I can’t believe it has been 5 whole years since I graduated college. FIVE. For our five year class reunion, classmates put together a pretty spectacular trip to Cartagena, Colombia. One thing about Howard people, we’re going to do our big one every single time. So, it goes without saying that we had a TIME.
We had the best weekend! But, if I’m flying out of the country, through customs, paying all that money for vacation prep, I have to get my money’s worth! It’s a must. While Cartagena is a major city in Colombia and a huge tourist attraction, Medellin has always been on my radar. (S/o Pablo). So, once I realized we would only be celebrating with our classmates for the weekend, I convinced my boyfriend to extend our trip and skip over to Medellin for a few days. Best decision ever.
Here are my highlights:
A Modern Medellin:
Truthfully, I did not know what to expect when visiting Medellin. I didn't know if it was giving jungle, city, urban, suburban - and I didnt not care, as long as it was safe. To my surprise, Medellin felt very western in feel and culture. There’s a bustling work population, highly integrated public transportation, heavy police presence - you know, like every major American city. Because of the movies, I thought it would be drug ridden and dangerous. That is not the case.
The architecture in Medellin is honestly breathtaking. The city is shaped like a bowl if you will, huge mountains line the outside of the city while people live in the valley and on the mountainsides. Because of this, they built up and some of the buildings were taller than the mountains themself. The ride from the airport into the main city was jaw dropping. I’m always in awe at the amount of detail and work goes into building. I would go back for the views alone.
EAT, pray, love:
The food selection and overall diversity in Medellin is TOP tier. We stayed at The Landmark Hotel in Poblado and just in our little section near the hotel, there were so many choices. Ranging from Italian, to Latin, to American, and of course authentic Colombian, there was never a shortage of spots to choose from. One day I had empanadas for lunch while my bf had a philly cheesesteak. Like, cmon. You can’t get that in most international cities.
The absolute best meal I had was at Carmen Medellin in the Antioquia neighborhood. This restaurant is one of the top culinary destinations in all of Latin America. The flavor pairings from the curated menu to the richness of the decor. I would honestly go back just to go here. The experience was TOP tier.
Live like Pablo:
I felt like Pablo Escobar's queen pin. That’s how far the American dollar goes in Colombia. We got couples massages for $13. All ubers were $5 or less. Dinners, hookah, everything is so cheap. Medellin and Cartgena are places where you can go and have a blast without breaking the bank. Highly recommend it.
Here are my lowlights:
We went on a mission trying to find souvenirs to take back home. So much so, we got lost and then started arguing in the middle of the street. After asking some of the locals, we found a few shops with knick knacks but the product was old and just not cute. I ended up getting some stuff at the Medellin Modern Museum of Art but of course that was more pricey. 4/10.
Medellin is not a tourists’ city. The people will not even try to act like they can speak or understand English. Brush up on your Spanish or keep that google translate on deck!
I always want vacations to be tropical. Medellin is inland so there was no opportunity for a beach or to lay out. The pool at the hotel was being renovated so, no water for us! Beach,
Overall, Medellin was a total vibe. The climate was great, I can't boast enough about the food, there's a huge social scene/nightlife, and it was my first international baecay. I felt all grown up. 9/10, would recommend.
Amanda Scott and Robert Lee on the rooftop at the Medellin Modern Art Museum
You should go! Why?
Because, I said so
xoxoamanda