Thursday, 3.14. (Pi Day.) A city can have low crime because there’s a general lack of criminals, or because there’s an overabundance of police to discourage crime. Bogota fits the second criteria. There are police (or private security personnel) everywhere. The federal buildings were especially protected. The Irish bar (decorated to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day) had a security guard. Police dogs are popular. Sad to say, I can’t recommend the city for tourism.
- Lots of Dunkin Donuts.
- Lots of pastries in general. Dozens of tiny eateries.
- Dirty city. Cars/trucks/buses have outdated exhaust systems.
- Shoe shining is big here. Very big.
- Most people walk around as though it’s 40 degrees vice the high 60s. Coats, scarves, etc.
- Very steep funicular to the top of a mountain peak. 3,200 meters high. Warnings about altitude. For me it’s not a problem (now). View wasn’t the best (overcast).
- Lots of museums, though I didn’t visit any of them. Maybe tomorrow. Today I just enjoyed strolling around on my own without a guide or companions.
I can’t figure out why Simon Bolivar has a red mask on. 
The Capitol building. The Presidential Mansion behind it is unworthy of a photo. Heavily guarded, no loitering. 
Legal graffiti is everywhere, though many are overlaid with illegal graffiti. 
Buses with three articulating sections. 
Many, many shoe shine vendors. Popular activity. 
Even security people get their shoes shined. 
The view from the top.