By 
The Septima is one of my favourite places in Bogota. Every Sunday, the street down to the centre comes alive with performers, vendors, llamas and even guinea pigs. The excitement is quadrupled when seen through the eyes of Costeños, however. A group of youth leaders from the Alta Moñtana came to the city for the very first time, for an exchange with youth from the south of Bogota, and I got the privilege of spending Sunday on the Septima with them. I left the Coast a year ago, so it was only fitting to celebrate and remember all of the things I love about my old home, in my new one, a year later. It was sheer joy!
The last time I was with many of these young people was during the non-violent march and the planning leading up to it, when some of these youth served as my guide to the Montes de Maria.There is a saying in Bogota that goes something like this: “We might not have a beach, but at least we have ciclo-via (pedestrian only streets on Sunday).” I still don’t think it is quite the same, but I am grateful that I got to share part of what makes the city special with an even more special group of people, who continue to bring their energy to working for change on the Coast.
Anna L. Vogt 