The name of this city has changed several times from Bogota to Santa fe to Bogota and back, so the license plates here very.
So we last saw the Two Moto Kiwi (TMK from here on out) after we had just left the famous for its massive cinnamon buns Braeburn “lodge” just outside of Whitehorse. We were headed to Dawson City and they we headed back. It was cool and raining. As we passed each other we said in our minds “hey that’s the TMK…should we turn back, no we will see them again soon”. That said more than a year later we did finally meet again in Bogota, where fellow ADV riders Salvador and Paola are hosting them. We had to go out of course for Andi’s Birthday.
Spending the day wandering around the Candeleria district or old city we strolled its narrow cobbled streets and into the Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo, which is the historic center of the city. The rest of the downtown area of Bogota has a Soviet era feel to the buildings.
There are all kinds of interesting design details to see in the old town.
In many public spaces they have these police kiosks. On the streets there are many police, especially at night. They have walking police patrols with huge muzzled dogs.
The Botero Museum is also located in the Candelaria area, and houses part of the private collection of the most “Colombian of Colombian artists Fernando Botero Angulo. His works feature a figurative style, called by some “Boterismo”, which gives them an unmistakable identity. His art is a stunning to see and the exhibit includes paintings and sculpture housed in a restored old building with wood floors, fountains, courtyards, and free admission.
The next stop on the WWR walking tours was the main Plaza de Bolivar and Cathedral Principal.
Leaving the square you go thru several layers of security as you near the Presidential Palace. There is a beautiful grounds surrounded by an honor guard. Heading back out thru the secure zone we spotted this amazing church façade.
The Gold Museum or Museo del Oro displays the world’s largest selection of its pre-Hispanic gold work. It is well with the 3000$ pesos or 1.60 USD entry. The displays have English descriptions that describe the objects as well as the intricate processed by which they were made. You do not go to too many museums where the doors to the galleries are vaults.
For more check out our ADV rider Ride report