Tuesday night I had the pleasure of meeting Sarah Woods - author of the Bradt Colombia travel guide.Sarah is a freelance travel writer and winner of numerous travel writing awards so it was a great opportunity to learn not only about her craft - but mainly about the wonder that is - Colombia.
You will find that I am going to be writing more frequently about the country with the slogan - "The only risk is wanting to stay!"
Sarah travelled independently and extensively - from the colonial coastal town of Cartagena to the salsa city of Cali, and from the idyllic San Andres archipelago all the way down through the Amazon.
The truth is - perception and reality can be two different things. Colombia of course has a past - and one more recent than here in Europe - but it is forward thinking, positive and embracing change.
Sarah described how life-enriching it was to experience Colombian hospitality. She is now based in Spain but from time to time takes groups out to show them what made her fall in love with this largely undiscovered land in South America.
As well as championing Colombia to people within Europe she also sponsors an SOS village for orphaned children in the capital city - Bogota.
Her advice to me has been invaluable and I thank her for sharing her knowledge.
Also at the meeting was Juliana Gomez of Proexport Colombia and she gave some really funny stories as well as recommendations. Not only have I now got an endless list of places to see - over all terrains - mountains, jungle, beach and city - but I have an insight to the humour and warmth of the people.
Both have given realistic and inspiring information to me - and I hope I can continue the message they have started.
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