11 Fun Facts About Colombia
Despite Colombia being my home country, it is a place that never stops to amaze me.
Here's a list of 11 interesting facts about Colombia. Some are funny, some are weird and others unique!
1. You can buy 'minutes' on the streets
In Colombia there's always a way of making an urgent phone call, even if your phone is out of battery. Street vendors selling ‘minutes’ to make a phone call are everywhere, so just look for a colorful sign - typically yellow or orange - with the word 'minutos' on it. You'll get a 1990's mobile phone, but hey, at least you'll be able to make your call.
2. Ley Seca
The local government in Colombia imposes a short-term ban on alcohol during large national events, such as the World Cup and elections, to avoid violence and conflicts in the streets. This law is called 'Ley Seca' or 'Dry Law' in English.
3. The Colombian National Anthem is played on the radio and TV every day
In Colombia, there's actually a law - law 198, July 17, 1995 - stating that the National Anthem is to be played every day at 6am and 6pm on the radio and on national television. So, if you happen to be listening to your favorite song on the radio around that time of the day, don't get frustrated when it's interrupted, it’ll only last for a couple of minutes!
4. Colombia has 18 public holidays a year
Colombia has 12 Catholic holidays and 6 Civic holidays. It is the second country having the greater number of public holidays in the world - after India with 21 days.
Many Colombians have no idea what the celebration is about, but a public holiday is always a good reason for Colombians to throw a party and celebrate with friends and family.
5. Colombia is home to pink dolphins
Yes, I just said pink dolphins! Probably right now, the dream of many children around the world is coming true! This pink mammal is an inhabitant of the Amazon River.
6. Bogotá's network of bicycle routes is one of the most extensive in the world
Bogotá is home to the largest cycling route in South America (and definitively one of the longest in the world), stretching for over 300 km from the suburbs right into the city center.
7. Colombia is a unique country with two coasts
Colombia is the only country is South America that has coastlines with both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. This creates an innumerable number of beaches being enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
8. Colombia is home to The Amazon Rainforest
One third of the country is covered by The Amazon Rainforest. As a result, Colombia is home to amazing nature and wildlife and holds the status of 'megadiverse country' - a status held only by 17 countries.
9. 27 x The Netherlands
Colombia's surface is equivalent to the sum of France, Spain and Portugal or to 27 x The Netherlands. Crazy, right? Colombia is actually the 26th largest country on earth.
10. Colombia is home to a liquid rainbow
The liquid rainbow is the Caño Cristales River. Diverse plants and green mosses grow on its rocks, creating incredible combinations of colors that can be seen from above due to its crystal blue waters.
11. Colombia is home to the tallest palm tree in the world
The Palma de Cera or Wax Palm is Colombia’s national tree. It is found exclusively in the Colombian Andes and it's the tallest palm tree in the world, measuring up to 60 meters. Beautiful sights of these palm trees can be enjoyed at The Cocora Valley in the Quindío Department.
このコロナウィルスの状況下で、コロンビア国民を支える5つの団体
感染拡大が続く新型コロナウィルス(COVID-19)。
多くの国がそうであるように、コロンビアでも感染者の急増を受けて、3月24日から「ロックダウン(都市封鎖)」に入りました。
ご存じの通り、このロックダウンとは、屋外活動が完全に禁止されるので、コロンビア国民は家から外に出ることが出来なくなっています。
外出禁止による生活への影響は様々で、これを機に、いつも以上に家族との時間を有意義に過ごす人や、新しいプロジェクトやトレーニングを始める人がいる一方で、大半の国民は生活するための資金に困り果てているのが現状です。
そんなコロンビアでは、今様々な団体が立ち上がり、コロナウィルスで生活に困っているこれらの人を助けようとしています。
今回は、そんな活動をする5つの団体と活動内容を紹介します。
コロンビアに住んでいる人でなくとも、このような緊急事態でどのようなことが実際に求められるかを知る、大変良い機会になると思いますので、是非ご一読ください。
活動内容にご興味がある方は、是非それぞれのホームページものぞいてみてくださいね。
- Colombia cuida a Colombia -慈善団体-
- AyudaCovidCo -助け合いシステム-
- Merca por dos, dona desde casa -フードバンク- (ボゴタのみ)
- Tarjeta Mercado por Colombia - ショッピングカード-
- Donatón por los animales -動物愛護団体-
Top Colombian Expressions That Will Get You Speaking Like A Local
Learning Spanish at a language institute is one thing, but learning how locals communicate is quite another!
