Off to Colombia

If you want to make your mother shake, your father chide you to be safe and your in-laws scratch their heads in disbelief, tell them you're going to Colombia. It'll work, without fail.

Brooke and I are heading there tomorrow. We're crossing the border in Cúcuta and then flying to Cartagena, the colonial jewel by the sea, and we'll be there for several days. After that, we're off to Tayrona National Park and Santa Marta for a little R&R at the beach. Tough life, I tell you. Tough life.

Anyway, I look forward to regaling you with stories of kind Colombians fighting back the stereotypical images of a lawless, guerilla-war-torn country. I have no idea if that will be our reality, but regardless, we'll heed the advice of our trusty Lonely Planet: South America on a Shoestring:

"Don't wear any khaki-colored clothing or army surplus uniforms, as the military may take you for a guerilla, or the guerilla for a military—it's not clear which is worse. Be sure to try as many exotic fruits as you can—Colombia is famous for them. For both safety and scenery, do your overland travel during daytime only."

So let me get that straight ... no camo, eat fruit and travel during the day to not get killed. Gotcha. One thing I wonder, though: Did they put their tips in order of importance? If so, they must have some damn good fruit there in Colombia.

I'll be sure to keep you informed.