Hacienda La Casa Del Lago

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

R.S.V.P. by December 31st

Alba is from Bogota, Colombia. As a professional Aerobics Gymnast for Colombia she became a 3x National Champion and placed 3rd in the PanAmerican games. She studied at Universidad Santo Tomas and received a Bachelors in Physical Culture.&nbsp;After gymnastics she became a college Professor.&nbsp;

Kenny is from Redwood City, California. He is an avid traveler and sports enthusiasts. While attending college at&nbsp;San Jose State University&nbsp;he worked in finance and became a Financial Advisor. He has a Bachelors in Finance.&nbsp;







At first given Kenny’s travels some may think they met abroad but they actually first met in the Bay Area. Their meeting was started by Kenny’s mother Azael. While Alba was vacationing they were introduced. Given Alba did not know many people Azael suggested she meet her son. As time progressed their friendship developed more serious. On March 15, Alba’s birthday Kenny proposed to her. He created a scavenger hunt starting from where they first met. The last clue lead her to a decorated area where he proposed.







A video of there proposal:&nbsp;<a video="" created="" by="" alba="" of="" the="" proposal:="" ###a="" href="http://youtu.be/YjkxBC7F7yU">http://youtu.be/YjkxBC7F7yU</a>

About us

Our Story

Flights

Fastest travel from SFO&nbsp;to BOG&nbsp;(Bogota, Colombia) is 9 hours

No direct flights (1 stop)



Note on stops:&nbsp;if your return flight&nbsp;stops in&nbsp;&nbsp;Panama, any carry on&nbsp;duty free items bought prior to landing at Panama's airport CANNOT&nbsp;travel to the US. If you are purchasing duty free on your way back and have a stop in Panama buy it at the airport there.&nbsp;



When traveling back to US,&nbsp;Panama also conducts a pre-boarding security inspection. Don't wait too long before getting to gate.&nbsp;



Mexico City and Miami&nbsp;stops can have long waits.

Wedding Transportation

Although the venue is not far from hotels, depending on traffic conditions&nbsp;the 35 minute non traffic ride can&nbsp;very commonly 1&nbsp;hour or more.&nbsp;Please check back for more&nbsp;details.&nbsp;

Details

Wedding Party

Photos

Q + A

Registry

Transportation

Use UBER or Taxi (from hotel or “Easy” app). Traffic is very heavy most of the time as a result keep your windows up in traffic to avoid motorcycle drivers grabbing a bag or cell phone while in traffic. Sometimes a UBER driver will ask for a person to sit up front to avoid Taxis delaying transportation. There is no metro yet. If riding buses be cautious with belongings.

Getting around

Accommodations: 2018 rates are guaranteed for stays between: March 20th&nbsp;to 26th&nbsp;at Hotel El Dorado Bogota (4 star) or&nbsp;&nbsp;Casa Dann Carlton Hotel and SPA (5 Star). Please contact them for any special requests: I.E connecting rooms, suites and hotel services.Both hotels are approximately 11 miles /&nbsp;25 to&nbsp;40 minuties from the airport.

Hotel El Dorado Bogota: Rates starting at $69 USD per night plus taxes and fees

 





For reservations:

 





·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Website: <a href="https://www.hoteleldoradobogota.com/">https://www.hoteleldoradobogota.com/</a>

 





·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reservation code: MERLO

 





Or 

 





·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Name: Lina Gutierrez

 





·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Email: <a href="mailto:comercial1@hoteleldoradobogota.com">comercial1@hoteleldoradobogota.com</a>

 





·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Phone: +57 316 6920373

 





·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reference: Boda Merlo or Merlo Wedding

 





Casa Dann Carlton Hotel and SPA: Rates starting at $103 USD per night plus taxes and fees

 





For reservations:

 





·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Website: <a href="https://www.hotelesdann.com/casa-dann-carlton/">https://www.hotelesdann.com/casa-dann-carlton/</a>

 





·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Name: Yina Pena 

 





·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Email: <a href="mailto:yina.pena@hotelesdann.com">yina.pena@hotelesdann.com</a> 

 





·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Phone: +57 1 6338777 Ext 6067

 





·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reference: Boda Merlo or Merlo Wedding

 





Note: If choosing a different hotel stay near these ones:

Hotels

Travel

Food

There is a huge food boom. Many restaurants to choose and great street food.&nbsp; 

 

Gastronomy district is located at Usaquen, parque 93, Zona T and G.

