“Los Alumbrados 2013 ” - Medellin, Colombia

 






Our spirit of adventure & curiosity has been aroused, and we are going to explore, observe, and learn about cultural behaviours at Christmas time  in Medellin, Colombia.
 
 
 


Medellin is Colombia's second largest city with one of South America's most vibrant nightlife scenes.


 

 
This is our first visit to Colombia. The country's current national tourism slogan is  "  where the only risk of visiting Colombia is that you may not want to leave. "










Medellin, infamously notorious as "the most dangerous city in the world" due to drug fueled violence, has undergone an incredible transformation.


 



 


Located at 4,950 ft in a green, tropical Andean valley north of Ecuador it is not a top destination for travelers.


 


Medellin has an extensive metro system that links 23 km along a north south river channel and 6 km across a smoggy valley floor.


 



The system employs a mono-rail rapid train, escalators, and gondolas to link an extensive variety of neighbourhoods across a wide range of income classes.


 



We rode the cable cars high above a sea of illegal homes to the architecturally impressive España library,


 


( the three black stone faced buildings perched on the hillside ) one of the most conspicuous emblems of a new Medellín with spectacular city vistas.


 



In previously risky districts the cable car has created a spine for commercial development and civic squares up in the mountainsides barrios.  






This city has achieved a remarkable turnaround, and is now emerging as a world leader in industry, hospitality, and civic leadership.



 


This explosive growth caused the city to sacrifice some of its heritage buildings for crisp new ultra modern architectural lines. Colombian national policy mandated architectural interventions as a means to combat poverty and crime.


 


The application of advanced social integration concepts ensured that new libraries, schools and cultural centres were constructed in both the poorest, and the affluent areas of the city.






The government goal of providing rich and poor with the same quality education, transportation and public architecture, provides civic ownership and pride. In 2013 Medellin was named "Innovative City of the Year."


 






 
Home to over 3.5 million people they host a " world famous "  fantastic spectacle of Christmas lights. Los Alumbrados


 


one of the world's most extravagant displays of literally millions of Christmas lights sculpted in a variety of shapes:


 


houses,



 


candles,


 



 


motorcycles,


 


and one of the finest nativity village scenes we have ever seen.






 


In 2012 National Geographic placed Medellin in the top ten cities worldwide for its impressive Christmas lights. Growing each year, this year will be the 46th annual event, 475 miles of light strings with more than 27 million bulbs costing in excess of $9 million US with this years theme showcasing the various Christmas traditions & customs of the local barrios.


 



 


A true time of celebration and holiday spirit as the city lights up with amazing decorations.

In order to set up these extensive displays, preparation began in October .  Citizens have decorated their homes, balconies, and yards, with festive decor as everybody contributes to December and its various celebrations. The celebration is a tremendous source of pride for the local citizens and enjoys very broad public participation and support.





These Christmas lights adorn the entire city and are setup along major thoroughfares, roads, parks, public squares, and especially along the Medellin River. Christmas carols, and the scents of fresh cinnamon & fruit pastries, and roasting kebobs fill the evening air through the stores, sidewalks, and city parks and displays. Centro commercials - shopping malls are decorated with lavish displays, and many buildings and churches are bathed in colourful changing lights. 















The concentration of Christmas lights along the banks of the Medellin River is truly a sight to be seen where the concentration of unique giant themed scenes that are different from the previous season's theme.





Families come out to visit the Medellin River area and it comes alive each evening with thousands of folks who revel in the fantastic array of coloured light designs.  The sizzling grills, skewers of sausage, chicken, beef, roasting corn, fresh arepas & buñuelos fill the night air with tantalizing aromas.


 


Hundreds of vendor stalls selling a wide variety of fast foods, candy apples, caramel popcorn, cotton candy, & beverages of every flavor.  Street performers and musicians were out to entertain the crowds. More than two kilometers of the Medellin River is surreal, and completely covered in explosive and sparkling colours with the over 27 million bulbs!






Candles hovering in the river with twinkling stars overhead, many people line the bridges and walkways to watch. Dancing coloured water fountains provide additional fascination. It was a very pleasant night out, joining the crowds that wandered along, eating and taking in the magnificent colours of a Colombian Christmas.





As Northerners who were previously used to being in parkas, tuques, & scarves when we enjoy Christmas tree lights and outdoor winter carnival events, the tropical balmy evening air is strange but welcome.

