EXPAT TERROR Colombian vigilantes: the good, the bad, and the dangerous Ecoparque Río Pance in Cali, Colombia. — Photo by Author. Lying on the hot asphalt, helpless and terrified, with a pistol pointed squarely at my head, I desperately searched my husband’s face, seeking comfort in his expression. I needed some indication that he believed everything would beContinueContinue reading “A Terrifying Encounter with Colombian Police and Vigilantes”
Tag Archives: Colombia
The Andes From Above — A Manifestation of Magical Realism
Just after takeoff, on a plane departing Cali, Colombia, there’s an altitude reached where nature astounds me, yet again.The fantastical view serendipitously reminds me why Colombia’s known as the land where magical wonder and reality meet.Surely, created. A man-made miniature of an imagined Eden.Too perfect to be real.Unfathomable as a product of nature itself.Gazing out theContinueContinue reading “The Andes From Above — A Manifestation of Magical Realism”
My husband and I fought a cab driver in Colombia.
Stereotypes abound of “violence” in Colombia, but fist-fighting a taxi driver on the side of the road wasn’t quite what I’d anticipated.Illustration by author.When asked about our travels, my husband and I have several exciting anecdotes we like to share, but one of the most ludicrous occurred the day we moved to Colombia from the US.AsContinueContinue reading “My husband and I fought a cab driver in Colombia.”
Avoid Culture Shock in Colombia
Just a few of the shocking and unexpected cultural differences to be aware of when visiting Colombia for the first time.Cali, Colombia — Photo by author.Americans traveling to Colombia for the first time are often unsure what to expect since Colombia isn’t a top tourist destination. They’ll likely encounter some unexpected cultural norms which could interfere with their enjoymentContinueContinue reading “Avoid Culture Shock in Colombia”
Totto We Aren't In Pennsylvania Anymore
Every day’s a thrilling new adventure when you’re a gringa living in Cali, Colombia.Drawing by AuthorWhen I was young, my family and I always had cats. Since we lived in the country, they’d come and go from the house as they pleased.Our cats, like most, loved to hunt. So, it wasn’t uncommon to stumble upon offeringsContinueContinue reading “Totto We Aren't In Pennsylvania Anymore”
Colombian Red Fire Ants — My Mortal Enemies
Growing up in the country, I spent a great deal of time outdoors. I’m not afraid of bugs or dirt. However, I recently learned the impressive Colombian Red Fire Ants aren’t my friends.Fire Ants enter their nest with a leaf. Photo by the author.Throughout my 32 years in rural Pennsylvania, I’ve lived more-or-less indifferent to ants.ContinueContinue reading “Colombian Red Fire Ants — My Mortal Enemies”
A Day Without Cars in Cali, Colombia
My first experience with Colombia’s forward-thinking green initiative.Photo by Wes Hicks on UnsplashImagine waking up to an eerie quiet. No revving engines. No honking horns. No screeching brakes. Cali, Colombia, is trying to make that picturesque dream a reality of city life, at least for 10 hours.I was surprised when my husband told me my stepdaughterContinueContinue reading “A Day Without Cars in Cali, Colombia”
Colombian Currency and Shopping
Everything I’ve learned about money as an American living in Cali, Colombia.Photo by Michael Barón on UnsplashIf you’re planning on traveling to Colombia, especially if it is your first time traveling to a country that doesn’t accept the US dollar (USD), there are a few things you should know that’ll make the experience smoother. I’m notContinueContinue reading “Colombian Currency and Shopping”
My First Experience at the Dentist in Colombia
Shortly after arriving in Colombia, I thought I had broken a crown on a tooth. I ignored it for several weeks until it became I realized it was infected and became painful. I was very nervous about visiting the dentist here for the first time. I can now confidently say I will never have dentalContinueContinue reading “My First Experience at the Dentist in Colombia”
Inspired by the Mountains of Cali, Colombia
Los Farallones — Cali, Colombia (Photo by Author)My husband, a native Colombian, would often refer to Pennsylvania as flat. To which I typically responded sarcastically by pointing to a large hill and asking what the hell he was talking about. I had a hard time accepting this description because, duh! We have mountains! My childhood summers revolved aroundContinueContinue reading “Inspired by the Mountains of Cali, Colombia”
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