ttomnl
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I went to Cartagena last year and loved it. Compared to central america, it was so hassle free. Nobody was interested in trying to sell me and my girlfriend anything, they were looking over our shoulders to the crowds of Costa Rican tourists intead! I love the ice cold lime juice you buy on the streets, I LOVED the chiva party bus (possibly the most fun I have ever had in my whole life) and the people who were honest, kind and genuinly interested in talking to us. And by honest, they said 'if you were american, you wouldn't be welcome in my country'. lol. Another thing that stays in my mind is the dancing. I've never seen anyone dance so FAST as the dance troupes putting on shows in Cartagena. It was amazing, and they were grinning the whole time like they were having a blast too. Now something negative, hmmm. I didn't feel very safe. But thats it, I had an amazing time. I cant wait to go back and see some more. I just have to mention the street juice one more time :)~ mmmmmm |
07_ShelbyGT500
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Unfortunately, Texas1970's saying is true. The Colombians themselves are the ones who made up that saying.
That said, I have been to Colombia 15 times (going again in September) and am half Colombian. There are so many things to list as likes, its really hard to say. I love the food, the music, the variety of landscapes, climates and ecosystems, love the Spanish Colonial architecture that exists in so many places (especially Villa de Leyva, I love that place).
Everytime I go there, I try to visit someplace I have not been before. Last time, I went to Zona Cafetera for 1 week. What a beautiful place and what a great climate (very warm during the day, cool at night, and not at all humid (at least not in December)). This time I'm going to visit Medellin for a few days. Maybe I'll meet a nice paisa ;-)
Since I have been there so many times in my life, I have seen many things change there, such as how Bogota has been cleaned up quite a bit, pollution has been reduced, more parks and green zones. The city itself has become much more cosmopolitan (it is, after all, a city of over 7 million people). There is world class cuisine there, such as in Zona G. Great shopping, fantastic museums, etc.
But, yes, the one thing that I often don't like is the people. There is still a lot of petty theft, senseless violence, and, of course, the constant problem of paramilitaries, rebels, the military, and average people caught in between all 3.
Still, I have so many friends and family there, I always feel welcome and at home there. Oh, and I do like the general carefree attitude there, best illustrated by the typical Colombian response to any urgent request ,,, Manana. I love the ambiguity of that term and the way everyone accepts it as a satisfactory answer to most questions.
I love spending time at my finca or the fincas of friend or other family members, just sitting around the fire or sitting outside in the sun and having an Aguilla or a couple of shots of Aguardiente and listening to music and enjoying the relaxing life and knowing that any problems can wait until Manana. |
World_Traveler
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I used to live in Cucuta. My husband is from there. Colombian people are wonderful- humble, incredibly hard working, and hopeful about the future.
Great food- papitas criollas (I miss those!!), bread w/ bocadillo y queso... Wonderful, unique fruits....
And someday it will be peaceful....
I love Colombia!! |
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