Bogota by Ear: A Drummer's Dizzying Descent

okay, so bogota. it’s…a lot. i landed with a kit that’d seen better days (and a serious lack of sleep, let’s be real) and immediately felt like i’d stepped into a different frequency. the air itself vibrates, you know? not in a bad way, just…intense.

i just checked and it's a humid blanket clinging to everything, with a temperature hovering around twenty-one point six degrees. feels like it's trying to politely smother you. the humidity is at ninety-four percent, which explains why my cymbals are already protesting.

i’m here for a gig at this little club, “La Cueva” - apparently, it’s legendary for its live music scene. getting here was…an experience. the traffic is a beautiful, chaotic mess. think a swarm of bees trying to navigate a disco ball. i swear, every driver thinks their horn is a musical instrument.

someone told me that the best arepas are from a street vendor near Plaza de Bolívar, but you have to get there early because they sell out fast. i haven’t braved it yet, mostly because i’m still trying to figure out the bus system. it’s…a puzzle. a very loud, colorful puzzle.

i’ve been wandering around La Candelaria, the old town, and it’s stunning. crumbling colonial architecture, street art everywhere, and the smell of coffee hanging in the air. it’s like someone took a history book and threw a party. i overheard a couple of backpackers on TripAdvisor complaining about pickpockets, so i’m keeping my wallet close.

the people here are…direct. not rude, just…efficient. they say what they mean, and they don’t waste time with small talk. i tried to ask for directions and got a ten-minute lecture on the history of the neighborhood instead. it was amazing, honestly.

i’ve been trying to find a decent drum shop, but no luck so far. apparently, everything is ordered online or through connections. i heard from a guy at a *cafe that there’s a guy named “El Maestro” who can get you anything you need, but you have to find him first. it’s like a quest.

the pressure is one-oh-one-one, which feels…normal, i guess. i’m not a scientist. the ground level is eight-six-six, which means i’m higher up than i’m used to. it’s messing with my internal rhythm, honestly.

i’m staying in this tiny apartment in Chapinero. if you get bored, Medellín is just a short flight away. my neighbor, señora elena, keeps offering me agua de panela - it’s like a sugary sugarcane drink. it’s…an acquired taste. she also yells at the pigeons. a lot.

i checked out some reviews on Yelp for restaurants and someone warned me about the ajiaco* - apparently, it’s delicious but incredibly filling. like, nap-required filling. i’m intrigued.

i’m playing at La Cueva tomorrow night. i’m nervous, but also excited. this city feels like it’s daring me to push my limits. i’m going to try and capture that energy in my playing. i’ve also been looking at local music forums like Bogota Music Scene to see if i can connect with other musicians.

i think i need more coffee. and maybe a map. and definitely earplugs. bogota, you’re a wild one. i’m already exhausted and i love it. check out Colombia Travel for more info.

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