Drums, Gays, and Crepes

After the fun of Friday night, most of us were feeling the need to have a relaxed and laid back Saturday. The morning was spent lounging and watching movies, followed by some delicious Asian rice and sushi at a little place in El Chorro. Then we decided to walk around, ducking into little stores as they caught our fancy. One of the places we really liked was a hair salon which also sold clothing, journals, and knicknacks. It's manifesto was related to providing an open space for creativity and self-expression; it appears that they hold cultural and musical events there each Friday night, so I will have to check one out.

On our walk, in the Parque de los Periodistas, there was a Colombian drumming group playing. It was definitely the kind of music which compels you to dance, demands that you do not sit still. We spent at least 45 minutes in thrall to their rhythms.

To clarify the 'we' to whom I refer, I was spending the afternoon with Tess, Nancy, and Alex, all from Great Britain. Those of you who have followed my travels know that this has been my first experience with hostel life. I love it! It's quite incredible to have the ability to meet all different people, and as you are drawn together in the pursuit of travel, you already have certain base commonalities. Once you find people you really click with, then it is truly an amazing find. There are people from this trip that I may never see again but will certainly never forget.

Saturday was also the birthday of Whitney's friend Raquel, so we had a delicious Italian dinner, albeit with lousy service, and later drinks and a shisha bar. It was a quiet night, followed by a few rounds of Never Have I Ever at the hostel to keep it interesting.

Sunday was a exuberant day in Bogota. The annual Gay Pride Parade was on, and everyone was out in their most fantastic gear. Everyone was drinking in the streets, dancing to the music, and celebrating life. The parade wound from the La Macarena neighborhood down Septima towards PLaza Simon Bolivar, where it ended in a concert performed by Lady Gaga impersonators. It was my first gay pride parade, but it certainly won't be my last!

Thanks to the day drinking that occured, I decided not to join the groups going out. Instead, I stayed at the hostel, discussing Canadian politics with Cam (hostel worker from aforementioned country) and playing cards with Frann.

Monday was Alex's last say, so we went out ot lunch at a nearby Italian place. I wasn't hungry yet, so I later joined Whitney and Yoav for some food at Crepes and Waffles, which is as delicious as it sounds. The rest of the afternoon was passed with Whitney meditating in the park. At night, we drank a bit, and I ended up watching another movie with Frann.