 

Other restaurants (too many to list all):

 

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hornitos: Breakfast

 

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yanuba: Breakfast to dinner

 

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Crepes and Waffels: Brunch to dinner and dessert

 

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Central Cevicheria: Seafood

 

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Andres Carne de Res: Traditional Colombian food and atmosphere

 

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BBC. Bogota Beer Company: artisanal brewery with food

 

Typical Colombian dishes:

 

Most food is not spicy. Unless indicated in a menu the only local spice is through a side condiment called Aji. Some places will have imported hot sauces.

 

Arepa is a baked, fried or skillet cooked corn based patty. Most commonly filled with cheese, meat, chicken or pork. Variations of corn are used

 

Bandeja Paisa: Plate with three meats (beef, chicken and pork), sausages, Chicharon (fried thick bacon), arepa, rice, beans and sweet plantains. 

 

Caldo de Costilla: Traditional beef rib soup for breakfast. 

 

Yuca: sometimes they are used to make arepas or filled and fried with different meat options

 

Coffee: Colombian coffee is world known, it’s a national product. Avoid going to Starbucks. You can order liquor with your coffee.

 

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Café Juan Valdez

 

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Café Quindio

 

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tostao

Food 

COLOMBIA TRAVEL INFORMATION

 

Electricity: Colombia uses 110 volts AC (60 Hz) and most of the sockets are for appliances using 2 flat pin plugs.

 





Calling to and from Colombia: For incoming calls Colombia’s country code is +57.

 





There is a wide network of public phones from which you can make local and international calls. Also you’ll find Internet and Call Shop Centers at all major and small towns around the country from where you can communicate with the world. There are 2 major carriers to make both national and international calls and their connecting numbers are 9 or 7.

 





To make international calls dial 00 + 7 or 9 + country code + area code + number. For example calling to US would be 009 1 650-207-7131

 





For national calls dial 0 + 7 or 9 + city code + number.

 





To make calls from a land line to a mobile phone dial 03 + 10 digit mobile number, for example 03 + 3117892000. Calling from a mobile to a land line you must dial 03 + city code + number.

 





City codes: Bogota: 1

 





TIMEWISE

 





Colombia local time is 3 hours ahead, the same as New York. 

 





TIPPING

 





Always check the bill first as there is a 10% suggested tip that is normally added to the total. If you are not happy with the service feel free to get it removed or changed.

 





ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR COLOMBIA

 





BASIC REQUIREMENTS: First up, obviously you need a valid passport, wherever you come from. If you’re a dual citizen, you’ll need your Colombia passport to get in and out of Colombia and your other passport for the other country. You will also need to present evidence of a return/onward flight and an address for where you’ll be staying when in Colombia (a Colombian hotel name is fine).

 





So far what you need to get into Colombia:

 





•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Passport

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Return/Onward Flight





•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;An address for your stay

 









We’d also recommend the following documents:

 





•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Student ID

 





•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Driver’s License

 





•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Travel/Medical insurance

 





•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Photocopies of passport, credit cards, insurance etc

 









DESTINATION

 





BOGOTÁ

 





Visit Bogotá, Colombia’s cosmopolitan capital city and one of the largest cites in South America 8mm population. This modern city, with its intriguing mixture of beautifully preserved colonial buildings, modern shopping malls and trendy nightlife, will smash any preconceptions you might have about Colombia. Explore the city and its surrounds with one of Colombia4u’s tours and activities in Bogotá. Always be aware of your personal items. Avoid having your phone out when in public areas. 

 





GETTING THERE

 





Bogotá’s airport, Aeropuerto El Dorado, is around 9 miles to the northwest of the city and from there a taxi to the city centre should cost you about US$10 (avoid unofficial taxis). There are buses available, which are much cheaper but come with their own risks, and it can be difficult if you have a lot of baggage with you.

