November 14th 2014
I came to Colombia excited to get to Ecuador. Now, just 7 weeks behind schedule , I’m in Ecuador fighting the urge to go back to Colombia, and that’s in no way an indictment on Ecuador. Just a ringing endorsement for Colombia. I’ll make it simple, if you have a chance, go to this incredible country. Don’t wait, just go. Colombia has everything. Besides, it’s never been easier to get there, especially for my American friends (or Canadians close to the border.) Jet Blue and Spirit airlines land in Cartagena, Medellin, and Bogota. My flight from Syracuse to NYC and NYC to Cartagena was 250$ one way. My brother flew NYC to Cartagena for 162 USD.
But forget how cheap it is to get here, it’d would still be worth exploring if it wasn’t. A lot of people reacted with worry or fear when they found out I was exploring Colombia. Well I felt safer there than in just about any country I’ve been too. IS their crime, of course. What country doesn’t have crime. The pickpockets and muggings in Europe seem to me much more widespread than anything I encountered in Colombia. Gone are the days of a Cartel run country feeding off tourist muggings and kidnappings, the people have taken their country back and are eager to show you all its incredible offerings.
Sprawling white sand beaches with crystal waters, Rolling Mountains covered in thick jungle, Metropolitan buzzing cities, barren and beautiful deserts, a few jagged snow covered peaks, wild and untamed jungle coastlines on the pacific, endless patterns of green hills which yield some of the most delicious coffee in the world, countless lively party scenes full of salsa clubs and truly beautiful people, chilled out beach towns where time slips through your fingers and loses all meaning, incredible vast and varied histories seen in every detail around you, stunning architecture both Spanish and otherwise, unique and awe inspiring religious sites, untouched towering waterfalls, unbelievable bird and animal life, and delicious fresh seafood and international cuisine. Yes, Colombia has all this and more, because despite all those paradises it’s the people that would find number one on my near endless list of reasons to go explore Pablo Escobar’s old stomping ground.
In a city 8 million strong, a place where the people are known for being ‘cold’ by Colombian standards. I was constantly stopped on the streets with smiles and friendly words. Locals would strike up conversations regularly curious to know about me and to know what I think of their country. They’d give me ideas for where to go, they’d warn me of dangerous areas which exist in any city 8 million strong. That was Bogota, everywhere else the people seemed even more thrilled to see me. From children to Grandmothers, poor to rich, it didn’t matter. I barely met a soul who didn’t greet me with a smile and delight in talking to me as I butchered their language before their very eyes. I wish Canada gave our guests and immigrants half so warm a welcome as I’ve received in Colombia, and in fact, many other countries I’ve visited over the past year and a half.
Colombian people invited me into their homes, fed me, advised me, and helped me to see the best of their country. I’m lucky to now have a good collection of Colombian friends who I sincerely hope I will see again.
Obviously there are real dangers in Colombia, as in any country, and any trip you take should be done with the proper precautions, which are basically just common sense. I did meet a few people who’d had bad experiences, who’d been robbed, or had friends kidnapped so it does exist. But I will say this. Invariably, every bad story I heard started with the happy Gringo trying to buy or find illegal drugs. So maybe that’s a risk you take when you associated with parties who are operating outside the confines of the law. Perhaps you’re not asking for that kind of trouble, but you’re certainly placing yourself in harms way. If you come as a traveller looking to explore a fascinating, varied, and welcoming country within the bounds of the law, you won’t be disappointed. I could spend years in Colombia and not grow tired of its people and charms. In fact one day I hope to return as an English teacher for a longer period of time.
So go to Colombia, please don’t let fear foolishly blind you from a gem of this world. I’ve been to 36 countries in my life now. And honestly, If I had to recommend one of those countries to visit, Colombia’s the name that’s leaping to my lips first for friends of all ages and backgrounds. So come see Colombia and let it whisk you away to some of its countless little paradises! Hope you enjoy your trip!
