Ad hoc travels

        Fan's celebration/devastation of the scored goal at the Xolos' game              In anticipation of the main football event of the year between Liverpool and Tottenham, I've decided to shade a light (solely from my personal point of view) on this sport from the Latin American prospective. It is well-known fact, that players from this continent have conquered fans' hearts around the world. Pele, Maradona, Messi... the list is long and their strong affection to this game is obvious. With the stereotype, that "everyone in here is crazy about football", I want to find out how true this statement is. I've attended couple games in Mexico and Colombia, and will share my experience. Why does it matter or why should you, my dear reader, read this article? Well, I had been to several football games in my life in different countries, I had been following this sport since I was kid, I had turned it into my hobby, and isn't it interesting to find out i

Artifact depicting Muisca king covered in gold making an offering to god              Anyone traveling to or within Colombia most like will make a stop in Bogota, as this capital city acts as connection point between many directions. This being said, 1-2 days layover/pit-stop can be enough to explore history and culture for tourists with limited time resources. I am on the mission to capture "must see places" in city's historic center La Candelaria within this time frame. 10 minutes of reading this article will distract you from daily routine and give a 'freshmen orientation' of Santa Fe de Bogota.             Probably the first thought that comes to mind, thinking of Colombia, is the legend of El Dorado. Starting from 16th century among Europeans conquistadors, navigators, and explorers emerged a legend of gold riches hidden somewhere in the northern part of South America (present day Colombia). This was based on Spanish expedition encounters of local t

            From my personal experience reading through articles of traveling could be exciting and dull at the same time. Hence I promise you, my reader, that I won't take more than 10 minutes of your life in order to describe the lethargic, but colorful life of provincial pueblo.         My first introduction to countryside of Colombia happened to be in Puente Nacional in department Santander, small colonial town that until today vigilantly guards its history on cobblestone streets, in people's lives, and in ancient traditions. I was lucky to visit this place on the weekend of celebration of Comunero Rebellion which I will describe in details a little later. Before the trip I've heard such words as 'campo' and 'granja' closely associated with province or countryside, although I didn't really know the meaning behind it. The simple 'farm' translation doesn't depict whole palette of colors, aromas, and experiences that hide behind these Span