 





WHAT TO DO IN BOGOTA

 





There’s no shortage of things to do in Bogotá, but for the time-constrained we suggest visiting the beautiful Plaza de Bolivar, which is surrounded by the Corte de Justicia, the Alcaldía Mayor de Bogotá, the Capitolio Nacional and the Catedral. For a spectacular view of the city, take the funicular up to the top of Cerro de Monserrate. A visit to the city´s museums and galleries is essential – particularly the Museo de Oro and the Donación Botero. A great place to relax in the day, and home to the pick of the nightlife, La Candelaria is Bogotá’s most popular tourist point.

 





Monserrate



Take an UBER&nbsp;or Taxi.&nbsp;From the hotels&nbsp;it’s about 30min in car. Once there you can take the stairs or a trolley to the mountain top. It’s about&nbsp;2K feet to the top. Total elevation north of 10K feet.&nbsp;At the top there are&nbsp;beautiful views, a church, restaurant and shops. Don't go here on your first day. The higher elevation will make it difficult to walk around. Starting US$5

Bogotá City Tour

 





Short of time in Bogotá? Book a half-day guided city tour for a great overview of Colombia's capital city. Mountain views, historic sites, museums and gold! Starting US$79&nbsp; &nbsp;





Tour to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

 





Book the Tour to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá from Bogotá and be amazed by one of the main tourist attractions in Colombia. Discover how it was built, what its sculptures of salt and marble symbolize and how it achieves the spectacular visual effect that will dazzle you when you are underground touring this magical place.&nbsp; Starting US$49

 









Andrés Carne de Res Night Tour

 





Extravagant décor, incredible atmosphere, exquisite food, all-night dancing – visit the riotous, world-renowned, Andrés Carne de Res for a uniquely wonderful evening of entertainment. Starting US$80

 





Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral & Guatavita

 





Venture outside Bogota to explore the astonishing Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and uncover the natural beauty of mystical Lake Guatavita on this wonderful full-day sightseeing tour. Starting US$230

Tour contact&nbsp;pending

Bogotá, Colombia

Things to Do

Atmospheric Conditions

Weather 



The weather can vary throughout a day.&nbsp;

Daily between 50 and 70 degrees and scattered showers sometimes.Bring a coat.







Elevation

 







8400 feet. Elevation affects people differently. Take your physical activity easy when arriving.

Travler Info (Spanish)

Traveler Information (Spanish)

<a href="https://algoquerecordar.com/america/colombia/guia-para-viajar-a-colombia-con-ninos/?fbclid=IwAR2UoDe8g8--Az8WCb9VZmoTOI3AFLKxVwD2my_Rp38_YMKJN099jK-hlZw" target="_blank">Travler Information (Spanish)</a>

Travler Info (English - Google Translate)

Traverler Information (English - Google Translate)

<a href="https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=es&amp;tl=en&amp;js=y&amp;prev=_t&amp;hl=en&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Falgoquerecordar.com%2Famerica%2Fcolombia%2Fguia-para-viajar-a-colombia-con-ninos%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2UoDe8g8--Az8WCb9VZmoTOI3AFLKxVwD2my_Rp38_YMKJN099jK-hlZw&amp;edit-text=&amp;act=url" target="_blank">English (Google Translate)</a>

Currency

Colombian Peso

Approximate&nbsp;US currency conversion is&nbsp;3x for example:&nbsp;$30,000 Pesos is about $10 USD.

Colombian Peso is prefferred currency. Not many areas will accept US Dollars.

Major credit cards are widely accepted

No place will take your credit card to process a&nbsp;payment. It is not permitted. If you are paying via credit card they will bring a handle held device to you.&nbsp;

When paying&nbsp;by plastic&nbsp;you will&nbsp;be asked ahorros (debit)&nbsp; or credito. If paying by credit they ask:&nbsp;How many&nbsp;quotes? "Cuantas quotas." Say "one"&nbsp;will charge the entire invoice to your credit card.&nbsp;&nbsp;


ATMS&nbsp;can be used to withdrawl local currency, their rates are often better than airport or Currency Exchange locations.&nbsp;

Alba + Kenny

Alba + Kenny

Registry