Flamenco Show

Stopping into the arts and cultural center, I stopped in to see the program and I came just in time for a  Free Flamenco show.


Wow! It felt like New York having all those great free performances in Lincoln Center. This seemed to the Lincoln Center for Medellin. This was a great theater for singing and dance. It's so great to witness the laughter and happiness from dance. Dance is one of the best types of expression as it keeps you active and aids therapeutically. Some of my favorite dances of Latin America are the Argentine Tango, Rumba, Pasa Doble, Flamenco, and Salsa( I think these are all from Latin America). These dances are powerful because they hold such passion, spirit, energy, and liveliness. These dancers are alive with each step they take and giving their body to the beauty of dance. 

As far as this Flamenco, it was nothing short of everything I just said. When the men stomped on the ground, it was fierce and powerful.  As, we would say in India "full power." The men were in control, but the women also demonstrated this female strength. With each movement of the dress, stomp of the foot- one could feel the passion.  The Flamenco dress is special and authentic-the ruffled sleeves and the layered skirt, and the hair back in a tight bun.  When it comes to a cultural dance, there is always something interesting to see, new to learn, and energy to feel. 

Market and Church

Without someone telling me, I stumbled upon one of the best markets. However, the sad part is that they were closing in 20 minutes. It was clearly an old Antique market full of souvenirs. Anything you wanted they had it and they were friendly rather than pushy and sarcastic. Initially, I met a woman selling t-shirts for $10, but she didn't have the color I wanted.
  

Next, I met a beautiful Colombian girl. The long hair, nice body, and pretty smile-yep that's her! She had the best display in her shop with all the colors shining bright in your face. Colombians sure do love colors! This shop had the Mayan belts, backpacks, jewelry, coin purses, all kind of rocks and jewels from the Mountains, instruments, artwork, etc. The tribal patterns looked similar to Guatemala, but the prices were a bit higher(different product quality).

  

She kept saying I was pretty and I said she was pretty and I started with my Colombian female interview.

"Why are Colombian girls so pretty?"

 

Answer: "We like to take care of ourselves, our hair, our make up, or nails. It's part of the culture for women."

"Do they work out?"

Answer:  Some do light running or walking or the gym. I run about once a week."

"Hmm ok I see.

Do you eat food?"

Answer: She is laughing.

"Of course. I eat a lot of food."

 

"Like what kinds of food?"

Answer: I don't eat fast food, but I eat everything else. 

Basically she was telling me she eats a lot of food. The conversation with me shaking my head and her laughing. Oh these Colombian girls.

I ended up buying a Dream catcher, a bracelet from her, and a couple key chains. She was pleased and asked me to come back tomorrow for lunch. That was my departure day Of Course.

         

             

                         

We had to part and I had to head to the 7pm service at San Antonio. I must have asked 5 people how to get there and finally I made it, but late. The pastor was speaking about having faith in ourselves and in our communities. How do we have this faith when things feel hopeless? We have to lift our hands up and praise the lord, praise he lord, praise the lord. Only he can restore our faith and make us feel peace and excitement. 

          

                    

The Real Medellin

Creativity Wins

It's important note that it Medellin that was awarded the most Innovative City of the Year by the Wall Street Journal(Wikitravel). This city has something truly special with such variety of things to do and see.   Medellin is a beautiful city full of mystery, creative arts and theater, parks and churches galore, restaurants with any type of food, and unlimited shopping.


It's the second largest industrial city with plenty of factories making clothing, furniture, and modern necessities. 


As far as locations, the wealthier classes live in El Poblado and Evigado and Laureles. Those underprivileged live closer to the center and high within the mountains. 


In the city center, you will find the busy markets and thriving street life.  There are six universities accompanied by great nightlife and dancing. The mountains are surrounding you with plenty of hiking available. There is so much to see and do and explore to hike to bike to run to shop to eat.

 It's definitely one of my favorite cities on my trip. 

 

Diez Hotel

Since it was my birthday week, I continued right on trend with the lovely, beautiful Diez Hotel located in one of the best areas of Medellin, El Poblado. This time I did not have any intentions of a project. It was just three days of immersing myself in Colombia. I guess this could be considered, "Priscilla's Birthday Part Dos." At least, that is how I thought of it-fun, educational, interesting, relaxing, and delicious.   

This hotel definitely contributed to my cultural immersion. This hotel had all these cultural antiques, exhibits, displays, and artwork on each floor, the menu, in the lobby, and in the lounge areas. They wanted you to learn about  on each floor, in the rooms, in the menu, in the lobby-it was a source for cultural learning. It was also a location with an on site sushi restaurant-great.

The rooftop had a view of all of Medellin with two Jacuzzi’s, and nice lawn furniture. Also, the spa was on the roof so you could get pounded with bamboo and have a nice view. 

On the other side of the roof, they had a large party area where they had a wedding and a birthday party.  The overall atmosphere was inviting and total relaxation with few kids and an older upscale Colombian clientel.

                        

Again, the front desk staff were amazing, kind, and helpful at every moment. There was an adorable young man named Stephen who was so helpful.  He made such effort to make sure I was happy. This just means so much in Priscilla's world as customer service is top priority.  They even set me up with a 7^th floor corner room with another 360 view. I seriously am spoiled when traveling and it has nothing to do with my birthday. 

Be good to people and they will be good to you. Put that extra effort in and see the difference.