After 2 months living in Bogotá I'm still getting to grips with this enormous city but for me it is a place that just keeps getting better with time. Here are the good, the bad and the strange parts of living here so far:
The Good
# Bogotá's diversity and vibrancy- The city is alive and moves to a fast paced ever changing rhythm. Whereas other cities in the world seem stagnant and routine, Bogotá is ever changing, ever exciting, and there is always something to do. Similar to Brighton I find it impossible to walk down the street and not see, smell or hear something new every day; it is a city that keeps you on your toes.
#Bogotá Friendliness- It is impossible to go on a night out here and not make friends. Colombians are incredibly friendly, sociable and welcoming which makes settling into the city easier than other places.
#Freedom and Liberalness- Bogotá is a place where individuality seems to flourish and walking around you will see everything from tattoo clad punks to trendy hipsters as everyone seems to have their own style and there is a liberal and accepting vibe throughout the city. This liberal atmosphere is reflected in the amazing variety and quality of street art that adorns the city.
#Convenience- In England shops close early, so it is great to be in a place where you don't have to look far to get food and necessities at any hour. Restaurants, cafes and shops stay open later and the Bogotanos speak the clearest Spanish in the world, and are extremely helpful and friendly making it an enjoyable and easy city to move to.
#Bogotá Nightlife- Nights out Bogotá style are about having a good time, making friends and dancing. Whereas in England dancing in a club often involves just standing on the spot and swaying your shoulders slightly here people really bring out the reggaeton and salsa moves, and its not uncommon to see a dance off now and then.
The Bad
#Transport- Transport it probably the only real issue I have with Bogotá but saying that you adapt quickly. Whilst I can generally find my way back home from anywhere in the city by hopping on a bus getting to a place is a continual problem and I frequently have to get taxis. Also the buses can be slow, crowded and difficult to navigate and I am still trying to get to grips with the Transmileno routes.
#The Noise- Bogotá is a big noisy city and its hard to find a quiet place to relax if you need an escape from the hustle and bustle. Whilst this isn't really a big problem and the same in every major city it was really nice to get away from the noise to Villa de Leyva for a few days.
#Robbery- Whilst the outdated reputation of Colombia as a highly dangerous country full of terror is a false stereotype, walking around (especially at night) you always have to be mindful of your possessions, however you learn how to stay safe quickly. So far I haven't been robbed here but always follow local advice and don't walk home late at night if it's too quiet.
#Getting into a daily routine- Because Bogotá is so exciting and sociable it can be easy to get distracted from work, studies and a normal routine. It is easy to go out too much and though I have justified this for a bit on the basis that I've been making friends, it was difficult to establish some normality for a while because its just so alive and fun here.
The Strange
#The Weather- Bogotá's weather is fickle, it can't make up it's mind and its not unusual to encounter a thunderstorm, rain and beautiful sunshine within the same hour. However for me the climate here is perfect. It's warm enough you don't need to wear 15 layers, and cool enough your not constantly sweaty and tired- and the daily drizzle reminds me of England.
# Bus vendors and musicians- How do you make a bus journey not boring? let musicians, sellers and comedians come along for the ride! Often sat on a bus you will suddenly find someone hopping on for the ride to sell you sweets, watches,play songs and sing. Initially annoying I've grown to love these little journey interruptions.
#Shop Districts- In Bogotá stuff in sold in sections. If you want a book you go to book street, shoes are on shoe street, mirrors in mirror block. Initially confusing it makes perfect sense really.
#Food- I love Colombian food and some of the strange combinations I've tried here including hot chocolate and cheese, meat on a stick (Pincho), little crisps in your burger, Wafers filled with jam, caramel and cheese all mushed together, but there is a limit. Pineapple sauce on hotdogs...I will never understand why. yuck.
#Guinea Pig Gambling- I wrote about this strange game in a previous post. Really odd but great fun.
