The common saying that Cali is a city with an edge is definitely not an understatement. Not long ago at the center of a violent drug related conflict, the city still bears the scars of those troublesome years. It's really a shame since it's vibrant population and it's status as the salsa capital of the world make it an exiting place to visit.
We stayed at Hospedaje Tostaky located on the hilltop in the historic San Antonio neighborhood. The temperature during the daytime is just smoldering but come evening people gather at the nearby park to enjoy the calm, cool breeze from the hilltop overlooking the city. The neighbourhood is relatively safe and very much alive every day of the week. La Colina, an old corner store half transformed into a bar, is a must see. It's been open for over 75 years and they've been awaiting a bar license for a good portion of those years; understand the pace of things here?
We gathered the will and courage to wonder around the city, visiting the downtown and the city's famous zoo which was clean and modern, far exceeding our expectations. As for the downtown, the main reason for its shortfalls appear to be its setup, no mixed use and deserted at night.
We quickly passed through Cali, leaving after only a few days there but relieved to still have all our possessions with us and to be escaping the heat and sleepless nights (at least a fan at Tostaky would have been highly necessary). Nevertheless, we longed to get to know the city better and to immerse ourselves in a place that represents thrilling Colombia so well. Hopefully in the coming years the city will bloom and come to realise its full potential.
No comments:
Post a Comment