Kaleidoscope of biodiversity and megadiverse wonders
John Morales grew up in Bogotá, Colombia, surrounded by the lush greenery of the Andes mountains. He wanted to pursue higher education in Europe, for which he needed to become proficient in English. So, after graduation, he invested the next three and a half years honing his linguistic skills. Today he works for imec in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
From Colombia to Europe: John’s cultural and illuminating experience
Stepping beyond the borders of Colombia, John never thought he would miss natural light. He completed his master’s degree and PhD in Leuven, Belgium, before moving to the Netherlands for a job. As a tropical country, Colombia offers abundant sunshine and light, which John took for granted during his childhood and years spent there as an adult. However, the glorious sun is only experienced in Belgium and the Netherlands for a few months.
Must do
Discover the incredible marine biodiversity by snorkeling or diving in the crystal-clear waters of Gorgona National Park.
John got surprised by the timing of summer sundown, which he knew about only from the textbooks in high school. But the lack of daylight was not crucial in front of other experiences. Being exposed to a diverse cultural environment amazed him. Being part of an international hub allowed him to encounter various customs, religions, and values through his colleagues worldwide. John shared his experiences: “The perspective you hold is not the only lens through which the world can be perceived.”
Exploring Colombian culture through rhythm and food
The heartbeat of Colombian culture is fueled by dance as its people passionately take to the floor with irresistible zeal. Whether at parties or festivals, dancing infuses every celebration. John, too, finds joy in moving to the beats of Merengue, Salsa, and Cumbia. He proudly shared that Cali, a city in southwest Colombia, has earned the 'Salsa Capital of the World' title for its exceptional Salsa dancers.
Since no one can dance on an empty stomach, here are some foods to satisfy hungry hearts. Like many other Latin American countries, Colombia has its own version of Empanadas. However, they are made with corn dough instead of the usual wheat-based dough. Reflecting on other culinary delights, John expressed his love for Arepas and Ajiaco Bogotano. Arepas can be described as bread, while Ajiaco is a soup. Both dishes prominently feature corn as an ingredient. The secret to making fluffy arepas is considering the region’s humidity before adding water to the dough. Arepas can be filled with a variety of stuffings. Ajiaco, on the other hand, is a corn and creole potato soup with guasca leaves and chicken.
Ancient cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and megadiversity
John marveled at how Colombia unveiled glimpses into ancient indigenous cultures. The Tayronas, who long ago lived in the northern mountains in Colombia’s Caribbean coast, are the ancestors of the indigenous cultures that inhabit the very same region today. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is the best place to witness these cultures.
For adventurous individuals, John enthusiastically recommends Chiribiquete as one of Colombia’s bestkept secrets. Revered by indigenous tribes as the Earth’s center, this tropical savanna dazzles with its untouched lush greenery and formidable wildlife. The region’s cave paintings, thought to date back twenty thousand years, witness some of the oldest human habitation in Latin America. Colombia offers Chingaza and Gorgona as a biological spectacle, where vibrant natural wonders embrace a wealth of diverse flora, fauna, birds, and exotic fruits. The country boasts an extraordinary distinction as the top cultivator of around 1,572 unique orchid species. With almost ten percent of the world’s biodiversity nestled within its borders, Colombia has unquestionably earned its rightful status as a megadiverse country.
