Jenny Sky Is The Limit

Rural Bogota verves green

During my last trip to Bogotá at the beginning of this year, a blend of new local experiences revealed to me that, despite being my birth city, I continually discover its many hidden charms. It dawned on me that this process of exploration may never cease, not until I take my last breath.

To truly appreciate every single moment, I find myself constantly looking and looking again, keeping my eyes wide open, embracing the philosophy of carpe diem.

From January until the beginning of March, I had the chance to observe and be thrilled by abundant rural views in a way I had never experienced before. Bogotá, being a vast city on par with London, often conceals its quieter, enchanting side. When living in these bustling metropolises, engrossed in the day-to-day rush of work, navigating through traffic jams, and navigating their gigantic shopping centres, we sometimes overlook the other benefits that their magical geography has to offer.

My sisters took me on a journey to explore some of Bogotá’s new bike routes, guiding me through nature-rich places and landscapes graced by the beauty of the eastern hills. This offered a wide and natural perspective, one I had never witnessed before while riding a bicycle. In less than eleven months, my sisters have transformed into the ‘Egan ladies” of the family, enthusiastic cyclists and super-fit cycling ladies.

With their impeccable cycling uniforms exuding natural positive vibes from their contact with nature, I joined my sisters on some wonderful routes. Despite not matching their speed or endurance on the hills, I didn’t mind at all and relished every second of it.

Even as I trailed behind, captivated by the stunning view of the Eastern hills, I found joy in capturing the moment, taking photos, recording mini clips, and breathing in the refreshing air. I also observed local people delighting in their rides, engaging in conversations with some of them, all while savouring the landscape that I wished to pack into my rucksack.

I have witnessed this massive global phenomenon of individuals who, before the pandemic, were not avid cyclists but have now become enthusiastic riders! This transformation is not unique to Europe; it has taken root in Bogotá as well, with the onset of a massive bicycle fever. A positive outcome of the challenges posed by the virus has been that people had the time to observe and appreciate their natural surroundings more, simultaneously falling in love with the sport. Love it!

Bogota: Bike Capital of the World

I want to clarify that even before the pandemic, Bogotá had already established an extensive network of cycling routes to promote cycling for its citizens and visitors. Thanks to the district administration’s years-long efforts, Bogotá has been steadily transforming into the ‘Bike Capital of the World.’ This change is something I’ve witnessed over the years, a remarkable transformation since I emigrated from Colombia almost 18 years ago. It’s truly impressive. Thanks to the universe, I’ve had the opportunity to visit my family and my city frequently, allowing me to witness these changes; otherwise, it would feel like visiting another planet! As of today, Bogotá boasts an impressive 560 km (347 miles) of cycle paths and over 123 km (76 miles) of bike lanes.

As I analyse the nature activities enjoyed with family and friends during this time, it becomes evident that our perception of Bogotá, shared by both tourists and locals, is often skewed towards envisioning it solely as an urban metropolis. Our mental image paints the capital with numerous business buildings, towering apartment blocks, sprawling shopping malls, and bustling avenues. However, in this rush, we tend to overlook the fact that right next to these urban facets lies a predominantly rural city.

Sumapaz Páramo

Bogotá encompasses the locality of Sumapaz, situated in the southernmost part of the city, characterised by its almost entirely rural nature. Here, we discover the Sumapaz Páramo, recognised as the world’s largest! It held sacred significance for our ancestors, the Muisca, who possessed a profound knowledge of water management.

This site, a natural food supplier for centuries gifted by Pachamama, now plays a crucial role in Bogotá’s food distribution network. It houses major collection centres like Corabastos, efficiently serving the city’s eight million inhabitants and growing number of visitors.

Beyond the locality of Sumapaz, Bogotá is embraced by the breath-taking eastern hills, adding to its blessed green capital geography. The city is adorned with numerous wetlands and lagoons, collectively contributing to Bogotá being 75% rural! …

I encourage you to visit Bogotá with an open mind, vision, and heart, for it is a city of infinite heritage, a pleasure to explore in its intricate richness.

While city traffic may sometimes lead to frustration, today, I invite you, dear reader, to allow yourself to be carried away by the beauty and benefits of its geography, immersed in the lush green nature that hosts a significant wild world, a world born from the water of the largest Páramo in the world.

Thank you very much for reading my blog and soon I will continue part 3 of Bogotá.

“Because talking about Bogotá is talking about a magical plateau embedded in the Andes, surrounded by greenery and ancient stories sheltered by a modern metropolis.” Jr.

With love

❤️

Jenny