Food Poisoning in Cartagena and Off to Bogota
Food Poisoning
There was no post yesterday because I had food poisoning and spent the day in bed. John went out a few times to get food but mostly stayed with me.
Flight to Bogota
I am feeling a little weak but much better today. We’re now checking in for our 1.5 hour flight to Bogota.
Another uneventful flight. The guy beside me snores like a trooper.
Bogota is a lot cooler than Cartagena. The high today is only 19 Celsius compared to 32C in Cartagena. Bogota is a huge city with 11 million people.
Hotel Regina
We grab a cab and head to our hotel in the La Candelaria area.
We are staying in the Regina Hotel. It is the oldest hotel in Bogota (1921). We have a light lunch in their cafe and since the room wasn’t ready yet, we head out to do some exploring.
Botero Museum
Our first stop is the Botero Museum. Fernando Botero donated his private art collection to the museum on the condition that admission for the public was always free. Most of the collection is made up of Botero’s own paintings, sketches and sculptures but also on display are works he owned by Picasso, Dali, Pizzaro, Renoir, Klimt, Henry Moore, Toulouse- Lautrec and more. There was one statue by Botero that was a naked lady and a swan…not quite sure what is going on there.
The building has a lovely courtyard with seating which is welcomed since I am still feeling a bit week from yesterday’s food poisoning and I think I am suffering a bit of altitude sickness. Bogota is at 2,700 feet which is the beginning of the zone where shortness of breath or altitude sickness can affect some people.
Simon Bolivar Square
From the museum we walk to Plaza Simon Bolivar and have a rest in the pews of the Cathedral.
The sides of the huge plaza are surrounded by a cathedral and three monumental government buildings. The cathedral is called: The Cathedral Metropolitan Basilica of Bogota & Primate of Colombia.
We are surrounded by the soft coos of thousands of pigeons as we walk the plaza. The pigeons scatter as guys sweep through on their skate boards. This is the heart of the old town and it has many beautiful old buildings.
We walk a few pedestrian streets. There are street vendors selling “Big Ass Ants”. These are a large ant that is roasted and salted. They are an expensive treat for Columbians. I really want to try them but decide to wait till tomorrow as I’m a little ‘antsy’ about eating them until my tummy is feeling better.
We head back to the hotel room where we will rest up for tomorrow’s explorations.
Glad u r feeling better! Been there my friend when we were on safari in Tanzania. I hated losing a day of sightseeing. You r an amazing traveller and nothing will keep u back very long. Hugs lynn
Yes it is a bummer losing a day. Live and learn. We do have a virtual appointment for both John and I this morning since we fly to Brazil tomorrow.
Isn’t it miraculous? Twenty years ago I would have never imagined being able to meet with my doctor from the other side of the world.
¡Hola! Hope you feel better now about your “dolor de panza”. Try to avoid street food, because they not always have clean watter to wash their fruits or any other street treats. ¡Saludos!
You make a good point about street vendors. This time I thin it was the sushi I had at the nice restaurant since John had the same mangos I did from the street vendors.
Oh well, live and learn.
I hope your tummy feels better. The remedy I use is camomile tea, ginger grated and a tsp of apple cider .get well soon hugs
Thans so much.
Food poisoning is the worst! I once got it at the Crown conference at Cleveland’s house (seafood) as did several other Crowns! Many years ago. Never had it in a foreign country unless you count my brother-in-law’s lobster in Massachusetts. I am leery of seafood. Glad you’re feeling better.
Lynne
Feeling much better today. Thanks.
I may even try some of the Roasted and Salted “Big Ass Ants” which is a real delicacy here.