That won’t silence critics, who argue that taking orphaned children from their birth countries and raising them elsewhere robs those nations of their most valuable resource and leaves the adoptees with a hopelessly fractured ethnic identity, only to satisfy the capricious whims of wealthy Westerners. (The contentious term cultural genocide is sometimes employed.) Opponents of international adoption routinely point to the abundance of orphans here in the U.S. where they claim it is both easier and cheaper to adopt. From there, they typically question the motives of “eager white Americans” who would endeavor “to adopt children that look nothing like them,”—as if every would-be parent who sought to adopt overseas were somehow trying to be Angelina Jolie. There are some persistent myths behind that argument that need dispelling. But first, a quick story:

My own parents suffered through a string of miscarriages and failed attempts to adopt in the U.S. before fetching my older sister, twin brother, and I from a dilapidated orphanage in Medellín, Colombia. It was the late 1970s, and we were infants—two of us premature and very sick. They nursed us back to health, brought us to a working-class suburb of New Jersey and promptly went about the business of raising us. Among the many things they took pains to instill (like work ethic, faith in God, and a healthy appreciation for good lasagna), a sense of Colombian-ness was not included. Nor was it to be acquired elsewhere: together my siblings and I made up about half the town’s Colombian population.

But if we lacked a clear blueprint for our ethnic identities, we still had plenty of other parameters from which to forge our sense of selves: we were blue-collar kids from Jersey. We grew up amongst the mostly Irish- and Italian-American children of nurses, plumbers, and store clerks. Like them, we indulged in all the rituals of our particular American upbringing. And like most internationally adopted children, we turned out just fine.
To be sure, there are some significant and seemingly unclosable gaps in our cultural identities. I remember eagerly befriending two Colombian kids that moved to our town in junior high, only to find out that we had nothing special in common. “I’m Colombian too,” I exclaimed to one of them, a girl the same age as me. She smiled and started speaking in Spanish. I furrowed my brow to show that I didn’t understand. “Where are you from?” she asked in English. “Medellín,” I said. “No,” she said, laughing. “You definitely aren’t.”

In later years my twin brother (who is darker than my sister and I) would occasionally be subject to racial profiling. And, as we belatedly discovered, all three of us would have to go through the complicated and lengthy process of naturalization before we could obtain driver’s licenses (or register to vote or apply for financial aid for college). We were immigrants and minorities—but only sometimes. The same was true of our Italian experience. I know more about Palermo and my father’s upbringing in 1950s Bensonhurst than I ever will about Medellín, but I feel as dishonest calling myself Italian or Italian-American as I do calling myself Colombian. That’s OK by me. My loss of ethnic heritage has been more than compensated for in the multitude of opportunities afforded by my adoption. Besides, I kind of like being a cultural chameleon (Colombian by birth, Sicilian by adoption, and American by upbringing). It makes me unique.

I won’t pretend my experience is the same as it would be if I were black or Asian, or even a darker shade of Hispanic, and I’m not trying to say that race doesn’t matter at all. But race and ethnicity shouldn’t be the foremost concerns of adoptive parents, foreign governments, or society at large. The primary consideration should be the welfare of the children in question. Where will they have the best chance at happy, fulfilling lives? How best can the global community ensure their health and safety?

Within the U.S., the federal government has long since determined that while race and ethnicity merit consideration, they should not be the deciding factors in any adoption. That’s because numerous studies show that transracial and transcultural adoptees don’t face any higher risks of psychological problems or identity issues than domestic, same-ethnicity adoptees. As uncomfortable as it makes some people to acknowledge, white parents are capable of raising emotionally healthy black, Asian, and Hispanic children. And that’s no less true when the child comes from another country.

Those who argue that prospective parents should “just adopt in the U.S.” don’t understand the motivations of most adoptive parents. If would-be adopters were acting out of some profound sense of charity, then reasonable people could debate the merits of alleviating greater suffering abroad vs. considerably less suffering closer to home. (In Colombia in 1977, children who weren’t adopted by the age of 9 or 10 were turned out onto the street: girls mostly became prostitutes, boys joined the guerrilla armies or found work in the coca fields. By contrast, American orphans of the same generation were guaranteed food, shelter, and some form of education until they turned 18.)