Colombians have a very particular - not to say funny or weird - way of expressing themselves. There seems to be a saying for every single situation you might get across on your everyday life.
Read carefully as the following phrases might not make sense when translated literally, but if you want to speak like a local, note them down and start using them!
1. ¡Qué bacano! - ¡Qué chévere!
Meaning: That's awesome!
Colombians don’t just say something is awesome, they rather say ‘¡Que bacano!' or '¡Que chévere!’.
These expressions can be used to describe either a person or an instance. For instance, you could say: ‘Ella es muy chévere’ (She’s awesome).
2. ¡Qué chimba!
Meaning: various (see below)
This expression has a variety of uses. It can mean something positive by only saying ‘¡qué chimba!', which means ‘that’s awesome’; or it can be used to show your disagreement (in an informal way) with someone or something. In this case you would say ‘la chimba, hermano’ - no way, dude.
3. Me abro
Literal meaning: To open up
Slang meaning: To leave
Colombians don’t just ‘leave’, they rather ‘open themselves’. For instance, at a party you might hear someone saying ‘me abro’. This actually means that person is leaving.
4. ¡Pilas!
Literal meaning: Batteries
Slang meaning: Watch out! - Be careful
If Colombians want you to be careful about something, they will tell you ‘¡pilas!’. For example, let’s say two guys are walking on the street and one of them starts crossing the street. The other would say: ‘¡Pilas! El semáforo está en rojo’ - watch out! The traffic light is red.
5. Paila
Literal meaning: A cooking pan
Slang meaning: Too bad!
Colombians use this saying when they want to express their bad luck. For instance, if you go to class and you forget your homework at home, your friend would say ‘Paila, nada que hacer’ - too bad, nothing you can do about it.
As you can see, ‘paila’ is used when there’s nothing you can do to fix your current situation.
6. Mamar gallo
Literal meaning: To suck a rooster
Slang meaning: To joke around
Colombians don’t just ‘joke around’, they rather ‘suck a rooster’! Pretty weird, right?
In Colombia, if your friends are joking around, you would say ‘están mamando gallo’.
7. Esa vaina
Literal meaning: A sheath/scabbard or a pod vegetable (i.e green beans)
Slang meaning: A thing
If you are in Colombia, I have no doubt you’ll hear this expression A LOT! For instance, people would say: 'pásame esa vaina' (pass me that thing) or 'quítame esa vaina de la cara' (get that thing off my face).
8. ¡De una!
Meaning: Hell yeah!, Let's do it!
Colombians use this expression when something sounds good and without doubt they want to be part of that something. For example, ‘Wanna go paragliding this weekend?’. The answer comes as follows: ‘¡De una! It’s like ‘okay’ but with a huge excitement.
9. ¡La embarré! - ¡La cagué!
Literal meaning: I splashed it with mud - I pooped it
Slang meaning: I screwed up, I ruined it
When something goes wrong for a Colombian because of her/his fault, she/he would say ‘¡La embarré!’ - I messed it up.
10. ¡Párame bolas!
Literal meaning: Stop my balls
Slang meaning: Listen to me, pay attention to me
Don’t freak out if Colombians asks you to ‘stop their balls’. What they really want is for you to listen to what they have to say.
If you want to express the opposite of listening, you just have to say ‘¡No le parés bolas!’ ' - ignore him.
11. Hacer la vaca
Literal meaning: To do the cow
Slang meaning: To pool money
Let’s say some Colombians are organizing a party. In order to pay for drinks and meals, they pool money, so don’t weird out when your friend comes to you and ask you to ‘participate in the making of the cow’.
