Medellín: A Photo Journey

Seven years ago, I visited Colombia for the first time, inspired by a conversation with a diplomat on a flight to Panamá. Cartagena welcomed me then, with color-soaked cobblestone streets, sun-warmed beaches, and the bouncy rhythms of Cumbia and Vallenato. This past summer, I returned to Colombia, trading sea breeze for crisp mountain air in Medellín, our first stop on a dual-city adventure.

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Three days pass in a beautiful haze, as the city becomes the backdrop for a celebration of love. Months of planning coalesce into an album of unforgettable memories:

Joy-filled squeals escape from the girls as we walk into the dining room at Casa Natura. Candlelight illuminates a dinner table set for eight underneath a sparkling silver chandelier, and a garland of cascading red roses—Yemi’s intimate surprise for her bridesmaids. I blink away tears then pull my friend into a tight hug, slowing down the moment, committing it to memory.

Laughter-filled conversations stretch across the dinner table at Abbiocco, mingling with the syrupy smooth taste of dark Colombian rum.

At La House Provenza, a medley of reggaeton, salsa, and bachata music reverberates through the room and spills onto the streets. We dance together unencumbered, twirling and stepping in time with the familiar beats. Later, one of these songs will play and return me to this exact moment, where I felt both happy and carefree.

Yemi’s face splits into a bright smile as she finds one of our surprises—her hotel room decorated with balloons and rose petals. A glittery sign above her bed reads “She Found Her Main Squeeze” in looping gold letters, and a one hundred and fifty flower bouquet brims with orange and white roses and lilies, reflecting the warmth she embodies.

As we stroll through Comuna 13, a neighborhood laden with street art, Medellín unfolds in swaths of color. Murals adorn the walls and stairways, each one melting into the next, creating an outdoor gallery set against the verdant canvas of the Andes mountains.

By the end of our stay, Medellín has etched itself into my heart, a beautiful reminder of the joy of friendship and the magic of experiencing the world together. 

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Good to Know

Stays: Casa Natura (Airbnb); Wellcomm Spa (Boutique Hotel). I highly recommend both for a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing stay in Medellín. The service at Welcomm Spa is top-tier. 

Flights: I flew from San Francisco to Medellín via Panama City on COPA Airlines. I researched and tracked flights using Google Flights. The “Track Price” feature allows me to monitor ticket prices in advance, and book when they are most affordable.

Language: For the short time I was in Medellín, I spoke a mix of Spanish and English, but found that English was spoken in some places, especially in hotels and sit-down restaurants. 

Transportation: Uber is common and readily available in Medellín. Ubers are not allowed to pick up at the airport, so if you call one, you may need to walk to a designated pick-up location. White Taxis are also a safe and available choice for airport pick-ups but be mindful that these are usually more expensive than Uber. 

Money: Carry some cash to spend at places where cards are not accepted like neighborhood cafes and street vendors. Change your USD or other currency to Peso at a money exchange (cambio). Note that the Colombian Peso is volatile, and money exchange establishments often charge a fee to change USD to Peso. As of Aug/Sept. 2024, a good exchange rate was $1 USD to ~3400-3600 COP. 

Altitude: Medellin sits at a high altitude, so if you start experiencing lightheadedness or nausea, this could be the reason. Here are some of my tips: stay hydrated with water, take slower steps/rest after strenuous movement, and pack your preferred nausea medication in case symptoms persist. Note: this is not medical advice, just tips that have helped me while visiting high altitude cities.

As always, 

thank you for reading!

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Same Footprints, Different Sands