| Bogota is one of the world's great cities, with dozens | | | | Though it's now eight years old, the facility looks brand |
| of museums, hundreds of parks and a wealth of | | | | new. Every one of its hundreds of exhibits is in perfect |
| colonial charm. But despite Bogota's manifold charms | | | | working order (parents of young children will recognize |
| many visitors, perhaps most, never venture beyond El | | | | how remarkable that fact is). Your kids will love it, and |
| Centro, the commercial and governmental area that | | | | after four or five hours will be happily exhausted. |
| includes La Candelaria, the old colonial quarter. | | | | Play basketball: Bogota is basketball crazy, with hoops |
| There's so much more to this city of eight million | | | | found in dozens of parks throughout the city. You'll find |
| people (or nine, or ten, depending on who you ask). | | | | the locals play a very good game, and may even |
| Here are five of the best kept secret pleasures of | | | | provide an American with a humbling lesson in |
| Bogota: | | | | roundball. |
| Relaxing at the Botanical Gardens: This vast oasis in | | | | Buy some flowers: Colombia is one of the world's |
| the middle of the city is a great place to spend a day. | | | | great flower-exporting nations. Because of its location |
| The entrance fee of US$1.00 provides access to | | | | and altitude - just a few degrees from the equator, |
| acres of artfully landscaped gardens displaying plant | | | | and 8,500-feet high - Bogota has an ideal climate for |
| species plucked from every corner of Colombia's | | | | growing flowers year round. Stop by one of the |
| wildly varied topography, including Amazonas. The | | | | numerous roadside stands for a bunch. For a dip into |
| grounds are quiet and green, providing a welcome | | | | Bogotano life, visit the tombstone and flowers street |
| respite from the noise and smog that is rife in this busy | | | | market that extends for several blocks outside the |
| city. The gardens are host to a small restaurant where | | | | walls of the "Central Cemetery" (which is also worth a |
| you can purchase a fine four course meal for US$3, | | | | look). Amidst the marble dust and crowds you'll find |
| including a refreshing glass of juice freshly squeezed | | | | dozens of vendors who will put together a bouquet of |
| from a tropical fruit you've likely never heard of before. | | | | exotic blooms on the spot. |
| Perhaps best of all, there are no Keep Off the Grass | | | | Take a very cheap carriage ride: Horse drawn carts |
| signs. Bring a blanket and a Gabriel Garcia Marquez | | | | are still in use throughout the city. Keep in mind, |
| novel and toss down amidst the quiet beauty. | | | | however, these are utility vehicles, not romantic |
| Explore the Children's Museum: The Maloka is the site | | | | transport. Nevertheless, they're a great slow way to |
| of a 3-D theatre, a dome theatre and the Children's | | | | see the city. Wave one down and negotiate a price. |
| Museum. If you're traveling with children, you must not | | | | You may find yourself stuffed in with the rest of the |
| miss the Children's Museum, which may be the best | | | | basura. In fact your driver may look at you at first as if |
| hands-on science museum in the western hemisphere. | | | | you're crazy, but hey, what's wrong with being crazy? |