This Is a Man's World

... were Daniela and I singing on our last mountain bike tour two weeks ago in Bojacá. Being the only two girls on this group "run" sure was challenging.

As it turned out, the tour we did was hard at times even for our local "guides". Nobody was able to cycle all the way. However, as always, the scenery and the fresh air that smells like eucalyptus makes it all worth it. At one point I even had a chat with a cute baby sheep. And better work-out than that is hard to get!

Although it wasn't a sunny day, we were sweating! We had quite many breaks - this being the longest after everyone reached the top of a mountain and its antenna.

This trip had many different kinds of terrains. This was a part where all had to push their bikes up, and of course the wildest of the guys were eager to bike the steep, curvy, bumpy road down. When seeing the path is where I decided to leave my bike, hike up and down, and continue cycling on a more even ground. A wise decision!

Going in a group means you are as fast as the slowest of the group is. Nevertheless, even in a group this big everybody gets to go their own speed and the fastest ones just have to wait a little longer. Or they get longer breaks. ;)

After 5 hours of heavy cycling we were starving and thirsty so we were all very happy to reach the village centre of Bojacá where we had parked! Tired but happy.

If something I have learned on these trips is don't bring a watch. It's better not to know the time or how long you have been cycling already. Just do it! If they can do it, you can, too.

Yes...
This is a man's world
This is a man's world
But it wouldn't be nothing
Nothing without a woman or a girl, ooh

Sense Overload

As we were driving towards our first pitstop, the Cathedral of Salt in Zipaquirá, the beautiful scenery flashed before our eyes.

About 110 km east of Bogotá we passed an important national monument, the bridge of Boyacá. The bridge is representing the historic battle of August 7, 1819 known as the Battle of Boyacá, which granted independence to Colombia.

At the same moment the guard change took place.

Colombia's first wonder, the Cathedral of Salt. The most perceptive readers might remember that we got to know the old salt mine already in the beginning of the year.

After our speedy yet soothing tour at the cathedral everyone was getting hungry. Quite close to Zipaquirá lays the town of Chia, where the most well-known Colombian restaurant Andrés Carne de Res is.

It is a restaurant like nothing I have ever seen before. Andrés Carne de Res is a shock for all your senses - there are thousands, no, MILLIONS of details the owner has collected over the years.

Music and performers entertain guests who kick off the heels after dinner and start dancing. The menu is a book! Walls, ceiling, floor - all are filled with details found, recycled, purchased, donated or otherwise collected.

As much fun as we had with our guests, unfortunately all good things must come to an end. Thank you for visiting guys, it was a blast having you here! You're anytime, anywhere welcome again! ;)