Saturday, March 17, 2012

A Quick Look At Medellín

On our way to Quito a few weeks ago we made a stop in Medellín. We didn't see nearly as much as we had been planning to due to a delay at the airport in Bogotá, but we still made the most of our time in the city of eternal spring.

Medellín is Colombia's second largest city after Bogotá, and according to some sources, it was once known as the most violent city in the world because it became a war zone between Pablo Escobar's organisation and the competing drug cartels. Nowadays Medellin is mostly known for the world's best plastic surgeries.



The first stop was getting lunch! The weather in Medellín is really pleasant - not too hot or humid, just lovely +25 Celsius degrees.





Pueblito Paisa is the first must-see in Medellín. It is a tiny village built in 1978 mainly aimed for tourists but it has character. The village is a replica of a typical village and it is located on Cerro Nutibara (Nutibara hill).













The village has a little church where masses are held on Sundays. Additionally, there is a school, a pharmacy, a barbershop, a café, and stores. We even saw a radio station replica.











From the top of the hill you can also see the panoramic view of Medellín.



As we had just a little time in the city, it was time to hurry to the next place.

A load of bananas speeding away!

Metrocable is an aerial extension for the city's underground transportation system. They are like gondolas used in the Alps. Supposedly it is very safe and economic way to move, and it has reduced the dangers caused by traffic on the steep and slippery streets leading up the hill.

Metrocable was designed to reach the less developed barrios of Medellín. Since it is in the not-so-safe zone of the city, I didn't feel too comfortable there. However, it's the locals pride and joy!








As we landed to Medellín, we got immediately the feeling of a vacation! So definitely we want to go back soon, and stay longer that time and explore the city better.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Finca & Feijoas


The Sunday after the wedding was less formal. The funny group was invited to the bride's family's finca, a weekend getaway about 1.5 hours drive from the city. That day consisted of barbecuing, getting to know the guests and the bride&groom a bit better.

That finca is a little paradise on earth. There is a lot of space for kids and pets to run around free. There are also many fruits growing in the trees, and you could eat as many ripe fruits as you wanted!







There were peaches...

Stripy lemons...



Feijoa, which is also known as Acca sellowian, pineapple guava and guavasteen, was a whole new fruit for me. The taste is sweet and sour, sweet inside and a bit sour closer the skin. The skin is also edible. The taste of a ripe fruit reminds me of sweet and sour candy, tingling the tongue and filling the mouth with saliva.

Feijoa grows in big bushes.

Yummy! I took a bagful of feijoas with to enjoy at home.















The owners of the finca and the family of the bride were welcoming all of us extremely cordially! In addition to the 'all inclusive' day we even got a tour around the property. The view to the valley is spectacular.

Dulce de leche, which is called manjar in Chile and arequipe in Colombia, and some cheese "bread" was served for dessert.



Of course we bought a plenty of drinks and other snacks to bring along.









Together with the wedding, it was an action-packed weekend full of laughter, funny people, good food and great moments. Just beautiful!