Weather in Bogota

Surprisingly, the weather for the past two days has been very nice in Bogota, a city where chilly, cloudy and rainy days are typical.

We don't take the weather for granted and head out bundled for cold temperatures like many others in the city even though a t-shirt would suffice.

"Enjoy the sun while it lasts, but always take a rain jacket or umbrella," cautions Claudia's friend Lilliana.

The people of Bogota are caught off guard by the fair weather. Many are bundled in heavy jackets and sweaters with a wary eye looking skyward. Still, during the afternoons in the park across the street people enjoy the sun and warm temperatures. Children are playing soccer or fetch with their dogs. Adolecensts huddle underneath a bush wrapped in each other's arms. Others walk with purpose toward their condo crring plastic bags filled with groceries from nearby Santa Fe mall.

People look distrustful upwards. The sky is expected to suddenly become cloudy and rumble with lightening. The heavens should unexpectedly open up with a deluge.

Why shouldn't people trust the weather? There isn't much they do trust. Not their neighbors. Not the people selling things on the street. They rarely wear jewelry that would call attention to themselves for fear of being robbed. Many stores don't accept debit cards, which means people pay more for items in stores because the cashier can't make exact change due to the lack of small currency denominations. They don't trust police or politicians.

So, why not expect the weather to turn on you also?