Open Minded Traveler

Let’s Talk Pereira, An Engaging Culture Exchange and Language Swap!

Travel, Culture, Life Abroad March 30, 2016 openmindedtraveler

Let’s Talk Pereira totally lacks the social elegance of Bogota, even so your chances aren’t completely sunk! If you aren’t into the Club Comercio money parade, the strange but elusive Rotaracts, or the aged classiness of the Orchid Association, then check out a humble little group named Let’s Talk Pereira.…

The Pereira City Guide

Life Abroad, Travel March 23, 2016 openmindedtraveler

Exciting News! Pereira is going to have a City Guide! NOT one of those grammatically funky, state-sponsored info sheets! Something Beautiful… Informative… And, Interesting… Featuring current information and points of interest. Where to go…. What to do… Who to do it with… Where to eat… Where to sleep… Whether…

Expert Roundup: What is the Best Secret to Know When Living, Working or Traveling in Colombia?

Life Abroad, Travel March 13, 2016 openmindedtraveler

Coming to Colombia for me has been such an adventure. I came with an open mind, and an open heart. Things worked out. That isn’t always the case, but when it is, it’s extra special. If you asked me today whether Colombia is safe, or Zika, or anything like that…

The 4 Things Life Taught Me About Failure

Life Abroad February 17, 2016 openmindedtraveler

Failure. There it is. The word which haunts us. The two syllables which make us cringe just by hearing them used in our direction. That enormous sinking feeling after you realize that your best wasn’t enough. That feeling. Forgive yourself, but don’t forget to promise that next time you are…

Savage Paradise Part III: The Peaceful Spirit of El Choco and Her People.

Travel February 12, 2016 openmindedtraveler

This is the story of a man who is originally from the capital of Choco, and the serendipitous story about how he made it out of Quibdo, got an education, was a professional athlete and now teaches the youth of Manizales in English. Pride, heritage, courage, resilience, these are all words which…

El Lugar Hotel Boutique: Where to Stay and Eat, in Pereira Colombia

Reviews, Travel January 29, 2016 openmindedtraveler

In the modern city of Pereira we have some of the best amenities which can be found in the Coffee Axis region. They are situated close to some of the best luxury destinations in Colombia, which haven’t been discovered yet. From world class hot spring spas to boutique hotels, Pereira…

Authentic Sombrero Aguadeño Hats, a Must for Visitors | Travel

Travel January 27, 2016 openmindedtraveler

Here in the Coffee Axis of Colombia we have a pretty temperate climate most of the year with plenty of year round sunshine. What most visitors to this area don’t know, is the local secret to keeping the sun off in a comfortable and stylish way. The sombrero’s of Aguadas,…

Inside Colombia’s Cocaine Economy: San José del Palmar, Chocó

International Politics and Issues, Travel January 15, 2016 openmindedtraveler

Update — August 2026: I originally published this article in January 2016 after interviewing two men involved in small-scale coca cultivation and cocaine production during a trip into the mountains surrounding San José del Palmar, Chocó. I have kept the interview because it documents how two rural producers described the…

Savage Paradise Part I: The Birds, The Bees and the Guerilla’s

Travel January 7, 2016 openmindedtraveler

Update — August 2026: I originally published this story in January 2016 after spending time in the mountains around San José del Palmar, Chocó. The firsthand accounts of guerrillas, paramilitaries and armed conflict below reflect what local residents told me at that time and should be read as a historical…

El Barista: Best Place to Drink Café in the Coffee Axis

Travel December 22, 2015 openmindedtraveler

Glossy clear glass forms, the slow and steady pour, and a rich full flavored coffee is guaranteed to please even the most exigente (or high standards) customer has arrived in Pereira. Some of the best coffee in the world is harvested each year in the coffee axis and shipped…

Blog posts