So, this is my first ever blog. Despite the fact that I have spent time abroad on more than one occasion, I felt that now more than ever was a good time to keep a blog. So after having graduated with a degree in French, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne and completing my PGCE at the University of Sheffield, I felt that it was about time that I fulfilled my dream of working in South America in accepting a job with the British Council in Bogotá Colombia...

Why Colombia? Well, essentially Colombia is a country which has always interested me, despite it's poor international reputation. Sharing it's borders with Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and Panama, Colombia is an ethnically diverse country with coastlines both in the pacific ocean and the carribean sea. It is one of the world's leading producers of coffee and can be divided into 5 main regions as per the climate and geography of this place. (the Pacific, Andes, Amazon, Eastern Plains and the Caribbean.) Colombia is also the birthplace of Shakira, Juanes and Carlos Vives, Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Nobel Prize for Literature) and Elkin Patarroyo (Nobel prize for science after discovering the vaccine for Malaria)

Bogotá, the capital and my home for the next year (at least) is the largest and most populated city in Colombia and due to it's altitude ranks the third highest city in the world, after La Paz (Bolivia) and Quito (Ecuador)

Unfortunately, Bogotá may not have the best international reputation, and I have to admit that I did think twice about accepting the job. According to an annual 'Country RepTrack poll' Colombia scored the lowest of all Latin American countries in terms of safety. Furthermore, Colombia’s reputation ranks just below Angola and higher than only Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran and Iraq. Due to a history of corruption, civil war, drug violence, kidnapping, guerrilla warefare, landmines, paramilitary groups (mainly FARC) and a high murder rate, it is understandable that Colombia may not, at first sight seem like the best country to chose to live and work in.

I have always been a fan of all things Iberian, ever since I was in school and coming to South America has always been something that I have wanted to do. Thankfully, Colombia's reputation is changing fast and whilst yes, kidnappings and daily mugging are a daily threat, the majority of Colombians I have met have been lovely and so eager to help and welcome you to their country. More recently, the Colombian government and tourism industry have taken the following attitude:

'La pasión de los Colombianos hace que el único riesgo que corre un extranjero cuando pisa esta tierra es que se quiera quedar.'

Or simpy, the passion of the Colombian people is that the only risk a foreigner runs in stepping onto this land is that of staying' (Excuse the terrible translation, its been a while since I graduated!)

Until a few years ago, people travelling in South America would have avoided Colombia at all costs. However, those who have spent any amount of time here will tell you what a wonderful country it is and how wonderful the people are who live here. Essentially, drugs (primarily cocaine) and the violence that has sparked from it has ruined this country's international reputation. However, there is so much more to this politically, culturally and ethnically rich and diverse country than that which first meets the eye.

Basically, I am pretty excited yet terrified about the near future and my new life in Bogotá! Keep reading if you want for more updates from this pretty amazing country!

Besitos xx