But the fact is, most adoptive parents are like mine: they are unable to conceive but desperately want to experience parenthood—in all its permutations. That means they want babies. In the U.S., 60 percent of eligible orphans are more than 5 years old. Several critics have argued that the supply of Third-World infants is not a natural occurrence but a response to the demand of adoption markets in the West. This is only partly true: yes, Western demand motivates child-traffickers. But even after child trafficking is taken out of the equation, there are still many more infants to adopt abroad than there are in the U.S. (6.6 million compared with less than 60,000, based on an analysis of data from Unicef and the United States Department of Health and Human Services). International adoption is expensive (up to $40,000 in many cases) and takes a long time (one to three years on average)—long enough to consider all of the challenges and complexities that raising a child of different cultural or ethnic heritage will entail. It’s not a process one enters into lightly.

In fact, most parents choose international adoption only after being repeatedly stymied by U.S. adoption protocols—from birth parents that change their minds at the last minute, to stringent and sometimes arbitrary requirements on the part of domestic adoption agencies. Speaking of which, it is patently false that the high-profile choices of a few celebrities have triggered an international adoption boom. In fact, in the U.S. especially, international adoption rates have plummeted—from about 25,000 in 2004 to less than 13,000 in 2009. Today, they are at an all time low, thanks to the greater availability of contraception, a global crackdown on child-trafficking, and better economic conditions in places like Russia and China, the birthplace of many internationally adopted orphans.

These days, internationally adoptive parents often go to great lengths to preserve their adoptive children’s sense of cultural heritage—a big change since I was adopted from Colombia. According to one Harvard survey, 15 percent of transracially adoptive parents move to more ethnically diverse neighborhoods after adopting, to enhance their child’s exposure to other people of the same ethnicity. Many parents take corresponding language and cooking lessons and many more immerse themselves in the diaspora communities of their children’s birth countries. Some also participate, with their children, in “homeland tours” offered by international adoption agencies.

At the same time, adult adoptees from Korea, China, and elsewhere have formed national organizations to facilitate homeland visits and lobby for dual citizenship, among other things. There is no reason to think that Haitian orphans won’t do the same. To be sure, they will face barriers to forging coherent racial and ethnic identities—almost all internationally and interracially adopted children do. But those barriers won’t be insurmountable and they won’t necessarily be devastating. In the end, what matters most is not where a child is from, but whether or not that child is well loved and well cared for by a responsible family—regardless of race or nationality.

By Jeneen Interlandi | Newsweek

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Upon our arrival, after only a 3-hour flight from Miami we were immediately welcomed with open arms by representatives of the Medellín Healthcare Cluster. From the moment we stepped outside there was a sense of freedom and relaxation in the air. We came down through the forested locale to a breathtaking opening, where we were met by the astonishing view of the entire city of Medellín, revealing the radiant lights from the hillsides to the mountain tops. As we drove down the light-encrusted mountain it was easy to imagine how one might fall in love with this city.

The familiarization tour was sponsored by the Medellín Healthcare Cluster, organized with the goal of promoting Medellín as a competitive medical tourism destination.  The Medellín Healthcare Cluster has set exceptionally high principles for applicants seeking Healthcare Cluster membership. All amenities must go through an intense application process and avowal to go through or apply for the Joint Commission International accreditation within the next two years to be accepted. The Familiarization Tour included visits to some of the top hospitals in Colombia such as: Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Pa l, Hospital General de Medellín, Clínica El Rosario, Centro Odontol g  Congregaci n Mariana, Clinica Odontolgica Promta, Hospital Pablo Tobon Uribe, Clinica Cardiovascular, and Clinica Oftalmolgica de Antioquia-Colfan. In addition, participants had the opportunity to visit State of the Art air-ambulance company SARPA.

