Hola Fmailia y nuestro amigos! We haven't posted much lately, mostly because we have been either resting or out exploring the city of Bogota; this of course leads us back to more resting. We will try and catch you up on the last few days, mostly so we don't forget. (You thought this blog was just for you?)
The day following our adventurous trip to Chicaque and the next day we decided to take "down days" and hung out around the hotel spending quality time with Michael. Matt really enjoyed this as he had someone else to watch sports with on TV (albeit in Spanish). Now that Kristin is finally outnumbered two to one, Matt can actually watch sports instead of the usual Kardashians or Real Housewives of ....... (enter city). Our only venture out was to Juan Valdez (think a Colombian Starbucks) for some much needed caffeine with some of our friends at the hotel and the quick walk to the pharmacy.
Already loving Florida State!!
After our restful days, we spent yesterday on the go again exploring Bogota some more and checking out the weekly outdoor flea market. On Sundays in Bogota the city closes two lanes on the main roads from 8am to 2pm and EVERYONE in the city comes out to rollerblade, bike ride, jog, walk, socialize, etc. It is a great idea and gives the entire city a very friendly, family-oriented feeling. It just happened that yesterday was also a beautiful day out, slightly cloudy and no smog (most likely due to everyone outside on foot versus the normally dense traffic). We could see the green mountains and the sunlight lit up all the colors of the city. And of course the street performers were out entertaining the few cars that were on the road.
Once we arrived at the flea market we discovered blocks and blocks of booths selling every piece of merchandise you could imagine. There were food vendors selling delicious grilled corn, creamy yogurt topped with ripe mango and papaya, the popular local dish of paella (rice, meat or seafood, onions, garlic and spices paired with sauteed mushrooms), empanadas, hand made ice cream, coconut slices and pastries galore. Kristin purchased a few items to include a hand made leather wallet and some local designs. Matt put his pesos to better use and pigged out on the food sold by the vendors.
In addition to the vendors, there was also everything from an Irish music group, more street performers, classic american muscle cars and capoeira practitioners putting on a demonstration. We also visited a beautiful church at the top of the hill overlooking Bogota with the largest palmetto trees we have ever seen. This church is also home to a convent of nuns.
After being completely shopped out, we stopped at a local restaurant for a few energy boosting appetizers and to sample the local cerveza brewed there on site. Michael loved the outing and has the best personality. Like his momma, he sleeps whenever he is pushed in his stroller or carried (in Kristin's case whenever she is in the car, train, airplane, etc. Although petite, she doesn't quite fit into the stroller). When Michael is awake, it is giant, toothless smiles and laughs. Before returning to the hotel we stopped off at a local ice cream parlor to sample the cold, creamy deliciousness.
This final picture has no purpose other then to display the absolutely adorable cuteness of our son, Michael Kenneth Ives.
Until next time, hasta luego!!
