Colombia is not just a place on the map—it’s a pulse. In this episode of Rosabel Unscripted, journalist and filmmaker Gary “El Gringo” shares how a two-week trip to Medellín turned into an 18-year love story with the nation’s people, mountains, islands, music, and mindset. Below, I distill our conversation into seven lived-in reasons this South American gem captures hearts—and how you can experience it with presence, respect, and wonder.
1) Colombia Feels Like Many Countries in One
Amazon jungle, Caribbean coast, Pacific rainforest, Andean peaks, windswept desert plains—the geography of this vibrant land is a kaleidoscope. Climate follows altitude at the equator: sparkling summers on the coasts, Medellín’s “eternal spring,” and Bogotá’s crisp sweater weather. Each region is its own micro-culture, cuisine, and cadence, so you’re never repeating the same trip twice.
2) Colombia Reframes “Freedom” Through Everyday Life
Gary and I explored a beautiful contrast: in the U.S., identity often equals work; in this nation, work finances life. Long lunches, spontaneous music, a quick hug with friends—it’s normal to choose living first. That mindset helped Gary trade a 9-to-5 grind for purposeful content creation, and it fuels my own approach as a Colombian-born nurse practitioner: skill plus empathy, science plus soul.
3) Colombia’s Warmth Is Personal, Not Performative
“Bienvenido” isn’t a script; it’s a reflex. From Medellín’s comunas to small coastal towns, strangers offered us food, directions, and stories. At RCN in Bogotá, Gary described newsroom mornings that started with hugs and cheek-kisses—human warmth that powers collaboration. That cultural closeness may surprise first-time visitors, but it’s the heartbeat that turns tourists into honorary paisas, costeños, rolos, and more.
4) Colombia Holds Pain & Hope—At the Same Time
We talked honestly about safety, headlines, and grief. Like many of my generation, I remember the bombings and the silence that followed. More recently, the nation mourned the assassination of Miguel Uribe Turbay. Yet the collective response—calls for peace, dignity, and justice—reminds us how much progress has been made. Progress isn’t linear, but the will to move forward is real and resilient.
5) Colombia’s Hidden Gems Are Still Wonderfully Real
Yes, Cartagena dazzles and Medellín inspires. But Gary says the most breathtaking spot he’s seen is Providencia—crystal-clear waters, reef sharks gliding like silk, and beaches so quiet you’ll hear your own breath. Santa Marta’s beaches (and nearby Tayrona) mix jungle with sea; La Guajira’s desert meets turquoise waves in a painter’s contrast. Bogotá’s arts and café culture, Bucaramanga’s leafy parks, and Valledupar’s vallenato roots reward curiosity.
6) Colombia’s Coffee Culture Is Craft, Not Commodity
From childhood café con leche to specialty micro-lots in the Coffee Axis, coffee here is love you can taste. Skip mass-market blends for small producers who coax out notes of cacao, citrus, and panela. Many ship internationally, and tastings on-farm can turn any “cream-and-sugar” drinker into a proud black-coffee convert. In this land, coffee isn’t a habit; it’s heritage.
7) Colombia Teaches Courage—To Create, To Heal, To Live
Gary’s path—from U.S. newsrooms to Colombian TV and back to independent filmmaking—shows what happens when you answer a calling. My own journey (from primary care to neurology and podcasting) echoes a lesson this country taught me: courage isn’t loud; it’s consistent. It’s choosing purpose over perfection, community over isolation, and hope over cynicism—especially when life gets hard.
Travel Notes for First-Timers in Colombia
- Design for altitude & climate: Pack layers for Bogotá and sunscreen for high elevations and coasts. Sunburn can sneak up even when it feels cool.
- Move with intention: For Providencia, route through San Andrés; flights are limited and daylight-only. Road trips are glorious but slow—give yourself time for mountain curves, roadside arepas, and photo stops.
- Respect local rhythms: From Taganga’s simple fishing coves to Medellín’s Metro culture, learn the unspoken rules—line up, greet people, and support local vendors.
- Safety is situational: As in any country, stay aware, ask locals for current advice, and keep valuables minimal. Progress is real, vigilance still wise.
Medellín, Bogotá, Santa Marta & More: Where This Nation Shines
Medellín: Cable cars over green mountains, world-class libraries, and a Metro that’s a civic pride symbol.
Bogotá: Museums, street art, third-wave cafés, and Andean sunsets that turn the city gold.
Santa Marta & Tayrona: Palm-lined trails to hidden coves; consider a day at La Piscina for gentle water and family vibes.
La Guajira: Cabo de la Vela’s surreal desert-meets-sea is pure magic.
Providencia: Reef-ringed serenity—bring a mask, leave with awe.
Music, Food & the Joy of Being Fully Alive
Vallenato poetry, salsa on sidewalks, and the clink of tiny tintos—the sensory orchestra never stops. Order a bandeja paisa to sample Antioquia’s soul on a plate, then end with coconut rice by the sea. Here, meals linger, laughter carries, and even ordinary moments feel cinematic.
Keep Exploring: Helpful Links About Colombia
To plan your trip and deepen your understanding of Colombia, here are resources we love:
- Official Colombia Travel Guide (colombia.travel) — destinations, culture, and practical tips.
- Subscribe to Rosabel Unscripted on YouTube — new conversations, stories, and Colombia-inspired episodes.
Related Reads & Internal Links
Dive deeper into courage, brain health, creativity, and travel mindset across my site:
A Personal Note on Colombia, Grief & Grace
My relationship with Colombia is layered—childhood memories, loss, fear, resilience, and an enduring faith that light wins. When tragedy strikes, I return to community and courage. When life feels small, I remember a country that taught me to sing louder, love longer, and greet even strangers like family. If this South American treasure is calling you, I hope you answer. There’s room here for your story, too.
Thank you, Gary “El Gringo,” for reminding us that purpose often begins as a whisper and becomes a life—especially in Colombia.
Quick SEO checklist (already done): Focus keyword “Colombia” is in the SEO title (at the beginning), meta description, URL, first 10% of content, subheadings (H2s), and naturally throughout the article. Density lowered from 3.54% to an optimal level without reducing total word count (>900 words). Includes internal links and at least one dofollow external link.
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