Te Quiero Colombia
10 Things Colombia Taught Me
Colombia, a country filled with beautiful landscapes, cities and people. On that note, I would like to pinpoint that the ladies are breath-taking! Most of them anyway.
First of all, have I learned anything from my time in Colombia?
Travelling abroad has probably been one of the greatest educators in my life and inspired me in more ways that I will ever be able to truly verbalise.
Below are 10 of the many things travelling in Colombia has taught me:
1. One should always double check whether they need some sort of visa. Asking your friends is not enough, double check on the internet. I almost missed my flight because I did not have a 'transition pass visa' to the USA. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to get one before the flight took off. I was shitting myself though. Lesson learnt!
2. Be understanding enough to say 'no' to free alcohol. Being ethnically Chinese, born and raised in Italy and currently living and studying in the United Kingdom makes you one of the coolest person in town, literally. As a result, strangers continuously buy you free beer and aguardiente (Colombian vodka, apparently) and watch you drink. Yep, it was slightly creepy but in all likelihood I was the first Asian they have ever seen in their lives. On that comforting note, I gained a beer belly during my 2-month stay in Colombia. Feeling heavy!
3. Stop whatever you are doing, pack your bags and go on adventures and get blown away by the amazing things that surround you.
6. Talk to people and you will meet some awesome individuals! Whether they are your friends or strangers, they have crossed your path at some point in your life. Whether it was a small, deep or funny conversation; you remember that very moment with them and nothing else mattered. You tend to learn something from everyone, so what have I learnt? As cliché as it may sound, do what you enjoy in life as long as it makes you happy.
7. Colombians are the most friendliest, warmest, nicest people I have ever met so far.
8. You can travel long-term for the price of rent back home. It's true, especially if you come from an 'expensive' country like UK. I have roughly spent around £1975 including flights and divide that by 60 days. Although I did not have a huge substantial daily budget; I still lived like a king!
9. I am not a tourist; I am a traveller. Yes, there are actually differences between the two terms. Tourists buy pre-packaged experiences; travellers are there to explore new places without having to purchase any commercial travel package.
Travellers tend to be more involved. Engaging with the local culture; that means hanging out with locals, trying your best to learn the local slang and fit in their community. Living their lifestyle. I may look Asian, but hey they say I have a true latino spirit.
10. You can't dance? Hey, do not worry buddy. The Colombians have got your back. Salsa, rumba, reggaeton; whatever type of dance it may be, they know it and they dance it well. As a very unbalanced person, even I managed to pull off one move or two; but those good ol' days have gone. I am still the unbalanced person who cannot dance.
Te quiero Colombia. I will come back for sure.
On that note, I would like to ask you... Did you travel to other countries lately? What did you learn? How has it changed you?
I am eager to hear your stories. Let me know.
Twitter @Francesco_Wang
Travelling abroad has probably been one of the greatest educators in my life and inspired me in more ways that I will ever be able to truly verbalise.
Below are 10 of the many things travelling in Colombia has taught me:
1. One should always double check whether they need some sort of visa. Asking your friends is not enough, double check on the internet. I almost missed my flight because I did not have a 'transition pass visa' to the USA. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to get one before the flight took off. I was shitting myself though. Lesson learnt!
2. Be understanding enough to say 'no' to free alcohol. Being ethnically Chinese, born and raised in Italy and currently living and studying in the United Kingdom makes you one of the coolest person in town, literally. As a result, strangers continuously buy you free beer and aguardiente (Colombian vodka, apparently) and watch you drink. Yep, it was slightly creepy but in all likelihood I was the first Asian they have ever seen in their lives. On that comforting note, I gained a beer belly during my 2-month stay in Colombia. Feeling heavy!
3. Stop whatever you are doing, pack your bags and go on adventures and get blown away by the amazing things that surround you.
Bahía Concha, Santa Marta, Colombia - 01/08/2013
"The purpose of life is to love it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience." - Eleanor Roosevelt
4. Most places are as safe or safer than home. Yes, in fact, I have never encountered any danger during my stay in Colombia. Perhaps the only risk was dying in a car accident; you have no idea how Colombians drive. Everyone thinks they are Pablo Montoya. I had a feeling they were training to be part of the next Fast and Furious series. I think I have cheated death several times; other than that stay away from danger and you will be fine. Colombia, it is worth a visit or two. You will fall in love with the country.
5. Big booty bitches do exist! Does that make me a creep? Mate, I don't even care. Just look at the picture below and enjoy the view. I risked my dignity taking this photo, you're welcome buddy!
Some Colombian girls have it all! However, do not be surprised if you find out, they are gold diggers. Beauty can be bought apparently!
6. Talk to people and you will meet some awesome individuals! Whether they are your friends or strangers, they have crossed your path at some point in your life. Whether it was a small, deep or funny conversation; you remember that very moment with them and nothing else mattered. You tend to learn something from everyone, so what have I learnt? As cliché as it may sound, do what you enjoy in life as long as it makes you happy.
7. Colombians are the most friendliest, warmest, nicest people I have ever met so far.
It is said that they're the happiest people on earth. Is that really true?
8. You can travel long-term for the price of rent back home. It's true, especially if you come from an 'expensive' country like UK. I have roughly spent around £1975 including flights and divide that by 60 days. Although I did not have a huge substantial daily budget; I still lived like a king!
9. I am not a tourist; I am a traveller. Yes, there are actually differences between the two terms. Tourists buy pre-packaged experiences; travellers are there to explore new places without having to purchase any commercial travel package.
En route to discover the waterfalls...
We finally arrived at the destination after 2 hours...
Somewhere in the middle of Colombia.
10. You can't dance? Hey, do not worry buddy. The Colombians have got your back. Salsa, rumba, reggaeton; whatever type of dance it may be, they know it and they dance it well. As a very unbalanced person, even I managed to pull off one move or two; but those good ol' days have gone. I am still the unbalanced person who cannot dance.
Te quiero Colombia. I will come back for sure.
On that note, I would like to ask you... Did you travel to other countries lately? What did you learn? How has it changed you?
I am eager to hear your stories. Let me know.
Twitter @Francesco_Wang
