The Quindio is Colombia's smallest “departamento” or province, but it is without a doubt one which is packed with many attractions. Every village in Quindio is worthy of a day trip. Recently I visited Salento, with side trips to nearby Cocora valley and finishing up in Filandia.

Apartment blocks are growing like weeds in big Colombian cities. More and more Colombians are able to afford them thanks to government subsidies to lower income families. Wealthy investors buy scores of more pricey units which they then put on the rental market. Despite the growing supply, there is still a housing shortage and prices as well as rents continue to climb with no end in sight despite some experts' claims that the real estate bubble will soon burst.

Whether you are visiting or planning to live in another country, arriving prepared will avoid a lot of woes. Colombia may sound exotic, but it's not as if you will be landing on another planet either.  Let me make the transition a little easier by giving you the rundown on everything everybody needs to know! Today let us tackle money, which some attribute all evil to, but be that as it may, it is also a necessary evil!

Recently I visited Villa de Leyva, the historic town in the state of Boyaca. I also made a quick side trip to Ráquira, the colorful village famous for its ceramics that lies only 45 minutes away by road.