Medellin, Colombia–Initial Observations
Pure-authentic-vibrant-relaxed-present moment (both people and environment) are a few words that come to mind when I think of my visit to Medellin. The weather could be described best as near perfection with a touch of humidity to balance the gentle breezes and mild 70-degree weather. Rain is a short lived and provides time to relax under the cover of a breezeway or inside a restaurant.
For the seven days I was there, Poblado was the area where I felt most comfortable and there was plenty to do and see. It is a clean upscale neighborhood in Medellin with tree lined streets, a bustling street scene, and lush vegetation hangs over the crowded city streets where people stroll down sidewalks filled with vendors, indigenous people, and plenty of amazing outdoor and indoor food and drink options.
As night fell, thin rivers of light, pulsating to the beat of the city, cascaded down the mountain side creating surreal otherworldly moments. Sitting on the 6th floor balcony of my AirBnb overlooking the Medellin valley, there was nothing more relevant to one’s existence than coexisting with a place and moment to understand oneself.
Intermittently throughout the day, dark clouds would slide across the sky, and thunder boomed across the mountainside setting off car alarms. The majesty of Medellin demonstrated its awe-inspiring beauty by sending streaks of lighting cascading through the darkness while cooling showers fell on the tropical landscape.
Overall, my American point of view felt Medellin balanced on a two-edged blade. There are areas where you should not be exploring. With that said, it is important to walk or travel with eyes wide open and your head on a swivel; however, there are plenty of safe beautiful spaces where a few homeless would ask for handouts, vendors would politely try to sell you bracelets, chiclet, and hats, but they always took “No” for an answer and moved on. Even though Spanish is the language of choice, a surprising amount of people spoke fluent English or had enough grasp of Spanglish to communicate.
