Open Minded Traveler

Life in The Coffee Axis: Pereira

Life Abroad December 9, 2015 openmindedtraveler

Like the steamy fragrance and happy bubbly sound of a good cup of coffee being made in the morning, this story has been brewing in my imagination for a while. What is life REALLY like, in the Coffee Axis? The good, the great and the pain-in-the-ass realities of life abroad are all…

The Expat Kitchen: Brazilian Fried Plantains

Food and Recipes November 14, 2015 openmindedtraveler

Plantains are under appreciated in most of North America. However once you go south a ways you discover entire cultural diets which revolve around certain staples, the plantain is one of them. From Brazil to Colombia plantains are fried, steamed, rolled and fried into chips, mashed and fried in thick…

The Expat Kitchen: All Natural Chocolate Vanilla Milkshake

Food and Recipes November 8, 2015 openmindedtraveler

A few notes about my recipe. This is the first in what I hope will become a series of posts sharing my favorite recipes here in Colombia. Some will be Colombian foods, I might throw some Mexican, Brazilian and even a few All-American dishes into the mix. Be sure to…

Eco-Restaurant Destination: Bakuru

Reviews October 22, 2015 openmindedtraveler

We have all heard of the eco-park, eco-hostel, eco-hotel, eco-lodge, eco-anything, but one segment of ecologically sound choices should include what we eat as well. Around the world people are becoming more open minded in what they do with their time, their bodies and even their trash. The eco-restaurant is…

Pereira, Colombia: Fiestas de la Cosecha

Culture, Life Abroad, Travel August 31, 2015 openmindedtraveler

My favorite time of year has always been the month of August. My birthday, some of my best friends have birthdays and best of all Harvest Festival in Pereira, my city of residence. Orchids, International Food Fest, Jeep Parade’s and Rooster Parties are only a few of the fun events…

Pereira Jeep Parade

Culture, Travel August 31, 2015 openmindedtraveler

This separate post is a part of the Harvest Festival post which you can read HERE. The jeep culture is a very unique and important part of life in Colombia. These are the faithful taxis of the campesinos which go where normal cars and trucks can’t. They can take a…

Restaurant Montmartre Cartagena, Colombia

Reviews August 22, 2015 openmindedtraveler

In the narrow streets of the old walled city in Cartagena is a slice of old world variety for the cultured palate. With a short list of authentic dishes and carefully selected wine pairings Restaurant Montmartre Cartagena will give you a much needed break from the heat of the old walled city. …

Exotic Fruit Review: “Chontaduro”

Life Abroad, Reviews August 12, 2015 openmindedtraveler

Also known as the “Palm Peach,” chontaduro is a fruit common to certain parts of Central and South America. The fruit grows in a cluster on a palm tree. It’s color varies from bright orangy red to orange and yellow/green. The first time I tasted it there was nothing special about it. However…

Travel Alert | Nevado del Ruiz Volcanic Activity

Life Abroad, Travel August 1, 2015 openmindedtraveler

Several explosions, seismic activity and a large ash plume has local residents worried about the volcano known as Nevado del Ruiz. The last eruption cost the lives of more than 20,000 people and wiped a small town from existence. What is actually happening with this volcano situated between Pereira and Manizales in the Coffee Axis of Colombia?…

When Travelers Will Go Hungry

Culture, En Espanol, International Politics and Issues, Life Abroad, Travel June 17, 2015 openmindedtraveler

As travelers we delight in trying the local fare and experimenting with tastes, flavors and textures. Especially in countries famous for their corn crops there are many varieties of corn aside from that which we typically encounter in our own supermarkets. In Colombia there are many different varieties which are…

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