Before this blog arrives at another temporary pause I offer just a few evaluations...1. In the US we have a skewed perspective of the current state of Colombia. It is a country full of friendly, passionate, and incredibly attractive people. It is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world in Tayrona. I felt more safe in the capital of Bogota than in any other Latin American capital that I have visited. With the help of the US, by funding Plan Colombia, and the Uribe administration, it is my own opinion that Colombia has become an overlooked jewel. Only those who have visited can truly know the beauty that permeates every region. It is the favorite South American country of many, and I understand why.
2. Colombia is home to the most beautiful women I have ever seen. period.
3. Hugo Chavez needs to deliver results to the people of Venezuela. In the little time I spent in the country I encountered little that would make me want to return. Perhaps I am a bit blinded by the outward hatred explicitly expressed against my own country. Regardless, by speaking with the citizens of the country, and having witnessed a Chavez speech in person, I can only conclude that progress in important areas is necessary. The upcoming referendum to amend the presidential term limits set in the Venezuelan constitution will have a great impact on the world. Even more, relations with our new US administration will be critical to the everyday lives of those people with whom I had the privilege to speak. Which leads to my final point.
4. My one scary experience is not reflective of Latin America. Don't attach a judgment to my one crazy day in the wild west of Venezuela.
5. The world awaits Barack Obama. Individuals from across the globe are intrigued by what will take place tomorrow in Washington DC. It will effect them just as it effects us. I was told that at what point in history America was a country that was respected and admired abroad. At this point we are not. This is not an observation from a pulpit, but rather a relay of the sentiment expressed in every hostel, in every taxi cab, and every bar. I genuinely believe people want to embrace America again.
In conclusion, be aware of what is occurring in Venezuela and just go visit all the beauty that is Colombia.
1 comment:
What people say and what people do are often incongruent. The desires of people and governments are often at odds and agendas when inspected closely become inconsistent. Does the pulse of the working class decide the fate of global power/state or is it the economic machinery/power structure that churns out the unusual economic alliances between those who are often at odds in the public eye. It is important to note that development has its costs and underdevelopment can lead to dire consequences. Is the dominant model broken, can it be fixed and/or what viable alternative is offered by those who are easy to critique but fail to act. Those small countries and people whose ancestry is still linked to European history still long for a past that will never be again.
Thanks Roel for a great adventure.
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