I had a most interesting beginning to my day as I waited for David on a park bench. A group of Colombian students studying English asked if they could interview me. They each had a different reason for wanting to learn English, but they universally said it was important. Their simple questions made me think about why I was here, what I expected to get from my trip, and what I wanted to leave behind. The people here are unbelievably friendly and helpful.
Fernando Botero seems to be it when it comes to Colombian art. His work is everywhere. This morning we started out at Plaza Botero, which has a bunch of huge statues like this one. They all bring a smile to one's face because they just seem so large and lovable.
On the Botero Plaza is the Museum of Antioquia, which is dominated by works of Botero but also contains a lot of other works of art. Like the ones above and below.
The special exhibit was Botero's Circus.
But there were also more serious pieces like this one depicting the death of Pablo Escobar in 1993.
One more favorite depicted things of the night.
We then decided to check out the botanical gardens, a huge park in the middle of the city.
This rather large iguana suddenly appeared on the path.
Our favorite spot was the Casa de las Mariposas, the Butterfly House. Here are just a few.
There were also beautiful plants along the path.
We took the subway home and got rather lost trying to find our hotel. But we finally made it home after a day of walking all over this city as hilly as San Francisco. I can see why people say it's charming.