Here are a few personal experiences to share:
– **Yellow Fever Vaccine**: I had initially planned to get vaccinated in Tokyo before my trip, which would have cost nearly 20,000 yen. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that right near Gate 5 at Bogota airport, the vaccine was completely free and offered lifelong immunity!
– **Safety Tips**: While it’s true that safety isn’t foolproof, there’s no need to let worry overshadow your journey. Store valuables securely in your hotel safe, and when venturing out, carry only essentials—your phone, one credit card, and a modest amount of cash.
– **Coffee**: Oh, the coffee! It’s absolutely divine. If you spot a café with a Google rating above 4.5, don’t hesitate—step inside and indulge!
– **Cuisine**: To be honest, South American food didn’t quite resonate with me. With an open mind, I tried local dishes once or twice but spent most of my time seeking familiar flavors in Chinese or Korean eateries.
It’s worth noting how rare it is to see Asians here. In fact, local children even requested to take photos with me! Most residents are warm and welcoming, though during one stroll, a homeless individual shouted “xxx chino” in my direction. My Spanish is limited, but I suspect it roughly translated to “go back to your country, Chinese person.” Still, such moments were exceptions rather than the rule.
