Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna

The Hare Krishnas held a concert and fair on the Plaza Santander today. The Krishnas are a tiny religious group in Bogotá, but conspicuous due to their colorful dress and musical parades. And, don't forget their vegetarian restaurants, such as the Loto Azul in La Candelaria.

A poster warns against transgenic fruits and vegetables. I'm still waiting for someone to show me just one person who's been harmed by transgenics. 

This woman's dress warns about all the Bogotá trash which ends up in the long-suffering Rio Bogotá.

By Mike Ceaser, of Bogotá Bike Tours

Pacifism and Martialism in the National Park

In the National Park today I was struck by the contrast between these two groups with diametrically opposite styles. On the one side was a group of the famously pacifist and way relaxed Hare Krishnas, chanted away and tapping on their drums. A few dozen yards away, was this group of young people striking identical, military-style poses, complete with this salute.

The second group's poses conjured up disturbing associations from history. In fact, they are not paramilitaries, but a search-and-rescue organization which appears to do very valuable work, as you can see here.

Of course, the Hare Krishnas' peace, love and vegetarianism philosophy is very nice. But the day you fall into a river or get stranded on a mountain top, you'll be glad to see the FUNSAR show up. 

Still, I wonder about the future mentality of young people who grow up with such a regimented, impersonal formation.

By Mike Ceaser, of Bogotá Bike Tours