Safety in Bogota, Colombia What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?
People’s Opinions
Our team stayed at a church on top of the mountain in Bogota (except for on weekends when we had adventure and off days). It was made very clear to our team that it was not safe to walk around the city by ourselves. A member of our host family had to come with us each time we had an adventure day.Keep your valuables tucked away when on public transportation. It’s best to keep your backpack on your front side in general. I didn’t feel particularly unsafe in Bogota. Just be diligent and have fun! Our team had no issues with safety or things being stolen because we minded our host’s advice.
A member of our team had her phone stolen while we were on a bus in the city. We entered the crowded bus, and Joey felt someone’s hand slip in her pocket and take her phone. She was aware of what was happening, but due to how crowded the bus was, she was unable to stop the theft. Keep your belongings in zipped and locked backpacks and keep your backpacks in front of you.
The area we stayed in at the top of the mountain had been dangerous a few years ago. A lot of drugs and robberies. As a safety precaution, our host would not allow us to step outside of the building without a male or host with us. Also, when traveling up and down the mountain be sure to keep your valuables close!
Ministry Summary
Ministry Summary in Bogota, Colombia Breakthroughs? Suggestions? Concerns? On a scale of 1-4 (1 being not at all, 4 being absolutely) how strongly would you recommend another World Race team go to this ministry location & why?
People’s Opinions
Wowowow. 10/10 would recommend this ministry location. The Rodriguez family has a special way of making World Race teams feel like family. Laura would ensure that our questions and concerns were promptly taken care of and the Rodriguez family was receptive to our feedback about ministry. The work load was heavy and we were on top of the mountain the majority of the time which sometimes made us feel isolated; but by the end of the month, that mountain felt like home. It was beautiful to reflect on all that the ministry of Formavida taught us and how much we were able to bless our hosts by saying ‘yes’ every day! Be ready to laugh until your ribs hurt, cry happy tears as Lucy and Ricardo share the testimony of Formavida and love the children of Santa Cecilia so much that leaving will break your heart in the best way.
We would say 5 if the scale is 1-4. Formavida is an incredible ministry. Laura and the Rodriguez family are welcoming and funny and the provisions that have been sent to them from Abba to continue their work on the mountain and their ministry is incredible. They welcomed us into their family instantly, taught us Spanish, were patient, kind, and loving.
Our hosts were very welcoming and eager to share their story with our team. Be open to various odd jobs and operate out of an attitude of thankfulness. If you have food allergies, make sure to over-communicate. We have a few people on our team with allergies and on an almost daily basis we were still fed the foods we could not eat. We were unable to leave the church often, I would suggest entering this ministry with prayers for patience and thankfulness for the people and for the Lord to take away expectations.
Lodging
Lodging in Bogota, Colombia Where did you stay? What were the accommodations (sleeping arrangements, toilets, showers, etc.)? Cost (per person per night in USD), Contact info.
People’s Opinions
We stayed in the basement of the church in which we were working. We had bunk-beds which was an incredible blessing. There is a bathroom in the basement with a shower that has hot water for a little bit. Our suggestion is to turn on the water to get wet, then turn off the water, lather up and turn the water back on to rinse off and the hot water should last.It was also colder in Bogota than we anticipated, so pick up a sweater/socks/gloves/hats/etc.
Food / Meals
Food / Meals in Bogota, Colombia What did you eat? Where did you get the food? Cost (per person per day in USD)? Contact info (if applicable).
People’s Opinions
Right across the street from the church, at the corner building, is a small tienda. You wouldn’t see it unless you were looking for it. There isn’t much there, but you can grab a quick chocolate, chips, or snack.
We were under the IncaLink food budget-the food cost was included in the cost of living and eating at the facilities. Food was prepared for us, and be ready to EAT ALOT-especially rice. The hosts were great about allowing us to come and eat as we pleased. We did not have access to a grocery store nearby without a trip down the mountain with the host. When you pass the grocery store, stock up on snacks!
Transportation
Transportation in Bogota, Colombia What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.
People’s Opinions
The integrated public transportation system (SITP) is:1. Blue and orange buses that stop at designated bus stops2. Red TransMilenio (articulated buses in priority lanes) that have stations accessed through pedestrian bridges or tunnels3. Green Alimentadores that you take to get to the nearest TransMilenio stationYou pay fare through a plastic SITP card that you can buy and recharge at any TransMilenio station. Fare is about 2,000 COP (About 60 cents) per ride.
Medical
Medical in Bogota, Colombia Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).
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Communication
Communication in Bogota, Colombia Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
For the top of the mountain, Tigo works the best, and for in the city, Claro works best. I would suggest having the two people with baby phones having one of each SIM card type. If you need to use Claro on the mountain, three steps down from the washing machine is where the service is best.
The Sim cards my team had boughten in Medellin didn’t work at all on the top of the mountain. We had to purchase new sims the worked when we arrived. The reception at the top of the mountain is sketchy all the time, so if you have an important call you may need to find the prime spot to camp out where you have service.
Financial
Financial in Bogota, Colombia Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.
People’s Opinions
Do to safety reasons, always get money out and exchange money inside a large mall or shopping center, not out on the street. Any of the hosts should be able to help you with that.
Translators
Translators in Bogota, Colombia List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken
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Off Days / Fun Activities
Off Days / Fun Activities in Bogota, Colombia What activities did your team experience? Recommendations? List locations/contact info. Any locations to be avoided? Any extra safety tips for off days?
People’s Opinions
Our first adventure day was spent hiking to the church at Monserrate. Hike the 1000 steps to the top or take the cable car up. I chose the hike which was incredibly difficult for me (I’m from Indiana and don’t hike often) but it was SO WORTH IT. The Lord will get you to the top of that mountain, I promise. 🙂 I would also just recommend exploring Bogota. Going to the city market on Sunday. Enjoying a crepe at Crepes and Waffles. Going to the park to throw a Frisbee and read a book in your hammock. We also visited an underground salt cathedral outside of the city! All of these things were recommended by the Rodriguez family so just ask them.
Crepes and waffles. So Good. The outdoor market is worth the trip into town, and if you get the chance the statue of CHrist at the top of the mountain is has a breathtaking view.
Other Important Contacts
Other Important Contacts in Bogota, Colombia Additional ministry opportunities, local pastors, etc. Relationship & follow up suggestions
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Tips
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Additional Info
Additional Info in Bogota, Colombia Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?