Why we love Colombia.
I’ve been to Colombia twice now and I really love this country.
The geographical diversity is amazing. The multiple mountain ranges mean that climatic zones can change within a few kilometers. Example; Santa Marta and Taganga are totally dry, desert climate. About 25 km away, Parque Tayrona is lush rainforest. Cartagena is hot, like a Caribbean island. Inland, Bogota is surprisingly cool (almost cold in the evenings). I’ve also been to Cali in the south (hot) and Manizales (cooler) in the lush and mountainous coffee-growing area. Geographically speaking, I found Colombia was like visiting several different countries in one. And not only was the geography varied, the scenery was also quite spectacular.
Check out Colombia’s official Tourism website for ideas.
I was worried before leaving about security and how people would react to me. Firstly, there are many soldiers in Colombia, they seem to be everywhere. Information offices were also manned by soldiers/police officers, all of who were very friendly and helpful. In Rodadero, I stopped at the information office to ask the location of the bus station. I ended up walking with two soldiers who insisted on taking me there. In Cartagena, while walking around El Castillo de San Felipe, two very friendly soldiers with machine guns offered to show me the tunnels under the castle. “That’s where they’ll rob me”, I figured. No such thing. I took a picture of these two in the tunnels. When Lissette and I were in Parque Tayrona, the resort where we stayed was taken over one afternoon by the army because the President was there with some dignitaries. Army helicopters circled the resort. That night, after the president left, we were at the restaurant when a bunch of soldiers walked by. One of the soldiers politely asked, in English, “Sir, can I speak to you?”. Lissette and I spoke to him for about 5 minutes while about 20 soldiers stood around us, curious with funny smiles on their faces. Turns out that the soldier had wanted to prove to his friends that he could speak English. Maybe my experience was unique, but I felt very safe in Colombia.
Below: Soldiers in Cartagena
Cartagena was beautiful with lots of history; beautiful churches, an impressive castle, a great walled city with fantastic old buildings and beautiful courtyards. I was very impressed. It also had some really good restaurants within some of the old buildings. Cartagena is a really romantic place, just loved it.
People are really friendly, the women gorgeous. While I didn’t have any difficulties, Lissette said there were a few things she didn’t appreciate: 1) people, mostly men, sometimes gave her dirty looks. Maybe they thought was a Colombian prostitute. 2) she found the Colombian women aggressive, showing no consideration towards her (women would sometimes try to take me by the arm to lead me into restaurants in Cartagena). I think these were the only complaints we had about Colombia.
Another thing I loved was the Spanish – Cartagena aside (where many spoke with that Caribbean slang) – I found the Spanish clear and concise. The perfect place for anyone who’s taken Spanish lessons and who wants to improve their Spanish.
I could go on and on about Colombia, it was one of those places that I really didn’t know anything about and where I was a bit nervous about going. It ended up being really special. I would not hesitate to go back to Colombia.
Have you been to Colombia? Please let me know what you thought of it!
Related: Our Guide to Colombia
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