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 cymbal crash - all scattered energy and lingering reverb. i’m leo, by the way, touring session drummer. usually i’m behind a kit, keeping time, but this trip… this was anything but.

let’s just say the humidity hit me like a rogue snare drum. i just checked and it’s… a thick, clinging blanket right now, the kind that makes your hair frizz and your clothes stick. feels like 30.63 degrees, which is basically a sauna. i’m used to sweaty gigs, but this is a whole other level. pressure’s at 1011, which, honestly, doesn’t mean anything to me unless it’s affecting the tuning of my drums.

my mission? find some killer rhythms, some authentic sounds. i wanted to soak up the city’s pulse, you know? and bogota… it has a pulse. a chaotic, vibrant, slightly frantic pulse. i spent a lot of time wandering around *La Candelaria, the historic district. cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, street vendors hawking everything from arepas to knock-off watches. it’s a sensory overload in the best possible way. i even stumbled upon a little plaza where a group of older guys were playing traditional music - cumbia, i think? - and it was just… magical. i wish i’d recorded it, but i was too busy just feeling it.

“Don’t trust the pigeons. They’re organized. I swear, they’re plotting something.” - overheard from a very serious-looking man feeding them in Parque de Bolívar.

food. oh man, the food. i ate so much. arepas, empanadas, bandeja paisa (a mountain of meat and carbs - seriously, bring your appetite). i found this amazing little cafe in Chapinero - check it out on Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=cafe&find_loc=Bogota,+Colombia - the coffee was incredible. seriously, i’m a coffee snob, and even i was impressed. i’m already planning a return trip just for the coffee.

“The bus system is… an experience. Just hold on tight and don’t make eye contact.” - drunk advice from a guy at a bar.

getting around was… interesting. i mostly used Uber, which was relatively cheap and easy. but i did try the TransMilenio bus system once. let’s just say it was a learning experience. packed like sardines, loud, and a little intimidating. i’m glad i did it, though. it gave me a real sense of the city’s energy. i also checked out TripAdvisor for some local tours: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g297479-Activities-Bogota_Colombia.html.

if you get bored, Medellín and Cali are just a short drive away. i didn’t make it to either this time, but they’re definitely on my list for next time.

“The graffiti… it’s not just art. It’s a message. Listen to what it’s saying.” - something a local warned me about while I was admiring a mural in Usaquén.

and the music scene! i spent a night in Teusaquillo checking out a live music venue. it was packed with locals, the music was loud and energetic, and i felt completely immersed in the culture. i even managed to jam with a local band for a few songs - that was a highlight for sure. i found a forum with more local music listings: https://www.bogotalive.com/.

someone told me that the weather can be unpredictable, even within the same day. apparently, you can experience sunshine, rain, and fog all before lunchtime. i can believe it.

gear list (because, you know, drummer things):

My trusty snare drum (obviously)
Noise-canceling headphones (essential for navigating the chaos)
A small notebook and pen (for jotting down rhythms and ideas)
A portable charger (because my phone battery dies faster than my enthusiasm)
A good pair of walking shoes (you’ll be doing a lot of walking)

pro-tips:

learn a few basic spanish phrases. it will go a long way.
be aware of your surroundings. pickpocketing is a thing.
embrace the chaos. bogota is not a city for the faint of heart.
try the aguardiente. you’ve been warned.
* don’t be afraid to get lost. some of the best discoveries happen when you’re wandering aimlessly.

okay, i think i’ve rambled on enough. bogota is a city that gets under your skin. it’s messy, it’s chaotic, it’s vibrant, and it’s unforgettable. go. experience it for yourself. just… bring earplugs.

You might also be interested in:

• https://votoris.com/post/abu-dhabis-air-smog-sand-and-the-student-survival-guide
• https://votoris.com/post/gdansk-nights-a-messy-digital-nomad-log
• https://votoris.com/post/semarangs-secret-spots-a-disillusioned-consultants-messy-guide
• https://votoris.com/post/borneo-blues-my-messy-digital-nomad-life-in-indonesias-hidden-gem
• https://votoris.com/post/santiagos-secret-corners-a-digital-nomads-coffeefueled-ramble