Discovering Bogota: From Jet Lag to Gold Museum Inspiration

Why We Chose Bogota Instead of Flying Home
From Spain, we flew into Bogota, Colombia. The flight options were less than ideal, and knowing how jet-lagged Andy and I would feel, we decided to spend a couple of nights in Bogota instead of rushing home after a short stay in a San Jose, Costa Rica hotel. We thought this would give us a better chance to recover from the jet lag.

A Surprising Twist at the National Museum
We had planned to visit two museums while in Bogota: the National Museum and the Gold Museum. Excited to start our day, we headed to the National Museum first—only to find out it was closed due to a water outage! We weren’t too disappointed, though, as we spent some time exploring a nearby park before heading to our next stop.

Exploring the Gold Museum: A Must-See in Bogota
WOW, what a museum! If you ever visit Bogota, the Gold Museum is a must-see. It’s packed with stunning exhibits that tell the story of Colombia’s rich history. Andy, who rarely buys museum books, even grabbed the coffee table book from the gift shop! That says it all.
​
How We Spent the Day Immersed in Gold
Andy and I spent hours exploring the Gold Museum. Between reading the exhibit cards, admiring the intricate displays, and taking short breaks, the day flew by. I couldn’t resist sketching almost everything I saw. The museum is now one of my all-time favorites.

Artistic Inspiration from Ancient Gold Designs
Abstract art existed long before we recorded history! The gold jewelry and artifacts on display featured designs of bats, toucans, lizards, jaguars, birds, dragonflies—you name it, it was sculpted in gold! The negative space, lines, and intricate details of these designs captivated me. I purchased my own smaller book for reference in my studio and plan to incorporate many of these designs into my future artwork.

Dining and Rest After a Day of Exploration
After leaving the Gold Museum, we enjoyed a meal at a highly recommended restaurant. By 6 PM both nights in Bogota, we were fast asleep, exhausted from our travels and the full day of inspiration!

One More Set of Sketches to Share
I filled TWO sketchbooks while on this trip: the one I’ve shared so far and a “cabin/hotel” sketchbook. I never thought I’d fill both, but I did! Overall, the entire trip will influence me for years to come! 

If you'd love to see what was in my sketchbook kit, please check out my free ebook about my drawing kit! Click on these sentences to get your supply lists in time for holiday shopping! Maybe you'll find some super deals on some of the resources I share! 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone in USA! It's in two days from the publishing of this blog post. ​

Why We Chose Barcelona
​Since the Scarlet Lady’s last port was Barcelona, Andy and I decided to spend 10 days there. We had both been wanting to explore the city for some time, and this was the perfect opportunity.
Our Cozy Apartment Stay
The apartment was small but very practical. It was on a major rambla, had a small public grocery store on the base floor, and had some cafes close by as well as a metro stop. The two balconies overlooked the rambla, and the tree tops brushed right over them. It was a great spot to relax and recharge after long days of exploring.

Exploring the Contradictions of Barcelona
Barcelona is an interesting city full of contradictions. There are places that were built in the 1500s, and right next to them, there are modern, new buildings. There’s gothic gargoyles perched on centuries-old brick facades, and just down the street, you’ll find art nouveau details in the ironwork of sleek, contemporary buildings.
It’s the perfect blend of ancient and new. You can walk along bustling streets full of traffic, yet still be surrounded by old-growth trees and birds. Whether you’re sipping a cafe con leche inside or sitting at a sidewalk table people-watching, there’s always something interesting happening.
The Architecture: Old Meets New
​One of the most striking features of Barcelona is its architecture. On one street, you’re admiring a centuries-old church, and on the next block, you’re taking in the sleek lines of a modern building. The contrast is sharp, but somehow, it all fits together perfectly. Andy and I marveled at how seamlessly old and new exist side by side in this vibrant city.

A Stroll Through History on the Ramblas
I had wanted to visit Barcelona for a long time. My first and last visit included visiting distant family members, going to mass in another old church, and rushing along the rambla because we were going to be late for the tour bus’s scheduled departure.
This time was different. Andy and I took our time, window-shopped, stopped for snacks, and just enjoyed the city life. We wandered through the streets, taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells of Barcelona at our own pace. It was a much more relaxed and enjoyable experience!

Our Relaxed Adventure in Barcelona
In the end, we loved everything about our trip. Barcelona is a city where you can lose yourself in history, but still enjoy all the modern conveniences. From the balconies of our cozy apartment to the lively streets below, this trip was everything we hoped for and more. If it weren't for other places in this world to explore, Andy and I would return to Barcelona!

My Sketchbook Pages in Barcelona
If you're wondering, no, I didn't share all of my Barcelona a sketchbook pages, as there are 30 pages in my "walking sketchbook." These are just the highlights...and to me the more interesting ones to show. 

If you'd love to see what was in my sketchbook kit, please check out my free ebook about my drawing kit! Click on these sentences to get your supply lists in time for holiday shopping! It is Black Friday in the States just next week, lol! Happy Thanksgiving to USA!

The Trip That Skipped Valencia
I never made it to Valencia with my parents when we traveled through Spain. The bus tours passed right by the city, leaving it as a place I regretted missing—until now.
Arriving in Valencia: A Walk Through the Old Town
Our cruise ship dropped us off within walking distance of Valencia's historic center. The narrow, winding streets were packed with souvenir shops at every turn, a typical experience for a busy tourist destination.
Tourist Crowds and Short Time in Valencia
With only a short stop, we braved huge crowds at all the major attractions—churches, markets, and even a military defense structure. The cruise had shortened our visit due to an emergency onboard, leaving us with little time to explore.
Valencia Wasn't What I Expected
Valencia was not what I had imagined all those years ago. Though I missed it on my first trip to Spain, after finally visiting, I realized I hadn’t missed much after all.
Capturing Valencia in My Sketchbook
Even with the rushed experience, I managed to capture Valencia in my sketchbook. Here are some pages from the short, busy day we spent exploring the city!