Christmas eve we enjoyed a five hour long open double decker bus tour which showcased the Christmas light displays throughout the city. Filled with singing, laughing, and festive  people we traversed a variety of civic plazas, Cerro Nutibara, Parque de las Luces,











 


Avenida la Playa,


 


 


Parque Bolivar, Parque Bicentenario, Carerra Carabobo, Avenida San Juan,


 



the EPM Intelligent Building,



 


 


 


 


 


and the central plaza & balconies of Itagui.

 


The Metropolitan Cathedral of Medellin lights its facade with a hologram show  featuring the history of Antioquia.  This excellent video mapping show, complete with ground shaking music was absolutely awesome and the first that we had ever experienced.  ( a 10 minute clip that is fascinating to watch - Enjoy ) 





We love the variety of traditions and celebrations that take place throughout Latin America, but this Christmas in Medellín was the most impressive extravaganza we've experienced.  Air balloons drifting silently in the skies,  firework's explosions cracking the city noise day and night, and the nightly displays of Christmas lights.





In a city of over 3.5 million citizens, currently swelling with many more visitors, we unexpectedly encountered a young traveler we had previously met in Bahia, and this mime doing impromptu impressions of others who we saw previously in Bahia's cantonization parade !


Parque Explora    also boasts many new civic facilities in Medellín. Located around the city's former Central Park, before it became too dangerous to visit and was shut down.


 


 

The park has been transformed into a well used Botanical Garden for large garden functions and events with the Orquideorama, a towering wood meshwork canopy rising above a latticed patio, outdoor amphitheaters, ponds, and a small butterfly reserve.


 


The new interactive science museum, omnimax theatre, planetarium, aquarium, and public plaza can be found in this area.


Not too far away is a large impressive collection of sporting facilities, tracks, stadiums, swimming pools that is used for hosting national events.


 


Following a major city worldwide trend, on Sunday they close half of Avenida El Poblado until 1 p.m. for walking, jogging, cycling, or rollerblading. 





Central Medellin's Plaza Botero is home to a collection of 23 of Fernando Botero's voluminous bronze sculptures. Fernando Botero Angulo born in Medellín, Colombia in 1932 is a figurative artist and sculptor.



 


 













 


His exaggerated volume art pieces sell for millions  and his art can be found in prominent places throughout the world, such as Park Avenue in New York City, and the Champs Elysées in Paris.





Pueblito Paisa is a small traditional model pueblo on top of Cerro Nutibarra, a hill in the centre of the valley offering terrific 360-degree views of the city.


 





Parque Arvi is a 1,765 acre highland tropical forest nature reserve containing a treasure of archaeological and cultural themes. Accessible by bus, car, or  tourist metro cable extension from the Aceveda metro cable station.


 


A 4.5 km aerial tram takes you higher into the Andean mountains east of northern Medellin.


 


For nature lovers or those wishing to escape the busy city it is a wonderful way to spend a sunny day. Guided informative tours, interpretive nature trail walks, cycling, horseback riding, good hiking trails, and zip-lining can be enjoyed.  Local farmers sell a variety of fresh fruits, artisans a variety of crafts, and a variety of vendors have delicious locally prepared dishes in a tent covered market. Arvi park is a beautiful tranquil place and worth staying and relaxing or adventuring the whole day.


 


Colombia being one of the world's top coffee producers, we enjoyed many a fine cup at Juan Valdez,    and other coffee bars while people watching.





In the upscale neighbourhood of Poblado is Parque Lleras a little tree filled park surrounded by a collection of restaurants, bars and dance clubs that form









 


Medellin's nightlife epicentre. The surrounding commercial activities occupy about 3 square blocks.

Newest centro commercial  such as Santafe Mall - modern four story with over 425 shops.


 


Tourists flock to the vibrant, tropical city, and we also met Colombians who now live elsewhere but had returned home to visit family & friends for the holidays.





If you still seek more Christmas spirit - this video clip highlights 2012 Los Alumbros in Medellin.





 If you have ever wanted to visit the dynamic city of eternal spring, the month of December is an excellent choice as tourists and visitors come from around the globe to witness the sights and sounds of Christmas in Medellin.  They also host a spectacular flower festival in August of each year, along with salsa, tango, jazz, and poetry events.



