Colombia (w/ an “O”)
It’ll be 25 years since I’ve been back to the country I was born. It’s a mystery even to me why it has taken me so long to finally get back to my roots and explore a country that (I’ve been told) is rich in culture, life and pride. A pride I never quite understood or felt having been raised in the U.S. I suppose, as any transplant would, I never really felt I deserved to be patriotic when I barely spent the first year of my life there — and could never recite the national anthem, pledge of allegiance or name more than the capital cities my family members are from. On the other hand, I never really felt all American either…
Now a days, saying I’m Colombian (of which I am 100 percent if you take into account both of my biological parents, grandparents and myself were born in Colombia) — has been a point of pride. Mainly, I enjoy the kind of exotic undertone that is associated with not being from America and knowing another language. It is a point of differentiation. Perhaps the other influencer is a resurrected identity where media, society and people in general are beginning to view Colombia as more than “a country that exports cocaine” and really a destination for history, architecture, culture and adventure.
I had one good friend opt for an impromptu trip to Colombia. I’ve read numerous reviews and personal accounts from Americans’ perspectives on their visit within the last year and they all undoubtedly start the same… “it’s not unsafe anymore” and with the disclaimer “just as it can happen in any major city.”
In Barnes & Nobles today, while browsing the travel section, I was disappointed to see only two options of guides. Neither of which struck me as particularly appealing or insightful, but presumably helpful in providing context for a country I should very well know. I suppose Rick Stevens has yet to jump on the band wagon and provide a guide to Colombia — or he’s currently in the throws of his first draft.
Perhaps more interesting was the dismay of a 20-something and his girlfriend who shared my disappointment in the limited resources on Colombia. It gave me joy to see another fellow young professional opting to travel to Colombia vs. the default Costa Rica, Mexico or Argentina. I wanted to pick his brain and inquire why Colombia? Why now? Needless to say, I observed contently from afar as his girlfriend assured him that it was “kind of cool that there were only two books on Colombia” as if to say — it’s unchartered territory and the “hipster” thing to do.
In less than two months, I’ll be on my way from JFK to Bogota, Colombia. It was an impulse trip at first, but the more I think about it and the more I research and plan, the more I’m looking forward to it. It’s only fitting that it be my country of birth and my first go at solo travel (insert reference to trip for personal self discovery here). Granted, I have family there who will smooth the transition for my two week stint — the rest of my country’s exploration will be done with a backpack, camera and possibility.
You need not worry about me — as the guide books assure me — it can happen in any major city, so why tread lightly?
