Montserrate and Our Fallen Lord

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There is a mountain in Bogota right behind my university, and a white church sits atop it. I noticed it immediately when I arrived, and was even pleasantly surprised to discover I could still see it from my bedroom window. I quickly discovered the mountain's name is Montserrate, and the church is called "El Señor Caído," or "Our Fallen Lord." I was told it was open to the public and that many traditional Catholics even make pilgrimages to the top. I was also told the 45 minute-1.5 hour hike (depending on your stamina) was not easy. Naturally, my curiosity was piqued. 
My former student (and now friend) Natalia invited me to climb the mountain with her one Sunday morning and I eagerly accepted, especially once she assured me we could stop as often as I wished! I was a little worried about the altitude (10,341 feet), so we started slow. Perhaps the Pilates class I've been taking has helped, or maybe I've acclimated to the altitude, but I impressed myself. I only lost my breath a handful of times instead of a dozen! Yay! Other people did much worse, which always makes me feel good. /shrug

Natalia and I talked back and forth in English and Spanish as we climbed, and I learned a few new vocabulary terms for what we were doing. It felt great! We stopped a few times to take in the changing view of Bogota down below us. It was incredible to see just how sprawling the city is: layers upon layers of buildings surrounded by mountains and plains on all sides. At one resting spot we came across a man, a pilgrim, making the trek on his knees. His labors were moving to see, and it was clear those around him respected his actions. Many gave him words of encouragement, pats on the back, and one stuck an orange in his pocket. Natalia told me that during Semana Santa (week before Easter), dozens if not hundreds of people perform this chore. 

We reached the top just as mass was beginning in the church. We stepped inside for a few minutes and took in a few heavy doses of incense, but we didn't linger long because of the crowd. Next, we wandered through vendor lane and onwards to the food! As I had yet to try many Colombian dishes, Natalia convinced me (not that it was hard) to order picada, which is a mixed plate of all things fried and greasy. It included potatoes, chorizo, blood sausage, intestines, plaintains stuffed with cheese, and a few other unidentifiable body parts. Yes, I hurt after. 

To let the food settle, we explored the top of the mountain and found great views of the mountains and a few haggard horses leading annoying kids up a path. Poor horsies. We decided to hike down rather than take the cable car, and it was much quicker. I could already feel the pain settling into my knee joints and leg muscles (am I that old?), so we both headed to our homes to take a hot shower. However, plans have been made to do it again. After all, it's pretty cool climbing a mountain IN the city. I like feeling like I'm out in nature again.

Final tidbit of folklore: According to Bogatáno superstition, any unmarried couple who visits Montserrate is doomed to break up. Good thing Natalia and I are safe...right?

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