This is David. Affectionately known as Dr. David to me, my family, and close friends. We spent the afternoon together catching up. He is Colombian but living here in Washington and doing some amazing work. He is from Medellin.
Medellin (MED A JEAN) is the second largest, and most progressive city in Colombia. It is one of the most beautiful cities in South America. The home of orchids, parks and tropical birds, Medellin lies cradled in the Aburra Valley, bisected by the Medellin River which runs North and South. Nightlife, called "Rumba", takes place in many locations, beginning in earnest on Thursday night, and running "hot and heavy" through Saturday night.
Medellin was founded in 1616 and by 2006 had a population of 2.4 million people, making it the second most populated city in Colombia after Bogota. Because Medellín is located at 5,000 ft above sea level, its climate is
not as hot as other cities located at the same latitude near the
equator. The city's average annual temperature is 22ºC (72ºF) and because of its
proximity to the equator, its temperature is constant year round with
minimal temperature variations.
Most people from Medellín are of Spanish descent. The majority of the
immigrants arrived from Spain during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Later, some immigrants arrived from Syria, Jordan and Portugal during
the 19th century. There are also some Zambo-Colombians and
Afro-Colombians.
Because of David, Medellin and Colombia are near the top of my "Must See" travel wish list.
For David...
Medellin - in three words: Eternal Spring City