Holidays to Bogota

There is an enormous police presence in La Candelaria so, to put it bluntly, you feel safe because there are police at every corner! The police are friendly as well, no hard or threatening faces. Colombia and especially Bogotá are on a charm offensive. La Candelaria is a mixture of beautiful, restored colonial buildings and others in the process of being restored. The colours are eye catching, vibrant and brash but somehow blend together. Imaginative urban street art abounds. This is a city regaining its confidence beginning to feel that it will be a big player in the South American market.

Towering above the east of the city is the peak of Monserrate at 3,152 metres. You can walk up the 1,500 steps to reach the top in an hour or take the cable car or funicular. The view from the top over the sprawling 1,700 sq-km capital is spectacular - on a clear day views can extend to well over 100km. There are two excellent restaurants at the summit.

The Botero museum is a must. He was Colombia's most famous artist with a highly entertaining style depicting all his subjects as over fat! The collection, including works by famous artists like Picasso, Chagall and Miro was bequeathed to the nation provided free entry was allowed. There is the gold museum with priceless ornaments manufactured by the many tribes that inhabited Colombia before the Spanish invasion. And, of course there are the richly decorated churches.

Bogotá is also a base from which to visit the impressive salt cathedral at Zipaquirá on a day trip combined with a fascinating visit to a rose plantation. Colombia is the world's second largest producer of cut flowers and some say the Dutch import from Colombia and then export in their own name!

Finally, no stay in Bogotá is complete without a night at the restaurant Andres Carne de Res. It is hard to describe this quirky restaurant with a capacity close to 5,000 covers. You won't hear yourselves speak but the decor, music, dancing and the characters who work and eat there are to be seen to be believed. No matter how old you are don't miss it!