At 5:30AM, the Bogota offices of Caracol Radio, one of the largest radio companies (and media if you include its TV empire), was hit by a car bomb. For me, it literally hit close to home. I live 11 blocks from the site. It happened 3 blocks from my first apartment in Bogota and 2 blocks from my gym and grocery store.
I was up early this morning already working when the bomb went off. For perspective, my building and that of Caracol Radio are on 7th Avenue (locally referred to as La Septima). It is a major artery of the city and as such, lots of large trucks drive by. I assumed that a big truck passed and either something fell off or its cargo was banging around making a lot of noise. I got a message from a friend at 7:15AM from Chicago on Facebook asking how I was. That was when I turned on the news.
I grabbed my camera and walked down to the site of the bombing. With the street already closed off and a light cool rain falling, the scene was eerie. It looked like hundreds of TV reports I had seen from around the world.
Given the recent election of a government whose policies toward the local guerrilla and drug groups will be unchanged from the ones that have been so successful over the past decade, I assume this to be a message from these groups to let the government know that they are still around.
But, I don’t fear for my safety anymore today than I did yesterday. Most parts of Colombia are and remain safe, especially for the traveler. So, if you’ve been planning to come, still come. I walk these streets every day and won’t be changing my behavior because of this tragic incident. The only thing keeping me from going to the gym nearby is my own laziness.
Bombing Target: Media Giant Caracol Radio. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com
On 7th Avenue at 63rd Street looking toward the bombing location. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com
Crews on the Scene on 7th Avenue. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com
Adjacent building to Caracol Radio on 7th Ave. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com
Broken glass near the bomb site. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com
For-sale apartment near the bomb site. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com
Reporters gathered at the site waiting for updates. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com
Fire crews on 7th Avenue clearing the scene. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com
7th Avenue at 55th St closed and unusually quiet in the aftermath of the bombing. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com
If you like this post, sign up for our newsletter or subscribe to our RSS feed to keep up with Career Break Secrets’ career break and travel advice.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Eileen Smith and Jeff Jung, Jeff Jung. Jeff Jung said: My Photo Essay to this morning´s bombing in #Bogota #Colombia http://budurl.com/a52b [...]
Thanks for sharing this, Jeff. I’m so glad that no one was hurt. It’s still very frightening when something like this happens so close. I agree that Bogota is still a safe city. Hope you guys are doing well.
Jeff so happy to hear you are okay and that no one was killed. It’s hard to believe we walked all over the area from your first apartment. Hope this is the only one and they fine the people who are responsible. Love you Mom
I heard the news and thought about you and I’m glad you are okay! I’m also glad no one was hurt. Colombia is in fact a beautiful country and I’m looking forward to exploring move of it in my future travels!
more of it* sorry! Typo!
Thanks for all the comments. We’re tough down here. Taking it all in stride and moving on. Just hoping that those affected get their relief soon. All the best guys!