The City of Lights

Colombia is located in South America bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador and Panama. Colombia is the only South American country with coastlines on both the North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and is persistently growing given the on-going development in domestic security since 2002. Medellín is the second largest city in Colombia, and Capital City of the State of Antioquia. With countless tourism activities for visitors, Medellín serves as a popular destination for international travelers. Medellín has breathtaking views of this magnificent city from every angle you may choose to look. During this time of year the city of Medellín hires 2,000 employees to string lights throughout the neighborhoods and countryside giving the city a magical feeling. The city gathers local traditions such as dancers, instrument players and multicolored characters as lights. Medellín created this project to attract international travelers, since most foreigners enjoy seeing unique places, food, and attractions while in another country. These lights are a tribute to the country demonstrating the most significant landscapes and icons from the region. Shortly after, the project was then implemented by other Latin American countries such as: Venezuela, Honduras, and Ecuador. Medellín began the renovation process in 2002, altering the aesthetic appearance of this beautiful city.  Medellín is committed to position itself as one of the major players in the Health and Wellness sector of the Medical Tourism Industry. Between the years of 2005 and 2006, the number of foreigners visiting Medellín grew by 33.4%, from approximately 71, 000 to approximately 95,000 visitors, and grew another 20 % half way through 2007.

Local Cuisine

To start, one must sample the baked corn arepas (flat corn pancake) with butter and cheese alongside Colombian coffee. Colombian coffee is the ultimate desired beverage and is said to be the best in the world. Colombian coffee is primarily grown in Medellín, neighboring towns, and more mountainous areas such as Bogotá giving coffee a rich balanced flavor. Next, empanadas are a must have while in Colombia. Empanadas are typically made with shredded chicken, pork, beef, and ground meat but can be found filled with potato and vegetables; served with aji (hot sauce) and lime wedges on the side. In Colombia, empanadas are sold essentially everywhere in the city.

Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paul

Hospital Universitario San Vincente de Pa l is a non-profit private institution with 96 years of experience and great national and international recognition. Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Pa l offers 648 beds to the public and is a Colombian Leader in healthcare generating health research, specialists in high complexity care, and experienced leadership in transplants. The hospital has alliances with the main universities in Medellín for education and research purposes in the training of doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and social workers, management engineering and social communication schools. Some of the hospital specialties include Cardiovascular and Thoracic Unit, Oncology Unit, Bone Marrow Transplants and Orthopedics.

Oral Home

Oral Home is a 24/7 dental clinic catering to emergency cases and general services to the community. Oral Home is not only a dental clinic, but has integrated the wellness sector even into their basic services. Oral Home has a 24/7 emergency mobile service which assists many international patients in comfort and satisfaction. Oral Home is equipped with the most advanced technology providing excellent results.

Hospital General de Medellín

Hospital General de Medellín is the only public hospital in the entire Medellín Healthcare cluster. Hospital General de Medellín is equipped with 423 beds, which provides intermediate and adult critical care and pediatrics services. Among its many achievements Hospital General de Medellín has become the first public hospital of third level to achieve National Accreditation (accredited by ISQUA) by the Social Protection Ministry of Colombia. Hospital General Medellín was also ranked in the 20 best hospital and clinics of Latin-America, ranked by America Econmicas, and is also participating in the first phase for the International Accreditation with JCI Standards that was organized with International Quality Resources Health Accreditation. The mission of Hospital de General Medellín is a social enterprise of the state that provides health services up to high complexity levels. Such services focus on patient safety and provide affection, confidence and satisfaction while promoting high-quality and good environmental practices. 
 

Clínica El Rosario

Clínica El Rosario is a prestigious non-profit institution of religious nature that belongs to the society of Dominican Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin of Tour. Clínica El Rosario is a 240 bed multi-functioning hospital with two headquarters in Medellín. Clínica El Rosario is a pioneer in healthcare with a mission to contribute to life and health recovery through a comprehensive secure, humane and differentiated service with specialized personal and excellent management that ensures value creation for the target social groups, economic sustainability and performance in time. Clínica El Rosario’s international specialty services consist of Hip Replacement, Knee Replacement, Heart Value Surgery, and Radiology.

