Leaving Bogotá

Trans Milenio Bogotá

Buenos dias!

It's my second day in Bogota but unfortunately, I had to leave this city because I had to catch a flight to Bucaramanga. After packing all my bags and having breakfast and all the participants we're heading to El Dorado Airport. It is so sad leaving Bogotá this fast I hope I can explore more before leaving but I can't because we all had to start our Spanish class.

On a bus, I can see more of Bogotá this capital city of Colombia is full of people walking around to go to their offices. Most women in Bogotá are very stylish in their favorite outfit boots. Everywhere I can see them wearing boots with different types of it. Also, I get a chance to see Trans Milenio Bogotá, public transportation that is used by the majority of Bogota people to reach their destinations every day. Trans Milenio is a pilot project for Trans Jakarta in Indonesia.  I think Trans Jakarta and Trans Milenio are very similar but the difference is in Bogota every three minutes there is always a bus coming to the shelter. I can't see a long queue of passengers waiting for the bus it's quite opposite with Trans Jakarta. Also, there are two to three buses, so they can carry many passengers.

After 20 minutes we finally arrived at the airport, everyone saying goodbye to each other. Each group of participants from a different country heading to a different city. I and the other eight participants from Indonesia we're going to Bucaramanga with one Chinese guy and four Thai.

Bucaramanga "La Ciudad Bonita"

Bucaramanga is the capital city of the Department of Santander, Colombia.  Bucaramanga has over 160 parks scattered throughout the city and has been given the nickname "La Ciudad de Los Parques" ("The City of Parks") and "La Ciudad Bonita de Colombia" ("Colombia's Beautiful City"). It is located in the north of Colombia 420 km from Bogota and surrounded by mountains.

Landing safely at Palonegro International Airport

After 45 minutes of flight, we arrived at Palonegro International Airport and after the second attempt finally, the plane can landing safely. When we arrived our Spanish teacher Dilma has to wait for us at the gate. With our names on the boards, they took us to our new houses. Well me and three others, I need to stay at the hotel for one night before finding a perfect house for us for the next four months.

It was hot, that's how I felt about Bucaramanga. I had to take off my vest and change my halterneck top because the sun shine so brightly. The weather It's the opposite of Bogota.

It was noon Dilma our Spanish teacher took us for lunch downtown and we could walk around for a while before heading back to the hotel because we need to prepare ourselves to go to campus. Our campus is Universidad Autonoma de Bucaramanga it is located north of the city and is located up on the hill. The campus is nice and modern. It only takes 10 minutes by car.

Welcome to Universidad Autonoma de Bucaramanga

On our first day at the campus, we have an introduction session where we can meet all of the teachers and students from other countries. There are from France, Mexico, US. We also had a chance to meet our new Colombians friends. Meet Sebastian, a Colombian student who is in charge of helping us adapt during our time on campus. He took us to go around campus and meet new friends.

I can't believe I am finally here ready to experience and explore this city, this campus, the people, and its culture. Bucaramanga, La Ciudad Bonita.