Happy Valentine's Day

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Wow what a day! The sun was actually out this morning.  We had expected our biking guide to meet us at the hotel at 9am, however, it seems that some signals got crossed.  Found out he wasn't coming till 9:50, so we had some time to stroll around the neighborhood and take some pictures of Bolivar Plaza. This is a great neighborhood.  Only just last week, they were shooting a movie here with Mark Wahlberg and John Malkovitch. Mile 22 - we'll have to go see it now.

Jose showed up on time and we walked down to the bike shop.  This hotel is in a very convenient location.  Our biking mates were, David and Natalie from UK. The morning traffic was still in full bloom when we headed out, but we soon found ourselves on the bike path.  Bogota has over 100 miles of bike paths in and around the city. These drivers, as well as pedestrians, are nuts!!  They do not stop for anything.  It took a while but I caught on soon enough.  We fearlessly plowed through, stopping from time to time to take in the sights.

Our first stop was at a farmer's market, where we tasted a number of local fruits.  Some good, some not so good.  We pressed on and soon came to a coffee roasters establishment. Jose explained the roasting process and I learned that the darker the roast, the less caffeine.  This blew me away.  It seems, the longer the bean is roasted the more caffeine it loses.  This little bit of information is going to change my life.  We took time to sit for a cappuccino before heading back out.  

Next up, tejo.  This is the national game -- pretty much a beer drinking game. It's pretty bizarre.  You have to hit the triangles with a stone puck and if you hit it right, it explodes. Then you drink a beer.  We all had fun trying.  Geoff got a hit, as did David.  For all of Jose's bravado, he couldn't hit anything and then wham!  he got two in a row.  We were glad for this short opportunity to experience this game. 

All in all, we had a great time with our new mates.  Geoff and David both set up their Strava bike tracking apps - so maybe we'll be able to follow him through the UK.  Our rain jackets worked perfectly, the sun was out for most of the day!

Walked home from the bike shop, stopping for some fried plaintains.  Quickly, got changed and headed to the spa.  Tried the jacuzzi, steam room and sauna then it was time for our massages.  Aahhhh....... Hit the steam room once more before showering and heading back to the room.  Just in time to start getting ready for our big night out.

Walter, our driver, showed up right on time.  The sun was still out and it looked like it were going to have our vista after all.  The funicular ride takes all of five minutes.  We walked around some when we got to the top before heading into the restaurant.  The clouds came and went -- it is a pretty special.

San Isodoro is a beautiful restaurant.  We had a lovely table with a great view.  The food was divine - starting with escargot, I ordered the trout and Geoff had the cobia.  The sauces were to die for!  Ordered the floor show flambe for dessert to go with our Colombian coffee.  Great meal.  The clouds were starting coming back in and the rain held off till we were down from the mountain.  


Walter was waiting for us to take us back.  This will surely be one of our most memorable of Valentine's Days.  I even got a card...




Next time... Tropical Abundance Tour -- Cooking Class