Centro Odontolgica Congregacion Mariana

Centro Odontol gico Congregaci n Mariana is a non-profit institution, with offices in the south and downtown areas of Medellín to provide general and specialized oral health to the public. Centro Odontol gico Congregaci n Mariana has a total of 16 rooms and three operating rooms. Aesthetic Dentistry, Oral Rehabilitation, and Dental Implants are the most sought after by international patients. Centro Odontol gico Congregaci n Mariana has a vision to consolidate in 2015 as the renowned oral health institution in the city for its technical quality and competitive pricing.

Clinica Odontolgica Promta

Clinica Odontol gica Promta has 21 years of experience providing the highest quality in comprehensive oral health services offering all dental specialties, with four clinics located strategically throughout Medellín. Clinica Odontol gica Promta serves 10,000 patients a month and has the capacity to treat 150 international patients, with 50 % of international patients being treated from the US and 35 % from Spain.  Clinica Odontol gica is conveniently positioned only steps away from downtown hotels and only two blocks from popular international lodging.

Hospital Pablo Tobon Uribe

Hospital Pablo Tob n Uribe is a non-profit institution with a mission to provide an incomparable complexity in the healthcare industry while contributing the most current scientific knowledge within a structure of Christian humanism. Hospital Pablo Tob n Uribe is the first and only hospital in Colombia to be both ISQUA accredited and receive the excellence institution certification of high complexity level of health in Colombia. Hospital Pablo Tob n Uribe is a 255-bed hospital specializing in Transplants, Advance Oncology, Palliative Care, Orthopedics, and Cosmetic Surgery.

Centro Cardiovascular Colombiano Cliníca Santa María

Since 1966, Centro Cardiovascular Colombiano Cliníca Santa María has treated patients with cardiovascular diseases in areas of prevention, diagnosis, invasive and surgical treatment. Centro Cardiovascular Colombiano Cliníca Santa María is another leader in Colombia healthcare, completing the first heart and lung transplant in Colombia and is a national and international reference center.  Centro Cardiovascular Colombiano Cliníca Santa Mar a is committed to offering specialized services to its patients specializing in areas such as Angioplasty without Stent, Cardiac Value Replacement, Coronary Bypass Surgery, Cardiac Transplants and Hemodynamics. Centro Cardiovascular Colombiano Cliníca Santa María offers a total of 140 beds, 73 specialists, and has proven to be a leader with the highest quality standards in medicine.

Clinica Oftalmolgica de Antioquia-Colfan

Clinica Oftalmolgica de Antioquia-Colfan is modernly designed for all patients to receive the most proficient care and specializes in Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery, Refractive Surgery and Corneal Surgery for international patients. Clinica Oftalmolgica de Antioquia-Colfan has a total of 59 specialist physicians, allowing this innovative facility to receive additional international patients. 
Servicios Aereos Panamericanos “SARPA”

Sarpa is a charter airline company with offices in both Medellín and Bogotá that offers charter services, air ambulance services, domestic and international flights including load and passenger transportation. Sarpa is the first and only Colombian entity certified by the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority. Sarpa has attended to international patients in countries such as Aruba, San Marteen, Costa Rica, Peru, Ecuador and many more. This air ambulance group has 25 specialists, five anesthesiologists and 10 emergency specialists for all adult general illness, trauma, pediatric and newborns. Sarpa goes over and beyond expectations with safe and dependable transportation when it is most needed with revolutionary technology and human warmth.

About the Author

Stephanie is Membership Coordinator, and involved in managing the Social Media & Marketing Department for the Medical Tourism Association. Stephanie provides recruitment, coordination and retention support for members of the MTA. In addition, she supports the Health Tourism Magazine. She may be reached at stephanie@medicaltourismassociation.com or www.medicaltourismassociation.com.

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What started out as a hobbie – quickly turned into a pioneering business venture. And while many others have followed suit, none to date have been able to compete on the same level.

Indeed, when it comes to luxury, but affordable services, hotels in Medellin might want to take note.

The Apartment Medellin manages vacation apartments exclusively in Medellin’s El Poblado neighbourhood and guarantees – wireless broadband, cable TV, local telephone calls, digital safes, 24 hour security and private parking.

