My wife and I have adopted two daughters from Colombia. The first from Pereira in 1979 and the second from Bogota in 1994.  We spent several weeks in the country on each visit. 

I am interested in hearing from people around the world; especially South America.  I have traveled to Caracas, Venezuela and in Colombia: Bogota, Pereira, Manizales, and Cartagena.

If you travel to Bogota, you should definitely see the Gold Museum.  It is the largest collection of gold artifacts in the world.  The Salt Mine Cathedral is also very interesting and makes a nice day trip.  Definitely take the tram or the cable car to the top of the mountain (I forget the name) above Bogota.  You should plan on eating up there.  Take along a coat! 

We were fortunate to be in Bogota on August 7, 1979.  This is the Colombian Independence Day.  We were staying at the Hotel Tequendama (a gorgeous hotel) when the parade bands began to line up outside the Hotel at 7:30 A. M.  The first band left at 8:00 A. M.  The last band left at 2:30 P. M.  This was by far the longest parade I have ever seen in my life!

If you go to Manizales, you must see the central Cathedral.  It is fabulous!  Manizales is on the top of the highest  mountain in its immediate vicinity.  It is a lower elevation and therefore the climate is almost perfect at 70F at night and 80F most days.  Pereirra is slightly lower and just slightly warmer.

Cartagena is on the Atlantic coast (caribbean) and is hot!  It has beautiful beaches that are very well groomed. 
Visiting the Fort at night in a horse drawn carriage was a wonderful experience.

In Pereira I strongly recommend the Hotel Melia.  Incidentally, Pereira has definitely progressed since our first trip there in 1979.

If anyone would like any additional information on visiting Colombia, I will try to help.  Just click on my E-mail button below.

We also have a son born in Minnesota.  They are all wonderful children!  We have been very fortunate!

I strongly recommend Jorge Rico as a guide in Bogota.

For the most complete list I have seen of adoption agencies in the USA, see
  http://www.rainbowkids.com/publications.html


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