Getting to Know the Neighborhood

Today I did walking, lots of walking, just to familiarize myself with the neighborhood, and so I didn't have to resort to Google Maps every block or two.  It's actually really easy to get around -- the streets are in a grid, and "calles" run east to west (ish) and go up in number as you go north.  "Calleras" 90 degrees the opposite.

I hope it comes through in the pics, but many of the streets are narrow, with narrow sidewalks.  And at least in some parts, the sidewalks look like they have been partially torn up and partially repaired every few feet.  It's a bumpy challenge, and my feet hurt!

The only "organized" thing I did today was a tour from my guidebook of La Candelaria, the historic center, very pretty in parts with the colonial architecture, overhanging balconys, etc.  The rest was just random walks, down to the plaza San Bolívar, parks etc., then if I got tired back to the hotel for a rest.  Then another walk.





The smaller streets are a riot of shops, seemingly every other one some combination of restaurant/cafe, and the next one a tiny shop selling everything from phone accessories to snacks (again with the food!).  My hotel is half a block away from La Séptima, Bogotá's main drag, which is pedestrianized and teeming with little stands (sometimes little more than a plastic sheet on the ground) selling everything from clothing to bootleg DVDs to plumbing parts.

I have been fearless with my Spanish. Usually that has worked out.

Already after two days I think I'm mostly past the pain barrier.  It's not so much culture shock and being in a foreign country (been there, done that) as the switch from the sleepy suburbs to the hustle 'n' bustle of the hi-NRG city.  From just walking around without hurting myself and not bumping into anyone on the narrow sidewalks (the bogotanos seem to have a sixth sense) to not getting lost, I'm starting to feel a bit comfortable.  The few brief hours when I regretted pulling up stakes are over.  Both annoying challenges (for one, the bus system) and delights (discovering Colombian food) await.

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