Expats in Colombia: Gareth Leonard

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Gareth is a marketing consultant and travel writer from upstate New York who came to South America to see if he has what it takes to become a local, not just a tourist. Follow his adventures over on his blog, Tourist2Townie.

LCO: Where are you from originally, what brought you to Colombia and how long have you been here?
GL: I’m originally from Upstate New York, Rochester to be exact. I came to Colombia because I lived with Colombians in Buenos Aires who always told me how great their country was and that I needed to check it out. Curiosity finally took over and after a year in Argentina, I moved to Colombia to see for myself. I’ve been here for 4 months now and I have to say… they were right!

LCO: What was your first impression of Colombia? Was it what you expected?
GL: My impressions of Colombia change as I travel throughout the country. I think Bogota was what I expected, but Medellin was a whole different world and I never could have imagined the Colombian countryside to be so beautiful.

LCO: In a few sentences, what does Colombia mean to you?
GL: Colombia is home to some of the most beautiful, welcoming people I’ve ever met. The landscapes are stunning, the fruit juices are delicious and the salsa dancers are smoking hot.

LCO: Tell us about one Colombian who has inspired you and why.
GL: I live with a Colombian family in Envigado, Antioquia and the mother of the house, Eliana, has done everything in her power to make me feel like part of the family in the short amount of time I’ve been here. Her generosity isn’t limited to house guests either, every visitor who comes in the house is met with the same compassion. She explains to me that this is what Colombian culture is all about and it inspires me to adopt this selflessness into my own life.

LCO: What have you learned from the locals since you arrived?
GL: Between wild nights on the town and intensive salsa lessons, I’m learning to loosen up my hips and let the rhythm of the music take control. One of my major goals here in Colombia is to trade in the gringo shuffle for some spicy latin dance moves. I’ve also learned that Aguardiente helps both my dancing and my Spanish.

LCO: Besides people, what do you miss most from home?
GL: Although the public transportation is great here in Medellin, I definitely miss the ease and efficiency of driving. Otherwise, life is good.

LCO: Is the stereotype of Colombian women as the most beautiful in the world true? Any examples?
GL: I’m happy confirm that the rumors are 100% true… dark hair, dark skin and they’re built like clydesdales thanks to a healthy diet of rice and beans. As far as examples go… I’ll send you some photos from the vault. To get an idea of what I’m talking about, check out my collection of the Top 10 Hottest Colombian Women.

LCO: What is your favorite way to spend your free time in Colombia?
GL: My perfect day in Colombia consists of a pick-up basketball game in the morning at an outdoor court near my house followed by a big Bandeja Paisa lunch at my favorite restaurant in Parque Envigado. I’d spend the afternoon just walking around town and relaxing in the botanical gardens. When the sun goes down I put the dance shoes on and paint the town. If I have a few days free, I’ll jump on a bus and head out to a pueblo away from the city like Gautape, San Jeronimo or Jardin.

LCO: Would you change anything about Colombia? Why or why not?
GL: This question is way over my head but I’d definitely change the social challenges people face on a daily basis. Although Colombia has come a long way, corruption and war still haunt thousands of Colombian citizens.

LCO: More people are looking at Colombia as a travel destination now. What advice do you have for them?
GL: I would say do your research and don’t get caught up in the government’s extensive marketing campaign. Colombia is an amazing country, but you still need to be smart about where and how you travel. Otherwise, drink some Aguadiente, let the music take control and enjoy the adventure!

Thanks Gareth!
Gracias Gareth!

For more interviews with expats in Colombia, click here.
Para más entrevistas con expatriados en Colombia, haga clic aquí.

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If you can translate this post into Spanish, email me at stephanie.sadler@hotmail.com and I’ll add a link to your site.

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