LA CANDELARIA DE BOGOTA

"Sitting there, alone in a foreign country, far from my job and everyone I know, a feeling came over me. All I can say is that I felt, at the same time, joy and sadness. But not too much sadness, because I felt alive. Yes, alive." - Paris, I love You (2006)

I'm in love. Never have I felt this to a place except for my home country of course. But this place, La Candelaria in Bogota, gorgeous. Colombian writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez once wrote that what matters in life is not what happens to you but what you remember and how you remember it. This is my last stop in this crazy journey of mine in the south, and I know that I'll remember it by heart.

Goodbye Colombia, goodbye South America!

‪#‎lacalendaria‬, ‪#‎colombia‬, ‪#‎southamerica‬

— at La Candelaria In Bogota, Colombia

THE STREET ART OF COLOMBIA

"The core of man's spirit comes from new experiences". - Into the Wild (2007)

Bogota, Colombia,  I didnt know anything about it. It was really just a three day stopover, and I wasn't really expecting much. But sometimes, it is with the least expected that we are rewarded with a great time. I was already in awe with Sao Paulo and Cochabamba's graffitis. And here in Bogota, the whole town became a willing canvass of great street art. I'm speechless.

Colombia is a country with a rich history and culture, and this is reflected in its street art. In Bogotá, the capital city, you can find street art of all different styles, from traditional graffiti to more contemporary murals. 

One of the most famous street artists in Bogotá is Stinkfish. His work is characterized by its colorful and playful characters, often with a social message.

                                       

In addition to these well-known artists, there are many other talented street artists working in Bogotá. You can find their work all over the city, from the streets of La Candelaria to the walls of the Zona Rosa.

                                       

No matter where you go in Bogotá, you are sure to see some amazing street art. It is a great way to experience the city's culture and to see the work of some of the country's most talented artists.

‪#‎bogota‬ ‪#‎colombia‬, ‪#‎southamerica‬

 — in Bogotá, Colombia.

THE LOST CITY OF THE INCAS

"How is it possible to feel nostalgia for a world I never knew?” - Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

The famous words from Che Guevarra as he entered the lost city. I was having goosebumps myself while treking up. 

The journey to Machu Picchu is a journey of both calmness and wonder. As you get closer, the landscape becomes more and more stunning. The mountains rise up around you. The air is crisp and clean, and the only sounds are the chirping of birds and the rushing of rivers.

As you finally approach Machu Picchu, you are greeted by the magnificent fog that envelopes the mountaintop. The fog is ever-changing, sometimes obscuring the ruins and sometimes revealing them in all their glory. 

Once you are inside Machu Picchu, you are struck by the sense of calmness that permeates the ruins. The stones are well-preserved, and the layout of the city is still evident. It is easy to imagine what life was like here for the Incas. The fog adds to the sense of calmness. It also plays with the light, creating ever-changing shadows and highlights. The effect is mesmerizing. 

You can wander around the ruins for hours, lost in thought. It is like being in a different world, a world where time has stood still. It is a truly magical sight.

‪#‎sevenwondersoftheworld‬, ‪#‎onthewayuptomp‬, ‪#‎peru‬, ‪#‎southamerica‬

 

— atMachupicchu, Cuzco, Perú        

THE SIX HOUR WALK TO ONE OF THE SEVEN WONDERS

"This road will never end. It probably goes all around the world." - My Own Private Idaho (1991)

Five to six hours walk. One way. Just follow the rail tracks. That's what the other backpackers told me. From Sta. Theresa to Agua Callentes, I'd stay there for the night, wake up at 3:30 am, and prep up to trek the mountains to the lost city of the Incas. I mustered all my strength. This better be worth it.

‪#‎sevenwondersoftheworld‬, ‪#‎santatheresa‬, ‪#‎aguacallentes‬, ‪#‎peru‬,‪#‎southamerica‬

 — at Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu

LA LUNA DE BOLIVIA

"To infinity and beyond!" - Toy Story (1995)

Valle dela Luna or Valley of the Moon, that's what they call it. A labyrinth of lunar-like surroundings that is definitely out of this world. The wonders of nature never fail to surprise me!

‪#‎valledelaluna‬, ‪#‎bolivia‬, ‪#‎southamerica‬

 — at Valley Of The Moon, La Paz, Bolivia