Later this week, Medellin plays host to the 50th annual meeting of the Board of Governors for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
I recently read on Colombia Reports that American Vice President Joe Biden, former President Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, and Angela Merkel were all set to attend. Security around the city is expected to be extra tight.
Apparently the conference is a very big deal for the city, and country. In fact, the ad slogan is ¨Medellin, the city that reflects the transformation of Colombia.¨
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is the leading source of multilateral financing and expertise for sustainable economic, social, and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. — Conference website
Sirley first brought the event to my attention after I returned from Cartagena a month ago. She saw it as a good opportunity for me to find short-term work with one of the big hotels or the restaurants in the popular Parque Lleras area.
Last week, I finally bit the bullet and dressed up in my finest clothes (shirt, tie, khakis and shoes) and headed toward the Dann Carlton Hotel with resumes and cover letters in hand.
I introduced myself at reception and was referred to a manager in his office. He spoke great English and I gave m best 30-second elevator speech.
He said his hotel was hosting mostly participants from Latin American countries, so communicating wouldn’t be too difficult for the staff, though they would also have the Japanese contingent.
He referred me to the Intercontinental Medellin which was apparently ground zero for the big event.
Doing my best to avoid the rain, I caught a cab to the Intercontinental, which was also on my list of hotels to hit. Based on Google results, it seemed to be the premier luxury hotel in Medellin.
Upon arrival, I approached a woman who appeared to be a concierge. She spoke great English too, and welcomed me to sit down.
I offered my services to her hotel, and she gave me the business card of the Front Office Manager in return.
The interactions were less awkward than I expected, so I rewarded myself with a little cake and coffee from the hotel cafe.
I know what you might be thinking – that´s it?!
Yes, I could´ve gone to more hotels thereafter, however it seemed like if one was to hire me, it´d be the biggest and fanciest of them all.
