PBH / colombia (travelguide, pictures) / post

Story of a Recent Guest

Maybe this will be of interest to those who are considering visiting Colombia. Last Friday we were doing our usual, hanging out at a local bar in Medellin. It was around 11 when a very blond, blue-eyed woman entered and proceeded to the bar to order. My wife, being the extrovert she is, said 'Hi, where are you from...' Well, that introduction sufficed and she told us New Zealand. Surrounding here like a hungry pack of wolves we hurled the usual questions: why are you here, where are you going, what do you think of Colombia? She had just finished a long bus ride from Cali but nevertheless was very friendly and happy to meet this happily drunk group. Her story may be typical—she never planned to come to Colombia. But friends who'd been here recently convinced her that it was a must-see destination. We proceeded back to our apartment and talked late into the night about this country, its stereotypes, its realities, its possibilities. We all concluded that Colombia has a great future in tourism, if only. The next day we went as a group of tourists to downtown, visting the Botero sculptures, the Juan Valdez Cafe, the Museo de Antioquia's artisinia shop and a few of downtown's parks. The day was sunny, warm and out guest loved Medellin. After walking the streets of "Centro" with only a few comments ("only dollars!") we taxi'd to Poblado to a little place called "El Niagra" (which is about 50 years old and plays the best music). We spend the afternoon drinking rum and beer, taking in the sights, sounds, smells and having a great time. She said she loved Colombia and would recommend it to friends. Since she was heading to Cartagena on a bus that evening we left Poblado and headed back to SurAmericana. The day ended with a rose-hued sunset and we bid her farewell. Another day in Medellin. Not trying to gloss over the disparities found here, it's a great city and as our friend has proven a pleasant surprise for the new visitor. Hopefully those considering the trip here will realize that danger is present every where and Medellin is no exception. But when one experiences the pulse of this slightly crazy city, they love it. As for our friend, she's in Santa Marta now headed to Brazil. We wish her the best.

By CasaSol on Jan 21, 2005, 19:41 in Friendly Talkzone.

utopiacowboy says on Jan 21, 2005, 21:18:

How come you didn't sell her to the FARC when you had your chance? I'm starting to lose my faith in this site.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

TechGromit says on Jan 22, 2005, 22:03:

Whats A Gingo Worth? Whats the going rate for a Gingo anyway? Is there a Market for tourists with FARC like pork bellies on the NYSE?

0 funny, 0 helpful.