Travel Across, Devin Sees: 2014

"I asked for a couch and in return I received lifelong friendships."

Contrary to international stereotypes of Colombia as a third-world plagued by drug cartels and violence, I find the complete opposite to be true. Colombia is a country rife with beautiful, natural landscapes, geological formations, whose amicable people embrace family, religion and most certainly dancing. I am fortunate to have CS hosts who are both professional dancers; spending a few days with them is like an unofficial Salsa Dance Boot Camp. We ate, we drank, we danced.

There are no words to describe the incredible Colombian love and hospitality. Danny’s family took me in like I was one of their own and not once had I felt like an outsider. They were not kidding at all when they said “Mi casa es su casa.” Another example is my host in Bogata, Sebastian, who slept with 3 of his friends in a full-size bed just so that I can have my own twin sized mattress in his room. I asked for a couch and I received lifelong friendships in return.

Another example is when I met Joanna and Sirini at a library café as I was transcribing some memories onto my laptop. We spoke the usuals in Spanish and spoke about each other’s country. Two hours flew by and the café was closing and Joey cordially invited me to accompany her shopping. I saw it as a great opportunity to see another part of Medellin and to learn more about the culture since she spoke some English. Interestingly but not awkwardly, she was shopping for bras.

Since we were in the area of where she lived, she invited me to meet her family. I figured that in the Colombian culture, as well as many others, it is an honor to be welcomed to someone’s home so I gladly accepted the offer. Her family was amazing. Joanna’s dad was a baker and has three other daughters. The family and I celebrated with shots of Aguadiente (Colombia’s signature liquor) welcoming the new year, “Feliz ano”! Arepas with cream cheese was served while we spoke in spanglish about the Colombia culture, politics and food. Again I felt at home in someone else’s home.

This is exactly what I sought for: my own perspective of a Colombia. The unfavorable public opinion is unfair, perpetuated by those who perceive the world through Hollywood films, who have never taken the chance to explore, assess and form their own opinion. Let me tell you, Colombia is a beautiful country with extraordinary people. I have never seen such selfless hospitality. Love for one’s spouse, family and friends is an incredible force, but such love for a foreign stranger is even more special, something that I will carry on with me as a characteristic souvenir on this journey of life.