Today I found a free walking tour lead by a local art collective down in the central district. It was raining this morning but I was interested in learning more about the art scene in Bogota. The tour took about two and half hours and it was worth getting wet for. I learned a lot about the history of Colombia and the 50 year civil war they have been fighting. Much of the art has been inspired by decades of human suffering and collective pain. Street art is controversial and illegal. Artists in Bogota have risked beatings, arrests and imprisonments. Some of them have been killed by the police. In 2016 Colombia signed a peace agreement with the FARC which began a period of healing and in 2017 the FARC disbanded and disarmed. In Bogota, graffiti and street art remains illegal but it has been de-criminalized. The government has sponsored several large street art projects to help rejuvenate and unite the city. That said, graffiti remains contentious. The art is sometimes beautiful, inspiring and thoughtful but it can be narcissistic, provocative, and destructive. Some artists have become famous and make good livings producing sanctioned works around the world. Others are underground. Working mostly illegally and a night, they intentionally push the edges of the status quo, demand justice and social change. No matter your opinion, the art is everywhere, woven into the complex fabric that is the culture of this city. Having worked up an appetite wrestling with the human paradox, I sought refuge in a few cafes and bistros. I was not disappointed. I enjoyed the atmosphere as much as I enjoyed the food and coffee. This afternoon, I got a message from my shipping agent that my bike was ready for pick up so I will be heading to the airport at 7:30 tomorrow. I'm so excited to explore Colombia.