If you want to learn some Colombian slang terms, click on the article below:
5 Ways You Can Help Colombians Amid The Coronavirus
Colombia is right now in a nationwide coronavirus lockdown. People were told to stay home as an attempt to help contain the COVID-19 outbreak. Unfortunately, staying home does not mean the same for everyone. While there are some who are taking this time to spend more time with their families, exercise or work on a personal project, there are others who are struggling daily to keep up with their finances, and those who can not even go out to buy daily necessities because of health related issues. If you're part of the former group of people, you're more than fortunate and in a position to help those in the latter group.
Here's a list of 5 ways you can help Colombians around you today!
1. Colombia cuida a Colombia
'Colombia cuida a Colombia' or 'Colombia takes care of Colombia' is an alliance of more than 240 organisations from both the public and private sector. Its main objective is to help the most vulnerable population affected by the coronavirus outbreak with food supplies and health assistance.
With the help and donations from Colombian citizens, 'Colombia cuida a Colombia' has managed to reach more than 600,000 beneficiaries.
If you want to be part of this initiative, click on the following link:
¡Colombia cuida a Colombia: Un país unido!
2. AyudaCovidCo
'AyudaCovidCo' is a platform created with the objective of connecting people in need of a specific service with those being able to contribute to that service.
Volunteers register on this platform and add a list of services they're willing to do for free. People in need of a service can contact the volunteers directly.
Some of the services listed by volunteers include food donations, grocery shopping and medical services.
If you want to learn more about this initiative, click on the link below:
¡AyudaCovidCo: Unidos somos más fuertes!
3. Merca por dos, dona desde casa
'Merca por dos, dona desde casa' or 'Buy for two, donate from home' is an initiative created by students from 'El Bosque University' in Bogotá together with the Santa Alianza Foundation and The Colombian Red Cross.
This initiative encourages Colombians to buy some extra non-perishable food whenever they go grocery shopping. Some of the suggested food includes: oil, canned tuna, flour, bread, pasta, lentils, beans, rice, among others. The non-perishable food is collected in a box located in each residential building and it's then donated to the most vulnerable population of the city of Bogotá.
If you want to read more about this initiative, follow the link below:
¡Merca por dos, dona desde casa!
4. Tarjeta Mercado por Colombia
'Tarjeta Mercado por Colombia' - a grocery shopping card - is an initiative created by Grupo Éxito, a supermarket chain in Colombia.
This 'grocery card' is basically a gift card meant to be used at a supermarket. You can buy them online or at one of the following supermarkets: Éxito, Carulla, Surtimax, Super Inter, Surtimayorista. The card is then offered to those in need of food supplies.
To learn more about this initiative, follow the link below:
Tarjeta Mercado por Colombia, Grupo Éxito.
5. Donatón por los animales
The national lockdown has not only been difficult for the Colombian population, but also for the animals living on the streets who depend on kind passing humans for their food.
'Donatón por los animales' - a fundraiser for animals - is an organisation based in the city of Medellín. With the support of the governor's office, this organisation has managed to create a network of volunteers and collect both food and monetary donations.
Organisations like this one have made it possible for the most vulnerable animals to have a plate of food during these hard times.
If you want to donate or read more about what this organisation is doing, click on the link below:
5 Amazing Alternatives To Colombia's Tourist Traps
Colombia's reputation as one of the most exciting countries to travel to has been growing in the past few years. As a result, this South American country has experienced a rise in the number of tourists visiting the nation. Certain sites have become very touristy and people are starting to look for alternative options. The good news is Colombia has a lot to offer to those adventurous souls visiting the country, so keep on reading to discover the amazing alternatives to Colombia's tourist traps.
The Samaria Valley
Where to find it: Caldas Department
Known as 'The Secret Valley of La Samaria', this place is home to the tallest palm trees in the world and Colombia's national tree - the Wax Palms.
The Samaria Valley is often overlooked by tourists who choose to visit the more popular Cocora Valley, which draws ten of tousands of travellers every year. However, with three times the number of Wax Palms and far fewer visitors than the Cocora Valley, La Samaria is the ideal place for those wanting to enjoy one of Colombia's most beautiful countryside sceneries.
