Why Colombia was nothing like I expected

By Tom.

When I was at home and told people I was going to Colombia, I got lots of different reactions. From what I gathered from other people’s ‘stories’ and perceptions of the place I thought I was going to be punched, kicked, stabbed and shot in my head, shoulders, knees and toes.



I thought I was going to be kidnapped in a taxi and taken to the top of a mountain where I would have to ring the Prime Minister (or Queen?) and ask for millions for my freedom, then make the transfer from two cable cars 6000 ft above the jungle.

I thought I was going to be drugged with everything from heroin to mescaline, DMT to PCP and wake up naked in a wheelbarrow next to a shit-infested river.

All of these people are completely wrong! They have no idea what they are talking about. They think that Pablo Escobar and the Guerrilla are still running around murdering everyone who gives them a funny look.

In reality Colombia is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. As I am writing this on our last bus ride in the country I am surrounded by wonderfully high palm trees and cacti, while in the distance stands a long line of luscious green hills, home to toucans, parrots, hummingbirds and monkeys. On my right is the beautifully blue Caribbean sea. What more could a person want?

The people are some of the friendliest as well. Despite very few knowing English, they try their hardest to understand and cater for idiots like me who didn’t take the time to learn their language. In fact as we are sat here the man sat across from us just gave us a beer each to enjoy as we admired the sunset.

From the rustic Cartagena to the huge city of Bogota and from the pristine white sands on Baru to the diverse wildlife and scenery of Minca, Colombia is suited to everyone.

I couldn’t recommend going there enough and I can’t wait to go there again. Colombia, you will be dearly missed.