Honda to Bogota

I woke at my regular time, fan still running in my room trying to stay comfortable. I still needed to take a shower to freshen up, even though I also took a shower last night.

I bought a cake on the street yesterday, so that along with a half of a papaya and coffee, was my breakfast.

I didn't buy a ticket to go to Bogota yet, but I knew from checking the internet that there were many options and many buses.

There was a washing machine available to use. Last night I did a load of laundry and hung them to dry. I hate traveling with a bag full of dirty laundry.

All that was left to do was pack up and catch a taxi to the bus station.

Arriving at the bus station, I bought a ticket with Bolivariano. I didn't know when I bought the ticket that it was for a 20 passenger Sprinter van and not a full size luxury bus. That van however was configured for 16 passengers with large comfortable seats.

For close to 3/4 of the ride, we were traveling through beautiful mountain terrain. The downside of that is that as most mountain roads, is only 2 lanes. Being the major commercial route supplying Bogota, there were a lot of trucks. Slow trucks making there way up and down the mountain. I think our average speed for the this time was less than 20 mph. Sometimes as slow as 5 mph. (there is an speedometer on display in the passenger area). People do pass, somewhat dangerously, only to be stuck behind another truck just minutes ahead.

I again had to borrow pictures from the internet to illustrate. The buses just refuse to stop for me to take pictures. At times I want to yell out,"stop, stop, I need to take a picture".

This trip took us over high mountain passes at times at and above the lowest clouds.

As we approached Bogota, the roads expanded to 4 lanes and that last quarter of the trip went quickly. We arrived around 5 pm

At the bus station, I hadn't  fully familiarized myself with the location of the hostel. This resulted in taking the first taxi to the wrong location, then taking a second taxi to the right location. Spending 3 times as much for taxis that for the 5 hour bus from Honda.

Last time in Bogota I stayed in the Candelaria neighborhood know for it's many beautiful murals. I wanted to stay in a different area, so this time I am staying in the Chapinero neighborhood.

Arriving at the hostel, I got out of the taxi, still not seeing the hostel, but the maps says it is here. What I do see is shop after shop of flower shops. Reminding me of the smell of a funeral homes or churches during celebratory seasons. 

I had to ask one of the flower shops where the hostel was. It was just a black gate next to the flower shops. Even in the picture it is hard to see the gate sandwiched between two flower vendors.

It was already late in the afternoon, so the only thing left to do today is get a quick bite to eat before settling in for the the night at the hostel.