Zipaquirá

Founded in 1600 by the Spaniards, Zipaquirá (pronounced, z-paw-key-RA) is a must-see in Colombia. Located just 48 km north of Bogotá, (however, the 8,700 ft. altitude can still be daunting if you're not used to it), Zipaquirá has been habited since possibly 13,000 B.C., and according to a sign on the way into town, it is the "Salt Capital of Colombia." I completely agree with them.

The main square in Zipaquirá 

View of the city

 Typical street

The church in the main square, an impressive church, however, Zipaquirá has one of the most interesting churches in the world.

The inside of the church on the main square.

Salt mining has been the big industry here for a long time. Someone told that salt was a big deal for the indigenous as well.

In the 50s some people (pardon my historical accuracy) decided to turn the mine into a giant, trippy, cathedral built 200 meters (656 feet) underground in the side of a mountain. It's built entirely out of salt. However, that cathedral is now too dangerous to enter because of risk of collapse. So they built a new one about 20 years ago. Still amazing. Still made out of salt.

Waiting in line to get in.

The tube that leads us down to the mine.

Salt

This cross is 25 feet tall. And made out of salt.

Mass is actually held here and people come from all over Colombia to attend.

The ceiling is at leat a couple hundred feet tall. 

You can go even deeper if you want. But you have to pay, and where a hard hat. 

Bikers!!

Still in Bogotá and still having fun!
Saludos desde Bogotá!

Futbol, Buenaventura and Downtown Bogotá

Greetings. Still doing fine in Bogotá.

Lots of things are going on now. The mini-marathon, ciclovía, and more importantly the U-20 World Cup. I'm not really on the edge of my seat or anything, but everyone around here seems really happy because Colombia whooped France 4-1 last night in Bogotá. (must be the altitude, but hey, what do I
know). Soccer fever has hit Bogota. Wait, Bogota has always had soccer fever. Below is the opening ceremony in Barranquilla (Caribbean)

 Transmilenio station "El Campin" is ready for fans.

 Downtown Bogota

Northern Bogotá


Deidi had a nice little business trip to Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca, on the pacific coast. She was nice enough to take some pictures.

All is well in Bogota. Saludos!

Tabio

We decided to escape from the perpetual horn honking and Defcon-5-car-alarm-sounding, overly-cute stray-dog filled streets of Bogotá. So we hopped another bus and left the city and ventured into a quaint little town called Tabio located just 28 miles north of Bogotá. (or about an hour on a bus that will teach you the meaning of car sick)

Tabio, which comes from the Chibcha word, "Teib", meaning "hole or dent," has a population of about 20,000. The main industries in Tabio are floriculture, carrots, peas, corn and potatoes. It also is known for it's desserts. (I resisted) Other than that it has a pretty neat collection of colonial arquitecture.

Panoramic shot of Tabio, I mean "Dent". (Tabio is also famous for hot springs, so maybe the name of the town has to do with that)

The church in the main square.

Tabio is surrounded by mountains and is a little chillier than Bogotá.

South Carolina's international legacy. Made me feel at home. Frankly, I'm surprised it didn't have Seymour plates. 

"Here end all vanities of the world." An interesting way to decorate an entrance to a cementary.


Well, everything is going great in Bogotá. Saludos desde Bogotá!