As A Little Girl Growing Up In Colombia [patched] «Fully Tested»

That vigilance is a specific kind of education. , you learn the map of your neighborhood not just by streets, but by safety. The corner store where Don José gives you a free bombom is safe. The park after 6 PM is not. You internalize the click of a deadbolt before you internalize multiplication tables.

The streets were a symphony of noise: the arepa vendor’s call, the rattling chiva bus grinding up the cobblestone hill, and always, always the thumping of salsa spilling out from someone’s kitchen window. I learned to dance before I learned to read—not formally, but by standing on my father’s feet as he spun me around the living room, my feet barely touching the tile. as a little girl growing up in colombia

I learned to be Colombian. And there is no greater armor than that. That vigilance is a specific kind of education

As a little girl growing up in Colombia, I was surrounded by a world of vibrant colors, rich culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. From the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the lush rainforests of the Amazon, my childhood was a journey of discovery and wonder. The park after 6 PM is not

But Colombian culture is more than just food, music, and festivals – it's also a deep and abiding connection to our history and traditions. From the ancient ruins of Ciudad Perdida to the vibrant street art of Bogotá, Colombia is a country that proudly wears its heart on its sleeve.

Rainy afternoons meant gathering under a zinc roof with cousins, watching the runoff turn our dirt path into a small brown river. We’d catch tadpoles in glass jars and invent stories about gold‑laden galleons buried beneath the mango tree. The mountains were never just mountains; they were sleeping giants, guardians of rivers that had known the Muisca and the magic of El Dorado .

Looking back on those carefree days, I realize just how lucky I was to have grown up in Colombia. From the stunning natural beauty of our country to the rich cultural heritage and resilience of our people, I was surrounded by a world of wonder and discovery. And even though I've traveled to many other countries and experienced many new cultures, I know that a part of my heart will always remain in Colombia, where I grew up as a little girl with a sense of curiosity, adventure, and joy.