With Los Alumbrados in Medellin Colombia almost upon us

Well, the mayors office promised the most spectacular Los Alumbrados (Christmas Lighting) in Medellins history and I believe he has lived up to his promise.

Even though the formal lighting does not take place until Novmber 30th (or some say next Saturday), they have been making “test runs” on a couple of evenings and I can tell you, it is nothing short of spectacular. We even had a chance to view it from a look out point up on Las Palmas going towards the airport one evening.

Now, not to be outdone, Pueblito Paisa always has a very nice display as well and take advantage of their high point in the city to draw attention to their efforts. They also had a “test run” the other night and I can attest to the fact they too have gone all out for this years Los Alumbrados.

Hopefully, you will have a chance to see this years spectacle or will plan to attend one in the future. I am planning to do a video of this years Christmas lighting and will post a link to You Tube after editing.

Monday night officially starts the Christmas season in Medellin and at midnight, the skies will fill with fireworks all over the valley. Any high up vantage point will make it worth staying up for….but plan to be awake most of the night from the noise….!

Using a credit card in Colombia

Many places in Colombia accept credit cards for purchases, meals, groceries and many other things.  Several places will only accept Visa or Master Card and many times, they will add on 3-4% for using the card (even though it is against Visa and MC rules)

 

Many places will only accept a Ban Colombia Visa or Debit card.

 

One thing that is consistent with credit cards.  They will always ask you, “cuantas cuotas”.  They are asking you how many payments you want to make.  Most visitors do not understand this phenomenon so merely respond, “una”. then pay your credit card company as you normally do each month

You can probably leave your AMEX at home unless you want to pay your hotel bill or purchase airline tickets.  Many places will not accept AMEX.

Travel safe and only carry one credit card and one debit card.  Use ATM’s for what cash you will need on a daily basis (much cheaper than changing money at cambios).

 

Never let your credit card out of your site.  They will bring a machine to your table for purchasing your meals.

 

MTG

Halloween in Medellin-Mangos

In Spain and Mexico, October 31st is regarded as Day of the Dead.  In Colombia, Day of the Dead is celebrated on Nov. 30th.  On October 31st, the Paisas turn out in their finest (and sometimes very elaborate) costumes and party the night away….well, actually, they start partying on October 30th and usually don’t stop until the AM of Nov. 1st.

“So, what do you want to do for Halloween?” I asked my lovely wife!  “Let’s go toMangos”, was her reply!

Now, I am not a big Mangos fan.  I believe it is a place for everyone to experience at least once when they visit Medellin just to say they have been there.  The locals love the place and some save for months to go there or will willingly accept an invitation if offered.  In my opinion, it is way over rated and wayyyyyy overpriced…but a fun experience none the less!

 

OK, so we need to find costumes.  We try several costume stores and although many were very original, nothing was suiting her tastes or budget.  So, off to El Centro with another couple and some pesos in our pockets.  After the first hour, my buddy and I decided to just let them shop and we would find a place to have coffee for an hour or so.

 

We parked our behinds at the Cafe Botero adjacent to the Museo de Antioquia and observed the throngs of people parading around in costumes and the costume contests taking place.  Some of these Paisas probably spent weeks custom making some of the costumes for themselves and their kids. Many were quite impresive.

We probably should have stayed home because it was 6 hours later before the girls showed up with their coveted costumes….which we could not see until that evening….LOL

 

We were supposed to meet friends outside at 9:30 so we could get inside early and reserve a table.  Not going to happen this evening.  It was more like 11 PM when we finally left.  We took a taxi because we knew we were going to be drinking and didn’t want to drive.

 

We were greeted by a line about 50 yards long and it took almost 1/2  hour to get through security and pay our 35,000 cover charge.

 

The place was packed and were we ever glad our friend had managed to get a couple of tables.  Costumes like you can not imagine and as usual, the Paisa ladies were happily showing off their god given (and many times enhanced) assets.

 

The place rocked all night and everyone was partying hearty.  At 4:00AM I went outside for a smoke break and noticed a lot of people beginning to leave.  I thought this might be a good time to call it a night but that was not going to happen.

 

At 7AM, we finally coaxed the girls into leaving but not before one last beer outside after a 1.75ML (carafe) of Auguardiente inside. (it is a local  favorite drink similar to Sambuca in taste also referrrd to as Guaro).

 

The night:

 

170,000 COP for costume and accessories (not bad)

70,000COP cover

240,000 COP for a bottle of Guaro

Taxis to and from Mangos 25,000

A Halloween memory from Mangos…priceless

 

We managed a few photos for your viewing pleasure:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojBiNRF_Ais

 

MTG