First week in Medellin, Columbia Jan 2-8, 2026

The first week has been great! It ain't 32 degrees, like when I left Everett a week ago. Temps have been in the 70's and a little bit of humidity so for this cat, it's HOT and MUGGY. Hahaha 

 I just checked my Altimeter and it says about 4,900 feet so no wonder I'm huffing and puffing around the hills when walking to the Metro or Class which is up a steep hill. 

First off My friend Andy from British Colombia, Canada shot me a quick message saying he was in town. Now Andy and I have been friends for months and have talked about all sorts of things from business to motorcycling and beyond. However, like many of my friends I have never actually met him as we met online. Well lucky me, since he was in town we got together a number of times for coffee, dinner, hitting motorcycle shops, hitting motorcycle utopia and more Andy rode his Kawasaki 300 Versys from Canada down through Central America and most of South America. He is on his way down to Santiago where his bike is currently stored so he can continue south to Ushaia as well then head NE to Uraguay. 

 Once I got the Metro fairly figured out I have been using it daily to go back and forth to class. It is pretty awesome and moves millions of people daily. On the way to class it is just fine, not super busy but on the way home it's sardines in a can. How many people can you pack in a car. I almost laugh it is so hilarious and you can't wait for the next train as it is just as packed and this can be from 2 in the afternoon ON! 

The poorer folks live up the hillsides and let me tell you it is crowded central. The reason I'm here is to brush up on my Spanish and purchase a motorcycle for my trip to Ushuaia and back. I signed up at Vally Spanish School in Poblado neighborhood on the southeast side of the city.

This is also the touristy area so prices are higher. My homestay is in the Laureles neighborhood which is in the northwest part of town which is nicer and quieter (except for the major highway outside my window. Hahaha)

So the typical day starts out around 8 walking to the metro station. It is about a 10 min walk. Then ride the metro from the Floresta station to the San Antonio station where I get off and transfer to the north-south A line and ride it down to Poblado. That metro ride is about 30-35 mins. Then I hike up the hill and it is just enough of a hike to make me sweat like a pig by the time I reach class. The entire trip lasts about 50 minutes. I have a couple hours of group classes from 9-11 and then from 11-1 private class and I've had fun and am not to frustrated that I don't understand a word they say. haha 

 After class I start heading back to wherever. This week it has been to the Motorcycle dealership, the motorcycle mecca with every and anything you could ever want for a motorcycle in about a 4 block area, accessories, tires, mechanics, you name it! 

 I'll give another post for the buying process of a motorcycle. I've walked a bazillion miles and have blisters on both feet to prove it. Around my neighborhood it is great beause it is fairly flat so no issues. Poblado is on the side of the mountain and I'm glad I'm not staying there. Some of the more well to do live in that area and you can tell by the mercedes, BMW's and other nicer cars there but don't be fooled, there are PLENTY of other brands from Chinese BYD to the local favorite Renault. Hyundai, Fiat, Toyota, Mazda are big here as well. I have seen some Ford cars and trucks along with Ram and Chevrolet in both gas and electric.