I think I've finally settled into this trip and ready to leave Bogota. At first I really didn't know who to believe with regard to reported dangers, but now it looks like as long as I don't venture into the few areas that are know to be controlled by FARC guerillas, I should be fine. There seems to be a descrepancy as to whether it's safe to travel at night, so I may lean toward daytime travel when possible.
The hotel Aragon that the taxi driver dropped me off at seems to be a decent enough place and quiet. I thought about moving to one of the hostels but wasn't quite ready to hang out with other backpackers just yet. Something about being alone just feels better at the moment. And, the fellow here at the hotel tells me Eva Peron, Fidel Castro, and the current president of Argentina all used to live in this hotel many years ago when it as called Hotel Crillon.
I've found a variety of possible ayahuasaca (shamanic drink) but they look too touristy. If I find something more private I may go for it but I really don't want to sit around chatting about crystals and auras and such.
I think I'll head South either today or tomorrow for San Agustin for the archeological park then hop over toward Popayan to check it out while South. One of those places migh have ceremonies and I'll take part only if it feels right. Any further South and I'd be getting too close to both FARC territory and dangerous drug routes from Ecuador to the coast.
I spoke with a Colombian political science student in his 20's and he pretty much gave me the low-down on where to avoid. He also said since I wouldn't be a valued political target, all I really have to worry about somewhat are theives. That's good to know! He also said after I leave the South and head back up to the mid-west and all of the North, it's really pretty safe. That's one reason why I sort of want to get the Southern portion out of the way so I can relax for the rest of the trip.
I'm not sure how available internet access will be where I'm going, but by the time I get up to Cali in a fews days to a week or so, I'll certainly have access there and will have more images and stories to report. If I get primitive slow connections, I may just drop a quick note or two when possible and save the photo, video, audio uploads for higher speed access.
Until then, hasta luego and wish me suerte!
~ Skip