So, I just got back from Medellín, and wow, what a whirlwind! Everyone kept telling me about the best things to do in Medellín, but honestly, I thought it'd be another “pretty city with some parks” situation. You know? But man, was I in for a surprise. This place has character, fire, and stories that pulled me in deeper than I expected. Grab a coffee; I've got a few things I need to unpack.
This Spot? Total Surprise.
Okay, so I arrived in Medellín with the usual travel jitters. I had this complete list of places I wanted to check out. But the first morning, after a somewhat awkward chat with my Airbnb host (my spanglish was more ‘spanglish' than ‘Spanish' — you know?), I ended up wandering around El Poblado. Honestly, El Poblado was on my list, but I was skeptical it'd be anything but a tourist trap.
I don't know why I ended up at this tiny café called Café Cielo. Maybe it was the bright yellow walls calling out to me, or maybe it was just the need for caffeine. But y'all, inside that little joint, I fell in love. The barista was this sweet older woman who poured my coffee with so much care. She gave me that look that said, “You're going to remember this cup.” And she was right!
It wasn't just coffee; it was an entire experience. The sound of grinding beans, soft music in the background, and the locals chatting like they'd known each other for years made it feel homey. I sat there sipping this bright, fruity brew, and for a second, I forgot I was a tourist. I was just… me.
The Afternoon That Changed My Whole Mood
So, things took a turn one afternoon when I found myself questioning everything. I was supposed to be on my way to Comuna 13 to check out the street art, eager to see what everyone had been raving about. You'd think I could manage a simple metro ride, right? Nope. I missed my stop and ended up in a completely different neighborhood. Classic me!
At first, I was frustrated. Just as I was about to sulk my way back to the metro station, I decided to take a stroll. You know how they say that when you think you're lost, you sometimes find what you didn't know you needed? Well, that happened. I ran into this local market, people bustling about with bags filled with colorful fruits, vegetables, you name it.
I wandered past stalls with vendors shouting about the freshest mangoes and avocados. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much, but I got pulled into this lively vibe that changed my entire day. The energy here was like an electric current; I could feel the spirit of the city. I ended up buying some ripe mangos, and wouldn't you know? Those were the best mangos of my life.
Picking mangoes with a street vendor who didn't speak English but was teaching me Spanish through gestures? That was a wild trip. And it felt like I had reconnected with something simple and pure. Who knew getting lost could lead to a moment like that?
I Almost Missed This, No Thanks to My Bad Sense of Direction
Later on my trip, I almost missed the best spot for sunset, and all because of my nonexistent sense of direction. It's honestly comical how often I found myself taking random turns and ending up buckets of miles away from where I thought I was.
This particular evening, I was supposed to be at Parque Arví for sunset. Instead, I found myself in a random park that, let's just say, wasn't doing it for me. But hang tight, because it wasn't a total train wreck.
There were a couple of kids playing soccer, a dog fetching, and this lovely vendor selling fried empanadas. I don't know why I bought one, but wow, that empanada changed my outlook on life for the better. It was crispy, oozing with flavorful meat, and I could see my teammate on the field eyeing my food like a hawk. We ended up sharing laughs over it, and before I knew it, I'd made friends without even meaning to.
So, I figured, “Okay, I'll just watch the sunset here.” And guess what? The sun dipped below the distant green mountains, painting the sky with hues I can't even describe. Bright oranges and deep purples blended together like a watercolor canvas. It hit me: it wasn't where I was supposed to be, but it was pretty damn perfect, and who knows what might have happened had I not taken that less-than-straightforward route.
A Meal to Remember
Now, let's talk about food. I was told Colombian food was fantastic, but I thought I'd just grab a simple bandeja paisa and call it a day. You know, I thought it'd be just another meal. But I ended up at this hole-in-the-wall named Restaurante El Hato.
I swear, I didn't even know what I was ordering. The menu was a kind of Spanish I barely understood, and after fumbling with my words, I just pointed. What arrived was an enormous plate of rice, beans, and steak, topped with a fried egg that was gooey perfection when I cut into it. You could say I was a mess trying to keep it all together, but that dish was bursting with flavors, each bite felt like a celebration.
The owner, a stout man with a booming laugh, came over and sat with me, sharing stories about his life and the city. I soaked it all up like the rice soaking in the warm sauces on my plate. I'll admit, I expected a bite of culture, maybe a pinch of history — but I got a feast for my soul instead.
As I sat there, full in every sense, I understood that the best things to do in Medellín weren't just about the usual spots on a guide. It was the coffee that felt like home, the unexpected detours that led me to friendly banter, or the chance encounters that ignited my curiosity in people and flavors.
Each moment shaped my experience in ways I never anticipated; small mistakes turned into golden memories.
So here I am, freshly back home, still swirling in the vivid impressions of that magical city. I hope one day you'll wander those streets too, even if you find yourself sidetracked. You never know where the unexpected will lead you.
Now, I'll just take a sip of my coffee and let it sink in—I think Medellín will stay with me for a long while.
