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Yesterday I went by air from Bogota to the Caribbean city of Cartagena. Even though the government has put a lot of money into the army, it still feels safer flying, rather than going by bus.

The climate, the culture, the people, the food – a lot of things are quite a bite different here. Cartagena is listed by UNESCO as world heritage, and for sure this city is a beautiful place. I’m staying here a few more days, before continuing the trip. I hope to be back with pictures soon. Apart from that I also have some stories that I’d like to share.

So do stay tuned!

Anders

At the village square

Originally uploaded by Anders L. Hansson.

This past weekend I left Bogota for a couple of days. With some friends I went to a village about one hour away.

A picturesque place indeed – on this photo one of the streets at the village square. The location in a valley makes the climate rather different from Bogota – maybe you could call it subtropical.

For the first time I got a sense of what the internal security problems in Colombia mean in reality. People are very friendly and helpful – but cameras may rise suspicion, and sometimes there are topics that you cannot discuss.

Anders

The Gold Museum

Originally uploaded by Anders L. Hansson.

Colombian indigenous peoples became well-known for their skills in producing marvellous artefacts of gold.

Spain became well-known for stealing the gold away.

Now you can admire parts of the old treasures in the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), located in central Bogota.

According to the museum guide, you will find a considerable amount of Colombian gold items in the museums of Madrid. In spite of Colombia asking for the gold to be sent back over the Atlantic, Spain refuses. Wouldn’t this be a political issue for politicians of Catalunya?

Moreover, the situation reminds me of Scania’s treasures – stolen by Stockholm and put in museums 600 kilometers north of my home region.

Anders

Bogota and the mountains

Originally uploaded by Anders L. Hansson.

The Colombian capital is situated on 2.600 meters. But just a short trip – and you can find yourself on a mountain summit even higher, or in the tropical low land.

This picture gives a good idea of the typical panorama when you’re in Bogota down-town.

Anders