Today, we escaped the city and headed to Lac Rose (aka Rose Lake or Lac Retba), most well known for its magic trick. At certain times, under certain conditions, it appears as if it is pink. I think it has something to do with its high salt content, which is higher than the ocean’s.
I can’t fathom a time when a child’s worth was determined by the condition of his or her teeth. But in Senegal during the slave trade, children were judged just as mules were–by looking at their chompers. Captive men had to be over 130 pounds to be eligible for the slave market, so those who…
The phrase “from here to Timbuktu,” is commonly used to describe some remote, hard-to-reach mythical place, but never a real destination that one could actually visit. But then, a few years ago, I was on a flight going who knows where, when I started chatting with a woman sitting next to me. “I’m going to…
While a wacko pastor in Florida was contemplating the burning of the Koran this week, I was attending a wacky event: the ritual burning of Zozobra in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The burning of the 50-foot-tall marionette signifies an emotional cleansing of gloom; and the sign of better things to come. The event begins with…
Santa Fe was the original capital of the state of Antioquia before it moved to Medellin, a couple hours south.. The Lonely Planet describes it as a weekend escape from the city, but doesn’t say much else about it other than the tourist information center can provide a list of local artisans, whose studios can…
One look at the water rushing over the edge of the cliff before us, and I’m not so sure rappeling down the waterfall was such a good idea after all, especially after so much rain. “I’ve never seen so much water here before,” says our guide Arturo. Seeing our eyes widen, he adds: “Just kidding….
When I first read about Villa de Leyva, I was instantly enamored with it. A four-hour busride from Bogota, the colonial town is not only one of the safest places in Colombia, but it’s surrounded by natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor adventure. Oscar Gilede knows about all the great places to visit. He runs…
I could have spent a week exploring Bogota on foot, but I never would have seen as much as I did on the six-hour bike ride I took. Cruising around town on two wheels, I visited popular sites on the must-see list, but also many out-of-the-way spots. Bogota Bike Tours is owned and operated by…
I saw this G.K. Chesterton quote last night: “The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.” So far, Chris and I have seen things that we could have never expected, but wouldn’t want it any other way. Our first day in Bogota and we’ve. been greeted with rain…
“Is Colombia safe?” That’s the number one question I get when I tell people that I’m going to the South American nation. There is no guarantee that we’re safe, even in our own neighborhoods, but most sources say that Colombia is safe for travelers who stay on the main tourist circuit and big cities, travel…