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El Blue is probably one of the most popular bars for foreigners because of the distinct lack of Salsa, Vallenato, Reggaeton or any other form of local Latin music which is all pervasive in other parts of town and can sometimes get a bit too much if you’re not used to it.  It’s also a place where you’re likely to meet Colombians with a similar taste in international rock music, and therefore a greater interest in meeting foreigners.

The interior has recently gone through a makeover but it’s still a no-fuss, relaxed and unpretentious crowd which can be a nice change of pace from the glamorous Poblado bars and clubs.

Address:  Calle 10 No. 40 – 20, El Poblado

Telephone: 2663047
Opeing Hours: Thursday – Saturday 9:30 p.m. a 3:00 a.m.
Average Price of a Beer: $ 3,000 (2×1 on Thursday’s including local spirits)
Cover Charge:  $5,000 (usually applicable for drinks inside)

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Everyone is in a festive mood since we’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo with low fares from only $5* each way for $9 Fare Club members**. But don’t worry, there are plenty of great fares for everyone. You can still join the $9 Fare Club** now and receive access to the members-only fares! Please see the full list of low fares below. All fares are each way, based on a roundtrip purchase and taxes, fees & restrictions apply.

Individual travel-date specific fares must be booked on spiritair.com by 11:59 PM ET on May 6, 2009 for travel on the dates as specified by individual market and by market direction. To be eligible to purchase these fares you must be logged in as a member of the Spirit Airlines $9 Fare Club — please see spiritair.com for details. Date-specific fares to and from Medellin, Colombia are available for purchase originating ONLY in the United States of America. No other discounts may be applied to these fares. Other fares must be booked on spiritair.com by 12:59 PM ET on May 7, 2009, and are valid for travel daily between May 12, 2009 and June 23, 2009, and daily between August 11, 2009 and November 15, 2009 and for travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only between June 24, 2009 and August 5, 2009. These fares require a 7 day advance purchase.

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But the real Colombia is not like this. It is far from the violent images seen on television around the world.

The last six years have seen a turnaround in public safety that can only be described as remarkable. Conservative president Alvaro Uribe, whose father was murdered by guerrillas, has turned a country that a decade ago was disintegrating into one of relative peace and stability.

But what about travel and living in Colombia? This is a complex question, and since safety is involved, generalizations cannot be made.

The Big Three: Bogotá, Medellin, Cali

Chances are most travellers, and certainly expats and retirees, will end up in one, if not all, of Colombia’s largest three cities at some point. But are they safe?

Bogotá- The largest city at around 8 million, the capital is the business, government, and education heart of the country. If common sense is used, it is no more dangerous than any other large city in North America or Europe. The eastern half of the city, including the main tourist areas, is comfortably safe during the day and common sense will keep the gringo safe at night (stay in groups, no dark alleys, use taxis, etc.). However, the western half of the city – Cuidad Bolivar – is a sprawling mess of flavelas that is certainly not safe. Ever. Luckily, there is not much of interest for the gringo here anyway.

Medellin- The city of eternal spring was not too long ago the city of eternal violence. Murder capital of the world, kidnapping capital of the world, and a host of other accolades no one wants made Medellin (that’s Med-eh-jean) a definite no-go unless you were George Jung, the gringo drug runner played by Johnny Depp in Blow. However, it is now one of the safest cities in South America, with a murder rate of 32 per 100,00 residents. Thats lower than Washington, D.C. and Detriot. Plus paisas are incredible people and Medellin is fast becoming a beautiful place to visit. Again, the same precautions used in any large city apply here.

Cali- The salsa capital of Colombia is, like the other two main cities, a relatively safe and enjoyable place as long as common sense is used. Wallet in the front pocket, no fancy jewelry or watches, stay with groups during the night…you get the picture. Always ask around as well for safe and secure areas to visit.

La Costa

This, of course, is Colombia’s tourist, retiree, and expat destination of choice. And for good reason; whtie sand beaches, Cartagena, and the carefree attitude of Costeños makes a trip here memorable for years. But where there are tourists, there are most likely pickpocketers..

