Colombia. Que Chévere!

What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of the country of Colombia? For most, Colombia is thought of as the land of cocaine and kidnappings -- certainly not a place that a young, independent female traveler like myself would be signing up to visit. While the country is certainly plagued with a violent history, in fact there has been quite an amazing turnaround in the years since Pablo Escobar was assassinated, and the drug cartels and danger has mostly left the country. I had heard wonderful things about the country from fellow backpackers and travelers, so when I came across a RT ticket for under $500 from the US to Bogota, I decided that I better see Colombia for myself!

Zipaquira, Colombia town square and Christmas tree

Ajiaco, a tasty, traditional Colombian soup

The lovely beaches at Tayrona National Park

Let's just say that I'm happy that I have been to Colombia before the crowds have discovered it. Throughout my time there, I realized that it despite its ugly stereotypes, it is actually a safe and beautiful place to visit-- and a place that I predict will have an influx of tourism in upcoming decades. In addition to the country's extensive natural beauty, Colombians are an extremely hospitable bunch. I have run into many friendly people throughout my travels, but it's fair to say that the Colombians I met and spent time with were over the top-- they introduced me to their families and best friends, and welcomed me into their world with an open embrace, in a way that I have never seen before in another country. At first, I suspected that this desire to please tourists and foreigners stems from the fact that so many tourists are still scared to visit, and the Colombians have an ulterior motive of tourism promotion through their kindness. Throughout my travels however, I realized that most Colombian's generosity is far from insincere. As some of my new Colombian friends told me, "This is just our culture. This is how we are."

My trip to Colombia began in Bogota, where I took Spanish lessons from an awesome language school called Nueva Lengua. Next, I traveled to the sunny Caribbean coastal cities of Cartagena and Santa Marta, where I took an amazing mud bath at the Totumo Volcano and visited the Tayrona National Park. Finally I visited Medellin, a city known for its impeccable climate and one of the most amazing turnarounds-- going from one of the most dangerous cities in the world to one of the cleanest in just a few decades.

Stay posted, as I will update this blog with highlights and photos from each city in the next few weeks. As the Colombians say, Colombia is "muy chévere!"