Diary of a Doc: Dr. JJ on a Misson...a Medical Mission -- Columbia, Day 1 pics

So excited to show you the pics from yesterday's first day...Here goes!


July 1: first day in Bogota after a redeye from LAX -- all 18 of us arrived in one piece, and never stopped touring all day. Got a little woozy at 10,000 feet at the Monserrat Cathedral, but otherwise hung in...early to bed...more adventures today (pics and today's diary coming soon!)...will try to post daily. xo - JJ

Bogota is very hilly - feels like Old San Juan. CRAZY drivers and no rules...lots of car repair shops!



The streets are as colorful as the people.



We visited the Interior Minister's palace (Palacio di San Carlos) where I fell in love with this mirror (it's 6 feet in diameter!). Do you think they would notice if I "borrowed" it for my living room? Just kidding.



One of the many private courtyards. That'll work.



Old Cathedral. Have you ever seen a more beautiful brilliant blue sky?



In the public square...another friendly alpaca awaits his photo op. (And we just had ponies!)



The ultimate smiling vendor. Chalupa anyone?



The group with the palace guard (yes, they ALL look like they're 15 years old).



Enroute to Monserrat Cathedral -- there is a lovely waterfall with the icon of Bogota on the right -- while you await the tram that takes you on a harrowing 2000 foot vertical rise...you are calmed by this vision.



And then you board...



and go up...



and up...to view this city of 7 million.




And at the top, our group on the steps of the Cathedral in the pouring rain, out of breath and a bit headachey with the sudden rise in altitude...but eager to see the ornate chapel within...

Then back to the hotel after a long lunch at Casa Vieja where we ate corn cakes called arepas - with chimmichurri, amazing empanadas, potato soup, incredible steak, and the local beer - Club Colombia - which was EXCELLENT! Nighty night until tomorrow...