Bogota | Villa De Leyva
Whenever I think of Villa de Leyva I can't help but laugh a little. I rented a car with 5 others that are traveling with me. A few in particular had one goal: pick mushrooms. While we spent hours looking, we couldn't find any. I believe we are better off not finding any; but I'm reminded of how sometimes it's not about the destination, just the journey.
I hope you know what I mean by mushrooms - like the ones you pick up from cow manure. They are supposed to have psychedelic properties. The problem is that it's summer in Colombia. There's two seasons: rainy and not. When it rains, the mushrooms line the pastures and fields where the cows graze. The humidity and moisture in the air makes for an ideal environment. When it's dry, you get less lucky.
We had to be inconspicuous so not to set off dogs that would start barking. Also, because it's a strange conversation to have with the farmer when they find you looking through their fields at cow poop. Our attempts were mostly made at dusk, when we arrived to our AirBnB. So I remember thinking about how funny it looked to have phone lights grazing the fields just to check the dung. We spent a few hours in various fields. While we didn't find any, I have a slight suspicion that we got some secondary fumes which made the rest of the night loopy.
We arrived at the AirBnB pretty late; but the full moon and the stars kept us up. There's something about the night that's freeing. Everything becomes so simple when you're embraced by the mountain air, the moonlight and silence only interrupted by each other's whispers. We spent the night playing with long exposures on the camera and lights in the dark. I'm not saying it was anything dignified. However, it was a moment to release your inner child. Lights, camera, action - run around and see what the camera absorbed and what is fading into the past.
When we woke up to find the house warmed by sunshine and surrounded by flowers, some part of me wondered why I ever planned on leaving. If this could be it, and life stayed still in this moment for the foreseeable future, I would be okay. But I know I have to go and get my feet back on the ground; feel the spring in my step again as if I just woke up like this every morning. I wonder how long I can hold onto this.
Preciosa Casa, Lugar Paradisiaco is where the 6 of us stayed. It's about $100USD a night but fits 7 people. Seriously a bargain and we wish we could have stayed longer!
Where to Stay
Plaza Mayor de Villa de Leyva
Every Spanish town has a central plaza where there's music, restaurants, and a local fare. Check out some of the bars and have a drink. I would suggest bringing some playing cards and taking it easy with a bottle of Aguardiente.
Drive Around The Grass Farms
Especially after it rains, you might see a rainbow or some beautiful mountain views. Keep the windows down, while my friends never found these elusive mushrooms, the fresh air is a welcome relief to the smog of cities and car exhaust.
Look at the stars
If you're staying in the AirBnB I was in, there's hammocks and an amazing clear view of the stars and mountains. Buy a bottle of red wine beforehand and sit outside for a while to catch your breath. You deserve a break.
What to do
Entrepanes
Calle 15#9-58, Villa de Leyva Boyaca
This is an adorable bistro and wine bar featuring a mix of European and Colombian cuisine. Any of the sandwiches are lovely.
La milhoja
Calle 13#7-03, Villa de Leyva Boyaca
Come here for a cute postre (desert) spot and some coffee. The caramel spread/"arequipe" is delicious!