A Day in the Life Medellín

Recently, my days have been a bit chaotic but I thought I’d break down what a typical day looks like for me in the city of eternal spring.

6:00 AM

Haha, just kidding. There’s absolutely no way I’m getting out of bed this early. Lets try this again

8:00 AM

I hear the sounds of what has now become my adoptive Colombian family chatting in the kitchen as they get ready for their day. I feel the fresh breeze blowing through the window of my balcony; truly refreshing. I open my door to the soothing sound of my host mom saying “buenos días”. She hands me my breakfast and a cup of hot chocolate. My daily breakfast consists of a crunchy corn cake (arepa) and eggs with tomatoes, onions, and sometimes the occasional sausage. After breakfast I take the time to enjoy the sunshine and view of the city from the balcony and get ready to start my commute.

9:00 AM

I quickly pack up my backpack and head down the stairs carefully locking the door behind me. I stark my 1.5 mile walk to my favorite coffee shop. I’m sure some of you think I’m crazy for this lengthy start to my day; but I love getting fresh air and experiencing the sights and sounds of the city.

10:00 AM

I arrive at my favorite coffee shop and take my ‘designated seat’ (I come here so often that the customers know not to sit there lol). I spend the next few hours getting to work and planning experiences for NxTSTOP including our upcoming travel scholarship (apply here if interested).

2:00 PM

My favorite part of my day; Lunch Time! I usually stroll the local park until I find some street food that looks tasty. This sets me back around 6,000 cop (Colombian Pesos ~ $1.20 USD) I take this time to stretch and plan my afternoon.

4:00 PM

I’ve spent the last few hours editing videos or writing blogs like the one you’re reading now. Now it’s time to work on getting my house situation sorted; and planning my evening.

5:00 PM

After my work day is over, I moonlight as a Medellín tour guide; showing tourists my favorite parts of the cities and telling them about the reasons I fell in love with this marvelous city. I spend the next hour or two locking in guests for the tour and head to the hostel to pick them up.

7:00 PM

My tour starts by welcoming the guests and learning a bit more about them and their interests in this city so I can cater the tour appropriately. We begin the walk to the metro and head to another section of the city where we begin our food tour. I love to see the glimmer in the eyes of these guests as they witness the real Medellín for the first time. We spend the next hour or so walking through the streets as I tell stories of the origins of my favorite street foods. Everyone leaves full, happy, and with memories that will last a lifetime.

9:00 PM

After sending the guests on their way it’s tine for the next part of my evening. I order myself a car and head to a rooftop bar known for their weekly Bachata socials. This week I’ve won a competition with my dance partner and I’m here to collect my prize with her. I spend the next few hours dancing the night away.

12:00 AM

The time to head home has arrived knowing I have another full day ahead of me tomorrow. I head home and silently enter the house to not wake up my generous hosts, shower, and hit the hay.

Is this really my average day?

Frankly, this is a light day. I can’t tell you how many times a week I’m running around 5 parts of the city doing errands or filming content. I love the hustle and bustle. Medellín truly is a city that takes on the pace you give it. You want a relaxing life? You can have that here. You want an NYC style of living? You can have it too. Anyways, it’s time for me to get on to the rest of my day, hope yours is just as great as mine :)