December the last month of the year is a great time for introspection, enhancing relationships and setting a course for the year ahead. It is a time of year to be extra thoughtful to those special in our lives.


 


Set yourself three new challenging skills to learn over this next year.  You'll not only gain the subject knowledge you desired, but you'll stimulate your desire and enhance your aptitude to learn more.

Bahia de Caraquez Ocean View Condo For Sale

SOLD

Have you ever dreamed of owning ocean-front property in a little town in Ecuador? Have you dreamed of sitting on your 6th floor deck watching dolphins swim in the bay; or washing dishes and watching the frigates and pelicans soar just feet from your balcony? Have you dreamed about what it would be like to watch the fishermen laboring from their boats or fishing with nets in the surf and then delivering their catch to the local markets for your eating enjoyment?

Well, dreams do come true! This beautiful  186 sq mtr. condo in Bahia de Caraquez is for sale. It is being sold turn-key ready, with everything you will need except sheets and towels.

 SOLD

SOLD

This is a 6th floor condo in a 9-story building. There is only one condo unit per floor. This unit has 2 bedrooms (a 3rd bedroom was turned into a family/TV room, but still has a closet and could be converted back to a bedroom if needed) and 2.5 bathrooms.

There is brickwork in the living area and master bedroom, and under each of the picture windows in the living area, TV room, guest bedroom, and master bedroom.

SOLD

French doors open from the dining area onto a terraza (deck). Every room in the condo, with the exception of the bathrooms have full ocean views.

The kitchen was remodeled by the current owners four years ago and features a gas stove with oven, a commercial glass door refrigerator, granite counter tops, and glass-faced cupboards.

There is a “nook” that is currently being used as an office, complete with 2 desks and chairs and room for a printer and two under-desk file cabinets.

The condo has a wrought iron security gate (with lock), and a keyless (you can use a numerical code or a key) entry which opens the double doors into the unit from a private foyer.

SOLD

The laundry room looks out on the city and the Rio Chone.

The building has a pool and small gym, and each condo unit comes with a parking space and a bodega / storage unit  of 5 sq mtr, all enclosed by locked garage doors. Each resident has a key to the front entry of the building. There is a full time caretaker on site 24/7. HOA dues for 2014 are $170 per month (there is a 10% discount offered if you pay in full for the year during the month of January). Taxes for 2014 were $120 (unless you are 65 or older, then taxes are half price. And, if you pay during the first 2 weeks of January you receive an additional 10% discount! If you aren’t 65 or older you still receive the 10% discount.)

Guest Article on trekking in Vilcabamba

We are pleased to feature a guest article written by  Pat & Baiba Morrow from Invermere in beautiful British Columbia.  " Pat and Baiba's love for indigenous cultures and the mountain world propels them on explorations in the physical, cultural, and spiritual realm. "  In 1987 Pat received the Order of Canada in recognition of his achievement of climbing the highest mountain on all seven continents. The accomplished photographers, journalists, and hikers are currently on a several month trekking adventure through Ecuador and Colombia.  Their adventure starts in Vilcabamba, an area we have yet to explore and write about.  This wonderful opportunity of synergy  to receive new perceptions and  excellent photography.  If you would be interested in a future adventure based photography expedition of discovery in Ecuador led by Pat Morrow please let us know. 

Vilcabamba, a hiker's paradise 

My wife Baiba and I jetted and bussed to Vilcabamba in mid December from deepfreeze Canada to kick off a 2.5 month journey north through Ecuador and Colombia.

Part of the reason we chose that tiny town in the pleasantly warm mountainous area near the Peruvian border is that we have friends who are South American guidebook authors that live there. Inveterate hikers, they invited us to join them on a multi day backpack in Parque Nacional Podocarpus.

But before we got to Vilcabamba, an unplanned-for adventure began just south of Cuenca.

As we dozed on the rollercoaster bus ride, my camera disappeared from my camera bag. The thief had boldly reached over the seat, opened the camera bag, and removed the body and lens (courteously leaving 2 more lenses untouched).

I can't say we hadn't been warned, although I have to admit I was a little lax in taking precautions against this possibility. After all, at no time during our 35 years of travel around the world, with tons of climbing, trekking and camera gear in transit, we've never had anything stolen.

Needless to say, this put a kybosh on my photographic plans. Our hosts graciously loaned us their point 'n shoot to grab a few snaps.

