Arrived safely in bogota and im on my 5th ¨tinto¨(black coffee) of the day and finally figured out it´s probably due to effects of mild altitude sickness (bogota being around 8000 ft compared to chicago´s 500 ft or so). I feel foggy but happy.

I spent the day wandering around colonial streets of La Candelaria barrio and went to an impressive Bolero museum as well as ¨Museo de Trajes¨where they show the history and weaving process of men and women´s traditional clothing from the many indigenous communities in Colombia. I was surprised to see how much was similar to guatemalan weavings but i was totally amazed by these small belting looms called ¨telares de arco¨(bow looms) that are made with a single bent branch. The sophistication of the weavings made with these little looms is incredible. Sat talking to the woman at the museum for a long while and she explained about all the fibers that they use for weaving, for baskets, and hats. People here have been really friendly so far.

The platypus hostel where im staying is a backpacker hippie haven. i was greeted last night with a club colombia beer and plenty of interesting conversations with people from around the world. woke up to someone in the shower next to me singing mano chao with a heavy french accent. It seems they still remain a classic in the backpackers repetoir after all these years.

The day before i left for my trip i received a sign from my neighbor. Literally.
¨Today is going to be my favorite day¨
and its true of yesterday and today, and hopefully of tomorrow.
Not because of the freedom from relinquishing work responsibilities.
not because i traded in my books on management for an 1830´s voyage across the Indian ocean and the adventures of the chinese opium wars.
Not because im wandering in a foreign city filled with total awe and appreciation.
not because im listening to ¨gangsta´s paradise¨and drinking that 5th tinto of the day.
But today is going to be my favorite day
because today is going to be my favorite day.
a little lesson i was recently taught and trying to grasp and make true in my life!