Since it continued to pour, we stayed at the hotel last night for dinner. We were surrounded by a German tour group. UGH!! Nothing too personal but they can be a bit much sometimes. This morning it is a real chore getting near the omelet station. These folks just plow their way to the front and don't even notice you are waiting there. No hellos, or thank yous. I don't think it is conscious, that is just the way they are -- or at least his particular group. It is probably the tour group mentality as well. Not a fan, as you can tell.
The weather today is much the same as it has been - cloudy. Although they are not predicting rain, one never knows.
We were on the road to get the bikes and meet our bike guide, Diana by 9am. The sun was out in full force so no need to worry about the weather. Our rain jackets have worked extremely well. Got our bikes and away we went. These are electric and we really didn't need them except for one major hill - which probably would have been fine if we are on road bikes. Everywhere else was basically flat. And, as in Bogota, there are bike lanes and paths surrounding the city. The traffic is also a little better here and people do actually stop for you.We climbed up Cerro Nutibara to get some culture and views:
We learned about the Siletta - men who used to carry the wealthy Spainards on their backs in chairs are now honored carrying flowers in the famous Medellin Flower Festival each year. Took in the view and learned about the many buildings we were about to visit
It is one of the few ecosystems that is conserved in Medellín and is considered one of the city's seven "guardian" hills. The hill has a sculpture park, the open-air Carlos Vieco Auditorium, and the Pueblito Paisa a reproduction of the traditional Colombian township, among other sights. The hill is 80 meters tall and has an area of 333,300 m². It is named after the indigenous Chief Nutibara.Initially with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, the hill was called "Marcela of the Parra Hill", and then "Cadavides Hill". Finally, it was renamed Nutibara, which continues today.
Biked down the 1mi hill and made our way to Botero Plaza and another of his museums. Having been in the museum in Bogota, we skipped going inside and just walked around the plaza where there are over 20 of his sculptures that he donated to the city. Carolina told us the history behind some of these sculptures. The hand, for instance, can be found in much of his art. This represents the finger he lost in a car crash. The same crash that killed his son, who is honored in his bronze sculpture of Man on a Horse.
Leaving the plaza, we found ourselves in the middle of downtown central. What a circus. Between the construction and the hordes of people, we got off our bikes and walked most of the way through the pedestrian mall - taking in the sights and sounds. We passed the brand new metro that they just put in last year.
We rode through the city stopping at various city buildings and parks. The Intelligent Building is the EPM, public utilities. Called the Intelligent Building because it runs completely on alternative energy. Stopped at what is essentially the government center. Taking in the statues of two governors who died in the conflict. And a beautiful Homage to Heritage sculpture. And then we finally made our way back to return the bikes.
We walked around a new public park that the city just installed for the poorer section of town. This city is in constant urban renewal. In a few years it is really going to be something to see.
Met up with yet another driver and headed back to the hotel. We said our good-byes to Carolina -- she is great and we wish her well. Since we are booked for another fine dining experience tonight, we stayed in the hotel for a quick bite. There was a huge party going on with this enormous cake - that Geoff had his eye on. I started talking to them - or at least trying to talk. We found out that it was a baptismal party. And of course, they offered us cake! Really sweet of them.
Rested in the room for a spell and then it was time to go up on the roof. Read our books until Jaimie came by and turned on the Turkish bath (steam room). Sat in there for a good while and when we came out it started to sprinkle. Now back in our room - time to get ready for our last night in Medellin. Again, another wonderful time in another wonderful city.
On Carolina's recommendation we went to Barcal for dinner. This was not a meal but a gastronomical tour for the palate. This ten course dinner was nothing short of extraordinary. In honor of the prix fixe menu, we opted to try all that was offered. This included not only hen but beef as well. It was wonderful. My meal also came complete with a wine pairing. We were given a tour of the kitchen after dinner. After a hardy round of applause, we expressed our appreciation. Geoff got some tips on preparation from the very talented staff. Got back to hotel and the roof one last time to see the city sparkle at night. A great way to say our farewells to Medellin.We leave tomorrow - being picked up at our hotel at 1pm. So we can have a leisurely morning and maybe I'll make it to the omelet station tomorrow. We head into coffee country for a while. I think it will be good to finally be out of the city. Not sure what kind of wifi we will have out in the country. So posting maybe sporadic. Buenos noches.
Next time ... On to the Fields of Juan Valdez.
No comments:
Post a Comment