Lifestyle - Written by Zachary Kyra-Derksen on Monday, July 7, 2008 20:21 - 9 Comments

Los Lagartos

I recently visited a country club in Bogotá called Los Lagartos (The Lizards). We drove for a solid half hour through a city full of people eking out a living by selling chips, cigarettes, cell phone chargers and juggling knives. Pulling up to large iron gates we were greeted by the usual private security found at every entrance in the city. They asked my friends aunt (Paquita) for her country club i.d. number and then we passed through to the fairy tail like surroundings. Driving into the main entrance we passed by a perfectly manicured golf course adjacent to a man made lake for water skiing. To the side of the road are flowers, and in the distance a tall concrete fence with electric wires on the top stands as a reminder to where one actually is. My jaw fell wide open as the multitude of amenities passed before my eyes.

We parked the car and proceeded to the formal dining room. I ordered Trucha Mariposa with a potato and a mango, avocado, lettuce salad. Los Lagartos was dubbed this because the founders nicknamed themselves ‘Los Lagartos.’ Perhaps this is because lizards have a tremendous aptitude for relaxation. If any of you have done your research on bearded dragons you will know that following a meal they need to lay belly down on a rock so that they can digest their food. This process of events know makes perfect sense to me… After lunch my posse and I made our way to the hot springs. The hot springs consist of two contained pools in the heart of the lake. It was the perfect place to do as the lizards do. Following that we visited the steam room or baño turco (Turkish Bath). I began to relax once I accepted that my respiratory system would not accommodate to the burning moist air. After emerging I began to feel a shade of cleanliness I had not felt since my bubble baths as a baby. The steam mined into my pores and withdrew dirt I never knew existed.

However, the grandest part of my time at Los Lagartos is the activity I participated in after I dried and clothed myself. As usual I was on the hunt for a playground to fulfill my acrobatic quota for the day. When I arrived at the playground I did not just find a slide and monkey bars, I found this roller coaster of fun!

It is unlike any playground toy I have ever experienced. The result of this toy lifting its patron up and around is sheer ecstasy!

Financially country clubs are only for the wealthiest citizens in the country. I did some research as to how much a membership costs and I dug up these figures. The cost of a membership to enter the facility is approximately $20,000. That’s dollars, not pesos. After you are an official member, the monthly costs will set you back approximately $600 per month. Then once you start visiting the club you still need to pay for food and drinks. Basically what the club offers is a safe and large facility for its customers to enjoy their many amenities. Amenities include golf, tennis, swimming, water skiing, hot springs, saunas, squash, bowling, ping pong, playground, restaurants and of course massages. Paquitas husband was an extremely successful businessman, and this club was just one of his ventures. Because her husband was a founding member her monthly fees equate to the cost of purchasing milk for a family of 5!

Los Lagartos definitely receives the ‘Zach Stamp of Approval’

P.S. The riddle has not yet been solved. Here it is again.
"I spy with my little eye something that begins with the letter 'S' (they play eye spy with letters here…)." Here are your hints to save you some grief. The Spanish and English word for this both start with the letter 'S', it is something that can be seen in almost every part of the world and everything from termites to the CN tower has one.

Silhouette was the closest guess, but it is not quite on the money. If you think you know the answer write it in the comments below.



9 Comments

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suzanne kyra
Jul 8, 2008 8:24

Is it spider, sawdust, Please tell me-the suspense is making me smart–I need some soothing. Softly waiting, suzanne,

I love the video- I can here you laugh. Love, Mom

Lynda Spence
Jul 9, 2008 8:45

Hey Zach,

Your Farrer Cove neighbour here….your mom kindly passed on your blog address.

Wow, what an adventure! It all looks like so much fun and I can only imagine your amazing Spanish (like a native?). I want to go on that playground apparatus! tho, knowing all the Canadian rules and regulations about playground equipment it would probably be banned here.

All these adventures will only add to the rich and deep humanity that your family and friends see in you. And, of course, combined with the education and skills you anticipate gaining at SFU….well, just make sure you invite me to the launch of your book or documentary (which ever comes first!).

All is well at Farrer Cove. Your mom and I are going to cue up a kayaking date. The summer will be gone before we know it. I am so, so lucky to have your mom on my team. Good life players are hard to find :)

Have a blast and stay safe. Love to you. Lynda

Isaac
Jul 9, 2008 19:10

Shape? Size? How about style ;-)?

What an experience to visit Los Lagartos; a privelege to be shown such a beautiful country club; a sensation to feel so clean. I have to say that you choose your indulgences well, my friend. Your descriptions are such riches to my senses; you are so wealthy with life because you are so sharing.

That playground video has to be a small snippet of your world: complete with intriguing apparatus, smooth navigation of ups and downs, and in the warmest and dearest company.

I agree with Suzanne, this I spy riddle is leaving my brain in knots!

What about soldier? Shadow?

Looking forward to a long-awaited answer/hint, and another blog to keep my curiosity passionate,

Tu Amigo Macho (How’s my Spanish?)

Keith Derksen
Jul 9, 2008 20:46

Hi Zach:
Les just sent me the link to your blog. Sounds like you’re having quite the walk-a-bout. I’m looking forward to following your adventures. We’ll see you in September.
Love your uncle Keith

Kate Williams
Jul 10, 2008 8:28

Hi Zach,
I’m thinking of you often as Nancy and I are visiting your mom and dad at what is for us Los Lagartos, BC. What an incredibly beautiful place! We have enjoyed delicious meals made by your dad, gone kayaking by moonlight with your mom, hiked around White Pine Beach Lake, and up to Diaz View. Toby, our dog, is also having a great time. He has officially learned how to swim. Wish you were here, and it sounds like you are having an unforgettable life experience in Columbia. I appreciate your thoughtful awareness of the dramatic economic disparity around you. That would be hard for me to find peace with when reminded of it every day. You have such a wonderfully creative and provocative blogging style; I hope you keep it going. Spread yourself out over the social networking sites as a travel writer and link people to your blog. Before you know it you’ll get a flood of readers.
To adventure! To dipping into the soul of each place you find yourself!
Kate

ps I think I know the answer to your eye spy challenge: Shadow or Sombre in Spanish

suzanne kyra
Jul 11, 2008 7:37

Hi Zachary,

Great reading your friends comments. Is the answer to the riddle smiles. I know wherever you go there are smiles.

Much love,
Mom

Kate Spence
Jul 13, 2008 21:00

hi zach!
is it shadow?!?! i am jealous of your massive fireworks purchase! can you bring those on the plane home? ;)
so exciting to read of your adventures and i enjoy a sedentary summer in farrer cove! keep the blogs coming for those of us living vicariously!
your farrer cove neighbour,
kate :)

Lorne Prupas
Jul 16, 2008 7:20

Zach,
What a fantastic blog. I’ve been reading it, and have even shared some of the video with clients–to show them what “real fun” looks like. That one of you in the park on that “swing” is just a hoot.

You’ve clearly put tons of time into this blog. It looks terrific. Keep up the good work, and keep us abreast of all you’re doing. It looks like the work of someone in media/film/graphic arts. BRAVO!
And a big hug,
Lorne

Catherine
Aug 5, 2008 18:26

Hey Zach
That playground toy looks like something Grace would love! The kids ask often when you are coming over (so they can jump on you) - hope you warned your friend about them!! Love reading your blog although don’t do it very often. Not even going to venture a guess at your riddle.
See you soon
Catherine

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