Testimonies reveal how the country, beyond stigmas, returned hope and made them feel at home.
News Colombia.
For years, Colombia has loaded with an international stigma associated with violence and drug trafficking. That image, fed by negative headlines, still generates fear in many foreigners. However, more and more travelers decide to look beyond prejudices and discover the true face of the country: its warm people, its green landscapes and a culture that spreads joy.
That was the case of a Spanish citizen who shared his experience in Tiktok through the account @Rolaenmadrid. In the video he related how Colombia changed his life when he was 27 years old. “I didn’t find work, I was in depression and for me Colombia was a light,” he confessed.
The young man explained that in Spain the economic crisis led him to a dead end, until an uncle of his, based in Colombia, encouraged him to travel. At first he doubted, because he only had in mind the negative image that circulated abroad: “Bad news, white dust, Paul’s songs, there were many prejudices about the country,” he said.
His perception changed from the moment he landed at the airport. “It was to arrive and see all that green, the reception of the people … They opened the doors, I made friends, they made me feel at home. That is the beautiful thing about Colombia, which just as you come, make you feel part. What surprised me most is that the one who has less, takes out anywhere and offers it to you,” he said.
@Rolaenmadrid Thanks Colombia 🇨🇴 for changing my life! #Colombia #Colombianos #Colombianlsenlexterior #Deeptiembaresiente that is going on December #Colombianospaña ♬ Original Sound – La Rola
“I never thought this trip was going to change my life”
His testimony is not isolated. Another Spanish citizen, known in Tiktok as @lamijitahe also shared his story. Initially he hesitated to accept an academic exchange in Colombia because they told him it was dangerous. Despite her fears, she made the decision to come and, as she said, “I never thought that this trip was going to change my life.”
He said that before traveling he was going through a “strong depression” in Spain, but in Colombia he found a new beginning. “I discovered a paradise full of wonderful people, incredible landscapes, delicious food and a unique culture,” he said.
He recalled that it was difficult to leave his family and his comfort zone behind, but it was worth it: “I fell in love with their warm, hospitable people … Joy is already spreading Colombians, Colombians infected my desire to get ahead. Now I am happy, I’m fine, and that’s why I have so much love to this country. I never want to leave.”
@lamijitaaaa Colombia saved me 🇨🇴 Thank you Colombians and Colombians for infecting that joy, those desire to fight and move on despite the problems 💖a all those who are going through a difficult situation, fight, do not give up, you can promise it .❤️🩹❤️🩹 #Colombia #Colombianos #Colombiana #Colombian #Superation ♬ Original Sound – Lamijita
The stories of these travelers join those of thousands of foreigners who visit Colombia every year and that, when they return home, tell a different story than they used to listen to the news. A narrative in which violence is not the protagonist, but the resilience, warmth and joy of a country that continues to fight to change the way they see it in the world.
@paulagh 🥰🫶🏻 #Spanishencolombia #Colombia #amocolombia ♬ I ask God – Remastered 2022 – Juanes
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