Monserrate is one of the most iconic tourist sites in Bogotá. The mountaintop sits high atop the already sky-high city that can impact anyone altitude challenged. Bogotá sits at 2600 meters/8530 feet above sea level, while Monserrate sits at 3150 meters/10,300 feet. Once you ride up on the gondola or funincular, you’re treated to the views of a sprawling metropolis on one side of the mountain and lush green, virtually untouched moutnainscapes on the other. Hidden amongst the many little corners on top are a number of stone memorials. Monserrate is home to one of the oldest churches in Bogotá and it holds special religious significance for the city’s Catholics. I took this shot on one of many trips up the mountain and it is today’s Suh-Weet Shot and when you travel to Colombia, make time for a little side trip.

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Memorials at Monserrate in Bogotá is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

I really want to know what he’s watching. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

After my trip to Monkeyland in South Africa, I became a fan of the squirrel monkey. Although they are native to Colombia and can be seen in the wild in the south of the country, I found this little guy at the zoo in Cali (not very adventurous I know). Mischievous, loud and occasionally aggressive when it comes to seeking food, but c’mon they are so damn cute! I can’t help but have a soft spot for them. So, enjoy today’s Suh-Weet shot of this little guy.

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Squirrel Monkey in Cali is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

I had the chance a while back to take a road trip around Colombia a while back. While in Cali, everyone kept telling us that we had to go to the zoo. So, just for shits and giggles we went. Actually, it wasn’t too bad and I typically don’t like zoos. Like many zoos, there was a large aquarium where I saw this little guy. Somehow through the looking glass I was able to get a clear shot of this little guy. He (she?) reminds me of a yellow Nemo. I don’t have much to say about the photo other than I loved the colors that came out of it. So voilé, we have today’s Suh-Weet shot.

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Fish Belly in Cali is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

It’s hardly a secret that Colombia’s identity is tightly interwoven with coffee. Juan Valdez may be the country’s most positive, identifiable image. And, if you travel to Colombia it won’t be long before you have your first cup. One of the joys of traveling through Colombia is visiting the coffee region, known as the eje cafetero in Spanish. There are a few things I’ve learned about coffee in Colombia that you should know. First, to order a cup of coffee, you can ask for café, but tinto is far more common. Second, many parts of the country (including the coffee region) serve coffee pre-sweetened with panela, a type of brown sugar that locals swear is different than refined brown sugar. If you don’t want your coffee sweetened, be sure to ask for it sin azucar. Generally, coffee is served weak. You can certainly find stronger brews, but don’t be surprised if what you receive is merely flavored water. Finally, if you’re going to go to a chain coffee shop, I prefer Oma or Diletto. The Juan Valdez cafes typically have the best real estate for their shops. But, I find the coffee at other shops better and their selection of sweet snacks to be of higher quality. So there you have a few coffee tips for Colombia and some coffee beans for today’s Suh-Weet Shot.

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Colombian Coffee Beans is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

Lots of color even at sunset. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

Most people who travel to Colombia cover Bogotá, Cartagena and maybe Medellin. But, one of the true secrets of the country is the coffee region, called the eje cafetero in Spanish, and is being branded as the Coffee Triangle in English by the tourism folks. One of the things to do is to head to Santa Rosa and go to one of the volcanic thermal spas, for the day or for the night. While heading up the volcano, we stopped to check out the sunset through this lush, green valley. It’s always been one of my favorites and happy to make it this week’s Suh-Weet Shot.

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Sunset in Colombia’s Coffee Country is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

Great for a lazy stroll around the old city. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

The old walled city of Cartagena is a mix of the old with the new. Restoration and preservation are the backdrop for the modern traveler exploring the city. There’s a lot to see while traveling in Colombia, but Cartagena gives you a chance to rest and relax in its outdoor cafes and restaurants. I don’t have much more to add to what I wrote in my post ¨Back in Time in Cartagena.¨ So check that shot out after enjoying this week’s Suh-Weet Shot.

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Plaza in Cartagena is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

Statutes remain of an ancient civilization. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

In a remote part of  southern Colombia lies San Agustin, the hub of an ancient tribe that little is known about. This area is also a UNESCO world heritage site. because it is home to ¨the largest group of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America.¨ Luckily for those traveling around Colombia, you don’t have to go to San Agustin to see the statues. Many have been taken and placed around Colombia, including the Gold Museum and at the base gondola station at Monserrate, both in Bogota. Since there are no seasons in Bogota, the flowers grow all year long. And, on one trip up to Monserrate, I was able to capture this Suh-Weet shot of the statue in the garden.

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Statue From San Agustin is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

Looking up to Monserrate from the Plaza Bolivar in Bogota. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

The center of the La Candeleria district in Bogota is the Plaza Bolivar, one of the most visited sites for people traveling in Colombia. In addition to the Congress and Supreme Court, the Primary Cathedral of Bogota is the most striking landmark. Behind it, you can look up to see the church atop Monserrate accessible on foot, gondola and funicular. As is typical of Bogota, the clouds will likely give you a cloudy, cool day while your exploring. With the clouds it can be difficult to get a good shot with minimal silhouettes. I have many that are bad. But, I feel fortunate to have gotten this Suh-Weet Shot.

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Looking Up Towards Monserrate From Plaza Bolivar is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

The former backbone of Colombia's coffee industry, the arriero. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

No, he’s not Juan Valdez.  If you go visit the National Coffee Park near Armenia while traveling in Colombia, you will meet this guy and learn about the arrieros. An important part of Colombia’s coffee history, the arriero is the guy who took the coffee from farm to port through the Colombian mountains. One arriero could have up to 10-15 horses and donkeys loaded with coffee. Once trains and roadways became dominant, there was less work for the arrieros and they became less common. This guy (so sorry I cannot remember his name) is one of the last arrieros in Colombia. He’s got lots of stories so if you get to the park (and speak a little Spanish), maybe you can get him to tell you a few stories from the old days. He works for tips and coffee, so be sure to take care of him. Happy to make this photo of him this week’s Suh-Weet Shot.

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The Last Coffee Arriero in Colombia? is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

Hot, sultry, intoxicating. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

If you travel to Colombia, there’s a good chance that you are planning to go to Cartagena, or at least you will want to return to see the city. On my first visit in 2008, I couldn’t believe this place. I felt transported back to the 1700s. Old architecture, hanging plants, street vendors, narrow cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages are all part of the mix. Charge your camera’s batteries up because there’s lots to photograph. I like this street heading towards the Cartagena Cathedral because it typifies the environment you will find walking around the old walled city. And, it made for a pretty Suh-Weet Shot.

Oh and depending on your travel style, bring your shorts and/or linens; it’s hot and humid. Final tip, go have a sundowner at Cafe Del Mar (bar on top of the old wall with a great sunset view).

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Back in Time in Cartagena is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures