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A Look at Pre-Colombian Culture   Source: Gold Museum When you think of pre-Colombian artisan wares, think of gold. That is because Colombia is notable in the American archaeological context for its gold work. Indigenous societies created an art form which abounds in variations and techniques in order to repeat a sacred message: gold is the material form of the creative energy of the Father Sun who makes all life possible.   Isn’t that exciting?  We hope you agree that becoming aware of this message makes it even more special to own any of the lovely gold reproductions Adoros brings to you. Over a thousand years ago gold was worked in different regions of southwestern Colombia.  The people of these villages were the first to work the metal they found in their rivers. They were surrounded by cultivated fields and used the gold pieces they created to barter, spreading new developments from one region to another. In addition to adorning the bodies and temples, precious gold objects created by the people accompanied the dead in their graves. Today, museum reproductions bear witness to the beliefs and capabilities of the interesting people who created them.   Gold Museum, Bogota, Colombia The 63-year-old Gold Museum, in Bogota, Colombia, is acclaimed throughout the world for its quality as an institution.  In addition to representing the various transformations of civilization in that area, it highlights a four staged  cultural policy, aimed at acquiring, preserving, researching and exhibiting its archaeological collections. If you were to visit this museum, you would see original preserved pieces from which reproductions have been cast. Artisans throughout Colombia have also created precious and unique pieces representative of the past that are reminiscent of the actual pieces found in the Gold Museum of Bogota. Trip to Colombia in June 2003 I had the pleasure of visiting Colombia in June 2003 and spent a couple of weeks meeting artisans, discovering the cities, and enjoying my family. Unfortunately, not everything I saw fits the line Adoros carries, but I managed to buy a few interesting things to enjoy or give to my friends back in the USA. So while the memories are still so vivid, I would like to share some of the beauty and interests of my native country.   Unfortunately, most of the time when we think of Colombia, a picture of terrorism and drug trafficking comes to mind. It is true that after many years of inept and corrupt governments, drug trafficking, guerrillas, kidnapping and corruption have prospered. However, this Latin American country has another face that is rarely known—and a joy to experience.  My family lives in Medellin, a small city the size of San Diego, CA. This city is surrounded by mountains and enjoys wonderful weather much like San Diego (with more rain) throughout the year. The people of this region are called “paisas,” and they are known for being very hospitable, entrepreneurial and having strong family ties. Travel around Medellin is via the metro, an over the ground train considered to be one of the cleanest anywhere. There is no graffiti or trash, it is not dangerous, and the people riding it are extremely polite. The seats look new, after seven years of use! The subway conductors are usually students who thank everyone at each stop for taking care of the train and remind passengers to be polite and courteous. Something you would not want to miss in  Medellin is the “interactive museum” similar to our Epcot Center. It has several pavilions with scientific tones such as electricity, telecommunications, the Foucault pendulum, hydraulic energy, etc., where participants can interact with science. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to visit the Botero Museum this time. I did enjoy numerous shopping centers where I got lost… shopping!  And last and most important, I enjoyed visiting my parents, having fresh milk and cheese delivered daily, sitting on the balcony and watching people go by. It is difficult to feel alone there. This trip I spent time in Bogotá, and was extremely impressed with the changes. It is a city of about seven million people with all the amenities and problems of a big city. Bogotá now has a bus transportation system called Trans Milenio. This is a long red bus with its own lane and an enormous passenger capacity. The other buses are no longer allowed in the city, and pollution has definitely decreased. Cars and taxis are allowed in the city by license plate rotation, and on the days when their car is not allowed, most people take the Trans Milenio, where they can comfortably find their destination. The city in general was so clean and uncluttered by traffic that getting around was much easier and more comfortable.   Visiting the Gold Museum was a moving experience. I love that place! Thanks for taking this trip home with me. I hope you enjoyed it.