On my last trip through Colombia, I spent two separate bits of time in Bogota, which is the capital of Colombia and the third highest capital in South America, and in the world for that matter, at 2626 meters above sea level (8,612 feet). Given its elevation, it was considerably colder than the rest of the spots I hit in Colombia on this trip, specifically Cartagena and the San Gil area.
It is one of the 30 largest cities in the world, with almost 9 million in population. Like the rest of Colombia, it had a well-deserved reputation for violence, but these days, this is a destination that is ripe for tourism. Bogota was not one of my favorite cities in Colombia, but I did enjoy my time there and during my first stint there, I got to spend some time trying to figure out ways to improve my internet presence with one of my favorite fellow travel bloggers, Ayngelina of Bacon is Magic.
I remembered her walking off one day and talking a bunch of photos of the graffiti street art and on my second second trip back, I decided to pull my camera out and see if I could equal her excellent results. I am not sure I succeeded, but here are some of the shots I took in a morning wandering around the La Candelaria district of Bogota, Colombia.
Who knew? The Beatles Reunion coming soon
I feel fairly confident the Catholic Church would not approve….
how good is the dude sitting there?
the hostel I was staying in, Casa Bella Vista, highlighted in graffiti
I simply loved the portrait here — like a Victorian piece of graffiti
Ummmmm, I am not sure those space suits are still air-tight….
is “bitch” also bitch in Spanish?? Should have taken those classes…
very angry, angry cartoons!!
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Ahh you caught some that I didn’t see. Nice work!
Ayngelina recently posted..Would you buy a 500 turkey AKA Have you met Andres
thanks – you were an inspiration to get me off of ass and do it. Thanks to you, my photo and blogging friend.
I love looking at graffiti art. What they draw is always interesting but for some reason I am always intrigued by the colors they choose to draw it with. Seems like they always use dark backgrounds with BRIGHT colors.
PS – the penis shot is ummm interesting to say the least.
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only you, sir, only you
How many memories of a place I deeply, deeply love. I think the graffiti in Colombia is unparalleled and especially loved all the representations of eyes and gazes. Thank you for this photoessay!
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a country that has a place in my heart also
Great captures, especially of the dude checking you out!
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silly — he wasn’t checking me out… though I don’t think he was sober… or happy about being in the shot
Whoaaa, awesome! Can’t wait until we get there ourselves. I love, love, love graffiti and random public arts in a city.
Jill – Jack and Jill Travel The World recently posted..Married With Luggage — Meet A Traveling Couple
it really had some of the best I have seen anywhere — credit Ayngelina for getting me off my ass to take shots.
Great post Michael. We are big fans of public art and graffiti (as long as it has a point of view and isn’t just bullshit tagging).
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BTW – Didn’t you used to have share buttons? I can’t find the SU button.
The NVR Guys recently posted..Why It Pays To Be Elite
Sometimes, you just can’t beat the first impression. Religious art + Lennon = color me in love. Great idea for a photo essay too, I always love me some graffiti!!
Kirsten Alana recently posted..California Highway 1 Daytrip
Too bad I didn’t get you playing Travel Photo Roulette sooner! Graffiti was the theme a few weeks ago. These are great hommie slice!
Lindsay aka @_thetraveller_ recently posted..Vote for The Traveller’s New Banner!
I am from Bogotá (and I live here!) and I didn’t noticed the graffiti before :S it’s good to have other’s eyes to see beyond the surface! Thank you
I love random street art. A free public art exhibit while you walk!
Matt | YearAroundTheWorld recently posted..Searching for the Lost Colombian Drug Smuggling Plane
Cool graffiti! There are many great street artist in Medellin who are only beginning to develop on the graffiti art scene in Colombia.
I posted my photos of street art around Bogotá a while ago. Find it at:
http://www.lengthytravel.com/street-art-colombia/
I think the spacemen are my favorite… lol. There really is some beautiful art, a lot of great talent.
Loved the street art/graffiti in Bogota! Took quite a few pics ourselves
The quality of art is quite high, specially around the university area.
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Great Photos. I’ve seen similar street graffiti from Mexico to Argentina. It’s a pretty interesting thing to take in. Latin graffiti is so loaded with meaning. In the states I don’t think it’s as much about the message as the fact that you’re doing something counterculture. Thanks for sharing. ~Barry Latin Hostel Guide
Great photos – and very cool graffiti!
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Anywhere in the Northside of Bogota is so pretty. For example Santa Barbara, El Retiro, La Cabrera, Bosque de los pinos, La Carolina, La Bella Suiza.. All these are very nice upscale neighborhoods.
Oh, how I adore street art. These are great. Do you know the names of any of the artists you featured by any chance?
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Cool graffiti! PS – the penis shot is ummm interesting to say the least. I’ve seen similar street graffiti from Mexico to Argentina.
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Some great stuff! I have a few of my favs on my site too! http://travelingtocolombia.com/bogota-graffiti-part-2/
Thanks for the link — some great stuff.