Cartagena- Widely regarded as South America’s most beautiful city, Carta has been pushed hard as a tourist destination by the Colombian government for some time now. The result is a good tourism infrastructure, security, and enough people to help if trouble does arise. That said, small time thieves do target the gringo crowds, and expensive jewelry and watches, large purses, and the like should be left at home. Also, there are many moneychangers on the streets-its best to avoid them as forgeries are common. The further out of the city’s center one ventures, the more likely he is to run into trouble. Many out of work soldiers (from guerrilla groups and right wing militias) live in the area and some resort to petty crime to make ends meet. That said, Cartagena is a true jewel of the Western hemisphere and with normal precautions is pretty safe.

The rest of the country

Few tourists venture outside the main cities and the Caribbean coast, but those who do are richly rewarded. However, some areas are dangerous for foreigners, and some are downright off limits.

Boyaca- A popular weekend destination for foreigners and Bogota residents alike, the department of Boyaca is called the heart of Colombia. Villa de Leyva is its crown, a perfect Spanish colonial city high in the mountains. And even more, it is a pretty safe place to visit.

The Southern Departments- The mountains give way to pastures and rainforest that stretch beyond the horizon. This is wild Colombia- and part of the country foreigners should ignore or take extreme caution in. Pickpocketing at gunpoint is the least of your problems here, as the rebel groups and drug cartels have been pushed into this region and make money by kidnapping gringos and Colombians alike. If you want rainforest, fly from any major Colombian city to Leticia, on the border with Brazil. The town has a well developed tourism infrastructure. If you want to be brave, go for it, but just about every Colombian I know would think thrice before travelling to departments like Putamayo, Buenaventura, and deep into Meta.

Conclusion

The safety situation in Colombia is very complicated and changes on a daily basis. But it also overblown in many areas – people seem to reiterate the fact that they got mugged in Colombia!, while if it happened in London it would be written off as just a bad apple in the bunch. Keeping to the main tourist areas, remaining alert, and staying in a small group should be more than enough to keep the average foreigner safe in the large cities and along the coast.

Colombia is certainly not without major problems, even though the country has improved drastically. But it is an amazing country with colorful people, top notch attractions, and a real wild side. Don’t let the horror stories or news programs scare you off; while crime does happen, it also happens in every country in the world. True, Colombia is more dangerous than, say, Costa Rica, but on the other hand you aren’t coming into an all out warzone like some people would like to make you believe.

One week in Colombia and you will realize how wrong the stereotype is.

This post was origianlly published by: Patrick Connelly from LatinWorld.com

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All spruced up for the meeting, Medellin did its best to reclaim its identity as a great industrial center in the Americas, erasing the terrible image it once had as center of the global drug trade.

Looking at the graceful, Hong Kong-like skyline amid flowers and greenery, it’s hard to believe Medellin ever had such a past.

Corporate titans from Brazil, Spain, Japan, China and Germany were present along with the bankers, having invested $8.5 billion in Colombia in 2008. A few U.S. executives were present too, but the Americans seemed overshadowed by the others.

It isn’t surprising, because Colombia is rapidly moving to diversify its trading partners, signing deals with China, Japan, Korea, the European Union, Canada and Central America, following Chile’s model of signing free-trade deals with all comers.

The U.S., with its Colombia free-trade agreement still on ice in Congress, was the only country that looked isolated and out of tune with the world without its pact.

It’s frustrating. But there were four signs that word is filtering back to Washington that the U.S. is getting left behind. This may mean the Obama administration is looking for a way to pass the pact and bring the U.S. back into the global mainstream.

• First, former President Clinton made an impassioned defense of Colombia last Saturday against what could only have been its anti-free-trade critics at a “conversation” event with IADB President Luis Moreno.

“I just thought you were getting a raw deal,” the former president said. “You have been through one tough situation after another and you keep looking better to me, so I would just urge you not to give up.”

What else could he have been talking about but the Colombia free-trade treaty?

