Where to begin....not easy as my mind is crowded by the wonders of the country. My elation stems from the fact that I had ill preconceived notions of the security situation within the country. We have received warnings when people learned we were going there and I can't blame them. Not only is Colombia known as the drug capital of the world but is also notorious for the kidnapping for profit activities of criminal elements. It didn't help that we traveled right in the thick of border disputes between Ecuador and Venezuela (not to mention threats of economic sanctions) with Nicaragua even joining the fray (don't ask me why - the 'boys' club, maybe). There are police and military personnels all over the place on top of the security guards manning the establishment. So nonchalant and relaxed were they that they become part of the experience. Sniffer dogs everywhere (Labrador Retrievers) are as laid back as their handlers that you might forget and cuddle them. It is a comforting sight. Colombia has changed (I heard from our friends who live there) maybe only 10 years ago. It shows you the discipline and determination of a people to change their country and their lives for the better. To say that Colombia is arrogant (according to its neighbors) is not entirely true. Colombia is proud and they sure have reason to be.
L who works for a major Danish shipping line, and together with his wife M (also a Filipina) has lived in Colombia as expats the last 2 years. L, although driving a bullet proof car - inherited from predecessors who were there during uncertain times - says that the police and the military are upstanding institutions and are not corrupt. They can't be bribed. They soon became fixtures to us, like normal people walking around, only in different shades of green. They are not at all abrasive and threatening - unlike other forces I've seen in other countries whose presence need to be seen and felt.
M many times would walk to the nearest mall from their flat without any incident. One thing I myself cannot just do here even if I live right behind the newest and most ostentatious (by Nicaraguan standards) mall in Managua. There have been 4 (reported) cases of daylight robberies at knife point just a block away from us and 2 night time 'vigilante' encounters with 'ladrones' where gunshots have been fired smack in front of our property since we moved here - digressing but somewhat relevant as Nicaragua is 'known' to be the safest country in Central America while Colombia....well, you know what you've heard.
We were in Colombia for 10 days and it wasn't enough. More than the place, it's the people that really struck me. Regardless of their economic situation, they seemed happy and fun loving. They don't stare and even if they do for whatever reason and catch them, they would always be smiling apologetically . They also come across as very polite and always want to help even if you don't need it but senses that you are somehow at a loss. You almost don't have to ask and if you do, they'll go out on a limb.
The Colombians seem to love to dance to the slightest beat, maybe including the chug-a-chug of a locomotive. Maybe because of its distance from the US (as opposed to Central America, apart from Guatemala (I heard)), it's the first time I have experienced and felt the Latino culture. Unlike the Nicaraguans, the Colombians like to be in the sun and tan themselves. They are proud to be Latinos and don't seem to aspire to be as light as the Caucasians. They are so confident, relaxed and generally happy. Beauty being relative, I think the Colombians are beautiful and well sculpted, either by design or by nature.
Practical note: credit card fraud exists in Colombia, therefore, make sure that your credit card is always on sight (reputable restaurants bring their portable machines to your table and reputable shops (in malls) always have their machines at the counter) when paying. When withdrawing cash from ATMs, don't be surprised if you are not allowed to withdraw your usual limit as it seems that international banks have lowered cash withdrawal limits in Colombia in general for your protection (ex. our usual daily limit per card of $300 was reduced to $150). Exchange rate at the time we were there: $1 = 1,750 Pesos.
L who works for a major Danish shipping line, and together with his wife M (also a Filipina) has lived in Colombia as expats the last 2 years. L, although driving a bullet proof car - inherited from predecessors who were there during uncertain times - says that the police and the military are upstanding institutions and are not corrupt. They can't be bribed. They soon became fixtures to us, like normal people walking around, only in different shades of green. They are not at all abrasive and threatening - unlike other forces I've seen in other countries whose presence need to be seen and felt.
M many times would walk to the nearest mall from their flat without any incident. One thing I myself cannot just do here even if I live right behind the newest and most ostentatious (by Nicaraguan standards) mall in Managua. There have been 4 (reported) cases of daylight robberies at knife point just a block away from us and 2 night time 'vigilante' encounters with 'ladrones' where gunshots have been fired smack in front of our property since we moved here - digressing but somewhat relevant as Nicaragua is 'known' to be the safest country in Central America while Colombia....well, you know what you've heard.
We were in Colombia for 10 days and it wasn't enough. More than the place, it's the people that really struck me. Regardless of their economic situation, they seemed happy and fun loving. They don't stare and even if they do for whatever reason and catch them, they would always be smiling apologetically . They also come across as very polite and always want to help even if you don't need it but senses that you are somehow at a loss. You almost don't have to ask and if you do, they'll go out on a limb.
The Colombians seem to love to dance to the slightest beat, maybe including the chug-a-chug of a locomotive. Maybe because of its distance from the US (as opposed to Central America, apart from Guatemala (I heard)), it's the first time I have experienced and felt the Latino culture. Unlike the Nicaraguans, the Colombians like to be in the sun and tan themselves. They are proud to be Latinos and don't seem to aspire to be as light as the Caucasians. They are so confident, relaxed and generally happy. Beauty being relative, I think the Colombians are beautiful and well sculpted, either by design or by nature.
Practical note: credit card fraud exists in Colombia, therefore, make sure that your credit card is always on sight (reputable restaurants bring their portable machines to your table and reputable shops (in malls) always have their machines at the counter) when paying. When withdrawing cash from ATMs, don't be surprised if you are not allowed to withdraw your usual limit as it seems that international banks have lowered cash withdrawal limits in Colombia in general for your protection (ex. our usual daily limit per card of $300 was reduced to $150). Exchange rate at the time we were there: $1 = 1,750 Pesos.
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