#plus local chocolate (!!!!!!!) and passionfruit juice and coffee. it was all so good

[cupuasu]

the visit to the island was cool i love nature. i even took my camera and took pics of everybody and the scenery ^_^ i did feel super awkward around everybody though but other than that it was fine

[fadingfartconnoisseur]

A Digital Nomad Guide To Living in Medellin, Colombia

Digital nomads are always looking for somewhere to work with good wi-fi and a decent cup of coffee. I personally try to find a destination with at least one other nomad around, where the concept of sitting in a cafe for hours on my laptop isn’t too strange. But in Medellin, it’s not a question of ‘where can I find the best cafe’. The question really is – ‘which one should I choose?’

As Colombia’s second biggest city, which was recently named “the world’s most innovative city”, it’s no surprise that it has become such a major hub for digital nomads.

If you’re considering living in Medellin, Colombia, here’s all you need to know.

READ MORE: Travelling to Medellin, Colombia: Our First Impressions and Experiences

Best Areas to Live in Medellin & Rough Costs

The most popular places for digital nomads to live are south and west of the city centre: El Poblado, Envigado, Ciudad del Rio, Laureles, Floresta, Estadio.

El Poblado: Tends to be the most expensive area as it’s the most touristy. A double room in a shared apartment will start around 1m COP (roughly 330 USD) per month. A one bed apartment starts around 700 USD per month.

Envigado: Technically located outside of Medellin, Envigado is a little further south than El Poblado. Prices are similar – sometimes a little less. If you are looking for somewhere close to Poblado but not within the tourist bubble, it could be a good option.

Ciudad del Rio: Close to El Poblado but accommodation is usually a bit cheaper here, as it’s less touristy with lots of apartment blocks. Prices for a standard room in a shared apartment start around 600k COP (roughly 200 USD). A one bed apartment usually starts around 600 USD per month.

Laureles/Estadio/Floresta: These areas are located west in Medellin, and feel a little more authentic Colombian than El Poblado (although they are westernising quickly). They are close to the football stadium, a public sports arena, and home to one of the main universities – so it feels young and vibrant, full of Colombian students that live here. A double room in a shared apartment should start around $600k COP (roughly 200 USD). For a private one bed apartment, expect to pay from 500 USD per month.

If you are looking to live in luxury with amazing panoramic views of the city, there are a lot of penthouse apartments (with pools, gyms, saunas etc) dotted around all these areas – for a fraction of European prices.

Where to Search for Apartments in Medellin:

Comparto Apto: Often the best place for value as you deal directly with the landlord, on this website. However, you will most likely need to have a basic level of Spanish to be able to communicate with the landlords.

Facebook groups: Sometimes the costs can be marked up a little, but it’s relatively easy to find a room especially for English speakers. Check out “Digital Nomads Medellin” and “Medellin Rooms, Apartments and Expat Info”. 

Airbnb: Lots of rooms are available here, and many have discounts on stays over a month.

Best wi-fi Spots & Cafes to Work In

Internet connection is generally very strong around the city, and there’s frequently free wi-fi in the streets and parks. (But as with any public network, be careful using it for anything personal)

My favourite cafes & spots to work in are below:

El Poblado

Botanika Lounge – great wifi connection with plug sockets under every table

Cafe Zeppelin – go for the menu of the day for 12,000 COP (under 4 USD) and stay all afternoon

Pergamino – known for the best coffee in El Poblado

Cafe Velvet – a popular spot for nomads although you need to get there early as plugs are a little sparse

Amarillo Chocolate – cute interior with a great selection of veggie sandwiches

Como pez en el agua – go for brunch and stay all day (their fried eggs on toast with mushrooms & truffle oil is just 16,500 COP – approx 5.50 USD)

Envigado

Cafe Otra Parte – great garden and terrace if you want some peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of Poblado

Cocolatte – relaxed atmosphere, great coffee and friendly staff makes it easy to stay all afternoon

Ciudad del Rio

Cariñito Cafe – often a bit quieter than the Poblado cafes, with an impressive coffee menu & large terrace

Laureles

Algarabia – has a scenic view overlooking the second park in Laureles

Cafe Revolucion – located on the main road, it can be a bit busy but it’s great for people watching at the same time.

