Colombiamoda 2009

When I decided to stay in Colombia earlier this year, and start a new blog, Medellin Living, one of the goals I set for myself was to be in a position to attend Colombiamoda, the country's annual fashion week held every July.

I knew it would require a press pass, but I figured there was so little online competition, it was feasible to build my blog's recognition to the point where I'd have a shot.

Obviously I didn't reach my objective since you haven't seen this blog plastered with photos and video of Colombian lingerie models.

Robin, on the other hand, did get behind the scenes at Medellin's 2009 Colombiamoda.  After traveling in the region, he had returned to California earlier in 2009 to start graduate school, only to realize how much he missed Medellin.

As a result, he did the only logical thing – passed on a higher formal education to live in a feared South American city and begin its first English-language nightlife and culture guide, The Arepa.  I contributed a humor piece on riding the city buses for the July issue.

Also featured in the video is Sarah, a trilingual journalism grad who connected with me through Twitter and whom I was suppose to meet up with before leaving.

Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance due to her busy travel schedule, though if ever there was a reason to return, it'd be to hang out with these cool cats (and keep writing for The Arepa).

Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.