Rainy weather modified our somewhat ambitious plans for this time of year (the semi-rainy season) and we ended up going on a binge of day hikes that made up for it.

In order to stock up on food for the week, we arose at 5:30 am for the photogenic Sunday market, and I had to keep reminding myself then, and throughout the week, not to reach for my missing camera.

From the center of town, you can see a myriad of ridge walks and loop hikes that begin on ridges and bring you back to town, or drop into other valleys and villagers where you can catch a bus or colletivo back – you can do loops all the way on ridge crests, or combine them with scenic descents via beautiful creek beds. And the more vantage points we got to, the more possibilities we could see. Of course, our hosts had scoped out all the classic lines and hiked them dozens of times, so we benefitted from their expertise. However, anyone with any amount of experience in the back country could expect to arrive in town and start hiking right away unassisted.

One thing to keep in mind is that many of the trails pass through private farm and grazing land, so the onus is on hikers to be sensitive toward not trampling people's fields and making the effort to ask permission to cross fields wherever possible. Another word of caution: there is a popular hike up Mandango Peak to the west of town where a number of hikers have been mugged, so be a little cautious about heading up there as an individual, choosing to go as a group instead.

Being a backpacker's hangout and a growing elderly expat community, there are way more amenities (hostals and eateries) in this town than one would expect to find in rural Ecuador. Our hosts' hiking and travel guides to Ecuador, of course, are loaded with details for those wishing further information. www.trekkinginecuador.com 

here's a snap of us in Vilcabamba, the idyllic town in southern Ecuador where people are reputed to live to be over 100 (which is about how old my knees are).

we stayed w/our friends Robert & Daisy, who have written around 20 guidebooks to S American countries - Baiba was a classmate of Daisy's at McGill.

here's Robert fording one of the creeks on our week-long hiking binge with them

Looking back down toward Vicabamba from one of many hikes, you can see the potential to explore these Andean foothills.

Often, the trail is lost in the scrub brush, but you can often pick it up by forging ahead.

Higher up, near the western boundary of Podocarpus park, the brush gets serious and you want to make sure you're on a trail.

For more information on their adventures around the globe

www.patmorrow.com 

HJ Eventos & Catering

Update :  November 2016     H & J is no longer in Bahia de Caraquez.  Peruvian Chef Hugo Jiménez has opened his new restaurant in Piura, Peru. 

 



In a sea of similar and mediocre eateries we now have a wonderful new exotic culinary opportunity here in Bahia de Caraquez. Following a very popular trend in Europe and North America International award winning Chef Hugo Jiménez and Rosy Hidalgo have opened their exquisite private dining room for your dining pleasure with HJ eventos & catering. We have enjoyed this true five star dining experience on several occasions.

Peruvian Chef Hugo Jiménez, a leading international chef, whose specialty is Manabítan cuisine with Peruvian influences, combining the tastes and traditions of the coast with Jimenez's own "cocina del autor."   He was the executive chef at Casa Ceibo for 4 years and ten years as executive chef of the hotel Royal Palm, in Santa Cruz (Galapagos).



Chef Jiménez's awards include Ecuador's national culinary cup, Gold Cup International Cuisine, and a gold medal from the " American Culinary Federation " with the plate of " alligator tail wrapped in bacon, bathed with naranjilla sauce, balsamic reduction, garnished with cardamon, and accompanied with quinoa, red basil, vegetable rolls. "





An archway frames the dining room with rich wood table and floors, and accent lighting designed full of character and charm.

 

A living room with lighting and music providing refined and luxurious ambiance with comfortable furniture for your relaxation.

 
 
An outside balcony provides a perfect view of the night lit bridge, and the tranquil estuary with the silhouettes of moored sailboats.



Guests will have the rare opportunity to slip into the simple kitchen where a top chef masters the artistry of the cuisine they create.




Your evening menu will be gourmet recipes customized to your needs. Every meal is prepared from scratch using only the finest fresh ingredients. The cornucopia of culinary creations provides a true gourmet experience, with each taste providing a new delight. Your meal will be an exquisite culinary encounter to satisfy palates that appreciate cuisine with worldly flair.

