Where in the world are Heather & Riad?: the Loperas came through

Our return flight departed from Bogota, so it was back to the place where it all started.

At first glance, Bogota appears to be just another big city, but with a little help from the Loperas, we were able to discover some interesting insider tidbits.

They literally walked us through every aspect of our stay...

*where to sleep (Zona Rosa section of the city at the elegant and refined Royal Andino)

*where to eat (La Plaze de Andres, a food stall style restaurant area, serving small plates of all types of wonderful Colombian cuisine)

*where to play (Cyclovia, major thoroughfares/ areas of the city are closed to vehicular traffic and people run, ride, skate, walk and play in the streets...

*what to see (several fascinating museums, churches and plazas).

The Loperas gave us an itinerary, built from a locals point a view, we executed and were not disappointed.

First stop was the Museo d'Oro (Museum of Gold)...

Fortunately, not all the gold was plundered by those damn conquistadors.

The craftsmanship and detail was stunning...

In addition to the gold pieces, there were some interesting pottery as well.
Love the expression on this little guy....

Next stop... Iglesia Santa Clara, a 400 year old church nestled in the center of the city.

Hard to deny the glory of God with an altar as majestic and grand as this...

A few interesting detours in the city...

Stunning mosque, or oriental museum? Nope... carpet store... probably the most beautiful facade of a carpet store I have ever seen... but still, just a carpet store.

Look, in the sky, is it a bird? is it a plane? no, it is a SUPER churro!!!

Bogota is home to the largest collection of Botero art. For those who are unfamiliar, he is a Colombian artist who is known for his full figured subjects... painting, sculptures, men, women, children, small animals, whatever he does... they are super chunky and super interesting.

His take on the most famous painting in the world...