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: Travel
The Panama City Paradox
TRAVEL FOR CULTUREWild yet industrialized, modern yet historic, foreign yet indigenous, wealthy yet impoverished, independent yet influenced, making sense of a visit to Panama CityThe Canal Monument in France Square in Casco Viejo, Panama City, Panama — Photo by Author.Panama City’s Casco Viejo neighborhood provides a unique perspective of the city, both physically and metaphorically. Recently, I visited the areaContinueContinue reading “The Panama City Paradox”
Terremoto Terror: Earthquake in Cali, Colombia
TRAVEL EMERGENCY PREPBlizzards I can handle, but when the Earth started shaking, I frozeCali, Colombia, and the Andes Mountains, located along the Pacific Ring of Fire — Photo by Author.As I step out of the kitchen, looking down at my phone, I’m struck by the notion something isn’t right.First, I discern an odd rattling sound I can’t quite attributeContinueContinue reading “Terremoto Terror: Earthquake in Cali, Colombia”
Panama is Wild: Sloth Edition
Take a hike with me up the rainforest mountain located in the middle of Panama City, PanamaView from Cerro Ancon — Photo by AuthorI recently found myself planning a last-minute getaway to Panama City. Not out of a desire to start the new year with travel, although it turned out to be an incredible kickoff to 2024. I actuallyContinueContinue reading “Panama is Wild: Sloth Edition”
2024 Kickoff Travel
January 1st, 2024 Border RunPhoto by author.If you’ve ever been an expat, you will know what I mean when I share that I had to make a border run. For those that don’t, let’s just say “bureaucracies” start with a “B” for a reason, and it isn’t because it’s a beautiful process.I have been in Colombia sinceContinueContinue reading “2024 Kickoff Travel”
Travel to Learn Your Creative Capabilities
I used to think you were born with imagination. Now, I know it can be inspiredColorful Colombian Collage — Photos and edits by author.I used to believe I was incapable of imagination. Envious of the writers capable of dreaming up worlds and stories entirely from the depths of their own creative minds.I was in awe of the greats, buildingContinueContinue reading “Travel to Learn Your Creative Capabilities”
Colombia is Wild: Iguana Edition
TRAVEL MEMOIRSMy toxic trait is that I can’t not pet the animalIguana — Photo by Author.Growing up in Pennsylvania, my iguana experience has been relatively limited.So, when my husband told me about how Iguanas roamed his undergraduate alma mater’s campus in Cali, Colombia, and hung out in trees, I was understandably intrigued by the concept of strolling across campusContinueContinue reading “Colombia is Wild: Iguana Edition”
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”
The Language Wormhole
Linguistic observations during an international flight.Photo by author.I’ve flown the route between Colombia and the United States many times, and I’m often struck by an odd sensation from nearly the moment I reach the check-in desk.The airport is the place where linguistic worlds collide. It’s a place where everyone experiences the cognitive awareness of language useContinueContinue reading “The Language Wormhole”
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