 

 

Classic Entrées

• Coconut soup with a grilled "shrimp surprise"
• Pears in a red wine reduction sauce and filled with cheese fondue, plus a side of basil pesto
• Fresh fish tiradito (a thin cut between a sashimi and Carpaccio), accented with a spicy rocoto sauce
• Tenderloin carpaccio in a creamy parmesean pesto sauce
• Champagne soup with a mustard capuccino


 

Some Favorite First Plates

• Yellow fin tuna, encrused in black pepper and served on a Napolitan sauce and with an avocado    mayonnaise
• Pork tenderloin doused with chocolate curry sauce and served with pink quinoa risotto
• Cookie-crusted prawns perked up with a passion fruit sauce and served with grilled potatoes and organic greens
• Grilled octopus served with fresh salad and just sliced-n-fried potatoes
• Marlin, grilled and adorned with a savory, black olive sauce and served alongside a hearty parmesean risotto

Decadent Desserts

• passion-fruit mousse
• shot of suspiro limeno
• tiramissu

For additional information or to make reservations:

Hugo Jimenez, Malecon Alberto Santos 1848, Bahia de Caraquez, Manabi - Ecuador

Tel.: 593 (0) 52 693 145, Cel.: 593 (0) 9943 92398 E-mail:chefhugojimenez@gmail.com

 Ecuador's great cuisine awaits the world's discovery.

For Sale - San Vicente 2 Bdrm Beach Home

San Vicente is located on the Pacific coast of Ecuador, close to the equator. It sits at the mouth of the Chone River across the estuary from Bahia de Caraquez. A map of our  coastal area can be found here.

This 1,800 sq ft  home is located on the northern edge of San Vicente and fronts on the Pacific. It is right on the beach on a 8,800 sq ft  lot. At high tide the water can come to within 25 feet of the gate, but since Ecuador has neither hurricanes nor tropical storms, that isnʼt a problem.

Asking $ 269,900  for this 2011 two bedroom, two bathroom beachfront home with guesthouse and storage unit.  It is being sold  with appliances, generator, furniture, & alarm system.

open plan kitchen/dining/living room plus guest bedroom and full bathroom on first floor.

Second floor consists of laundry with washer/dryer, office/sitting room with built in bookcase, master bedroom, walk in closet, master bath with shower and tub and balcony off the bedroom and sitting room.

Roof top terrace is 820 sq ft and consists of a covered sitting area with chairs and table for eating plus separated laundry area with washing station.

There is a lot of fishing done on the waters in front of the house. Various types of fish and large shrimp are routinely caught by the local fishermen in their canoes. It is possible to purchase fish from them by simply waving them over. Fish is also readily available at the market in town. We have a person who delivers fresh fish and shrimp to our house once a week. Of course, if you prefer not to cook, there is a very good
restaurant just down the road.

The house is within easy walking distance of San Vicente. The middle of town is about 20 minutes away walking or you can catch a moto, which is a rickshaw type vehicle built around a mototrcycle which costs 50 cents to town.Bahia de Caraquez is located across the bridge which crosses the estuary and can be reached by taxi. The ride is usually $2.00 one way and takes about 10 minutes.

The house is located on the beach side of the road to Canoa, which is a resort and surfing town 15 minutes away. The bus, which you can catch at our gate, comes by every 30 minutes and costs .50 cents. Canoa has a beautiful beach and rentals of surfboards are available. Beach umbrellas and chairs can be rented also.

There is basic shopping available in San Vicente and a bit more extensive shopping in Bahia. There are shopping centers, movie theaters and many more restaurants in Manta and Porto Viejo. Both are large cities, appx 300,000 and are about 1 hr 20 min away by taxi. The usual charge for a round trip taxi to either is about $40.00. Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador, is about 5 hours away by car. Air-conditioned buses run between here and Guayaquil several times a day. The cost is around $8.00 to $10.00 dollars depending on the bus line.

There is a 24 hour emergency clinic in San Vicente as well as a minor surgery center. There is a hospital in Bahia de Caraquez. In addition, Porto Viejo has several larger hospitals as well as Solca, a very good cancer treatment center.

The property is surrounded by a masonry wall, so your pets can stay outside unattended without worry. There is a very good veterinarian available in San Vicente. He has cared for and treated our dog and two cats as well as all of our friends pets with excellent results.

If interested please contact the owners directly @   harwell99@gmail.com or 09 883 56748  we would appreciate you mentioning that your inquiry resulted from this website.