Usaquén: The Enchanting Colonial Gem of Bogotá

• HelloHola
  [O-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [Ah-di-ohs]
• YesSí
  [See]
• NoNo
  [Noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [Por fa-vor/Deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [Gra-syas]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [Pair-dohn/Loh see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [Koh-moh es-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [Byen. Ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [Ah-blas een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [Noh en-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [May goo-sta-ree-a ver el me-noo, por fa-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [Noh koh-moh kar-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [Sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseQuisiera pagar, por favor
  [Key-see-eh-ra pa-gar, por fa-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [Ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [Veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [Ya-ma a la Po-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [Ya-ma a oon meh-dee-ko]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [Es-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [Es-toy en-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [May goo-sta-ree-a kom-prar]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [So-loh es-toy mee-ran-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [Kwan-to kwe-stah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [Es-to es de-ma-sya-do ka-ro]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [Pwe-des ba-har el pre-syo]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [Keh o-rah es]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [Es la oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [Las dyehs ee me-dyah]
• MorningMañana
  [Mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [Tar-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [Noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [Ah-yer]
• TodayHoy
  [Oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [Mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [Oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [Dohs]
• 3Tres
  [Tres]
• 4Cuatro
  [Kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [Seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [Sayss]
• 7Siete
  [Syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [Oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [Nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [Dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [Dohn-de es-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [Kwahl es la dee-rek-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [Pwe-des mos-trar-me (en el ma-pa)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [Kwan-do es el proh-ksee-moh (ow-to-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [Oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Before the arrival of the Spanish, the region of Usaquén was inhabited by indigenous groups, notably the Muisca people. They established a network of settlements in the Bogotá savanna, engaging in agriculture and trade. Usaquén, with its fertile lands, played a crucial role in the Muisca economy, which was based on crops like maize, potatoes, and quinoa.

In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors, led by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, arrived in the area. Usaquén became part of the newly established jurisdiction of Bogotá in 1538. The colonial influence is still evident in the neighborhood's architecture, with many colonial-era buildings preserving the historical character of the area.

During the early 19th century, Usaquén was a site of significant activity during Colombia's fight for independence from Spanish rule. Local leaders and residents participated in revolutionary efforts, contributing to the broader struggles occurring in Bogotá and the surrounding regions. The independence movement eventually led to the establishment of the Republic of Gran Colombia in 1819.

The 20th century saw significant transformations in Usaquén. As Bogotá expanded, Usaquén transitioned from a rural village to an urban neighborhood, experiencing considerable growth and development. The construction of new infrastructure facilitated this change, leading to a rise in population and economic activity in the area.

In recent decades, Usaquén has undergone a cultural renaissance, becoming a hub for arts, gastronomy, and tourism. The neighborhood is renowned for its vibrant Sunday flea market, where local artisans and vendors showcase their crafts and foods. This revitalization has made Usaquén a popular destination for both locals and visitors, celebrated for its rich history and lively atmosphere.

Usaquén is easily accessible from various parts of Bogotá. From the city center (La Candelaria), take the TransMilenio bus system to the station 'Héroes' and transfer to a feeder bus (buseta) heading to Usaquén. Alternatively, taxis and rideshare services like Uber are widely available and can provide a more direct route. The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.

Usaquén is best explored on foot, as many attractions are within walking distance of each other. For longer distances, you can use TransMilenio or local buses. Bicycles are also a popular option, and there are bike lanes in certain areas. Taxis and rideshare services are readily available for convenient transport.

Usaquén is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists, especially during the daytime. However, it's advisable to avoid certain areas after dark, such as the outskirts of the neighborhood where there may be higher crime rates. Always remain vigilant, keep an eye on your belongings, and avoid displaying valuables in crowded areas.

In case of an emergency, dial 123 for police assistance, 125 for medical emergencies, and 119 for fire services. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital or medical clinic. It's also advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical care and emergencies while abroad.

Fashion: Do dress modestly and comfortably, particularly when visiting religious sites. Don't wear overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do be respectful of local customs; if entering churches, cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a handshake and a smile. Don't use overly familiar terms unless invited. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties and accept food offers graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it can be seen as disrespectful.

To experience Usaquén like a local, visit the Sunday flea market (Mercado de las Pulgas) where you can find artisanal crafts and local foods. Explore the quaint cobblestone streets and enjoy coffee at one of the many cafés. Engage with local vendors and ask for recommendations. Be sure to check out the neighborhood's numerous parks and plazas, which often host cultural events and live music.