And here I was thinking I was special.
By this time, I´ve got my little story all scripted out for when people ask me what I´m doing in Colombia. ¨Well, to tell you the truth, it was just an accident. I just came here for a holiday, and wasn´t planning on being here for very long at all. But, after my month was up, I thought… hmmm…. why not stay a bit longer? And then, a bit longer. After a while, I realised how amazing this place was, and stopped saying I was only staying for one month more. Then, I met someone, and decided to stay. Now, I guess I live in Colombia.¨
Little did I know it, but I´ve been spouting the new Colombian Cliche. Forget those tired old ones that Hollywood´s still luxuriating in, because this one´s much nicer. So many gringos I´ve met have stories similar to mine. Not knowing about Colombia before they come here, they quickly realise they´ve made it to one of the world´s special places, and just find it really hard to leave. Not that I´m grumbling or anything.
Even though I´ve traveled a bit, there´s still so much I don´t know about this country – even about the capital, Bogota, where I´ve lived for… what is it now? ten months?
Here are some others that feel the same, and what they make of this country:
Felicity (UK)
“What has stood out the most is that the Colombian people are some of the warmest, most polite and welcoming people I’ve come across.”
Stephen (Ireland)
All along the backpacker trail from Mexico southwards you’re meeting people raving about Colombia: the food, the women, the parties, the scenery, the people, the dancing… My expectations were impossibly high but I was still completely blown away.”
Florian (Germany)
“Something about the culture and the people is just amazing.”
Brent (US)
“Colombia is great place to practice Spanish and meet locals because tourism is relatively new here and it’s not quite on the gringo trail yet. However, the country has adequate transportation infrastructure and much improved safety, making traveling easy and extremely enjoyable.”
Chris (UK)
“Colombia is a country that will constantly surprise you, offering some of the most beautiful landscapes imaginable, from the coast to snow capped mountains. Throw into the mix a nation that loves to party and you have the perfect trip away!”
Christian (Australia)
“I started running Bogotá tours and they’ve been a massive success. For that I have to thank the independent spirit of Colombians, and their incredibly rich culture that isn’t just on show in museums – it’s on show all over the country.”
Have you heard anyone else spouting this cliche? Any variations on it? Let us know.
And, happy Independence day, this country I call home now. May there be many more positive cliches to come.
Here are some some expats on what Colombia means to them:
1. Paul Fowler
2. Felicity Wallace
3.Stephen Norton
And check out these posts for more!
What does Colombia mean to you?
11 People tell us why they love Colombia
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