Ucaquien and Church

On Sunday we went to church. We biked there, it was about a twenty minute ride. It is easy to get there because on Sunday mornings they close down some roads so that people can run, walk, or bike without trouble. It is called ciclovia. The church was pretty modern with a band and projectors for the words to the songs. It was in spanish so I couldn't understand it, but I followed along with the versus.

After church Maddie stayed home and just Mrs. Faber, Elena and I went to a market called Uciquien. It was another market with some food, but mostly bags, clothes and colombian stuff.  I got a bag that is made with a Colombia technique with the fabric called mola. I also got a cool Bogota shirt from Mrs. Faber. We had these things called churros. They are basically like strips of elephant ear. They're Mexican, and tasted really good. Then I tried three juices with chunks of fruit in them. One of the, was good, one was okay, and the other wasn't that good, but it was a good idea to try them. There were also people selling dogs and cats. There was this one cat that was so cute! Elena and Mrs. Faber both wanted it, but Mrs. Faber said they didn't need another cat. Elena still didn't give in. Finally they made a deal that if all the pets go with Maddie and Damon Elena could get any pet she chooses.

Cupcakes at BakedByAna

Cute kitten they were selling

Empanadas

Weird fruit juices

Anna Buist

Food Festival

I haven't posted for a while so I have a lot to write about.
On Saturday we went to the first day of a food festival down the park. There was quite a variety of food there including the countries of Colombia, France, Switzerland, and more. We had brats with melted cheese on top from Switzerland. They were really delicious. We also had crepes for dessert, and other food too. To pay you have to go to this booth, you give them money, and they give you paper slips telling how much the paper is worth. Then you pay with those. If you have extra paper left you can't exchange it back. We might go back next weekend because we still have money to spend. Next weekend will be just Colombian foods though.

Strawberry and Nutella crepes at Crepes & Waffles

Anna Buist

Cupcakes by Ana

No trip to Usaquen is complete without stopping in Baked by Ana for a cupcake or truffle pop.  We first met Ana in the upper market of Usaquen on Sundays  in a little booth selling cupcakes.  Recently she opened a shop right on the main Calle headed up to the monastery.  Colorful little mini-cupcakes fill the case.  All the cupcakes have a base flavor of vanilla cake with a spectacular frosting and topping making each one individual.  It's hard to choose between flavors such as Amaretto, Choco Praline, Limon Carmelo and Mora Azul, but my favorite wins every time, Mole Picante.  A thick, dark fudge frosting with a hint of chili peper makes the perfect accompaniment to a Mochaccino.

Our friend from home Anna enjoying a cupcake

Usaquen 

Calle 119B No. 5-31

Things About Bogotá

I thought since I haven't written about it yet that I would try to describe Bogotá. 
The weather here varies, but not a ton. It rains a lot but when it isn't gloomy it is quite nice.
In some ways it is kind of like Kenya. Like when there are people trying to sell stuff, they  weave through the cars at a stop light and try to sell you stuff. They also have roads that are not in great condition like Kenya.

We are going to the food festival at lunch time. I will write a out at later today, or tomorrow.

Anna Buist

Il Tinello

When I'm asked for a restaurant suggestion my response tends to be:
"Yeah, there's this great hamburger place downtown sort of by a bank."  Very vague.  I know.  So as part of this blog, for my own benefit of memory, I have decided to add restaraunt suggestions to pass along.
Here goes!

Chad took me to this fabulous Italian restaurant for our anniversary.  Only a15 min. walk from the apartment gave a good transition from work to dining.
We loved the decore.  Old world Italian with tables tucked into small nooks and cranies.  Faux painted walls surrounded vintage doorways.   Our table was nesteld next to the fireplace.  The cracking fire took the chill off the night.  A nice, quiet atmosphere surrounded us.
Apparently all items are made in house - from scratch.  We went with a starter of proscutto and melon that was light and refreshing.  Chad enjoyed a meal of risotto while I dined on ravioli both in a savory cheese sauce.  Our true test of an Italian restaurant is the tiramisu.  Major fail in this department.  Frozen and a bit lacking in flavor.  I wished I had gone for something else.
If you are craving a nice, quiet Italian meal in the Chico neighborhood I would definately suggest Il Tinello.

- Kris

The Orphanage

We didn't do much yesterday, but Mrs. Faber, Elena, and I went to an orphanage. It had infants to elementary aged kids. Elena and I helped out with the 4 months to a year while Mrs. Faber helped with the infants. They were all so cute! We got to play with them for about an hour and a half, and I still wanted to stay longer.
A random interesting fact I learned it that they don't use lawn mowers in Colombia they only use weed wackers  (sorry if that is spelled wrong).

Anna Buist

Downtown Bogota

A few days ago we went to a place called Simon Bolivar Plaza. It was filled with pigeons and we got to buy some corn and feed them. Some flew up onto our hands. We also got to ride on a llama!
Then we went into a catholic church. It was big and beautiful.
We also saw a motor cade that the president of Colombia was in. Then we got to see The Palace which is like the white house in the United States.
Another thing we did is go to a costume museum with lots of old dresses from the different parts of Colombia.

Simon Bolivar Plaza

Presidential Motorcade

Palace

After that we went to another market, only it wasn't food. "It was crafts and trinkity stuff." Quote Elena.

Anna Buist