Colombia - The People, The Beauty and The Coffee

I returned from Colombia about 6 weeks ago and it has stayed with me. 

Each time I travel, I come home with stories I want to share. And this trip was no different. However, this time, I got a lot of looks before I left. Why was I choosing to go there? Would I be safe? Would I make it through customs on the way home...

My sister and I took this trip together and we chose it for a number of reasons - coffee being nearly chief among them. But when people hear Colombia, they mostly thing of that other "c" export that they have been known for. It's an unfortunate stigma, and one I am happy to say is no longer a main part of their economy. Not that it's ever truly gone, but by making advances in technology, innovation and education, the country has changed and I am so glad that I was able to visit and understand and see all of the wonderful things it has to offer. I'm sure I'll go into more detail but here are a few of the highlights. 

BOGOTA

Bogota is just like any other city. It's modern, advanced and of course, tourists need to watch themselves as they do in any city. Travelling with my favorite Overseas Adventure Travel group, we experienced all the city had to offer. Not on the official tour however, was a free Graffiti Tour of the city. If you happen to be there, I urge you to do this. Not only do you get a great tour of the city, but the street art is truly spectacular and tells the stories of the people who inhabit the city and the country as a whole. Art representing the hard times, the "Colombia Plan" where America thought it could save the country, the "false positives" - the massive numbers of innocent lives that were taken as a result of financial reward for the killing of guerilla fighters. It's sad, beautiful, courageous, full of hope and some of he most beautiful art I've ever seen. 

We also made our way outside of the city to visit the Salt Cathedral. This incredible architectural feat is deep inside salt mines and an incredible cavern of beauty. It's about a mile walk to and from the deepest part of the cathedral, and when you see the altar it's truly amazing. 

A Van Gogh inspired piece by one of the few women street artists. 

MEDELLIN

What was once the center of Pablo Escobar's cartel is now one of the most incredible and innovative cities in the world. Quite literally. The Wall Street Journal named Medellin as the Most Innovative City in the world in 2012. And you can easily see why. 

The city is built in a valley and up the mountain side. The unique structure lends itself to narrow winding roads, making it difficult for buses and other large vehicles. As part of their innovation, they constructed a cable car/metro car public transportation system which is quiet, eco-friendly and really quite beautiful. In addition, the price of your ticket is based on your income. Should you not be able to afford your ticket, there is a bottle return by the ticket office so you can pay for your ticket by recycling. Such a smart and simple way of allowing and ensuring people utilize the system. The metro gave way to a new, respectful culture in the city as well. If you're drunk, disorderly, rude, etc - you're not allowed to ride. 

We visited the homes of many families, but here we also visited Comuna 8 and the El Cerro Los Valores. This beautiful farm and entire community is known for it's use of recycled materials. The farm we visited used bottle caps to decorate planters, soda bottles as planters, jeans as planters - anything you can imagine. They city is also quite well known for spectacular Christmas lights made out of recycled materials. The heart in this city, the desire to prosper and change the stereotype of the city and country, the pride of the people - it's alive everywhere you go. 

THE COFFEE REGION

If you're looking for some of the best coffee you'll ever drink, make a stop at Cafe Jesus Martin in Salento. Having the pleasure of meeting the family behind the shop and even the beans themselves was a journey. 

We first visited a coffee plantation and picked ripe cherries ourselves (well at least we tried). We then learned about the washing and drying process. The following day, the son of the plantation owner brought us to his roastery - one among the few that are actually in Colombia - along with his shop, Cafe Jesus Martin. Now you understand the hours and people behind that cup of coffee in your hand and you appreciate it all the more. Jesus Martin coffee is disrupting the coffee market in Colombia by keeping some of their top quality product in the country to roast and sell vs exporting as they typically do. And the coffee is truly fantastic. Not to mention the views in this region are truly one of  a kind. I turned around to take photo after photo and NONE were bad photos. It was incredible. 

CARTAGENA

A Caribbean beach town, Cartagena is beautiful place to visit. Known for their mining of emeralds, we had the pleasure of vising the Emerald Museum and even getting to make our own jewelry. We took a Chiva party bus at night through the city and if you want a good time - DEFINITELY do this. We took a cumbia class which was super fun (and of course I love learning new dances anytime, any way I can) and it was a great, relaxing way to end our time in the country. 

All I can say is that I'm proud to come home and be an ambassador for the country. Each place is so different and the people are welcoming, friendly and wonderful. Just a 5-6 hour flight from NY, definitely put it on your list!

Meet Tato

This is the hotel's pet bird, who also visited our private terrace on the first morning we were in Cartagena.