Bogotá or bust!

I was able to take in some new scenery and discover many amazing, cultural wonders of Colombia’s capitol city last weekend, when my German friend (Melanie) and I traveled to Bogotá for the largest International Theater Festival in the world! I’ve still been struggling quite a lot here in Cali, so I must say that it was good for my heart and soul to be in new surroundings, and I discovered that I am a huge fan of the atmosphere of Bogotá. Aside from a very memorable German version of Macbeth that included 8 German men playing all roles (both male and female) in FULL nudity (!!!!) and a really impressive Spanish flamenco dancing show (two productions of the theater festival), we saw many neat attractions. Here are some images and descriptions:

We rode cable cars up to the scenic viewing point of Monserrate, which has 360-degree views of the massive city (which is situated in a valley) and surrounding green mountains.

We viewed many famous works of art. Here's the Mona Lisa, according to Botero (Colombia's most famous artist, who really enjoys embracing the chubbiness of mankind) and a work of Picasso.

Bogotá is home to many beautiful churches, cathedrals, and chapels.

Melanie and I befriended many pigeons in the city's center.

The highlight of our excursion, however, was the festival’s inaugural parade, which was the COOLEST parade I’ve ever seen in my life. It was pretty much a 2.5-hour nonstop party that included tons of dancing, enthusiasm, audience participation, incredible costumes, Latin American culture, and resounding energy. Here are some highlights:

[This last one was quite eye-catching! A man passed by completely naked, riding a bike in a glass cage. He was the ninth naked man that I saw throughout this Bogotá experience, mind you!].