No Phone, No Problem: a bittersweet farewell to Colombia
Once again we've reached the end of the month and I'm wondering how it slipped away so fast. I have officially fallen in love with another city; Medellín has stolen a piece of my heart, and I'm not sure what will be left of me by the end of the year.
As for my week/weekend...I guess I should start from the top.
El Cielo was incredible. Upon arrival we'd actually not made reservations on accident, but as fate would have it, a table of four never showed and we got to experience the magic regardless of our faux pas. We really did wash our hands with white chocolate. She placed a hollow ball in our hands and poured a hot liquid, and later Himalayan salt, over them as we scrubbed (and yes, you could eat the chocolate out of your hands at the same time, which of course I did). I'm pretty sure there were no bugs featured in this meal, which is a positive in my book. My favorite courses were the buns with brown sugar butter, plus some sort of marmalade, and the BUTTER ice cream. Because who doesn't like butter?
Then, the moment we had all been waiting for: Estereo Picnic. Dun dun dun.
I can say with certainty it was a festival I will never forget. The weather wasn't as bad as expected and our crew made it an amazing experience. Downside? The pick-pockets. There must have been a gang of thieves following us, because between the two Remote Year groups there, we had about 6 phones, 2 wallets and a passport stolen from us- out of zipped and buttoned pockets. Was mine stolen? Yep. Day 1, during the Weeknd, by a short little girl who was running back into the crowd after I felt the rustling and realized my pocket was empty. Even after that, I had people feeling up my back pockets searching for merch to swipe. Luckily, I was surprised I hadn't had my phone stolen by that point, so I wrote it off as inevitable and kept dancing. At least I wasn't stuck in Bogota for four extra days without a wallet or proper identification to board my flight (poor James).
Moving forward, I learned about some new music groups (did I mention the shows were 100% mind blowingly good?) and have the people who surrounded me to thank. Truly, thank you, because my music taste is ever-evolving and I can now add a French DJ duo and Icelandic singer/DJ/dancing group to my list of obsessions. Interestingly, a good portion of our group were also Europeans. I shared an Airbnb with a German, a Swede, and a Belgian. We also had two Brits and a New Zealander(??). No lack of cultural immersion on Remote Year! Immediately post-fest, we're already planning another. #Melt. So, regardless of the theft (which, PS, if you're WhatsApping me and I'm not answering, this is why.... also why I don't have many pics to show for the weekend...), I had an amazing time and am wishing I was back in front of those stages and lights, dancing til I drop with some of the most incredible people- metallic capes, face-paint, wigs and all- I've ever had the pleasure of being friends with.
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Last night I watched an incredible sunset from our porch. I felt the urge to take a bunch of pictures for documentation/snapchat purposes, but stopped myself. I chose to simply enjoy the moment, watch the clouds turn hot pink, and the city lights slowly twinkle on in the mountain shadow. A lot of things crossed my mind, but I did dwell on one thought in particular. I turn 24 in a week and I'm still one of the three youngest members of Meraki. I haven't even reached my quarter-life crisis, and I'm already partaking in this unbelievable experience of a lifetime. How will having this experience, relatively early in my career, affect my future? Will I ever be able to hold a 9-5 job again? Could I accept buying a house and settling down in one location? Do I even want to live a normal life after this? Once your eyes have been opened, you can't close them again. And when you realize you can live anywhere in the world, do whatever you want to do, and be whoever you want to be- It's simultaneously inspiring and terrifying.
I'll stop my philosophical rambling, but with every month we delve another layer deeper and hopefully, by month X (who knows if 12 will be the end), we will have come closer to figuring it all out. Or not. Because, does anyone ever figure life out?
For now, its on to packing and ordering Rappi to our 80s-style bachelor[ette] pad in the jungle, for the last time.
Medellín Recos:
| Restaurantes |
Ganso y Castor: Restaurant+Cafe. Eggs benedict for breaky and incredible salads for lunch or dinner.
Clandestino Casa Comedor: Speakeasy bar with amazing chilaquiles and bourbon sours.
Crepes and Waffles: LatAm chain restaurant, but too good not to mention. Crepes, salads, jugos, and nutella waffles.
| Cafes |
Cafe Velvet: They serve their cappuccinos with a piece of chocolate; gold star.
Urbania: Near Poblado Park, relaxed vibe and good coffee.
| Bars & Clubs |
Envy / Charlee rooftop: Incredible view of the city from the top of Charlee hotel. Glass pool and lounge couches for a boujiee start to the evening.
Vibes: Cool bar on Cra. 37 (part of the Happy Buddha bar crawl). The two owners, Sara and Danny are in their mid-twenties making their dreams come true!
Bolivar: Two-story dancing club/bar. The entrance is hidden, but by 1am the line is out the door, so you can't miss it!
#NP: Can't Do Without You - Caribou
