Bogota is Colombia’s Capital City and, like most capitals that I have visited, they are big places, with heavy traffic and just plain madness. Bogota was no different. The population is seven million and the traffic was tough. The problem was not crazy drivers, it was the vast number of drivers. I could not get anywhere because I would become trapped in the traffic jams and would not be able to move. Colombia had the most motorcycles I have ever seen in my travels. There were thousands of people using 125cc or 200cc bikes. I saw some amazing loads on these bikes. For example I saw a family of five onboard one of these bikes. I also saw small scooters pulling some sizable advertising signs on trailers behind them. Therefore, trying to get around on a motorcycle was very difficult and slow. My guess is that approximately 80% of the police in Bogota were 2 up on a motorcycle. Everyone seemed to ride, rain or shine. If raining, the rain gear came out and life goes on.
My first day in Bogota was spent working on my GS so I did not see much of the city. On my second day my friend Jairo and his family were hoping to take me on a day trip to the inner city. However, the rain started and traffic was not moving at all. We spent five hours stuck in the car with traffic not moving an inch. Late at night, once the traffic had subsided, we were able to see some of the city sights. The Simon Bolivar Plaza was decorated with bright Christmas lights. The plaza is in the center of the city with all the government buildings. City Hall on one side, the Justice Hall on the other, and the city’s Cathedral on another side. Security was high. When we entered a parking lot it was required that the hood and trunk be open for inspection. Security officers scanned the underside of the car with mirrors, as well.
My Friend Jairo
Jairo's father Antonio
Bogota Cathedral
Simon Bolivar Plaza