Guest Entry: Medellin, The heart of Colombia

 

Hi all

First of all, thanks, thanks, thanks ! My blog has received quite a lot of visits  from people all over the world in its first month, so  it seems that my Colombia Travel Blog has been noticed in blog land. As you know blogging is a new experience to me and it has been an amazing  so far, I've had the chance to meet a few other travel bloggers that have been sending me tips about how to do this a little better every day as well as expressing their interest in coming to Colombia and telling me about their experiences here. 




This makes my heart beat faster because it confirms what I have been saying for the last couple of years, people are starting to believe in Colombia and they can't wait to get here. One of the blogs I came across is Arturo's, Arturo lives in Chicago and he fell in love with Medellin, Arturo was kind enough to write this entry for us so we can know how this city, known for years as a narc city is now flourishing into something else completely different.


So thank you very much Arturo!...and with no further delay here's his Medellin trip entry, enjoy!

Abrazos

Marcela - Colombia Travel

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Medellín: The Heart of Colombia

When I booked my first trip to Medellín I did not know what to expect based on all the negative media reports in the US regarding Colombia. It seemed that whenever I informed any of my friends, family and colleagues about my planned trip to Colombia, they all thought I was crazy. My flight was already booked and my hotel room was already reserved, so no turning back now. I was going to Colombia!

I did not come across any kidnappers upon my arrival. But, what I did discover was a wonderful magical world-class metropolitan city in South America. The culture, the food, the music, the warm weather, salsa clubs, vibrant nightlife, lots of modern and interesting architecture throughout the city, amazing views from the metrocable, a much superior metro system compared to the one back home.

And, a pleasant surprise that was not mentioned in any of the trip reports I read before my departure, an incredible expansive water park to rival anything in the states. I spent a whole day relaxing at "El Parque de Aguas" and found it to be a very enjoyable experience which divided my trip. I had a great time watching the locals spend their weekend running around the park with friends and family enjoying the beautiful weather and experiencing the varies water rides available. There were many families who brought blankets and picnic baskets filled with typical Colombian dishes along with treats for the children to enjoy.

There are parks everywhere were the locals meet to socialize and talk about the daily news as well as current events. Old men sit on park benches snacking on fresh fruit, sharing treats with the birds, which also seem to enjoy mixing with the locals. Young mothers busy taking care of their babies while the older children run around playing. The children are very friendly and love to play games and joke around with friends and tourist alike.

More importantly, what separates Medellín from other travel destinations are the generous and friendly locals known as Paisas (pie-sahs). I traveled to Medellín alone but never felt so much at home due to the fact that the Paisas made me feel like family. Everyone I met was eager to show off their great city. I was constantly being invited to travel across town to see many of the wonderful places a new visitor to Medellín must see during their trip.

One of the most frequently asked questions was, “What part of town does your family live in Medellín?” I told them I did not have any family in Medellín. To which they replied, “Who do you know in Medellín?” I said I did not know anyone. They all thought I was crazy but then responded with a smile, “You now have friends and family in Medellín.”

The only negative comment I have about my incredible experience in Medellín is that I put on a few extra pounds because almost everyone I met invited me to their home for a traditionally home cooked Colombian dinner, which I was always more than happy to accept all invitations. The Paisas are great at making you feel at home in a foreign country.

The first thing I did upon my return to the states was book another trip. I have since been back and already have a third trip planned this year for my return to Medellín, Colombia.

Tip: I would strongly suggest anyone interested in visiting Medellín to brush up on their Spanish because there are not too many Paisas who speak English. No worries, an English program has now been added as part of the student courses. Medellín has improved its educational institutions as part of its transformation into a world class destination for travelers from around the world to visit.

For more information on the transformation of Medellín, Colombia visit: http://www.medellintraveler.com

I Love Medellín, Colombia!

Arturo

Chicago, IL