Colombia, The First Days

Bienvenidos a Colombia,

A view from the terrace of the mountains

Having arrived and settled in, I can now begin to write on my first impressions of Colombia. First of all, I am grateful that Claudia's brother, Andres, has welcomed me into his home and has helped ease me into my new environment. The entire family has been very generous and have helped me feel quite at home. Below are a few of my first impressions.


There is a saying in Colombia that those who come here never want to leave, and there is probably some truth to this. Everyone from the employees at the airport to the campesinos selling avocado and spinach, have all met me with smiles and friendly expressions--a pleasant change from Buenos Aires. 

The nativity scene in the living room

Pereira and Dos Quebradas are located in the Cafetero (the coffee region of Colombia). The plantain and coffee plantations checker the mountains and the two cities are nestled in the valley below, separated by the Viaducto--the suspension bridge that spans the river connecting Pereira to Dos Quebradas.  

Colombia has been heavily influenced by the holiday spirit of the United States, and the houses are adorned with Christmas trees, Papa Noels, and multicolored, flashing Christmas lights. However there is a strong Catholic tradition as well, and an elaborate nativity scene--complete with lights, three kings, Jesus and Mary, and a fisherman--occupies the larger part of the living room.

A sugarcane juice stand

Corn, fruit, beans, rice, make up the base of the Colombian diet, and corn, in some form, can be found in just about any dish. Two of the most common foods are arepas and empanadas. Arepas are a form of flat bread made from corn and sometimes cheese, and can be accompanied by egg, ham, rice, beans, or just about anything savory. Empanadas are a tasty snack found throughout Latin America. and consist of meat or vegetables wrapped in flour. In Colombia the empanadas are usually made from corn flour and are filled with meat and potato.

Ripe coffee fruit ready to be picked

Fruits abound. Myserious and fascinating fruits. Sweet fruits, tart fruits, fruits with unpronouncable names, like guanabana, lulo, borojo, or chontaduro. And other more well known fruits like mango, banana and plantain. Most of the fruits can be eaten raw, or blended into delicious juice, packed with vitamins, nutrients, and refreshing flavor. So far I've had the opportunity to try guanabana, borojo, maracuya, tomate de arbol, sugarcane juice, and mango. All delicious.


The other day I ventured with Andres and family to a mirador, a place on the mountains where you could get a good view of the cities and the coffee plantations. We spent the afternoon there, taking photos, relaxing, and enjoying the view of the cities, and the cloud-covered mountains.


So far, my first visit to Colombia has been a positive and a friendly one. It is a country of friendly people, open to share their culture and their customs with the world.

Cheers until next time,

Kyle

A view of Pereira from the mirador