Colombia from the Hip

Plaza Bolivar -- the best public space in Colombia (according to Penalosa -- the guru of city planning, former mayor of Bogota). And definitely Pereira's most lively plaza.

1. Bolivar Desnudo -- This is the symbol of the city and probably the most famous statue of Simon Bolivar by artist Rodigo Arenas Betancur. Arenas created it in 1964, and it was one of the most controversial statues because, well, Bolivar is naked (hence the title).
2. The Chess Corner -- There is a very serious chess club that plays in the same spot on the Plaza Bolivar every day, all day long.
3. Shoe shiners -- Hundreds of people are employed in this plaza from shoe shiners, human statues, coffee vendors, musicians, and the dreaded mimes -- all making their living in this plaza surrounded by beautiful mango trees in the center of Pereira.