A touch of emotion here as I speak my mind about Medellin and Paisas (endearing nickname for Antioquenians).

I would like to share some thoughts about life here in Medellin, particularly because of the highly undeserved level of skepticism and ignorance that has surfaced over the years as I share my experiences of Colombia with people “back home”.

Generalizations and prejudice play a major role in what people think about Colombia and Medellin. Jokes about cocaine, Pablo Escobar and wild parties wear a little thin after a while and often come from people with what I consider a Western superiority complex.

It basically boils down to values and if you want to visit a country where certain fundamental values, family values for instance, are still in tact, Colombia is exemplary. Yes, exceptions to the rule will always exist but nevertheless when you step into a Colombian household you are met with an openness and generosity that is touching.

Paisas (again, people from Medellin and the surrounding area), are good humoured, self ironic and warm. It seems that in the middle of a 40 year conflict a fundamental appreciation for life has been developed. Friendly greetings and open smiles meet you as you pass people in the street and a peacefulness often comes creeping up on me when in the company of Paisas.

Never have I sensed any form of exclusion here. Granted, I'm a foreigner and maybe there's an openness or curiosity that meets me but this is exactly my point. Being met with openness and an eager to know you attitude is simply a wonderful feeling as opposed to skepticism, doubt and prejudice.

I know about the difficulties that arise for Colombians when attempting to acquire visas to visit Europe or when they emigrate to a European country. They are frequently met with a number of obstacles based on the reputation of their nation. Rarely, this may be founded in fact but in the vast majority of cases Paisas and Colombians are wonderful, witty, warm and generous people with their feet firmly planted on the ground.

If you do find this statement to be unfounded in reality I am keenly interested in hearing from you as I hardly ever come across anyone with anything but excellent experiences from having spent time here.