From Dewey Decimals to Delicious Destinations: My Medellin Adventure

Okay, folks, let's be honest. A year ago, the closest I got to international travel was alphabetizing the travel section at the library. Retirement hit, and suddenly, a "gap year" seemed less like a millennial cliché and more like a… necessity. So, I did what any self-respecting, slightly terrified librarian would do: I scoured Reddit. The overwhelming consensus? Medellin, Colombia. Me? Medellin? The place sounded exciting, vibrant, and frankly, a little daunting. But hey, if I could wrangle the Dewey Decimal System for 30 years, surely I could navigate South America, right? Right? Well, I was about to find out.

Landing at José María Córdova International Airport was… an experience. Imagine a swarm of taxis, the thrum of music, and the sheer, unadulterated energy of a place that never seems to sleep. I, clutching my oversized backpack (apparently, one does not need to pack every single cardigan one owns), and my well-worn Spanish phrasebook (mostly containing phrases about overdue library books) felt instantly…disoriented. But also, exhilarated.

First stop: El Poblado, the neighborhood where my AirBnB was located. I’d read it was safe and relatively quiet, perfect for a nervous newcomer like myself. After settling in, hunger struck. My Spanish was, shall we say, rusty, but I managed to stumble my way to Parque Berrio, where a street vendor was selling arepas con queso. Let me tell you, that first bite was pure magic. Warm, cheesy, slightly charred… it was the perfect antidote to travel fatigue and the creeping feeling that I was completely out of my depth. Forget the phrasebook; this was a universal language.

Venturing into Comuna 13: Art, Hope, and My Awkward Contribution

The next day, I decided to be brave. Comuna 13, a neighborhood that had undergone a dramatic transformation, was high on my list. I skipped the standard tour and opted for a graffiti workshop led by a local artist named Isabella. Now, I haven't held a paintbrush since… well, let's just say it was a long time ago. But Isabella was incredibly welcoming, and her passion for her community was infectious.

The vibrant colors of the street art were breathtaking, each mural telling a story of resilience and hope. Isabella explained how art had become a powerful tool for social change, reclaiming public spaces and giving a voice to the voiceless. I was initially hesitant, my inner librarian screaming at the thought of defacing a perfectly good wall. But Isabella encouraged me to contribute to a collaborative mural, and after a few shaky starts, I managed to add a small, clumsy (but heartfelt!) piece.

Talking with Isabella about the neighborhood’s transformation, under the bright afternoon sun illuminating the artwork, was truly inspiring. Her dedication to fostering a sense of community through art was remarkable. It was a reminder that even in the most challenging circumstances, beauty and hope can flourish.

Taking Flight: Paragliding Over Medellin (and Almost Losing My Glasses)

Okay, this was the "pushing my comfort zone" moment. Paragliding. Over Medellin. My palms are sweating just writing about it. The initial terror was intense, let me tell you. Strapped into a harness, about to launch myself off a mountain… it was a far cry from the quiet solitude of the library stacks.

But then… I was airborne. And the fear just… melted away. Soaring above the city, with the wind in my face, was an experience unlike anything I've ever known. The panoramic views were stunning: red-brick buildings nestled amongst the surrounding green mountains. I could almost make out Parque Berrio from up here! The feeling of accomplishment (and profound relief) upon landing was incredible. I almost lost my glasses due to the wind, but hey, a small price to pay for such an unforgettable adventure.

A Culinary Adventure: Empanadas, Bandeja Paisa, and Beyond

Food, glorious food! My taste buds have been on a whirlwind tour of Colombian cuisine this week. I took a cooking class focused on making empanadas, which, I must admit, turned out surprisingly well (even if my folding technique could use some work).

But the real culinary highlight was bandeja paisa. This dish is not for the faint of heart. It's a veritable mountain of food, and I mean that in the best possible way. Crispy chicharrón (pork belly), savory ground beef, creamy avocado, sweet plantains, fluffy rice, a fried egg, and salty beans… it was an explosion of flavors and textures. The abundance of it all was slightly overwhelming, but I gave it my best shot. Let's just say I didn't need dinner that night.

From Bean to Cup: A Coffee Lover's Dream at Finca Romelia

A visit to Finca Romelia, a coffee farm nestled in the hills outside Medellin, was an absolute must. The entire coffee-making process, from bean to cup, was fascinating. The aroma of the roasting beans was intoxicating, and the taste of freshly brewed coffee, grown and processed right there on the farm, was simply divine. The farmers are incredibly passionate about their work and committed to sustainable farming methods. I learned so much about the art and science of coffee cultivation. It was also incredibly humid, which, I'm told, is essential for growing good coffee. I just needed a fresh handkerchief.

Ascending to Santo Domingo: Views, Hope, and a Touch of Europe

The Metrocable ride up to Santo Domingo was another highlight. Suspended high above the city, the views were breathtaking. The colorful houses clinging to the hillsides, juxtaposed against the lush green mountains beyond, created a stunning panorama.

The Metrocable itself reminded me a bit of the tramways in some European cities, a surprisingly efficient and scenic way to navigate the steep terrain. As I gazed out at the sprawling cityscape, I couldn't help but reflect on the city's resilience and the hope for the future that I saw in its people. It's easy to focus on the past, but Medellin is clearly looking forward.

Medellin: A Librarian's Unexpected Love Affair

So, here I am, one week later, feeling… changed. Medellin has exceeded all my expectations and challenged my preconceptions. I came here based on a recommendation from the travel subreddit, and now I understand why everyone raves about it. The people are warm and welcoming, the culture is vibrant and engaging, and the city itself is a fascinating mix of old and new.

I’ve even managed to navigate the city (mostly) without getting completely lost, and my Spanish is improving (slowly, but surely). I still get a little anxious navigating the crowds and the sometimes chaotic streets, but I'm learning to embrace the unexpected and trust my instincts. I've even managed to order coffee without resorting to miming!

This solo trip has been a profound experience, and I'm leaving Medellin with a newfound confidence in my ability to explore the world. Who knows where my gap year will take me next? But one thing is for sure: I'll never look at a travel guide (or a Dewey Decimal number) the same way again. And if a slightly cautious, recently retired librarian can find adventure in Medellin, anyone can. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find some more arepas.