A year ago today I was on board a plane heading towards South America. It was three days after my eldest brothers wedding, meaning I’d had a good opportunity to say goodbye to my entire family; those from London, those from Sheffield, and those from all other corners of England. It also meant everything I was leaving behind was there for me to see, and with little idea of what I was heading towards I was a little apprehensive. I clutched my Spanish Phrasebook tightly as I breathed in the recycled air of the plane’s interior, but couldn’t focus enough to read it and try and work on my rudimentary language skills.
To think of those first nervous moments now on the South American continent makes me smile. I don’t know what I expected now I look back, but I know my experience here in Colombia has so far gone wildly beyond whatever I imagined. As a country it’s by far the most diverse I’ve been to, from the stunning, eerie Cocora Valley, to the spellbinding streets of Cartagena, to the inimitable and irrepressible Bogotá, to the surprising and modern Medellín – I’ve been captured by it all.
Most of all though, it’s the people. Bursting with enthusiasm about just about everything, they’re some of the warmest, most welcoming people I’ve met. Their optimism and their sense of pride in their country is both inspiring and overwhelming. Having been here for a year now I can still be surprised by moments of exceptional, unexpected generosity and kindness. I can still be confused by the rush of colours and the passion for everything that comes bounding towards people in this endlessly bustling country.
I still don’t like arepas though. Sorry, Marcela.
Here’s some things that have changed about me in Colombia:
1. Jackets
I’m now one of them foreign people I used to laugh at for wearing a jacket and a scarf when it’s still (by English standards) warm.
2. Salsa
I now get bored when I go to a club and the music is just Western. Where’s that salsa?
3. Picante
Speaking of salsa, I had a normal curry the other day and found it really hot. Colombians aren’t the biggest spice eaters, and in this sense I’m starting to go native… I need help.
4. Aguardiente
I never thought I’d come round to Aguardiente, but I have. Get me a plastic shot glass, I’m thirsty.
5. Chairs on buses
I know I’ve been brainwashed by rolos (people from Bogotá) since when I’m on a bus/Transmilenio now I have to fight the urge to hover over the seat before I actually sit down. I don’t know what I’m afraid of, but these guys must be onto something I don’t know about…
Here’s to the next happy year in Colombia. Salud.
Paul
Andrew paul Goslin on
living in Cartagena for 5 months now, lived in Taganga, two months last year, what do you like about Tolu, vs. Taganga?
John on
That hovering over the bus seat thing makes me laugh, everyone does it, Im told because you can catch diseases from warm seats. But a doctor I know here told me its rubbish, its just a superstition, like the dont walk over 3 drains in a row thing people used to do in England.
mathilde on
I’ve just arrived from France for an expat year, so many things to visit, looks beautiful !
Paul on
Absolutely right, so much to do! If you need any help or advice don’t hesitate to ask. Thanks for stopping by.
Paul