This document provides a 3-minute summary about Colombia. It begins with assumptions that the reader has some interest and basic knowledge about globalization and geography. It then provides lessons to clarify that Colombia is a South American country, not a US district, university, or brand. It highlights Colombia's diverse geography and privileged location. The document quizzes the reader on distinguishing Colombia from Columbia, notes that cumbia music originated in Colombia, and that Cali is the salsa capital. It concludes the reader is now more worldly about Colombia's music, geography, and not to sing about reggaeton. Disclaimers note this is not associated with "For Dummies" books and that Spanish is the author's first language.

1. Become more worldly in only in 3 minutes !!!
A Reference
Rest of you!!
For the
Colombia
F
U MM I ES
D
RO
Includes the painful truth
for getting real in the
in a funny way and tips
XXI century
© 2007 , CIVISOL Foundation for Systemic Change . By, ADRIANA RUIZ-RESTREPO Author of this power point and many other dummy
things more…. Like this one: tell me what you think of this presentation (no insults please) welcome@civisol.org

2. Foolish Assumptions
While doing this presentation I made a few
assumptions about you. For example that you have
at least a passing interest in what is happening in the
world. Or that maybe you are aware of globalization
and our interdependence or that perhaps you care
about general knowledge, knowing your numbers or
basic orthography.
I also assume that you have a Colombian friend or
that you may surf the web in order to verify what I
am telling you through this presentation.

3. KEY IDEA :
COLOMBIA is a country

4. - The district where the US government is found
- A prestigious university in NYC
- A sportswear brand
- A film or record company
- A province in Canada
Now COLUMBIA may be one of the following:

5. REMEMBER
The South American country is spelled with 2 Os
C O L M BO I A

6. LESSON # 1

7. COLOMBIA

8. LESSON # 2

9. The Republic of Colombia

10. Colombia is a land of extraordinary geography and a
privileged geographical position. Oceans, jungle,
mountains and plains are packed all in one single
country placed right in the corner of South America.

11. QUIZ:
Colombia records or Columbia Records ?
Columbia University or Colombia University?
Visit Columbia or Visit Colombia?

12. Seriously ?

13. ANSWERS:
Columbia Records
Columbia University
Visit Colombia

14. Tropical Lesson
CUMBIA is 100% a Colombian rhythm. It is a beautiful type of music, the roots of
Colombian Vallenato and the inspiration source of many other Latin-American rhythms.
Sadly, we can not take pride on being at the origin of Salsa and Merengue but then
Cubans, Puerto Ricans and Dominicans will confirm that we are pretty good at dancing
both. And coming to this point, the city of Cali, in Southwest Colombia, is the Salsa
capital of the world; no discussion.
TIP : Listen carefully to the lyrics of
Colombian music and learn about our
soul, about our real country and what
we believe in and care for.
We sing to love, rivers, fruits, flowers,
family and friends. (I strongly
recommend to listen to Carlos Vives,
Shakira, Juanes, Grupo Niche and
Guayacan among many others more).
Extra-tip: Regaetton is absolutely not
Colombian music. However we will still
dance to it trying not to pay much
attention to the lyric, or god forbid learn
them. We will dance to it just as we will
dance the Marseillaise French anthem or
the Coca-Cola Christmas jingle if we are
happy and more than two in a room. Well,
that is actually not true, Colombians do
dance a lot when even when they are all
alone, with good music and in front of a
tall mirror ( seen my neighbors..)

15. Conclusions
• You are more worldly than you were 3 minutes ago and will impress many people around
you
• Your orthography is improved
• You are now better in geography
• You know that cumbia is Colombian, that Cali is the best place in the world to dance salsa
and, equally important, you know to never, never, ever, sing to the regaetton.

16. Disclaimers:
1. I think it’s evident, but just in case, I want to share that besides
profound admiration I have no link or rapport whatsoever with the “For
dummies: bestselling book series” from Wiley Publishing,Inc.
2. Apologies for my language mistakes. I guess that by now you have
noticed that I am not a native English Speaker, that Spanish is my
mother tongue (no, no, Latin-Americans don’t speak Latin) and that I am
from Cali and Colombian …

17. 100% Colombian, like good coffee.
©