BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA
You Will Never
Forget This City
By Neli Lalanne

While on the plane en route to Colombia I must confess that instead of rolling green hills I was picturing getting seized by guerilla members, taken to some recluse part in the mountains and forcefully getting little packs of white illegal substances placed (shoved) in my rectum where they would be securely stored for the ride back to the States.  3 ½ hours on the plane, not once did I completely relax.  I was headed to Barranquilla, birth place of Shakira (note to self brush up on South American history) and was only aware of one geographical fact about the city: It was located in Colombia hence potential threat of...(see aforementioned scenario).  My embedded fears (product of too many TV reports on drug related mishaps in Colombia) transformed into sheer amazement throughout my trip.

Barranquilla, had what one could rightfully so, label ‘flair’.  The city was a surprising mix of third world country charm and first world country amenities. The proper infrastructure was there, yet there was a certain humility to the place, merchants huddled at market places, selling everything from home made jewelry to fruits, all wearing a smile, all open to a good bargain.  Even the public transport was colorful; locals hopped on painted buses to get to their destinations, often the said bus was a piece of art in itself with designs and proverbial sayings highlighted in primary colors. And the restaurants, oh the restaurants, there was a slew of them, all quaint, one more inviting then the other. From the more modest ones (where the owner wore many hats i.e. waiter and cook) typically serving food in plain air, giving the place a very home like feel; to the more elaborate ones usually nested in a quiet street, serving world class cuisine (usually with a hint of spices) at prices that made a tourist like me want to prolong her stay.

However, aside from the taste of spices what really sticks to one’s memory is the journey from Barranquilla to Tyrona (a beach the locals compare to paradise) via Santa Marta, a town by the sea.  To travel to Santa Marta requires taking 2 buses but the ride in itself is an adventure as the sight of luscious hills and the occasional mule-riding merchant leaves an indelible imprint on the mind. The final destination might have been Tyrona but a stay in Santa Marta is a must as the town draws you in; compelling you to take time to explore it.  A chain of small hotels and restaurants literally situated across the street from a beach seduce you into spending the night, whether it was planned or not. On every block there is at least 5 little shops selling mementos, everything from wooden crafts to earrings made of fish scales. All small treasures which incite one to purchase the nearest colorful bag and fill it with even more colorful souvenirs to bring back home.

After fully taking in the surroundings, it will take another 2 hours of riding on 2 additional buses to get to Tyrona, the place that causes the residents’ lips to curve into an approving smile and triggers instant curiosity in the visitor. Perhaps what makes Tyrona impossible to forget is the walk or hike to finally get there.  After crossing a jungle like fauna, climbing huge rocks, going down little sinuous roads, jumping over unexpected water streams and holding on (sometime for dear life) to clement tree trunks so as not slip and land in the mud, (all that for over an hour while carrying a traveling bag and a water bottle) you truly understand why Tyrona is referred to as paradise.

After all, it is an immutable fact; one always appreciates what he/she had to work/sweat for. Before the road got wider and the path smoother, before being able to hear the waves indicating the beach nearby and the end of the acrobatic trekking session, you have to deploy effort and indeed sweat buckets. However, to smell the air and drop down the bags, to lay on hammocks that were waiting for you and to gaze ahead and see the most amazing sight, this beach, somehow untouched by man’s hands, will make you never forget Barranquilla, after all, it’s not everyday you catch a glimpse of paradise…and that’s exactly what Tyrona was.