Pic Today 6/9/11

BOTERO'S WORLD

No trip to Bogotá would be complete

without a visit to Museo Botero . . .

to view the whimsical paintings of

"Colombia's most Colombian artist,"

Fernando Botero.

His giant sculptures and canvasses

show a humorous, albeit chubby view

of the world . . . especially his portraits and nudes.

His paintings are included in the great museums

of the world, including a major new exhibition at the

Winnipeg Art Museum in Canada.

My favorites are his "Mona Lisa" (that smile!) and

"Artist With Nude" (I always laugh OUT LOUD.)

He lives and works in Bogotá.

Pic Today 6/8/11

BOGOTÁ HUSTLE & FLOW

Bogotá's action is definitely in the streets

with virtually every kind of business

straight from the vendor . . .

from Colombian emeralds to tropical fruits,

to a "game of chance" . . . but caveat emptor!

Locally mined gems, handcrafted jewelry,

woven bags and baskets from remote Indian tribes,

card games and dice games (if you dare) . . .

armed guards standing at ATMs.

Fresh street food is the "best bet" --

juice carts to refresh you

with the sweetest mango and pineapple spears,

giant grapes by the bunch, fresh cut coconut,

and wonderful mamoncillos to peel and eat

while you walk, while you shop.

Bogotá streets are a feast for the senses.

Pic Today 6/7/11

BOGOTÁ BARRIOS

Bogotá is a vast capital city

made up of hundreds of barrios (neighborhoods.)

Each has its own character, color and pace.

From modern to centuries old colonial,

each street has an energy all its own.

Some of the best restaurants are hidden

behind 300 year old doors

with incomparable views and cuisine.

To get lost in Bogotá

is to discover her.

Pic Today 6/6/11

BARISTA WORLD CHAMPION

GOES TO EL SALVADOR

Congratulations to Alejandro Mendez, El Salvador,

who is 2011 World Champion Barista,

crowned yesterday in Bogotá, Colombia

at the World Champion Finals Competition.

Runner up was Peter Licata, United States.

Congratulations to all the finalists,

and 54 nation competitors who demonstrated

their skills and excellence in coffee preparation.

See you next year in Vienna, Austria.

Pic Today 6/5/11

15 MINUTES

3 CUPS OF COFFEE

54 COUNTRIES

6 FINALISTS

ONE WORLD CHAMPION

Bogotá was the scene this week of

the 2011 World Barista Championship . . .

an event that recognized the excellence

of the best baristas from 54 nations,

in a country where coffee is grown and revered,

and handpicked "bean by bean."

Contestants are given 15 minutes to prepare . . .

one espresso, one cappuccino and one signature drink,

before a panel of 7 judges, on world-wide streaming TV.

It's down to 6 finalists, who compete later today for

the title of World Champion Barista.

Good luck to Australia, El Salvador, Japan, Spain,

United Kingdom and United States.