Walls Talk

I am sure that we were not the first tourists to arrive in Bogota with some apprehension about drugs and violence.  However, soon, we realized that, at least in the more visited areas, it is an almost normal city.  Bogota may not be the world's prettiest capital city, but it is perhaps the most decorated.  A few years ago, the government decriminalized street art, and the town is now flourishing with murals produced by artists from all over the globe.  Hardly any surface is left blank and some of the art is really beautiful.  Few of the paintings are decorative, however most carry a social or political message.  Our Graffiti-Tour guide, an Anthropology professional, helped us interpret the themes.  'Life in Colombia is not easy, and Uncle Sam did not make it easier.'

I did not realize that Bogota is an adventure destination until I saw signs in Hebrew, displayed in front of youth hostels.  I was thus reminded of the cyclical nature of the tourism business.  A new travel destination will be first discovered by post-army Israelis.  A bit later, European backpackers will arrive.  When the Americans come, that destination will loose its allure, and the Israelis will be searching for the next adventure spot.  Asians are usually the last wave of adventure seekers before the destinations turns mainstream, and accommodates all travelers and tour groups.  We, an Israeli/Korean not-so-young couple must have caught Bogota in the middle of the cycle.  Neither Israelis nor Koreans were anywhere to be seen.