Needless to say, despite of Lukas's assurances, I was somewhat nervous travelling to Colombia. It's reputation is not exactly the best, and thanks to the rumours and warnings, images of different horror scenarios were playing in my mind.
However, the Colombians are working hard to change the situation. And it is changing, slowly but steadily. They welcome tourists and cherish each and everyone of them who do take the leap of faith and enter their country.
The streets, parks and shopping centres are occupied by guards, police and other security personnel. Each time a car enters a parking garage, it is checked by a bomb sniffing dog. And sure, like every big city in the world, also Bogotá has its dark sides. It is only up to you whether you want to go to such neighbourhoods.
Bogotá is situated on a plain country, 2.6 km altitude of sea level so getting used to the thinner air took some time in the beginning. Whole Colombia lies close to equator which means there is almost no change in climate throughout the year. There is just one season.
So after reading carefully the Lonely Planet guide, I finally was prepared to step outside the hotel. And I am glad I did. Rarely - actually never before - you meet such genuinely friendly and polite people. The inner beauty reflects on the outside, too.
"Sí, señora, con mucho gusto!" is always the answer to a request. "Yes, ma'am, with pleasure."
Some fancy office buildings in Usaquén.
Bogotá has even its own brewery-made-into-pub called Bogota Beer Company.
Club Colombia is one local beer brand. In addition to beer, the locals are keen on rum and
aguardiente, which is an anise-flavoured liqueur derived from sugar cane.
Getting to know
Zona T that is a popular party and shopping zone on a pedestrian area shaped like the letter T.
"The T-zone" was beautifully illuminated in Christmas lights.
Lukas already met the Santa.
Hard Rock Café Bogotá!
You don't hear the Colombians complainging - if there is no snow, they create some!
They love the fake snow like children love soap bubbles!
Colombia is a promised land of beer. Many of the city's neighbourhoods have their own BBC pub - this one in Usaquén.
A street leading up to Zona T.
Enjoying the pint of local Guinness resemblant at the Pub on Zona T.
On a sunny Sunday morning, with the help of the lovely Colombians, we were lucky to find a Christmas market in Usaquén.
Phoning home.
I don't see my life through pink glasses but through champagne bubbles!
The locals were eager to sell and warmly welcomed us to try out their beautifully done handicrafts.
Another Colombian street market.
Here we are in the corner of
Parque 93, which is in a city district called El Chicó.
Window shopping sure wakes up the appetite!
The stylish Colombian hamburger chain, El Corral, got also me into liking burgers!
Hopefully me liking hamburgers doesn't show yet... ;)
Is it a tourist bus or a party on wheels?
It seemed like a party on wheels...
Colombians like healthy snacks - have a taste some sweet corn cobs!
A little cathedral next to the
Parque de Usaquén.
A cute little colonial street in Usaquén.
Zona G is an area specialised in restaurants. It is filled with restaurants around the world: Mexican, Italian, Colombian...
On Sunday we asked the taxi driver to take us for a spin in the centre of Bogotá.
La Candelaria is a colourful, colonial neighbourhood in the city centre.
La Candelaria got its name from the numerous candles that used to light up the town.
Casa de Moneda is a Colombian museum of mints, also build in colonial style.
Casa de Moneda's inner courtyard.
The Colombians are early on Christmas mood. Even though the weather is nowhere near Arctic climate, there is still an ice skating ring on Plaza Bolivar.
The cathedral on Plaza Bolivar in the centre.
The congress house of the Colombian Republic.
When you can't have Santa's reindeer, also an alpaca will do. Meet the local Rudolph.
The joyful Colombian colours and a snack stand.
Promotional campaigns advertise the country: "Colombia, the only risk is wanting to stay."
Con mucho gusto, I would love to.
Hanna's 2-year old boy Atte took us for a ride in the beautiful nature.
Instead of sun bathing in +30 °C I am shoveling snow, losing my toes to a frost bite and enjoying other winterly pleasures of this Arctic land. 
But it doesn't matter, because I'm enjoying myself also here!