Naturalia Cafe – one for the health conscious foodies out there, with an extensive menu & another cheap but great menu of the day

Floresta

Hostal Ondas – has a cafe on the ground floor open to anyone, and a great co-working area above

Transport Options in Medellin

Getting around the city is generally very easy and cheap – either by taxi, metro or bus.

Local taxis: There are plenty of taxis driving round the city; however, sometimes it can be tricky to track them down. Often they don’t stop, despite seemingly looking empty.

Uber: The rules on Uber are slightly strange in Medellin. Technically it is illegal to take an Uber, but the app still exists – so it is very easy to pick them up. However, if the police stop you, you could be in trouble. Therefore, I’d recommend taking the local taxis – they are similar in price anyway.

Metro: The standard cost of the metro is 2,300 COP (roughly 80 cents), for pretty much all trips (regardless of the distance). It was built to enable locals up in the outskirts work in the centre – so it’s a great option to save money. Unfortunately the metro station in Poblado is a little way out of the centre, at the bottom of a hill – so if you take the metro to go to the centre of Poblado, be prepared to walk up Calle 10.

Bus: There are lots of buses around the city so you can easily pick one up from the side of the road. There aren’t as many bus stops but they stop and pick you up as it drives along the route on the main road. They say in big letters on the front where they are heading – but always check with the driver when you hop on, and if in doubt, ask the guy next to you. Each journey costs between 1,900 COP (under 1 USD).

The metrocable in Medellin

Nomad Community

With the massive influx of nomads, there are lots of meet-ups and social events. Hostel Ondas has a weekly social on their roof, specifically for digital nomads, and there are lots of independently organised Couchsurfing meet-ups. Plus, there are lots of groups on Facebook, which you can request to join and be part of the community. For example:

Digital Nomads Medellin

Medellin Digital Nomads

Start-up Medellin Digital Nomads Network

Medellin Entrepreneurs Society

So if you are looking to make some friends with like-minded people, it shouldn’t be too difficult.

Living Like a Local in Medellin

Groceries

The most popular supermarkets are: Exito, Jumbo, Euro, & Carulla. There are many large supermarkets, as well as smaller convenient stores, all over. Exito, Jumbo & Euro are cheaper; Carulla is more premium.

For the more niche health foods, there are shops such as Salud Pan or Ceres Mercado Organic where you can pick up non-dairy milks, nut butters etc.

Plaza Minorista is a huge market with lots of fresh fruit, veg, meats, cheeses and more (e.g. the superstitious soaps that apparently the locals like to buy, to get good fortune in things such as love or finances). Goods here are cheaper than in the supermarkets, but its location in El Centro means it’s not as convenient to just pop down there, if you are coming from one of the resident areas mentioned above.

Street food

Arepas & empanadas are everywhere! There is a wide variety of types and flavours of each, and prices usually start at 2,000 COP (0.65 USD).

Drinks

Beer

The two most common, and generally cheapest, beers are Aguila & Club Colombia. Expect to pay around the following:

Supermarket: 2,000 COP (0.65 USD)

Local pub: 4,000 COP (1.30 USD)

Bars/restaurants: 6,000 COP (1.95 USD)

Nightclubs: 8,000 COP (2.60 USD)

Spirits

Aguardiente is the national spirit that’s available all over Colombia. A 750ml bottle costs around 27,000 COP (just under 9 USD) in the shops, and with an aniseed taste, similar to sambuca, it is popular with the locals. (It’s not for everyone though!)

“Ron Medellin” is Medellin’s most popular rum, and is the cheapest spirit, after aguardiente. A 750ml bottle is around 28,000 COP (just over 9 USD) in the shops.

Juices

Colombians love their juices, and there is usually a juice of the day included within the menu of the day at lunch. Popular flavours are:

Lulo – an exotic, sour Colombian fruit

Maracuya – passionfruit

Guanabana – a unique Colombian fruit, that almost tastes both sweet and sour.

They usually cost around 6,000 COP (1.95 USD).

Water

Tap water in Medellin is fine to drink. However, if you do travel elsewhere in Colombia, check the health warnings as it’s generally not drinkable in most other areas.

Exercise

They say the Colombians are some of the most beautiful people in the world – so if you are looking to join the crew and stay in shape, there are plenty of places to go in Medellin.