If you'd love to see what was in my sketchbook kit, please check out my free ebook about my drawing kit! Click on these sentences to get your supply lists in time for holiday shopping!

I love picking up maps, brochures, stamps, etc while traveling, cutting them up, and gluing them down. It's also fun to doodle random small details of what catches my eye - like the dragon looking thing on the right in above photo. I'm just having fun! 

A Day in Malaga, Spain: Our Adventure Begins
Andy and I took a Hop On Hop Off (HOHO) bus after I made a quick list of three must-see places. We thought this was a good way to keep our day simple…

Our Must-See List, Keeping it Simple
🏰Gibralfaro Castle
🛒Atarazanas Central Market
⛪️Basílica de Santa María de la Victoria

The Cruise Ship Crowd Invasion
There were three cruise ships in port, meaning about 8000 swarming tourists and completely full HOHO…and Disney-style crowds and lines to get into everything (including the HOHO buses).

Finding Solitude at the Basilica
We hopped off at the loneliest stop. We had a great time at the Basilica de Santa María de la Victoria. We were almost alone. It was the last peaceful and lonely visit we had to any church! It was gorgeous!

A Tasty Stop at a Local Cafe
Across the street was a small cafe bar where we snacked on delicious empanadas and cafe con leches. There was almost no people watching!

Gibralfaro Castle: Overwhelmed by Tourists
We arrived at Gibralfaro Castle and walked around it. It was flooded with tourists waiting in long lines for entry tickets to its central areas. We walked away to the market.

The Chaos of Mercado Atarazanas
Mercado Atarazanas was so crowded, a local complained that he couldn’t walk to his usual stalls to shop. Shopping was impossible. Seeing the architecture was impossible. Andy and I left after trying to walk and browse maybe a half aisle of miscellaneous stalls, most selling foods we couldn’t cook anyway.

Souvenir Shopping Woes
Did we want souvenirs? Not really. Every port has so many souvenir shops! It’s sad that nowadays most of the stuff is mass-produced. What you get in one shop is the same you get in all of them. It takes a lot of work to find something actually made in the area (besides food).

Discovering Local Treasures
We found a delicious seafood tapas and wine restaurant. We then spent a little while in a bazaar shop. I found little practical things that I didn’t find in Miami. Andy actually bought Pirula some dog toys!!!!!! Instead of souvenirs, we bought stuff we will use at home. Those are the best kinds of souvenirs, anyway.

Wrapping Up Our Day
That was our day in Malaga, Spain.

If you'd love to see what was in my sketchbook kit, please check out my free ebook about my drawing kit! Click on these sentences to get your supply lists in time for holiday shopping!
​

Discover the Magic of Coffee Cat Cafe in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known for its lush landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and, of course, its world-renowned coffee. Nestled in the heart of this tropical paradise is a hidden gem for coffee lovers and cat enthusiasts alike – the Coffee Cat Café in Uvita. This unique cafe offers a cozy atmosphere where the love of coffee meets the love of cats, creating a delightful experience that’s hard to find anywhere else. The Coffee Cat Café proudly serves some of the finest Costa Rican coffee while there’s various treats for everyone. 

More Than Just a Cafe
While the coffee and menu at Coffee Cat Cafe is certainly a highlight, it’s not the only reason people visit. The cafe is also home to several friendly cats who love nothing more than to curl up on a sunny windowsill or on the lap of a willing guest. For animal lovers, this adds an extra layer of warmth to the already inviting atmosphere. The cats are well cared for and are an integral part of what makes the cafe so special. At Coffee Cat Cafe, proudly serves some of the finest Costa Rican coffee, There’s something on the menu for every palate.

A Cozy, Relaxing Atmosphere for both Cats and Humans
The interior of Coffee Cat Cafe is designed to feel like a home away from home. With comfy seating, soft lighting, and plenty of nooks and crannies to settle into, it’s the perfect place to relax with a good book or catch up with friends. The walls are adorned with local artwork, and the soft hum of conversation mingles with the gentle purring of cats, creating a soothing background soundtrack to your visit. The cats live here, while waiting to find their forever homes, with their indoor boxes, cushions and shelves. 
 
If you love cats but are allergic like me, there’s a nice covered patio area to enjoy outside. It’s purrrfect for painting classes, too!  

Supporting the Community
Coffee Cat Cafe is committed to supporting the local community in Costa Rica. They regularly host events that art events and local holidays. They also collaborate with local animal shelters to promote the adoption of cats and raise awareness about animal welfare. When you visit Coffee Cat Cafe, you’re not just enjoying a great cup of coffee; you’re also contributing to a community that values sustainability, art, and compassion for animals. Their cat themed gifts range from toys to lucky cats for the cat lover and cats in your life. I'm honored to have my own Goofy Cat Paintings hanging out with their real ones! !

Visit Coffee Cat Cafe Today!
Whether you’re a local resident or a traveler passing through Costa Rica, Coffee Cat Cafe is a must-visit destination. Come for the coffee, stay for the cats, and leave with a smile. 
 
Please see their website at coffeecatcr.com for more information on their menu, events, address, and opening hours.
 
So why wait? Grab your favorite book, bring a friend, book a Café Cocktail Cat Painting Class, and head to Coffee Cat Cafe for a unique experience that blends the best of Costa Rican coffee culture and treats with the joy of spending time with furry friends.