Time to change Colombia´s bad rep
So, I thought I would try and write a blog. However, my expectations are slim - despite my good intentions (fuelled by a large dose of caffeine), it is entirely likely that I will write two posts (three at a push) get bored, lose interest and give up. This is not because I don´t want to write about the people we meet, the amazing places we visit and the (frequently) amusing situations we find ourselves in, but I figure that the more fun I´m having, the less time I will have to spend sat at a computer. Right?
Planning and research can be good things before travelling. However, in our case, a distinct lack of the latter, and a complete disregard of the former, lead to no prior expectations of Colombia at all. Honestly, that was a complete blessing in disguise. Colombia is an incredible country - with paradise beaches (Caribbean and Pacific coastlines), dense jungle and stunning mountain ranges, it has everything. But, more importantly, the people are absolutely top class. Every Colombian loves Colombia, and not in the typical nationalistic pride sort of way you find in the UK either. Random strangers come up to you in the street with massive grins, shaking your hand and thanking you sincerely for visiting their country, for nothing in return. Of course, there are places that you don´t go at night and it´s stupid to wave your flashy camera around but we haven´t felt unsafe here at all. The reputation that Colombia is a lot more dangerous than other places seems inaccurate.
Sure, Colombia has had it´s well-documented share of trouble but there is a really strong belief here that if the political powers can find a way to neutralise the rebel groups, then the future can only be prosperous. There is a ancient myth told here that talks about how God created the beautiful mountains, the diverse jungle, the beautiful beaches and then when he was done he emptied his pockets and a whole load of bad people ended up in charge of it. I´ve been told by two separate Colombians that I need Colombia more than Colombia needs me and it is hard to argue. It has the natural resources to be entirely self-sufficient and not dependent on imports and the emerging tourism industry but frustratingly, the politics are holding it back. Hopefully that will change in the near future.
Anyway, I can´t believe we´ve nearly been away a month! Top ten things I´ve learned so far:
1. No matter what time of day it is, no matter how cloudy it seems, I will always burn.
2. Colombian coffee is second to none.
3. Rum is acceptable at any time of day.
4. Indigenous tribes in the jungle are drug addicts, As a male tribe member, if you are over 25 (and married) the shamen grants you permission to use the ´Poporo´, a wooden instrument that enables you to mash coca leaves (and river snails!?) into a special, spiritual white powder substance that magically ´gives you more energy´. Basically, they are on coke 24/7.
5. Fried, crispy, banana chips never have, and never will, taste good.
6. All the traveller cliches you hear are true: dreadlocks, acoustic guitars, Austalians everywhere etc etc
7. Don´t go up a mountain to stay at a hostel with a poster advertisement that reads; ´Lose yourself. Be yourself. Find yourself.´ (refer back to 6.). It will end up being a weird cult.
8. Playing small stakes roulette in the Casino is so so so much fun, even if you only win the Colombian equivalent of about 20p.
9. Bottom bunk is always best
10. I don´t want to leave Colombia.
Currently in Medellin, city of the infamous Pablo Escabar.
Hasta Luego!
Planning and research can be good things before travelling. However, in our case, a distinct lack of the latter, and a complete disregard of the former, lead to no prior expectations of Colombia at all. Honestly, that was a complete blessing in disguise. Colombia is an incredible country - with paradise beaches (Caribbean and Pacific coastlines), dense jungle and stunning mountain ranges, it has everything. But, more importantly, the people are absolutely top class. Every Colombian loves Colombia, and not in the typical nationalistic pride sort of way you find in the UK either. Random strangers come up to you in the street with massive grins, shaking your hand and thanking you sincerely for visiting their country, for nothing in return. Of course, there are places that you don´t go at night and it´s stupid to wave your flashy camera around but we haven´t felt unsafe here at all. The reputation that Colombia is a lot more dangerous than other places seems inaccurate.
Sure, Colombia has had it´s well-documented share of trouble but there is a really strong belief here that if the political powers can find a way to neutralise the rebel groups, then the future can only be prosperous. There is a ancient myth told here that talks about how God created the beautiful mountains, the diverse jungle, the beautiful beaches and then when he was done he emptied his pockets and a whole load of bad people ended up in charge of it. I´ve been told by two separate Colombians that I need Colombia more than Colombia needs me and it is hard to argue. It has the natural resources to be entirely self-sufficient and not dependent on imports and the emerging tourism industry but frustratingly, the politics are holding it back. Hopefully that will change in the near future.
Anyway, I can´t believe we´ve nearly been away a month! Top ten things I´ve learned so far:
1. No matter what time of day it is, no matter how cloudy it seems, I will always burn.
2. Colombian coffee is second to none.
3. Rum is acceptable at any time of day.
4. Indigenous tribes in the jungle are drug addicts, As a male tribe member, if you are over 25 (and married) the shamen grants you permission to use the ´Poporo´, a wooden instrument that enables you to mash coca leaves (and river snails!?) into a special, spiritual white powder substance that magically ´gives you more energy´. Basically, they are on coke 24/7.
5. Fried, crispy, banana chips never have, and never will, taste good.
6. All the traveller cliches you hear are true: dreadlocks, acoustic guitars, Austalians everywhere etc etc
7. Don´t go up a mountain to stay at a hostel with a poster advertisement that reads; ´Lose yourself. Be yourself. Find yourself.´ (refer back to 6.). It will end up being a weird cult.
8. Playing small stakes roulette in the Casino is so so so much fun, even if you only win the Colombian equivalent of about 20p.
9. Bottom bunk is always best
10. I don´t want to leave Colombia.
Currently in Medellin, city of the infamous Pablo Escabar.
Hasta Luego!
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