So, I just got back from Medellín, and let me tell you, it was one wild ride. You know when you think you've got a trip all planned out, and then reality throws a curveball? Yeah, that happened to me a lot. But honestly, some of the best things to do in Medellín weren't even on my radar. Let me spill the tea.
This spot? Total surprise.
Okay, so picture this: I had just landed, and I was feeling that weird mix of excitement and anxiety. Medellín was buzzing with energy, but I wasn't sure how to dive in. I had some places I wanted to check out—places everyone raved about, like Comuna 13 and the infamous Escaleras Eléctricas. But somehow, I found myself wandering into a little café called Café Cielo instead.
Honestly, I wasn't expecting much. Just a quick coffee to recharge before tackling all the “best things to do in Medellín.” But guys, let me tell you—this place had the warmth of a hug. The barista was this young dude, probably just a few years younger than me, who struck up a conversation about everything from local coffee farms to street art. He had this infectious enthusiasm, and for the first time, I felt like I might actually connect to the city, rather than just being a tourist.
I sat there sipping my Colombian brew, staring at the sun-kissed streets, and felt that little twinge of doubt fade away. Would it be worth it? Would I fall in love with this city? Yeah, I was definitely starting to think so.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
Later that day, I decided to explore Parque Arví, even after someone warned me to bring proper shoes. Spoiler alert: I didn't. And let's just say that 90% of the hiking gear I own was not with me. I was in sandals. What was I thinking?
But you know what? Sometimes a little spontaneity is the best way to reset your mood. I hopped on the Metrocable, a cable car that feels more like a ride at an amusement park than a mode of transport. Dang, the views! It was like I was being cradled by the mountains surrounding the city. Who knew a cable car could make me feel so poetic about life?
I arrived at the park and started wandering around. And let me emphasize, this place is huge—like, I could've easily gotten lost in there. As I awkwardly slipped on the rocks and dodged mud on my way to the trails, I ran into a small group of locals. They were all laughing and setting up for a picnic. I don't know why, but I ended up joining them. It was kind of embarrassing at first, but hey, they didn't seem to mind.
We shared some snacks I could only describe as “ambrosial”—it was like they knew how to make the simplest things taste divine, while I was still over here fumbling with my sandwich wrappers. It felt messy and chaotic, and yet somehow perfectly warm and delightful at the same time. That's when I realized, I could've followed my itinerary and experienced some famous sights, but that random afternoon changed everything. I left with my heart a little fuller.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Alright, so after that epic picnicking experience, I vowed to get back on track. Turns out, navigating Medellín is not as straightforward as I had hoped. I decided to check out the Museo de Antioquia, which was all over the travel guides as a "must-see." But guess what? I got totally lost trying to follow Google Maps. Somehow, I ended up meandering my way through a nearby market instead, surrounded by stalls filled with vibrant fruits, veggies, and some stuff I couldn't even name.
And you know what? It was one of the best unplanned detours of my whole trip. I chatted with some vendors who were so excited to share about their produce. I even ended up trying some arepas straight off a skillet. The crispy, cheesy goodness felt like a little slice of heaven, and I couldn't believe I almost missed it because I stubbornly clung to my map.
Hungry for more meaningful experiences, I made my way to the museum after my fruity snack, and wow, just wow. The art there, especially the pieces by Fernando Botero, hit me right in the feels. This guy has a thing for portraying people with exaggerated proportions, and it's hilarious but also kind of deep. I just sat in front of one painting for a solid twenty minutes, letting it sink in. I guess art has a way of reflecting life, right? We're all a little quirky and exaggerated in our own ways.
An unforgettable meal
As if my day couldn't get any better, I concluded my evening at this tiny restaurant tucked away in El Poblado. The place felt more like someone's living room than a restaurant, complete with mismatched furniture and a cat that seemed like it owned the place. I took a seat and got sucked into the atmosphere.
When I finally ordered, I went for bandeja paisa, which is basically like the ultimate Colombian comfort food served on a platter—rice, beans, avocado, chicharrón. Oh my god, I can't even. This dish was a gastronomic masterpiece! Each bite felt like a love letter to my taste buds. And the best part? I met a local couple who were celebrating their anniversary just a few tables away. They invited me to join them, and we ended up swapping stories over that massive plate of food.
I thought I was going to have a quiet meal by myself, but instead, I ended up sharing laughs and life stories like we were old friends. Sometimes, it just takes a warm plate of comfort food and a couple of nice souls to remind you how beautiful life can be, you know?
So there you have it—a whirlwind of moments, surprises, and little detours that transformed my trip to Medellín into something unforgettable. I'm still processing everything, and honestly, it feels messy, like I touched a part of life in its raw and beautiful form. But I wouldn't trade those slight missteps and surprises for anything. As I sit here finishing this coffee and looking back on it all, I can't help but smile. Medellín, you beautiful, chaotic love, I'll remember you always.
