Cultural Awareness

It is important as a tourist that you respect the host country and its’ locals that you are travelling to. Colombia in general has a large culture of music, literature, dance, food, language and education. In Barranquilla, as has been said, the people are quite laid back (yet extreme partiers) especially during the Carnaval, however there are some things that tourists can take heed to when mixing with the locals. In Colombia (as a whole) personal space is very important, so conversations take place at arms distance, the violation of this space is considered disrespectful and hostile (exceptions can occur in crowded bus stations and on buses within social classes). It is also considered polite (mandated) to greet strangers if you make eye contact with them or if they are your neighbours. Homosexuality is not illegal however it should be cautioned that it is still not widely accepted in the rural areas of Colombia; younger people are more accepting however will not openly display or converse the topic.

Unlike some would think, fashion is a large part of Colombia; even in Barranquilla the locals’ wear designer clothing. Although it is steaming hot and humid in Barranquilla the majority of men and women wear jeans and shirt it is commonly thought of that nobody but indigente (homeless people) wear shorts (the men). Although some middle class Baranquilleros wear shorts on the odd occasion in a very relaxed situations such as at the beach or in doors out of public view.

‘Though many people still associate Colombia with cocaine, it is in fact Peru that produces the largest amount of the drug and countries like the US and UK that consume the most.’ (Josian & Mickael  n.d.). Colombian people do not like or look upon drugs in a positive or welcoming manner. Dejectedly, the majority of drugs taken into Colombia are by foreigners going on drug tours. Those people who are considering travelling to Colombia for drugs should rethink their actions and have respect for the host country and its’ locals that they are traveling to. To deal drugs in Colombia is a criminal offence which can lead to severe penalties; any person who wants to travel to Colombia for a ‘drug tour’ should seriously reconsider their actions. It goes without saying ‘if you play with fire, you will get burnt’; that is, those who seek out the bad in a country (those on drug tours, seeking sex or a mail order brides) will not have a good experience and will come into contact with security and safety threats, a smart tourist whom abides by the laws, respects the culture and is aware to their surrounding will have less to no problems with their safety and security.

It is also a criminal offence to photograph military or strategic sites.