It’s written September 16 and I’m sitting in the airplane heading South. After a year in Canada, it’s such a weird feeling to be on the move again! I even feel a little bit terrified. “What should I expect? Is it going to be good? Fuck, what if something bad really happens, like many were saying?“ Then a relief, a steward: “Que va a tomar, señor? Quiero una cerveza?” I cracked the beer, closed my eyes and kept dreaming again. Now, after spending an astounding 5 weeks there I can say it is indeed like a dream. Not the one you feel terrified after, but the one you don’t want it to be finished. This dream is about my travel experience in Colombia. There are several options where to start and which direction to move towards. I, personally, chose to start in Cartagena and move down toward Ecuador as it’s my next stop and it just made sense to stick with the general direction.
The diversity of Colombia is unbelievable. It’s been a couple of weeks since I left and I still can’t stop thinking about its beautiful landscapes, nature, and of course women, haha. You can almost find everything there. There is something for everyone, whatever it is that they are looking for. Amazon rainforest in the east, huge Andean mountains in the middle, Caribean and Pacific coastline. Is it beautiful sand beaches with unbelievably blue water that you are looking for? Huge volcanos, wildlife, big cities with remarkable nightlife, or even deserts? You name it and it’s there!
I’d arranged for two volunteering projects beforehand and built the rest around that. As it’s my first time in South America, I wanted to be more still and focus on improving and building more confidence in Spanish. I could have done a lot more in the time I spent, but in the end, I don’t like rushing. Rather than bumping from one place to another and spending the time sitting in busses or airplanes I prefer investing time in making local friends, exploring, etc.
After 5 weeks there, I can say I will definitely come back as soon as possible and will explore it more. I can’t wait, to be honest! One thing I still recall from before I came is hearing: “Are you insane, you shouldn’t go there. It’s too dangerous.” There are still many sketchy places and you definitely have to be more careful. However, as long as you use common sense you should be alright and you’ll have a blast. Colombia is changing very fast and it’s just a question when the tourism, prices, etc. will change. With more and more foreign investors coming in, I guess, it’s not going to take that long and the question is if it’s gonna be the same experience afterwards. There was also this one tour guide from Medellin and she said: „Chicos, my country is changing and developing so fast, but it’s important to mention that you all are part of this change. If having a great experience here, each of you will tell friends of yours about it. If there is enough of you, everyone will, soon, know that Colombia is not a bad place, that people are warm and welcoming.“
It’s interesting I still haven’t forgotten that, but that’s probably because I agree with it.
Don’t be afraid of Colombia and go explore it, it’s well worth it to see it now! There is only the one huge danger, for us guys, and that’s falling in love! The women there are gorgeous, haha.
Good luck and bon voyage,
– Simon
TIP:
It’s really cheap to fly from Miami to many Caribbean islands and other places in Central and South America. I paid for my ticket from Miami to Cartagena $68!