Filandia
Where to find it: Quindío Department
This delightful little town is the perfect alternative to the increasingly touristy Salento. Located in the heart of the Colombian coffee region, Filandia is a great option if you want to pamper your palate with authentic Colombian coffee. Moreover, this town is home to colorful architecture, world-class restaurants, beautiful coffee plants views and friendly locals.
Isla Fuerte
Where to find it: Córdoba Department
Isla Fuerte is a small coral island located in the Caribbean Coast only 11 km from mainland Colombia. This small piece of land is home to beautiful mangroves and sloths. It offers plenty of watersports, such as diving, kiteboarding and surfing.
As part of the island chain known as The Rosario Islands, Isla Fuerte is a slice of paradise surrounded by turquoise waters and the perfect alternative to one of Cartagena's biggest tourist traps - Playa Blanca.
Providencia
Where to find it: Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina
Isla de Providencia is a mountainous Caribbean island located 90 km north of the island of San Andrés. It's a wonderfully remote island with breathtaking scenery, beautiful turquoise waters, gorgeous golden-sand beaches and super friendly locals.
Surrounded by the 'Sea of The Seven Colors', Providencia is home to the world's third longest coral reef, after The Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Belize Barrier Reef, making the island a truly diver's paradise.
Providencia is the ideal place for those seeking an authentic island vibe and a great alternative to the extremely touristy and developed island of San Andrés.
Monguí
Where to find it: Boyacá Department
Monguí is located about three hours away from Bogotá, which makes it an ideal destination for a weekend trip away from the Colombian capital. This town is overlooked by tourists who choose to visit its popular neighbor, Villa de Leyva. However, with its colonial architecture, stone streets and its soccer ball industry, Monguí is worth taking the time to visit.
This town is great for nature lovers as it's home to the Ocetá Páramo. Tourists can go trekking while enjoying breathtaking views and observing endemic plant and animal species along the way.
Want to read about Colombia's most beautiful towns?...Then click on the following article:
oriana-van-beem.hatenablog.com
Getting From Cali Airport To City Center
Santiago de Cali, or simply Cali, is the capital of the Valle del Cauca department and its the third most populous city in Colombia.
Cali is known as the capital of Salsa, given the peple's love and passion for that genre of music. This dance attracts millions of foreigners every year who want to learn the particular moves of Salsa. But it's not only Salsa that this city has to offer, so if you want to know what to see and do in Cali, check the following article:
oriana-van-beem.hatenablog.com
The first thing you'll want to know when visiting Cali is how to get from the 'Alfonso Bonilla Aragón' Airport to downtown Cali. This airport is located only about 16 km from Cali. It's actually located in Palmira (a nearby small city), but it's still known as the Cali airport as Cali is a much bigger city.
Here's a complete guide on how to get from the airport to the city by different means of transport.
- Bus
- Taxi
- Private Transport
Top 10 Things To See and Do in Cartagena
Cartagena de Indias is definitively the most beautiful city in the Caribbean Coast and the second most visited city by foreigners in Colombia. With its beautiful cobblestone alleys, colonial architecture and picturesque green balconies, this place is an incredibly attractive destination for anyone visiting the country.
The Old Town of Cartagena was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
Here’s a list of the top sights and activities in this historical gem of the Colombian Caribbean Coast.
1. Walk through the beautiful 'Ciudad Amurallada'
The ‘Ciudad Amurallada’ or Walled City is located in the heart of Cartagena. Once used to protect the city from French and English invaders, The Walled City of Cartagena is today home to beautiful churches, monasteries, plazas and a place from where visitors can enjoy spectacular sunsets with the Caribbean Sea in the background.
Within this small area of the city, you’ll find a great variety of restaurants, bars, shops, and beautifully preserved colonial hotels.
The best way to experience The Old Town is to wander around or to get into a horse-drawn carriage and enjoy all the architectural details of this unique area.
2. Take a look at the 'Basilica Santa Catalina de Alejandría'
Rising above the buildings in The Old Town of Cartagena, The Saint Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral is a beautiful construction dating from 1575. This historic church took over 84 years to be completed and it is today remarkably preserved thanks to constant renovations restoring its original features.
