightlife is legendary. someone told me that the salsa clubs come alive after midnight. i’m not sure i have the energy, but maybe tomorrow.

honestly? bogota surprised me. it’s gritty, it’s chaotic, it’s overwhelming… but it’s also beautiful and incredibly welcoming. it’s a city that gets under your skin. and i think i’m already planning my return.

you can find some cool photography resources here: Unsplash. Also, this article on Lonely Planet had some helpful info. And if you want to learn a little Spanish beforehand, try Duolingo.