USAQUEN MARKET
Susie discovered an upscale market in well to do part of Bogata. Instead of walking we took a taxi, which is lucky because it took us most of an hour to get there through traffic that was stop and go on the bypass that took us around the center of town. Part of what slowed us down was that we passed three accidents with motorcycles lying in the street beside a damaged car, waiting for a police report, I guess. And it was easy to why there were so many motorcycle accidents because while taxis and cars inched along, motorcycles snaked in and out of the lines of cars as they raced ahead.
But it was worth the ride because the outdoor market in identical white tents with umbrellas of all colors suspended above the road was stocked with all kinds of beautiful wares tastefully presented. We walked slowly through the market and then had lunch if a very elegant restaurant.
My clueless American projection of poverty and misery south of the border was completely blown away by the beauty of the fair and the sophistication of the shops in this very wealthy part of town. So far we have found Bogata to be vibrantly alive, whether upscale or downscale, with very friendly people having a good time. Nothing in Asheville matches this fair for high quality and good taste.
BILLYBABA’S WANDERING 