Colombia is a beautiful country occupied by some of the most passionate people on the planet. And, they love to eat and party! Passion runs through their veins like water in just about everything they do. Colombians – aim to please.

Monseratte was one of my first adventures in Colombia. Situated in the mountains overlooking Bogotá, the view is breathtaking as an alpine train makes its way to Monseratte for a spectacular lunch Colombian style!

Their food is similar to other Central and South American countries with rice and beans as the staple, fried yucca, avocado and array of fresh grilled meats that brings everything together like a giant happy family.

An ice-cold Club Columbian beer (my favorite) is recommended. Monseratte is a special place. There’s a church, gardens, restaurants and street vendors. The most interesting street vendor sold Coca products.

The coca tea is sold to relieve altitude sickness and the 8,200 foot elevation really hits hard if you’re not use to being that high up from sea level, so I drank a cup of that tasty tea and  BAM – felt soooo….much better!

To top off an absolutely fantastic experience in Monseratte,  the  ride down the mountain in a Swiss gondola through clouds of  steam for as far as the eye could see…

Click the thumbnails below for larger images.