I tried to leave Medellin. I booked a flight to Santa Marta on the coast, but knowing it was fully refundable, canceled it the day before departure. After more than 14 months of travel through 20 countries, I finally felt as though I´d seen enough of the world. Another beach, another village, another mountain, another hostel, another hike, another friend I make and lose within days. At some point, the law of diminishing returns goes into effect.
Colombia, with its rich culture and friendly people, has inspired me to want to stay put, learn a new language for the first time, and try my hand at teaching English in order to earn a living abroad. At the same time, a few searches on Google revealed little in the way of English language blogs or websites about Medellin. And you know what that means...
Introducing Medellin Living!
A few weeks ago, I bought and began to develop MedellinLiving.com. I would like to invite everyone to take a look, and subscribe today (in the upper right corner)!
Developing this new website motivates me to get out of bed in the morning. The design is still very basic, but I am already posting daily updates about what it is like for a foreigner to live and look for work in Medellin, Colombia. Along the way, I hope it will offer unique insight into the city and culture and become a valued resource amongst backpackers and future travelers, regardless of whether they are just passing through, looking to study abroad, learn Spanish, or earn a living teaching English.
What Next For Go Backpacking?
As for this blog, the future's so bright, I gotta where shades! In the days and weeks ahead, I intend to share my experience leaving Medellin for a brief adventure along the coast in Barranquilla during Carnaval, and an impromptu stop in beautiful Cartagena. Then, I will share some final thoughts on Colombia, and write as if I am returning to the United States. Posts will surely take on the sentimental tone of a trip concluded, minus the reverse culture shock.
Over the coming months, I have plenty of people to thank, advice to share, and probably a few interesting stories still left to tell. Expect flashbacks to some of the more exciting and popular posts of the past. And any future travels in or around Colombia will be shared here too.
In addition, I will be upgrading to the most recent version of WordPress, the free internet publishing software used to create this blog. A new look to coincide with the new focus may also be in store. Please excuse any dust while I work on renovations.
Aren't You Out Of Money Yet?
After living the good life for so long, I am low on funds, so my plans are solely contingent upon finding work and a steady income before the end of March. Luckily for Americans in Colombia, the Peso has dropped about 30% against the dollar in the past year. If I end up back in the USA sooner rather than later, I fully intend to continue both blogs. If you want to see whether I can carve out an expat niche abroad, subscribe to Medellin Living by RSS feed or E-mail, and wish me luck!
