Wednesday 18 January - Bogota day 2

Another busy day in Bogota. We started with 30 minute walk to the Cerro Monserrate, where we take a cable car to the top then walked some more - all uphill. It was cloudy and the views weren't the best but we could see down and over the city. There is a church at the top and we were now at 3150 metres.
After that we made our way to the world famous Gold Museum, where we spent about 1.5 hours taking in the most important items. It was our local guides favourite place so she gave us a fascinating tour. By the time we came out it was raining so we had our lunch and then all met in the cathedral to keep dry and away from the thunder. Next was the Botero Museum, to see Colombia's famous artist Fernando Botero's finest pieces and also his personal collection, all of which he donated, we saw at least three Picasso's.
Back to the hotel for a break before dinner. Next up was a visit to the home of Simon Velez, one of Colombia's most famous architect's, our tour leader had met him on a previous trip and he'd said we could drop by. We entered from the street where it was behind walls giving no clues as to what was behind. It was a fascinating place, totally different from anything else, both in the construction and the furniture and possessions, every where you looked there was something unique. He had a terrific view over the city. We then went for dinner at a restaurant owned by a Canadian woman and her Colombian husband that was designed by the architect we'd just met. Again, behind doors on a quiet street, with no indication there was a restaurant there, we had a beautiful 5 course private meal.