Notes from the Field Dr. Eric Fox Visiting the Monserrate sanctuary in Bogota was another spiritual experience.

07/26/18
Notes from the Field
Dr. Eric Fox
Visiting the Monserrate sanctuary in Bogota was another spiritual experience.

The Monserrate sancuady is a Catholic shrine in  Bogota. The sanctuary was built between 1650 and 1657 and is 3,152 metres (10,341 ft) above sea level.  Access is only by funicular or gondola and we were lucky enough to ride both. For ed to choose, the gondola ride was fantastic. The chapel itself is charming and the surrounding gardens beautiful. Getting back to the earthly realm, I learned why we don’t see homeless or beggars on the streets. Apparently the president is kind enough to pack them all into buses to ship them to the most undesirable parts of town. Regarding health care, Colombia has national health insurance. Employees bear 30% of the costs and employers 70%. Those not officially employed bear 100% of the cost. Those who live in poverty much fill out an application. A social worker will visit the residence to verify the situation and determine if the applicant warrants insurance. This afternoon to Cartagena. And maybe some diving I hope.