¡VOY A COLOMBIA!

So I guess it's about time I got round to telling you exactly where I am going next on my Gap Year travels. For some of you including my friends, family and anyone who I've had the fortune of seeing while I've been back in the UK, this announcement comes with little surprise or suspense but it is about time I had it in writing on FOT!. In two days time, I am going to: Colombia!

Colombia is yet another unexpected turn on my year of travels which I actually had booked and arranged way back in mid-February however I felt now would be the best time to tell you. I will be staying in the country's capital Bogotá for one month in which time I shall be assisting my cousin Michael's friend Maritza with the running of her Arts studio as well as seeing the sights that Colombia has to offer.

Map of the country-Bogotá is slap bang in the middle of it

This is both a really exciting and scary thing for me. It will not only be my first time in South America but in the whole of the Americas which involves taking my first long-distance flight travelling alone as well as being the first time I've been outside of Europe since going to Morocco, China, Hong Kong and Dubai in 2009. After 6 years as a Spanish student (who studied 'The Motorcycle Diaries' for Spanish A Level), it has long been an ambition to visit South America and learn more about its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking scenery and way of life and now I have my opportunity. I'm currently at the point where I can't believe it's actually happening and the idea that I am leaving in two days is pretty insane. Overall though, I am sure it will be nothing quite like what I've experienced before and for that reason I can't wait to explore this new country that I know very little about.



Understandably, I've had various bits of preparation to do which I shall walk you through.

• Flights- I had my flights booked through STA travel, a travel agency that specialises on travel options for student and young people. I will be flying with German carrier Luthansa (for the first time!) from Manchester to Frankfurt where I will then take the 11+ hour flight to Bogotá. In total my tickets cost just over £600 return.

My route to Colombia. If you really want to (I doubt you will), you can view this in better form by following the link here: https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zJUMKbMtJ1dY.kYCFIrezmf-o

• Vaccinations/Medicine- To go to Colombia, you need to have received most of the major injections before travelling. These include MMR, Tetanus and Hepatitis B amongst many others but depending on your medical history you may have already received some of these. Either way, it is best that you see your GP to check which vaccinations you require for the trip. Personally, I had a Hepatitis A jab when I went to my GP two weeks back. In the rural and rainforest areas of Colombia, there is a higher risk of contracting Malaria, Yellow Fever and Dengue Fever so if you plan to enter these areas then you will most likely need further injections as well as Malaria tablets. Insect repellent is a must throughout the whole country.

• Plug Adapters- The US-style two pronged plug is used in Colombia so make sure you purchase some before you set off.

• Visas- UK citizens as well as citizens from many other western countries don't require a visa to enter Colombia as a tourist however like with many countries you are expected to show proof of an onward journey once you arrive there. Tourists are usually granted 60 day access however it is possible to extend this to 90 days. So basically, I had no preparations to do here. The main thing to do is to make sure your passport is in date and not about to expire.

• Currency- it is difficult to obtain Colombian Pesos in the UK so instead I will be taking US Dollars which I will exchange once I arrive as it is easier to do so than with British Pounds.

• List of things I've had to buy- Suncream, Insect Repellent, Plug Adapters, Shorts, Travel guide (Lonely Planet), Latina American Spanish Phrase book (just to make sure I don't say something stupid thinking it means the same as in Castillian Spanish ie. coger un autobus)

Well now you know what's on the agenda for FOT! in the next few weeks. Expect some more posts from me, giving you an inside scoop into la vida colombiana. I expect this will be the biggest challenge I'll face on my Gap Year and I can't wait to get stuck in now.

Adios Manchester, adios England, adios Europe!

...and hola to South America

FP

#FraserOnTour