Contrasts of Colombia

Well my two weeks in Colombia have provided me with various snapshots of the country and I have to say that I loved it. The country is all about its people. With the exception of Cartagena, everywhere we went we were, as tourists, a rarity. Given the well documented troubles most countries have advised against travel here, but at no point did I feel threatened. As a result people were so pleased to see us, even if our Spanish was in short supply. But we always managed to communicate and end up with smiles and laughter. 

There are definitely contrasts between the various climates, and altitudes. They call Bogota "the fridge" and Cartagena "the oven"! They are fairly self sufficient with the crops that they grow, and obviously have great mineral supplies. Also they are the only country in South America with coasts on both the Pacific and the Caribbean. Bogota is a very cosmopolitan city, and as long as you stay in the right areas and remain vigilant (just like London or any other big city) then you are fine.

It is apparent that they have suffered a lot from the crime and corruption of the past and they are trying hard to progress past that point. As a result they are eager for everyone to encourage visitors to the country, and to be honest for a traveller that wants to go a bit off the beaten track, and has a smattering of Spanish I couldn't recommend it highly enough.

High points:

Tramping through the Cocora Valley - despite the rain!

Villa de Leyva - wandering the streets and our beautiful hotel just made the visit magical

Cartagena - just such a vibrant city

What I will miss:

The smiles and the happiness of the people

The colonial architecture

Hot chocolate!

What I will not miss:

Their need, in the south, to have cheese with everything! I mean, hot chocolate and cheese?! Really!!

My embarrassment at my lack of Spanish. Epic linguistic fail.

Trying to convert pesos - it was just one currency too far!!!!