Falling in Love with Medellín

Colombia has a way of pulling you in, through the music, the people, the diverse nature and a deep feeling of aliveness.  Before coming to Medellín I wasn’t sure what to expect. My family for one, worried about me visiting due to all the negative stereotypes. But I fell in love with this country. 

My first visit was in 2024, and during that

time Medellin, in particular connected with me. I just knew that I had to come back and spend more time here. Fast forward to late 2025 and I began a 14-month sabbatical spending 5 months in the city of eternal spring.

I arrived with a dream to learn Spanish to connect more deeply with the locals, and to see if this might be somewhere I could one day stay a little longer.

The areas of El Poblado, Laureles, and surrounds are green and lush, set against a backdrop of mountains, and are highly walkable and very safe. I started Spanish classes and dance classes settling into a nice routine and rhythm. Conversations, reggaeton and latin beats fill the streets giving the city a beautiful hum. From local to internation cuisine, the food is plentiful and fresh. 

I attended football matches with an energy I had never experienced (hello Medellin derby), spent Christmas with a Colombian family being welcomed to their traditions, and visited many places across Antioquia, where people were always more than happy to share their culture and stories. 

International level events are also plentiful, with highlights for me including J Balvin in concert and Core Tomorrowland. Additionally, there is a strong international community of expats and travellers who are so open and friendly, there are activities and meet ups happening almost daily. Never have I found it so easy to make friends.

From someone who can be rather shy, and was wondering where I would ever feel at home, I found the place here where I can be my true self. I put myself out there in a way I hadn’t done before and was accepted with open arms. 

Of course, learning a new language wasn’t always easy and there were moments of frustration. However, I went from checking what I was saying on a translator in every interaction to confidently using Spanish on a daily basis. I found myself chatting with Uber drivers, shop owners, and strangers I met along the way. 

If you are looking for a place that will challenge  you, welcome you, and stay with you long after you leave, then Medellin is a place you cannot pass up.

Lauren Jones