Although I thought i had slept a little on the plane and stayed up most of the evening, the familiar long haul jet lag took effect at 5am. Breakfast had the familiarity of Cuba but I knew this type would become all to regular in the coming weeks (fried eggs, toast, some fruit, coffee). I remember a friend who had done South America many years ago saying to me she craved cereal when she got back to the UK. I know now what she meant, although if i was desperate I could get it from supermarkets in the big cities.

I had read about the local bus experience in Bogota and the girls had already told me their version but riding the busetas confirmed you were somewhere different. No bus stops, just hail one down anywhere on the main thoroughfares. Get on quick because it gets moving before you get completely on board. Organised chaos.

The Museo de Oro was supposed to be something special so this was the first place we visited of interest. If was pretty amazing with so many gold artefacts from different periods and civilizations but as hunger was starting to set in, my interest started waning a little and focused on more important matters. The culture didn't stop there though (stop laughing people i know who you are)! After lunch we then went to the Museo de Botero, which as you may expect contained many works by Simon Botero. His pictures were very entertaining (those who are familiar with his work will know why i found them funny) but there were lots of other interesting works too.

We were staying in the Zona Rosa which is the more up market northern part of Bogota, where all the nightlife and nice restaurants are. However spending the day in the La Candelaria district, I really started to feel I was in South America. It wasn't the most amazing 'old town' i had been to but there were glimpses of how I imagined things to be in South America.

Also had to sort my mobile phone out as the one I brought with me didn't work in this part of the world, so psyched myself up to try and explain what I wanted to the people in the phone shop. This was my first real achievement on this trip as they spoke no English and I managed to get what I wanted in my broken Spanish but they completely understood me (gracias otra vez mi profesora :) ).

Visited Zipaquira, which is about an hour outside Bogota, as they have this amazing salt mine that has been turned into a cathedral/museum. I've seen a lot of religious 'stuff' in many lands over the years but this was impressive. Zipaquira is a small place but the sensation of realising I was in South America increased here. The bus journey back to Bogota was entertaining as usual. I'm really starting to like the craziness and the randomness of the Colombian busetas...well, for short journeys anyway.

Bogota is not the most vibrant city in the world but is an interesting mix of new and old. It is still developing though and is slowly coming into its own with its roots now being influenced by European culture. The people show a little reserve and you do get the odd lingering look...well this is exacerbated by the fact that I am with two girls who have a little less colour in their skin than the locals ;) .....but a quick exchange of pleasantries with strangers soon softens the mood as people are genuinely friendly.