“Kathleen, I go to Medellin, Colombia, at least once a year. All the things you say about the country are true. You do not stress enough the charm of the people or the majestic beauty of the Andes mountains. I have seen properties with 10 to 12 acres with houses and improvements and views that would challenge any in the world.
“The Bronx can be challenging if you end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, as can many other places all over the world.
“I go to Medellin for my dental work, and my wife does also. My wife had her eye surgery in Medellin (this procedure used all over the world was invented by a Colombian doctor) for a fraction of the price it would have cost in the United States without sacrificing quality.
“I have seen many places in Colombia and can say the country is truly beautiful and breathtaking in so many ways. The Colombian people are proud of their country and enjoy showing it off. The warmth of the people is wonderful, and that is what really brings me back year after year. I have a great love for Colombia and it increases over time. The people know how to party and have fun. No one can have too much fun.”
–Steve S., United States
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“Kathleen, I had to laugh when I read the recent Mailbag letter from Chuck B. regarding your assessment of Medellin.This is exactly the kind of reason (one of many) why I can’t wait to move overseas. Too many Americans want someone to take care of them and have no sense of personal responsibility, not to mention adventure.
“In 2001 I was preparing to make my first trip to Haiti with a medical team on a humanitarian mission. I attempted to recruit a coworker to join the group, as well. Her response was that she would be interested in going if I could ‘guaranty her safety.’ I told her that I couldn’t guaranty her safety at home.
“This trip became the first of many I would make to Haiti and was an experience that changed my life. On my third trip I met a Haitian nurse who would become my wife. We were married in Haiti in 2004 and now have two beautiful sons. In all my trips (12+) to Haiti I have never felt unsafe or been threatened. Are there safety concerns? Absolutely. But I would feel the same if I were going to New York or Los Angeles.
“I feel sorry for people who have such a skewed view of the world. They truly don’t know what they’re missing.”
–Jim T., United States