“None of the people who have watched this country over the last 20 years can doubt that a heroic struggle has been made, not only to reclaim the land for law abiding people but to do it in a way that gives a more law abiding, open and free society. Are you perfect? No. So whoever’s perfect should feel free to cast stones at you. Whoever’s not should ask, ‘If I had to live with what they have, could I have done as well?’ I think you ought to be proud of this country. I am,” Clinton concluded, bringing the audience to its feet.

It looked like a rebuke to Colombia’s congressional critics. Clinton’s statement was delicately finessed to avoid controversy.

But it suggested support for the pact and may translate to influence with those in the Obama administration. It’s hard to assess what influence Clinton has with them, even with his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who isn’t afraid to disagree with him.

But it’s worth noting that the secretary was in Mexico that same week, talking to the Mexican government. She’s capable of the same for Colombia.

• Second, Colombia’s trade minister, Luis Guillermo Plata, told reporters he had received calls from U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, stating an interest in working with him on matters of mutual interest to the countries. He didn’t disclose specifics, but what else could they be but trade?

The fact Kirk even called him is encouraging. What’s more, there are signs that Plata has become an important figure in Colombian President Uribe’s administration this year, based on his successes with other trade treaties. Uribe praised Plata and kept him at his side throughout the conference.

• Third, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner came to the conference and broadly emphasized the importance of trade:

“We need to reaffirm our commitment to maintain open policies toward international trade and investment and to avoid protectionist measures that could threaten recovery. This will be a challenge for all of us, given the severity of the pressures we each face domestically.”

He was describing a dynamic most clearly seen not in other countries attending, but in the U.S. At a minimum, this doesn’t sound as though Geithner opposes the pact. Geithner’s closeness to Obama, and his presence at the conference, add reasons for hope.

U.S. officials have said that the treaty will have to be rewritten to please Big Labor and protectionist Democrats in Congress before it can come to a congressional vote, and that isn’t encouraging. They’ve done this before, extracting new concessions like hostage-takers looking for a second ransom, only to come up with new demands.

• Fourth, and finally, Uribe’s response to rewriting the treaty suggested he was closing no doors. I asked Uribe whether he’d be willing to accept new terms from Congress.

“We have worked as hard as we can with the U.S.” he told me. “In the case of the U.S., we work to do our best but need patience. Patience, and importantly, prudence.”

True, Clinton may be politically powerless. Geithner may have been offering excuses. And Plata may have been saying less than he seemed. But Uribe could have easily signaled a deal was a deal and closed the door to more nonsense from Democrats, who have negotiated this deal nearly to death.

He didn’t.

That seemed to be the clearest signal yet that something important may be going on behind the scenes that could surprise us.

As the past year’s news from Colombia has shown, there are often big surprises from this country.

• Monica Showalter, an IBD reporter and researcher, filed this report out of the Inter-American Development Bank meeting held in Medellin, Colombia, last week.

Originally Posted @ Investors.com

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Colombia’s second most important city, Medellín, rises in the center of a valley and covers part of the mountains that surround it. The landscape evokes the drive of the colonists who toiled their way through a rugged topography and whose descendants founded this large industrial, ever-thriving city of hard-working, persevering people.

Medellín is considered a Colombian hub for business, industry and technological development.  With a renowned leadership in finance, banking, services, politics, art, culture, communications, fashion, and entertainment industries, the city is a true development axis.

The paisas, as the people from this region of the country are called, have earned a reputation as enterprising and visionary people who are also great bargainers. Their proactive spirit, frugality, and hospitality have become proverbial, and they are also famous for loving life on the street and exaggerating their colorful stories.

Events, congresses, fairs, and seminars in Medellín on topics like textiles and the clothing industry, medicine, construction, and education have become international benchmarks. The city is also a focus for health tourism and sports events, and a good number of regional, national, and international organizations and corporations have chosen it as their seat.

Several nearby municipalities attract their fair share of visitors. The varied topography of the department of Antioquia allows going from one climate to another in just minutes thanks to an excellent road infrastructure that promotes trade and tourism.

You can other informative reviews about Medellin and the rest of Colombia at the Official Tourism Portal.

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