Columbia: Photo taken in by Manyee Desandies in the Amazon Rainforest along the Brazilian border region.

Columbia has had a violent history. A Civil war, between 1899-1902, claimed approximately 20,000 lives. Another Civil War, known to Columbians as  La Violencia, took place between 1925-1934 . Roughly 100,000 people were killed during this Civil War. One of the greatest problems in Columbia today is the drug cartels. Judges, newspaper editors and community officials have been targets of cocaine traffickers as an attempt to suppress anyone who gets in their way of making profits from the illegal sale of drugs.

Columbian farmers raise world-renowned coffee on the slopes of the Andes. They sell much of the world's  emeralds. They have the highest production of coal in the South American Continent. In addition to coffee, they harvest cut flowers, bananas, shrimp and rice.

If you are invited to dinner, it is customary to bring a potted plant, fruit or quality chocolates to the hostess. If you plan on giving flowers, be sure to send them in advance. They enjoy getting lilies and marigolds and aren't as keen about receiving roses. If you bring a gift wrapped, you get to enjoy the pleasure of watching them open it with excitement and graciousness.

When dining with Columbians, it is polite to try everything you are given. Most food is eaten with a fork and knife. However, it is ok to eat fruit with your fingers. Be sure to clean your entire plate because the host will interpret that as appreciating your meal. If you really need to use a tooth pick at the dinner table, be sure to wait until everyone has finished their meal. Don't get alarmed when the Columbians talk loud at the dinner table. They are a very loud culture.

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