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The Many Faces Of Colombia

"What! You are going to Colombia for a vacation?" That was the reaction of most people when they learnt about our trip to Colombia to visit Cornelius, our good friend and former neighbor in Delhi. We got off the plane with some preconceptions but returned a week later amazed by a diverse and vibrant country desperately trying to escape its past. We had the good fortune to visit some amazing places but what we truly cherished was the friendliness and warmth of its people who to us represented, the many faces of Colombia...Mi Amor!

Zipaquira And Bogota

Our first days in Colombia were a study of contrasts. From the crazy traffic of Bogota and its bustling Candelaria, to the inspiring Catedral De Sal, a church deep inside an abandoned salt mine in Zipaquira, we got a taste of the unique culture that defines Colombia. The road also took us to Chiquinquira which houses one of the holiest churches in Colombia and Raquira a picture perfect village which is probably the most colorful place on earth. Here are some glimpses of these small towns and the big city...

Villa De Leyva

The colonial town of Villa De Leyva was founded in 1572 as a vacation spot for the Spanish conquerors of Colombia. The town today is pretty much unchanged apart from a smattering of artisan boutiques and hotels set in old mansions with magnificient courtyards. The journey there from Bogota is equally amazing with some breathtaking scenery and equally amazing food. Here are some photographs of the  journey to this sleepy paradise...

Cartagena

Cartagena! The traders and pirates of yore called it the Jewel Of The Carribean. The old city with its twisty curvy lanes, tiled roofs and old mansions is steeped in history. The myriad churches, battle scarred walls of the  balustrade and the cornucopic mix of its citizens bring to life the different cultures which  have created this fusion of the colors of the Carribean with the Latin American zest for life ...