Arend Kolk

“CIDEIM was famous for their research in leishmaniasis. We worked on a project proposal for MDRTB control in Buenaventura. It was a well organized organization with knowledgeable staff.

When I visited CIDEIM the first time, I missed my connection to Cali in Miami. I took a plane to Bogota and from thereon to Cali. I arrived at Cali airport after midnight. I could not change my money all offices were closed and the airport was empty. The taxi driver drove me to Hotel Stein as if I was the president himself Traffic lights were not meant for me. It was around 1 o’clock when we arrived an armed guard opened the gate (this is completely unthinkable in the Netherlands). I asked the Hotel manager to settle the bill that was no problem, I felt as if I was a regular guest. The Hotel was as if I arrived in Switzerland. The paintings and the rest of the interior, it was like a dream. The room was like a ballroom so big. Next Morning I remember at breakfast the famous Colombian Coffee and the Papaya with lime superb. From that day my breakfast was Colombian fruits. It was as if I was in paradise. Then the walk to CIDEIM. Mediterranean climate I walked under the trees with orchids. A very warm welcome at CIDEIM, I was immediately at home in CIDEIM”.