Colombian Fair

One of my Colombian partner's took us to the Bogota Fair...similar to a state fair.  Bogota is a huge city of 8.5 million.

As you can imagine, this was a massive event.  We had trouble finding parking, naturally.

It was full of the same type of booths that you see in the US except they sold different stuff, mainly hats.

These were HATS.  They were woven of thin tan and brown straw with intricate designs and large, wide brims.  And you could roll or fold them into any shape you want so they could be stored in your pocket or whatever.  The hats bounced back into shape when unrolled...like magic.  They are water proof...a working rancher and farmer's hat.

They also had a woven hat band, made right there on the spot.  Another of our Colombian partners bought a hat and he wanted a feather in the band, which they didn't have.  He is a gringo and has gringo tastes, thus no feather.  He was told to return tomorrow and, by God, they would find a feather.

Got to love Latin accommodation!

They weren't cheap.  Good ones cost about $70.

As we walked through the fair, with tens of thousands of people, our Colombian partner was greeted by people every step of the way.  It seemed like he was known by EVERYONE.  It took a l-o-n-g time to traverse the fair!

He and his father are actually known world-wide in the ranching and cattle industry.

We eventually ended up by an arena where his father was showing his cattle and winning awards. And, of course, buying and selling cattle.

His father was greeted by more people than the son.  As we sat in the stands, a constant parade of people climbed the bleachers to greet his dad.

His dad looked 50 years old and was 70.  He had a jolly, pleasant face with a constant smile.  I could see why he was popular.

But that is not all the story.

His dad was also a prominent attorney, now retired, who was a powerful ally of many past presidents. His knowledge of the hidden power struggles and corruption is legendary.

If we are looking at a mining concession, we ALWAYS check with his dad for the REAL STORY.  He knows all the ins and outs of the country.  Who is corrupt, who is honest, who will sell you down the river.

But he looked so pleasant!  Talking about his milking cows and bulls, disguised as a farmer.

I had just met one of the most powerful men in Colombia.

You just never know!

And as always in a Latin country, a true gentleman.