Medellin Living

A few months ago, there was a changing of the guard at The New York Times, and Seth Kugel took over the role of Frugal Traveler from Matt Gross. Evidently, Seth is kicking off his new position with a multi-month journey from Brazil to New York City, and he made sure to visit a few [...]

Every year around this time Medellin, the “City of Eternal Spring”, explodes into a colorful and vibrant week long celebration. La Feria de las Flores, the Flower Festival, honors the regions flower industry, one of the largest suppliers in the world. The festival, which has been alive for over five decades, delivers all sorts of [...]

I arrived in Medellin just in time for Colombia’s 200th anniversary. The Bicentenario, bicentennial, was celebrated just as we celebrate the independence of our country. Everyone shows their pride for Colombia by hanging yellow, blue, and red flags from their balconies, windows and cars. Colombian’s take a long weekend and spend time with friends and [...]

When I first heard about a new eBook that was being written, entitled “Bang Colombia,” I cringed. The title seemed like a crass joke on a country and people (ok, the women mostly) I’d grown to appreciate in 2009.  The last thing I thought I’d do is review it here once it was released. I [...]

One of the nice things about having traveled through most South American countries, and getting to spend big chunks of time in each one is that you start noticing and recognizing similarities between them. In the 18 months since I left Europe I’ve spent the most time in Argentina and Colombia, two countries that culturally [...]

Take a stroll in the center of Medellin, and before too long you’ll come across a square full of fat people. No, this isn’t the Big Mac Fan Club Monthly MeetUp, this is Parque Berrio/Plaza Botero, and the calorically-challenged are the work, and indeed trademark of, “the most Colombian of Colombian artists” (his words, not [...]

One thing that still comes up with my friends and family is the safety of Medellin and of Colombia.  Honestly, I couldn’t comment on anything other than the city and suburbs of Medellin.  I’ve been here  for almost eight months, and I haven’t really traveled. I can say with 100% certainty that Medellin is a [...]

As the days come and go, there are a handful of things in Medellin that you can count on every day.  First, of course, is the weather.  I’m pretty sure that Medellin has a permanent forecast of temperatures in the 70′s F with a chance of rain. A little more interesting, however, are the sounds.  [...]

When does the second biggest city in Colombia become a ghost town?  It may get quiet on Sundays, but I have never seen anything as distinct as Medellin in the early afternoon on January 1st. New Years Eve is a party, for sure, with fireworks and tradition.  The next day, it is obvious just how [...]

I was lucky enough to spend New Year’s Eve with one of the most amazing families in Medellin.  I met them through a mutual friend.  Even though there are plenty of communication issues between us, they have taken me in as one of the family. My friend and I met up with the other kids [...]