Beyond Rose

Sometimes I think of it as the home country of Shakira.. or Maluna, both artists that I admire..!

This post concludes the last chapter to the three months spent in South America. Dear Colombia, I have so much love for you! From what I’ve experienced, through the food (where we stayed had a diverse amount to offer), from the grounding and loving retreat, the large city itself, both being admirable in the day and night.. I would LOVE to come back and I’m determined I will.

Comuna 13

Hands down, one of the best tours I’ve experienced. When a tour guide is from the community itself, I feel that it changes the passion, the speech, the drive and connection to the audience. With great explanations and the tour guide’s personal life experience shared, Tim and I got to view the place, the schools and walk the roads, the sidewalks, in a-whole-nother perspective. This historical landmark, was considered the most dangerous neighborhood in the world throughout the 80s and 90s. There were violent drug trafficking. In 2002, the president decided to raid on the community as an attempt to remove (kill) or in prison the guilty. Unfortunately, it is hard to judge whom is not innocent and those who were, came into crossfire. To this day, people are still missing. Even though the city currently has gone through major improvements (such as being very touristy which helped financially and escalators were built for structural use). The community it is still considered dangerous. There is a main site for tourists and it has come a long way to a very colorful community. Along the walls, architecture, shirts, paintings, music and amongst the people, there are high level of artistic symbolism.

Botanical garden

The best one I’ve ever visited! The area is large consisting: cactus garden, butterfly house, lagoon with many turtles, big iguanas, birds, and more! Many people come here for different occasions: to take a stroll, picnic, photoshoot, yoga, earn some steps for the day, and soak up nature. Apparently, there are numerous types of events that the garden hosts such as a markets. In August they have the Feria de Flores (the world-famous flower festival) and another pertaining to books and culture. Too bad we weren’t there for any special event.

With over 1,000 different living plant species, the gardens are not only a place to relax but also to learn about Colombia’s biodiversity.

https://medellinliving.com/jardin-botanico-botanical-gardens/

Guatapé

The last main event I wanted to share and take note of is, Guatapé. One that is very common to visit, a high level of tourism but also so beautiful, inviting and worth it. The old cathedrals, the tones of yellow, blue, red, green, the vibrancy is lively (it reminded me of Mexico, one that I plan to visit).

The hostel that Tim and I stayed at provided a great tour deal for ~ $100 Colombian pesos. This trip provided a small breakfast and lunch. It consists taking a flight of stairs to the Piedra del Peñol— from here you have a 360 view. Multiple sites visited (cathedrals mentioned previously and one of Pablo Escobars old houses by boat!) we didn’t plan on taking on any Pablo tours so that was a surprise. With the boat ride + great music, we also got to view other very expensive houses who is owned by football player (and yes I mean soccer ⚽️).