This colonial building located in The Old Town is daily visited by millions of tourists who are attracted by its domed clock tower and bright-yellow façade.
If you're interested in a guided tour to see the city walls, the beautiful squares and historical momuments of this city, take a look at this free walking tour. Click below to book your place:
3. Visit the 'Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas'
This castle is located on the top of ‘Cerro San Lázarro’ and it was built in 1657 during the Spanish colonial period. This remarkable construction, which suffered diverse attacks from both the English and French, is today a World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of Colombia.
As a fortress built to protect the city of Cartagena and its adjacent territories from invaders, some say that it’s due to the presence of this castle that people in South America don’t have English as their native language.
If you want to read more about the seven wonders of Colombia, click on the following article:
oriana-van-beem.hatenablog.com
4. Go to 'Mercado de Bazurto'
If you want to experience the vibrant, noisy, crazy side of Cartagena and its frenetic commerce, the Bazurto Market is the place to go.
This food market sells everything ranging from fresh fruits and beer, to fish and cooked turtle. You’ll learn a lot about traditional food, culture and the lives of locals in this city.
5. Spend a relaxed afternoon at 'Volcán de Lodo el Totumo'
Being covered in mud is not something you get to experience every day, but if you feel like escaping the city hustle to get a natural spa treatment, El Totumo Mud Volcano is the place to go.
It is located about one hour and a half by bus from Cartagena. Technically, it’s not a real lava volcano mouth, but rather a pot full of mud with minerals that are said to help rejuvenate the skin.
This experience is perfect for adventurous souls who love the idea of swimming (more like floating) in a crater full of warmth mud.
6. Eat a delicious 'Ceviche' at 'La Cevichería'
You’re now probably wondering what ‘Ceviche’ is. This South American dish is typically made from fresh raw fish or sea food (e.g. shrimps) cured in lemon or lime juice and it’s served with chopped onions, salt and cilantro.
If you feel like trying this delicious dish, head to ‘La Cevichería’. This restaurant is located in The Old Town and it has definitely one of the best ‘ceviches’ in the whole city.
Expect exiting flavors reflecting the fusion of Colombian – Peruvian food.
7. Walk through the picturesque streets of 'Getsemaní Neighborhood'
Getsemaní is a neighborhood located 15 minutes by foot from The Old Town of Cartagena. It is a place where you can find excellent bars, restaurants, cafes and hotels. It’s a surprisingly authentic neighborhood featuring superb street art on its colorful buildings.
Spend a whole afternoon wandering around and trying Cartagena’s best street food at the plaza in front of ‘Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad’- main church in the neighborhood.
If you want a guided tour to discover colorful houses and incredible street art, take a look at this free walking tour. You'll also be taken to historical sites and to the famous Bazurto Market. Click below to book your place:
8. Go on a day trip to 'Cholón'
If you’re looking to relax in a place surrounded by crystal clear and turquoise waters, ‘Playa Cholón’ is the place to go. This beach is located in a quite small piece of land, 45 minutes away by boat from Cartagena.
It’s a dream location where the sea is calm, allowing visitors to eat in the huts that stand in the water without having to worry about big waves washing their food away.
Expect beautiful views and delicious sea food, such as lobsters, crab claws, oysters, shrimps and fried fish.
9. Take a boat to 'Playa Blanca'
Playa Blanca is undoubtedly a beautiful beach located on the Island of Baru, 45 minutes by boat or a 2-hour bus journey from Cartagena.
Spend a whole day relaxing at this white-sand beach and enjoy a fresh fried fish served with the traditional Caribbean coconut rice.
10. Party on a 'Chiva'
A ‘chiva’ is normally a bus adapted to be used in rural Colombia, but the ‘chiva’ you find in Cartagena is a colorful party bus. Expect live musicians, an open bar with both local and international drinks and lots of dancing.
You’ll be dancing while enjoying the night views of the city and will then be dropped in a club to dance the night away.
This is definitively a must-do Colombian experience!