Take Spanish lessons and visit Colombia!!!
by Roger Johnson
Take Spanish Lessons and visit Colombia!! It's a reasonably safe bet to assume,when you are considering where to go for your next holiday,Colombia wont be the first destination that springs to mind!
Forty years of civil unrest,tales of drug cartels,kidnapping and violent crime,have destroyed this beautiful country's credibility as a tourist destination.
However,many regions are now safe to visit due to President Alvaro Uribe Valez,who has taken a hard line approach to the "guerillas"and pushed them away from major cities out into the more remote areas. Colombia has much to offer the intrepid traveller.It is the only country in South America,with both Caribbean and Pacific Ocean coastlines.It has an extensive Amazonian region. The pretty coffee growing areas of Quindio are attracting more visitors,as are the nearby Andean areas.
Cartegena on the Caribbean coast is probably the most famous destination for visitors. This spectacular former Spanish colonial port was featured in the motion picture "Romancing The Stone",which starred Michael Douglas,Kathleen Turner and Danny De Vito.The town is famed for its fortifications,walled city,beautiful colourful houses with overhanging balconies,churches and monasteries.Evidence of its colonial past can be found everywhere. The town has safe,clean beaches,good hotels and inexpensive restaurants.
To the north of Cartegena,on the delta of the Magdelena river lies the city of Barranquilla.It is the capital of the Department of Atlantico and Colombia's fourth largest city.Each February Barranquilleros celebrate their month long Carnivale,which occurs immediately before Lent.Typical events include,parades,street parties masquerades,colourful costumes and circus. There are special celebrations for children and the Gay community are well represented.
Further north along the Carribbean coastline lies my own favourite Colombian destination Santamarta.This town has beautiful beaches,good hotels and restaurants and a real vibrancy.There is always something to catch your attention in this fascinating place.The nights pulsate with rhythmic latin music and artisans and street vendors offer their wares until the early mornings. There are boat trips to nearby Playa Blanca,where it is sometimes possible to see fishing nets being hauled back to the beach teeming with the days catch. A tourist police presence is reasurring,as is the fact that the beaches are cleaned daily.There is a civic pride here which can be found lacking in other towns.
Another popular destination is Medellin,the capital of the Antioquia Department. Known as"The City of Eternal Spring"due to its year long mild climate,it is a very attractive city,with clear blue skies and wonderful sunsets. It is Colombia's second city with 2 million inhabitants and lies in the Aburra Valley at 5000 feet above sea level. Medellin once had a fearsome reputation as one of the most dangerous cities in the world.Much has changed now however and Medellin is no more dangerous than cities of equivalent size in the USA or Europe. The local people are known as Paisas and are friendly,helpful and courteous. In early August Medellin holds the Festival of Flowers.This is the most important festival of Antioquia where flower carriers,veteran cars and horses parade through the streets.
As in all tourist destinations basic security needs to be observed.
Most visitors to Colombia howver,never see any trouble and experience no problems. They have an exciting,enjoyable holiday and many are surprised by just how friendly and courteous the people are.
As with almost all Spanish speaking destinations,a knowledge of the language, however small,will be a real help and will really enhance your experience.
Roger Johnson speaks English and Spanish and has a Colombian wife.
