Thursday, September 7, 2017

Chocolate con Queso

Now that I have lived in Colombia for about three weeks, I decided to put together a list of things that I have learned about Colombia since I have been here.  

  • Bogotá is the Capital city (also the city I live in) and contains about 8 million people which is just a bit smaller compared to NYC (used google to compare). 
The City of Bogotá
  • Bogotá is located just a few degrees above the equator and is about 2,640 m (8,660 ft) above sea level, that is about 1030 m above Denver Colorado. This gives Bogotá a cool, Fall like weather year round (according to google). 
Elevation of Monserrate (Look out over the city of Bogotá)

On top of Monserrate

  • The main religion in Catholicism, and when Pope Francis (Papa Francisco) came it was declared a holiday. 

  • The main language in Colombia is Spanish (I’m sure you already knew that) although there are a few indigenous people who still speak their own local/tribal languages. 
Some tribal style jewelry
  • The main public transportation system in Bogotá is by bus, the Trans Millennial is the main bus line and takes you across the city fast. This is also how I get to work every day. 
  • Colombia has been in a civil war for over 50 years (some argue more, and some argue less, depends on who you talk to).
  • Young Colombian guys at the age of 18 must join the military, otherwise they have to pay a high fee to get out of it. 
  • Lunch is the main meal of the day, which usually consists of two or three main carbs (rice, potato, yams, plantains, or yucca root for example). And can also include soup, a meat, a salad, juice, and maybe a desert. 
Photo of a fried Plantain with salad, chips and cheese on it. Not a typical lunch, more of a fast food thing.

More traditional foods found in the tourist areas. 

  • For dinner, many Colombians will eat something small, like a snack. At my host family’s house we will have hot chocolate and arepas, plain or with cheese (not really sure what they are are, but they are good).
  • Many Colombians are not a fan of spicy food. Although there is this salsa called “Aji,” that adds a little bit of spice and a little bit more flavor. I really like it!
  • It is common for people in Colombia to put cheese in their Hot Chocolate (Chocolate con Queso). So when I come back to the United States and start putting cheese in my hot chocolate, you would know why. 
  • In Colombia if you want black coffee you need to ask for café tinto or just tinto, and if you want café con leche (coffee with milk), you ask for café. 
Café Bon Bon

  • Bogotá is a very artsy place with a lot of graffiti and street art. 



  • Most people in Colombia do not drink the “good Colombian coffee” most North Americans know of since the good coffee is shipped to North America. 
  • Lastly, never tell a Colombian that you are from “America” or that you are “American.” You will be told that the Americas also include North, South and Central which also includes Colombians making them also American. 

So far I have really enjoyed my time here in getting to know Colombia. 

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