"Colombia - my second home" Colombia by Lodestar

Colombia Travel Guide: 4,082 reviews and 11,974 photos

A country of extreme diveristy

“Presidential candidate kidnapped.” “Car bomb killed four.” “Peace talks between government and FARC ending – tension grows.” “Two German reporters kidnapped.” “U.S State Department warns – going to Colombia is not suggested.” These and many other newspaper headlines described the situation in Colombia at the time when I started organising the paperwork for my 5-month traineeship to the Caribbean coast of Colombia in January 2002. Facts about Colombia – the country is among the leaders of the world in areas such as kidnappings, cocaine and marihuana export, unemployment, amount of people living under the poverty rate, etc. A country with huge social, economical, and political instability. A country that experiences problems like illiteracy, social segregation, assassinations, corruption, poverty, enormous underground economy, guerrilla war, drug trafficking, high crime rate…to mention just a few.
But this is just one side of it all - the superficial side, emphasized by people who have never actually been to that amazing country. From the hot beaches of the Caribbean to the high mountains of the Andes, this is a country of extreme diversity. There is an amazing nature – heavenly tropical beaches, vast deserts, huge rainforests, waterfalls, coconut palms, high snow-capped mountains, salt lakes, incredible variety of animals and birds, blossoming cactuses and wild rivers. There is also a breathtaking culture – Latino music, everlasting dancing, native Indians and their prehistoric villages and relics, incredible carnivals (the greatest being the Barranquilla carnival, which is the best in south America after the world-renown Rio of course), handicrafts, unique literature, colourful colonial architecture and beautiful cities and villages (Cartagena, Medellin, Taganga, Bogota, Parque Tayrona etc.) and full of breathtaking experiences just waiting for you. And most of all there are people – friendly, helpful, happy, kind, peaceful and sunny - beautiful girls and hot men. This is a country of extreme variation. Varying from extreme poverty to unbelievable richness, from highly educated scientists to illiterate maids, from disgustingly dirty and smelly marketplaces to the most modern supermarkets, from big polluted industrial cities to huge jungles that are never still, from hi-tech miracles to neighbourhoods with no electricity. I could go on and on... This is an amazing country.

Colombia - the land of culture

Botero sculpture in Medellin

Colombia has a very rich culture, with some of the world's best artists, musicians and writers coming from this country. Gabriel G. Marquez wrote his Nobel winning 'One Hundred Years of Sulitude' -one of the best books ever written - about this La Tierra Loca.
One of the most spectacular contemporary artists - Botero - was born in Medellin, the city that is now filled with his sculptures. His funny, allegorical and excellent works are situated around the city and his paintings can be found in the art museums in Colombia as well as around the world.
One of the present latino superstars - Shakira - is yet another Colombian who has made a name for herself universally. But there are so many other musicians, who are not that widely known, but a lot better and more authentic (my very personal opinion). Colombia is undoubtedly a country of music - you can see old men playing the guitar on the stairs of their houses, young girls singing and whistling tunes on the streets, the dance clubs are crowded with people not only on weekends but also during the week, every shop, restaurant, bar and marketplace is blasting with the latino rhythms. among the best musicians in Colombia are Carlos Vives, Joe Arroyo, Juanes, Toto la Momposina and several other amazing singers.

My life in Colombia

Colombia was my home for six months last year. I fell in love with the country and the people and can't wait to go back. This has to be the most amazing place on the face of the earth...
I lived 6 months in B/quilla, the fourth largest city in Colombia, situated near the Caribbean. I worked as a teacher of English in a typically catholic, all-girls highschool. The job was tough and nasty at times, but everything else there was just amazing.

Ok, the most important thing - do not believe everything you are told. i mean - the place is not like you see in the news, and there is so much more in Colombia than just drugs, murders, bombings, the guerilla, paramilitaries, robberies and kidnappings. Nothing will happen to you, if you just keep your head cool and your wits about - a lot of the stuff being told you about Colombia is just paranoia, some of it justified of course, but most of it not however. Don't miss out on everything this gorgeous and exciting country has to offer simply because of fear.

I lived there and I loved every minute of it, and I miss this heaven on earth more than words can say...

If you have any specific questions - my mailbox is always open :)

Pros and Cons

Pros:Rich and diverse nature, architecture and culture, great people, unique experiences
Cons:If you keep your wits about and your eyes open and don't let fear overcome you, the cons are marginal...
In a nutshell:So much more than meets the eye at first - an amazing place you'll just afll in love with

Last visit to Colombia: Jan 2002
Intro Updated Jun 9, 2003
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Reviews (19)

This is what a Chiva looks like - Colombia

Go for a Chiva ride Things to Do (5)

You shouldn't miss a sightseeing tour on a Chiva. Chivas are old buses, which are not regularly used in the cities any... more travel advice

One of the fifteen crosses in the Salt Cathedral - Colombia

The most original church in the world -... Off The Beaten Path (4)

The Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira near Bogota has to be one of the most original churches in the world. Carvedinto the... more travel advice

View on the heavenly village of Taganga - Colombia

Divers' heaven - Taganga Off The Beaten Path (4)

This small fishing village is situated near the city of Santa Marta. It is the best place in the city if you are... more travel advice

One of the colonial streets in Cartagena - Colombia

The most popular tourist destination -... Things to Do (5)

Cartagena, situated by the Caribbean sea is one of the most beautiful (if not THE most beautiful) cities in Colombia. It... more travel advice

Travelogues (1)

Written Jun 4, 2003

8 photos

THE BEST 6 MONTHS OF MY LIFE!

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Comments (13)

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Hermanater Aug 17, 2007 at 8:58 AM

Happy birthday...I can see why you call it your second home. What a beautiful place.
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jungles Jul 8, 2006 at 1:18 PM

Enjoyed your page. I definitely understand your love for the country!
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hunwagner Jun 28, 2006 at 1:24 AM

Great tips here - fun to read Bogota reminding you of my hometown!
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alloquisha Mar 12, 2005 at 8:40 AM

Awesome page! I love your photos and narrative, they are excellent. I can't wait to see your other pages!! Thanks for sharing all of your experiences.
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JuanGaitan Feb 28, 2005 at 5:30 AM

Thanks for that great words about my country. Finally somebody with enough mind and soul to see the world. Cheers from Colombia !
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archan4698 Sep 7, 2003 at 4:58 PM

Very nice page, lots of good tips and pretty photos;)
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Mirtsa Jul 23, 2003 at 3:09 AM

Great job!! Especially your Colombia page! Aga ka sukeldumine ja kõik muu! Edu sulle!!
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KapilTagore Jul 21, 2003 at 2:29 PM

I liked what you said about my country, though a correction has to be made, Colombia is on the top third in terms of HDI, so your poverty claim isn't really fair
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AndreSTGT Jun 9, 2003 at 10:25 AM

Colombia is amazing. Everyone should know that, esp. the people who try to persuade others not to go there, although they have never even been there themselves. 6 months in Barranquilla? I really envy you!
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Manaya May 26, 2003 at 12:25 PM

It's so great to see that there are foreign ppl, who try to change the image of south-america. It truly is an amazing continent, and a fantastic place to visit. Nice job with the pages. Besos :)