Open Minded Traveler

The Honest Truth About Colombian Women

Culture, Dating October 1, 2021 openmindedtraveler

Could a Colombian woman be the start of your romantic adventure in an exotic, faraway country—or the source of your worst heartbreak? This might be one of the most controversial topics I’ve ever covered, so buckle up and get ready! How I Gathered My Insights As a straight woman interested in men, I can offer some unique perspectives, but for a well-rounded view,…

As A Woman in Colombia

Culture, Dating, Travel December 28, 2020 openmindedtraveler

This is the story I never wanted anyone to know… It’s the raw, unfiltered truth about my life as a woman in Colombia. In February 2013, I set foot in Colombia for the first time—a surprising twist in my second journey to South America. My original destination was Peru, but…

The Danger of Life Abroad in Colombia

Culture, Life Abroad November 30, 2020 openmindedtraveler

Leaving your home country for a place like Colombia is like stepping into a real-life jungle—both figuratively and literally. What surprises me most is how naïve many foreign residents can be about the dangers and challenges of living abroad. This is a reflection on the risks and realities of expat life. Like everyone, I have my own perspective. Take it…

The Truth About Colombian Men

Dating November 27, 2020 openmindedtraveler

I’m not gonna lie—Colombian men might just be some of the worst creatures to ever roam the earth (whether it’s flat, spherical, or square). Are there exceptions? Sure… somewhere. But they’re so rare, you’d have better luck finding a unicorn. So, if you’re dating a Colombian man, do yourself a favor: keep your defenses up and your instincts sharper than ever. Because in…

5 Great Ways to Meet Men in Colombia

Dating, Lifestyle November 13, 2020 openmindedtraveler

Five great ways to meet men in Colombia are a short list of things that have worked for me either inadvertently or through intention. I don’t claim to be an expert, only a witness recording what has happened, or worked out for me. 5 Ways to Meet Men in Colombia…

New Adventures and Artifacts in Quinchia, Risaralda | Colombian Coffee Region

Culture, Life Abroad, Travel October 15, 2020 openmindedtraveler

The moment my foot touched the ground in Quinchía, something inside me shifted—it was destiny, but only at the right time. My thoughts drifted back to when Carolina first reached out, telling me about a hidden gem of a pueblo just outside Pereira. A place I had never heard of, but one she was…

Cabalgata – An Incredible Horse Adventure in Colombia

Culture, Travel September 16, 2020 openmindedtraveler

One of Colombia’s most unique and underappreciated cultural traditions is the Cabalgata—a traditional trail ride or horse parade. A Cabalgata can take many forms, from riding with a group between pueblos to trotting down the main street or participating in informal horse parades during city festivals. Colombian equestrians are deeply passionate about their…

Beauty Queens in Colombia, Trophy Wives or Social Leaders?

Culture, Travel January 16, 2020 openmindedtraveler

Beauty pageants are still a major part of Colombian culture. Women from across the country compete tirelessly from a young age, striving to prove that they are the most beautiful, the most talented, and even the most eligible. From local festivals to national competitions, these pageants are about more than just looks—they represent grace, intelligence,…

15 Lessons Learned From Living in Colombia

Life Abroad, Travel November 20, 2019 openmindedtraveler

The Things I Have Learned Living in Colombia is meant to help you take the shortcut I wish I had when I first moved here. These are things which will help you survive and thrive in the turbulent years to come. Nothing worth doing is ever easy, and Life Abroad…

Nobody Cares About Single Moms

Expat Parenting, International Politics and Issues, Life Abroad May 26, 2019 openmindedtraveler

Why YOU Should Care About Single Moms As a single mom living boldly in Colombia, I’ve faced challenges that tested my spirit—but they’ve also fueled my passion for life and inspired my eBook, Passport to Passion. If you’re a single mom feeling unseen or struggling to find your way, know…

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