Diwali in Colombia

"Diwali" is the Hindu "Festival of Lights" and marks the victory of good over the evil. Fireworks are associated with the festival in many regions of India. Honestly, I never thought I would celebrate Diwali in Colombia. It all happened when few Indians out here met each other at an Indian Restaurant on Diwali. To my surprise, I saw like 30 Indians on that day and some of them with their respective family and kids. I was so happy to meet them all. After getting to know each other, we all decided to start an Indian Community in Colombia and meet more often.

After few days, MEGA INDIAN FOOD FESTIVAL was planned for 1st November 2006.It was a night filled with exotic food, dances, legends and culture in honour of Diwali. Around 95 people had come with all the excitement, eagerness to know about India and its diverse culture.

We(Left to Right: Jasmine,Me,Mauricio,Andrea,Dhanur,Ashish,Gopi,Ana) started off with Ramayan (in Spanglish), a Hindu holy epic that depicts the history, life of Lord Rama, whose wife Sita is abducted by the rakshasa, or demon, Ravana and Lord Ram achieving victory beating Ravana (Demon).We then danced our way to glory with some salsa to begin with...bollywood style and some typical Indian moves. Later, we had a small quiz on India and with some prizes as well. It was all happening there!

Personally, this day will be very memorable. I was more than happy to share the evening with all my friends like Ivancho, Juanca, Jenn, Lala, Serge, Bee, Ligia, Dhanur, Mauricio, Andrea, Kariena and also my colleagues from Aviatur. Muchas Gracias Todos!

Walking on the Mountains...

Yesterday, for the first time I had been outside Bogota, to a place called "Guatavita" located just 2.5 hours from the north of Bogotá. We were four i.e. Jenn, Serge and David (Serge's pal). We travelled by flota (bus) to Guatavita Town, had our lunch there.Once we were in the town of Guatavita, I realized that it was indeed a big tourist attraction.Later, we walked our way to the "LAGUNA DEL CACIQUE GUATAVITA."

This was the first time I walked more than 7 kilometres at a stretch. Since, the path to the Laguna was towards the mountains it was really strenuous. Initially, I thought it was just some normal park since I never knew how this place would be and was wondering whether this walk on the mountains was worth it!

When I reached the place at the entrance I was still feeling the same... but when we all slowly walked up (3200 m) the mountain along with the guide, I could feel the calm & pleasant enviroment. I now see, the breath-taking Laguna.One of the speculation was that the lagoon could have been the crater of a volcano.The lagoon was scared place for the native Musicas, who used gold in their rituals. From there the Legend of El Dorado arose, marked by an eager for treasures, wanted to dry up the lagoon, forming the big opening it has presently.
Four of us hardly talking, looking, just the quiet whisper of nature embracing us, it was an impressive hour of walking. This was something special and worth it! Thanks to Jenn & Serge!

Rock al Parque

ROCK CONCERT in Bogota at "Rock al Parque". The event was for 3 days i.e. 14th,15th and 16th of October 2006. There were 43 bands who performed for these 3 days. This park is very close to the place where I live...so basically I could listen to all the bands by sitting at home.

But out of curiosity, I did go on the very first day. I was actually disappointed cos I was advised not to carry a camera by my friends but when I did go there I think it was a wise suggestion. Everyone were dressed in black and it was a massive crowd of rock-maniacs. They was so much of obsession or excessive enthusiasm all over and also could smell lots of Mariguana...

Nothing impressed me much on the first day... but on 16th I had been to the Manu Chao performance. He is a very famous French Latin folk singer of Spanish origin and was simply superb. I really enjoyed it. The crowd was well discplined and lively.

The next concert is of Shakira at Simon Bolivar on 17th November 2006. Don´t think I can make it...cos it is very expensive... but I hope I do make it.