We continue to have some great experiences in Bogota and here are two that are at the top of the list.
We took a graffiti tour through the Candelaria neighbourhood and without doubt this was one of the best tours I have ever done. Graffiti and street art are pervasive throughout the city but they are especially concentrated in Candelaria. The art is simply magnificent! Not only did we see amazing displays of artwork and learned about the artists behind the works, but we also gained some insight into the social and political landscape of Colombia, past and present. Sadly, this old area of Bogota is scheduled to be "restored" to look more classically colonial, and the art work is to be erased and painted over. What a shame.
The other event that we thoroughly enjoyed was partaking in the "Ciclovia". Every Sunday and public holiday from 7am-2pm, many of the main thoroughfares in the city are closed to vehicles and turned into pedestrian paths. It was started in the 1970's in Bogota when students protested the lack of public space for cycling. There can be up to between one to four million people who take to the streets, mostly on bikes, some on rollerblades, skateboards, and on feet!! It truly was a sight to see and experience. Although the bikes we rented were rather ragtag, the boys managed well and navigated through the crowds with ease.