Good Bye Colombia, Good Bye
I’ve started packing up my clothes and cameras in preparation for leaving Colombia. It is a sad task. I’ve come to like Medellin much more than I expected.When I first arrived, Medellin felt unbearably hot and roiling with traffic. The first day i was here all I wanted to do was take a shower and turn on the air conditioner.
My attitude changed after the first of the year when the weather cooled off and I found quiet streets on which I could make my way around the city.
I also found that Medellin’s restaurants provided a wide selection of food and drink, which is important to me since I quickly get bored eating the same food day after day. Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Korean and Lebanese restaurants are scattered throughout the city, and most of them do a good job representing their cuisines.
The people I met were normally friendly, helpful and possessed a good sense of humor. (I often had to ask for directions because Medellin’s street addresses are unusually confusing).
Small courtesies and a sincere smile count a lot here. The warmth and friendliness of the people today proves how time can heal all wounds. A generation ago people feared to leave their homes at night, and in one barrio of 80,000 people, more than 6000 died violent deaths in one year alone. Today families stroll the boulevards at night eating ice cream, and holding hands.
What I will remember most of all about Medellin, however, is its ability to provide unexpected experiences. Whenever I left my apartment, there was always the chance that I would stumble upon something new and unusual before the day was up.
While I spent most of my time in Medellin, I found Colombia’s country villages to be just as enjoyable. They may have been a lot more laid back than Medellin, but they provided just as much color and enjoyment.
Yes, I’ve spent a pleasant winter in Colombia and I’m going to miss it! Especially since winter still seems to have a firm grip on my farm in the United States.
I’m not looking forward to dealing with cold rooms, frozen pipes, and unexpected leaks, but like all challenges, they will help me retain some emotional flexibility, and mental clarity. When I have addressed all of the annoyances waiting for me back home, I can start planning my next excursion: “Eastern Europe, I intend to discover and reveal your true nature.” 🙂
My attitude changed after the first of the year when the weather cooled off and I found quiet streets on which I could make my way around the city.
I also found that Medellin’s restaurants provided a wide selection of food and drink, which is important to me since I quickly get bored eating the same food day after day. Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Korean and Lebanese restaurants are scattered throughout the city, and most of them do a good job representing their cuisines.
The people I met were normally friendly, helpful and possessed a good sense of humor. (I often had to ask for directions because Medellin’s street addresses are unusually confusing).
Small courtesies and a sincere smile count a lot here. The warmth and friendliness of the people today proves how time can heal all wounds. A generation ago people feared to leave their homes at night, and in one barrio of 80,000 people, more than 6000 died violent deaths in one year alone. Today families stroll the boulevards at night eating ice cream, and holding hands.
What I will remember most of all about Medellin, however, is its ability to provide unexpected experiences. Whenever I left my apartment, there was always the chance that I would stumble upon something new and unusual before the day was up.
While I spent most of my time in Medellin, I found Colombia’s country villages to be just as enjoyable. They may have been a lot more laid back than Medellin, but they provided just as much color and enjoyment.
Yes, I’ve spent a pleasant winter in Colombia and I’m going to miss it! Especially since winter still seems to have a firm grip on my farm in the United States.
I’m not looking forward to dealing with cold rooms, frozen pipes, and unexpected leaks, but like all challenges, they will help me retain some emotional flexibility, and mental clarity. When I have addressed all of the annoyances waiting for me back home, I can start planning my next excursion: “Eastern Europe, I intend to discover and reveal your true nature.” 🙂 
Loved going on this journey with you. Safe trip home.
Terry the pictures and information are wonderful. I want to go there!!
What a wonderful way to spend the Winter. Looking forward to your Eastern Europe excursion.