A family vacation to Colombia will dazzle your family with a rich blend of Spanish, African and native Amerindian traditions, values and cultures. After a turbulent history, today’s proud culture is a pleasing melting pot of music, folklore and language, all woven throughout everyday life. Family togetherness is the most important aspect of their lives. Blend this with their uncanny ability to be ever joyous and, well, what better location to explore with your family? There is nothing more satisfying than to take our families away from our busy, busy lives to discover such a world away – but practically next door.
Every generation of your family will find Colombia’s infectious culture fascinating, and perhaps even return home changed; here are five remarkably Colombian experiences to delve into with your family.
EAT IT UP
Colombians tend to gather with friends and family for a long and leisurely lunch, then a simpler dinner. It is polite to try each dish offered – be sure to taste the arepas, a corn flour staple of the Colombian diet, as well as the plantains which might be grilled or poached. There is a particularly delicious chicken potato soup called ajiaco, a staple in Bogota. Unless you travel to Barichara in April you probably won’t run across hormigas culonas, roasted fat bottomed ants; you may or may not be disappointed to miss them.
Remember, leaving a small amount of food indicates you are full; if you clean your plate it says you were not served enough. Top off your meal with a small cup of black coffee called tinto; if you prefer it with a bit of milk ask for a cafe perico; or hot milk with a bit of coffee is cafe con leche.
Salud and buen provecho! (cheers and enjoy).
PLAY TOGETHER
Futbol – what we North Americans call soccer – is of course the most popular sport in Colombia, and its worldwide appeal makes it a common language between visitors and local players. Pickup games are easy to find in local parks, especially on the weekends. The second most popular sport is Tejo, a traditional throwing sport involving metal disks, fireworks, lots of rules and lots of fun. Enjoyed by all ages and no Spanish required!
DANCE TOGETHER
Cumbia is a popular rhythmic dance developed by slaves on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, and today is considered the melodic expression of the country. Featuring percussion and wind it has a distinct rhythm you can listen to here. Colombia also celebrates salsa, merengue, vallenato and bambuco – the music never stops, and we recommend you move right along with it!
NOURISH YOURSELVES
Sabrosura is joy, passion and laughter, and Colombia embodies this spirit in its landscape, festivals and people. Known for making fun, leisure time and family a priority, Colombians own their unique attitude of optimism as a national trait. Sabrosura is also expressed in the beauty of the Wax Palm, the soar of the Andean Condor, the mountains and rushing rivers, the hum of the cities. The music, cuisine, happiness, colorful landscapes and architecture are all invitations to relax and have more fun in your life.
READ SOME MAGIC
It’s hard to think of Colombia and not think of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, master of magical realism and perhaps the best known Latin American writer. If you haven’t read it you might pick up a copy of Cien Años de Soledad (100 Years of Solitude) – or if you have, read it again! It was in Cartagena where Gabo, as he was known, began his writing career, and there is no question the magic of Colombia fed the magic of his writing.
Come find the magic for yourselves.
