Panama City to Bogata

October 14th Panama to Bogata 
Started the day well with a lovely catch up with my old college friend Steve Pisano, I tried to FaceTime Sal and Jen but unfortunately both busy. The guy running the hostel where i stayed last night was Spanish and went to University in Sheffield (where my son Ben lives) and lived in Manchester - so we had a lot in common. He spoke perfect English and expressed to me how shocked he was that we voted to leave the EU. This is a common theme in my conversations with a range of foreigners. I had a lovely lazy morning and included in the price of my hotel was a shuttle to the airport - Express Inn is not the prettiest of hotels but the staff and the proximity to the airport makes it an ideal stay.
I checked my GPS and sure enough my Bike is in Columbia. 
I got to the airport in plenty of time and managed to get through all the necessary bureaucracy without any hiccups. Travelling without a bike is so much easier, a quick stamp of my passport and one is away. The flight took approximately 1hr 30 min and we were soon landing in a darkening Bogota. It appears more European but more strikingly the weather is much more european like with temperatures in the 20's.
The customs and other officials in Columbia appear far more chilled and human, it made one feel welcome and accepted openly. My fellow passenger was a young man who is a dancer/musician. We both had the same understanding of one anothers' language so equally learnt from our dialogue. From the moment I landed Columbia felt good and driving through the City I felt assured that this was a good place to be. Bogota is a very busy city and of all the places i have been it seems more European.
After a twenty ride by taxi I arrived at my hotel. Talk about going from the sublime to the ridiculous, my hotel was sublime. My hotel in Panama was great in that it was close to the airport and the staff were great, but it was basic and rather tired. By contrast the Hotel Le Manoir was very posh and with staff who danced around you to ensure you were looked after. Strangely the two hotel were not too dissimilar in price. Things in Columbia seem cheaper, yet the country appears much more first world and looked after. I'm looking forward to collecting the bike tomorrow and being a tourist for a day or two. It was great not having to work get on the bike or worry about my onward journey. I had a lovely glass of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc tonight as the local beer was bland and without merit.
My plan is to stay here till Monday morning then spend three days before entering Ecuador. I looked into going on an organised tour to Michu Pichu but the two days was $625. Way out of my budget and I'm sure it can be done much more cheaply. Bit before that I have other spectacular things to see. I'm sorry my day was uneventful, but it was much appreciated for me. The other plus is that Bogota, because of its height is much cooler than any place so far. 
Have a good weekend all
Pete