Well I arrive okay to Bogota, and just as I expected it's nit nearly as dangerous nor poor as everyone is afraid of. Don't get me wrong, those areas exist but I haven't seen much of it. Where I am, more in the north west part, Is very tranquil, middle class, parks, schools, supermarkets, people out walking their dogs. With the mountains nearby, it's a lot chillier than Barranquilla. From sweating buckets, now I'm wearing leggings under my pants and a jacket. Thank God it hasn't rained yet cause it usually rains a lot. With brick buildings and a little overcast it kinda reminds me of the east coast.

I arrive on Independence Day expecting huge parties, salsa dancing in the street... I was most definitely wrong. It was really dead and most places closed. Apparently there was a parade in the morning but I was unaware. BUT to my pleasant surprise, I did something really interesting and more meaningful than a parade.

Fernando, the Colombian who kindly picked me up from the airport and offered me his laundry machine (much needed TRUST me) and a bed (contrary to the comfy look of it, It felt as hard as a plank of wood. I'm convinced there's no mattress), brought me to this small event that I LOVED. A group of young guys and girls meet up ever Wednesday evening in downtown Bogota, each person brings a bag of rolls or muffins and one girl brings 2 huge thermus things of hot tea. Together they walk around downtown offering bread and the hot tea to the homeless. The rule is to NOT give any money and be friendly with them and converse. Until now, most of them are familiar with this group and they really appreciate it. We also stopped at a really poor building where like 20 poor families live. The kids came POURING out to hug us and they knew some of the others' names... They were so cute and we stayed a bit outside playing games with them. It was such a simple idea I love it! They know theyre not saving their lives but at least for one night they have a little something. The whole group was awesome, I got to talk in depth to a few about the social problem here and the stereotypes of both Colombia and USA.

So it was great but I'm still dying to go dancing!! Can't believe I haven't been able to thusfar but we'll see. 2 nights left. I'll write later about the Cathedral of Salt and the downtown area...