Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Bogotá Bits

Last time in Colombia there wasn't a lot of time to do the tourist-y things, but something we managed to do.

We went for an evening walk in La Candelaria, a pretty, colonial part of Bogotá, and got to know some culture. Also we saw the presidential palace, Casa de Nariño...







We saw some art of a famous Colombian artist, Botero, also in the lovely neighbourhood of La Candelaria in the centre of Bogotá, where already the houses are a sight to see. Botero's handicraft is recognisable for his plump figures...

















There were also some work of other artists, such as Picasso, Miró and Salvador Dalí...





We admired some night time scenery and the city lights...





A couple of times we wined and dined well...







Once or twice I went shopping in Zona T's shopping centres when Lukas was busy with work...



All in all, what we saw was just a fraction of what Bogotá offers. Luckily, we have time to explore more another time!

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Experience In The Woods

Amidst the early winter's colourless, naked nature vivid photos of the Indian summer cheer up, let you breathe. Be reborn. Let the peace and tranquility get to you.

Without further ado I encourage you to sit back, have a cuppa and enjoy one of my favourite locations on Earth in its summer costume.



















































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Live your life and forget your age.
Jean Paul

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Thursday, November 17, 2011

Oktoberfest 2011

Some of the best pieces of our culture gathered in one place on a sunny spring afternoon?
We're there!



With a little group of friends - Sarah, Raphael and José - we headed to Malloco, an hour outside of Santiago, where the annual Oktoberfest takes place at the end of October and the beginning of November. The first time we were there two years ago.











German food, folksy music and good beer all alleviate home sickness!





With high hopes and mouths full of saliva everyone ordered treats from home. Or that's what they thought... The taste and appearance of the food came out not-so-traditionally!

Clockwise the gourmet dishes are supposed to represent: bratwurst with sauerkraut, apfelkuchen, leberkäse and potato salad, and peach cake.

Because I remembered the quality of the lunch from two years ago and wouldn't order sausages even in the German speaking region, I settled for always-safe chicken with rise.

The beer was neither German but still very good!

The waitresses were wearing dirndls and the waiters leather pants.

After the lunch the jazz band changed into "Die Freunde", who motivated some of the Chileans onto the dance floor.

And also me!

Then we decided to go and get some real German beer and enjoy the sunshine.

The only option for us was Erdinger Weiss Bier!





Erdinger chicas.

La cerveza más fria de Oktoberfest. The sign promises the coldest beer of the Oktoberfest.

We wanted to dance and hear how the hills are alive with the sound of music! ;)



Other like-minded spirits.

After some dancing we thought it's time to sit down and enjoy the festival. Sarah was able to capture the festival atmosphere on these great snapshots.







The hat says: "Cuidado! Borracho suelto" which means "Be careful! A drunk is loose." I'll say! ;)















At the sunset it was time to go back to Santiago, of course stopping first at our favourite pizzeria Tiramisu, which is already a tradition. Hunger growling in the bellies, Lukas was hoping to solve the traffic jam by pushing the slow bus.

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This is how it goes, right?
I recommend you all to watch
this banned Heineken ad.

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