2nd stop: Colombia

Finally back online. Internet access is more difficult to arrange than I first imagined. Today is my 17th day here in Colombia already. Right now sitting here in an auditorium of EAFIT University in Medellin, attending an AIESEC meeting.

In short what has happened up until now:

My time here started with chairing the Leadership Development Seminar 2007 in Cali. What a conference. I always wanted to chair a conference in another continent. I couldn’t have wished for a better country to do so than Colombia. Such energy and such a willingness to learn and discover I have hardly come across before.

After the conference I was travelling with Bee to Popayan and San Augostin. Even though I fell sick for one day, it was a very cool trip as it was including all the ingredients such a trip needs: a lovely colonial city (Popayan), adventurous and long bus trips, spectacular scenery, fascinating archaeological sites (San Agostin), interesting encounters with locals and expats alike, as well as excellent conversations with Bee.

As Bee had to go back to Bogota, I’m now continuing my trip by myself. The last three days I spent in Manizales, visiting people I had met at the conference. During my time in Manizales I was living with different Colombian families, who offered to host me. My days were filled with exploring the city and its surroundings, eating huge lunches, enjoying tasty Colombian coffee, the evenings consisted of long conversations over beer and wine, as well as of dancing salsa, vallenato…etc :-)

I find it difficult to put my experience so far into words. Of course I have been seeing many interesting places and sights, also have I indulged into new food, but what really is making my stay here are the people I have met and the friends I have made. I know it sounds cliché, but I’m really overwhelmed by the people here in Colombia: People with such a lot of energy, such a big heart and so much passion for their work and for their country. Simply inspiring. Simply adorable. Thank you so much for all the moments I was able to experience so far thanks to you all! A special thank you to Marta, Juan Pablo, Laura, Caro and Manuel for your incredible hospitality!