Bogota's Buzz: A Drummer's Dizzying Dive
okay, so bogota. where do i even begin? i just got back, and my brain feels like a snare drum after a particularly intense gig. thirty-six… nine… oh god, the numbers. they’re swirling. anyway, i was there for a week, playing drums for this… let’s just say interesting experimental jazz collective. it was less about the music and more about the sheer chaos of the experience, honestly.
I’m a touring drummer, you see. I hop around, wherever the rhythm takes me. Bogota was… a lot. The weather? I just checked and it’s simmering, like a pot of something vaguely spicy left on the stove too long. Thirty-one point six, feels like thirty-three. Humidity’s clinging to everything. You’ll sweat. Just accept it.
My room was in La Candelaria, which is… intense. Beautiful, crumbling, intense. Like a postcard from a dream you can’t quite remember. I spent a lot of time wandering, trying to find decent coffee (more on that later). I stumbled across this tiny plaza, and overheard this guy ranting about the city’s bus system.
“They say it’s efficient! Efficient for who? The pigeons? I swear, I saw a pigeon driving one yesterday.”
Pretty much sums it up.
I did find a few gems, though. There’s this little record store, Discos El Planeta, tucked away on Carrera 7. Seriously, a goldmine of vinyl. I picked up a few cumbia records - essential Bogota listening. Check it out: https://www.yelp.com/biz/discos-el-planeta-bogota.
And the food! Oh man. I had arepas everywhere. Every. Where. I’m pretty sure I’m 50% arepa now. Someone told me that the best empanadas are at La Esquina del Empanado. I haven’t verified this, but I’m willing to risk it. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g297479-d1668887-Reviews-La_Esquina_del_Empanado-Bogota.html
*Graffiti is everywhere. Seriously, the whole city is a canvas. I spent an afternoon just wandering around, taking photos. It’s raw, it’s political, it’s… alive. I wish I’d brought more film.
My neighbors? Well, if you get bored of Bogota’s vibrant chaos, Tunja and Zipaquirá are just a short drive away. They’re… quieter. Much quieter. Like stepping into a different dimension.
Coffee. Okay, this is important. I’m a drummer, which means I need caffeine. Lots of it. I heard that Amor Perfecto is the place to go. Apparently, they take their coffee very seriously. I’m still trying to process the tasting notes. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g297479-d1868888-Reviews-Amor_Perfecto-Bogota.html
Pro-Tips for Bogota:
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases. Seriously. It’ll make your life so much easier.
Be aware of your surroundings. Pickpocketing is a thing.
Embrace the chaos. It’s part of the charm.
Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Don’t be afraid to try new things. The food, the music, the… everything.
I’m already missing the energy, the music, the… the sheer weirdness of it all. Bogota, you were a trip. A sweaty, loud, beautiful trip. I’ll be back. Maybe. After I’ve had a week to decompress and process all those numbers…
Oh, and one more thing. Someone, who seemed very drunk, advised me to avoid the TransMilenio during rush hour. Apparently, it’s “a human Tetris game with questionable safety regulations.” Take that as you will.
You might also be interested in:
- https://votoris.com/post/skateboarding-through-pune-a-drunken-map-of-shortcuts-chai-and-hidden-halfpipes
- https://votoris.com/post/surabaya-through-the-eyes-of-a-caffeineaddicted-weirdo-pros-cons-and-where-to-find-decent-coffee
- https://votoris.com/post/random-thoughts-on-dongguan-factories-confusion-and-too-many-people
- https://votoris.com/post/santiago-a-chefs-chaotic-love-affair-with-andean-ingredients
- https://votoris.com/post/midnight-wanderings-in-poole-a-messy-photogs-notes