Gyms

Alpha Fitness (Poblado) – has a great timetable for classes such as HIIT, TRX, yoga and crosstraining

Bodytech (all over) – loads of equipment available but one of the more expensive gyms, although you can get a trial pass which has 3 days free

Dinamo fitness (Envigado) – tends to be a bit cheaper, especially if you choose an off-peak membership

Yoga

Flying Tree (Laureles) – classes are available in both English & Spanish; 1x class is 25,000 COP (8.20 USD) or monthly unlimited passes are 160,000 COP (52.50 USD).

Running / walking

Parque Arvi – take the gondola to this massive area of nature, where you can walk around & enjoy the waterfalls and more

Cerro El Volador – a short but very steep hill close to Estadio, with incredible views overlooking the whole city

Stadium (Estadio) – the full-sized athletic track is free for public use

Nightlife

There’s a variety of bars and clubs all over the city, although they are most heavily saturated in El Poblado or Laureles. Reggaeton and salsa are probably the two most popular music types for the locals, but there are numerous places around so you’ll find something to suit your taste.

El Poblado:

The bars and clubs here tend to be a bit more western with more techno, house as well as the more Colombian reggaeton, salsa and bachata.

Electronic music: Mansion & Calle 9 are two popular clubs at the weekends, with entry usually costing just 10,000 COP (3.30 USD). Salon Amador has a good sound system but is a bit swankier and more expensive (usually 35,000 COP, approx 11.50 USD – although it can be more on special nights)

Salsa: Mojito Salsa Guaracha y Son. is a small, intimate but popular one.

Cheap beers with a chilled atmosphere: Latineria – located on Parque Poblado – has beers for around 4,000 COP (1.30 USD).

Laureles:

Calle 33 and the ‘setente’ (Carrera 70) is where most of the bars are situated here. They tend to feel a little more local, with more salsa and reggaeton.

Salsa/bachata: Son Havanah & El Tibiri are both popular spots amongst the locals

Carlos E Restrepo (not in, but close to, Laureles): A super eclectic area, close to the university, where many locals hang out and drink beers on the street, singing and dancing to the street performers. Drinking in the streets was banned in January, so this is one of the few places where you can chill at night.

Can’t speak Spanish?

Medellin is a very cosmopolitan city so most people in cafes and shops speak English – especially in the more western areas of Poblado & Laureles. El Centro is slightly less Western so you may find it a little harder to communicate in English but on the whole, you shouldn’t struggle too much without any Spanish.

There are lots of Spanish schools around and language exchanges if you do want to pick it up while living there. Some recommended Spanish schools are below:

El Poblado

Toucan 

Laureles

Prime 

Colombia Immersion

Weather in Medellin

Medellin is also called ‘The City of Eternal Spring’, because the weather is generally pretty good all year round. It does rain from time to time (and usually when it rains, it pours) but it’s consistently warm, being in the high 80s F / low 20s C.

It’s a cultural hub

There are many museums, independent theatres and cinemas, concerts and street art to inspire you when you’re not working. Botero’s sculptures are dotted around the city, there’s a plaza filled with 20m tall lights (Parque De Las Luces), and Comuna 13 (home to hip hop & graffiti artists) has some of the most vibrant street art in the city.

The list is constantly growing so it would be difficult to exhaust everything – but in the unlikely event of that happening, Medellin has two airports and national bus stations, so it’s easy to travel internally for a weekend away.

Safety in Medellin

One of the main things which puts people off visiting Medellin is the question of safety. The city has undergone a massive transformation in the last 20 years, and the locals are trying super hard to shift the stigma to increase tourism.

There are the same general precautions which need to be taken, as with any big city. However, from a personal perspective, I can honestly say that I haven’t felt at risk at all. Obviously, if you go looking for the illegal stuff, you will put yourself more at risk – but if you are careful, it shouldn’t be any more dangerous than any other big city in the world.

With a low-cost of living, good internet connection, and a large nomad community – it’s no wonder more and more nomads are flocking here. Will you be next?

Looking For More Medellin Posts?

10 Cool Things To Do in Medellín, Colombia

Backpacking Medellín, Colombia: A Beginner’s Guide

Canadians in Colombia: Experiencing a Football Game in Medellín

Why You Shouldn’t Miss The Medellín Walking Tour

The post A Digital Nomad Guide To Living in Medellin, Colombia appeared first on Goats On The Road.

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[thehungrykat1]

Novotel Manila Welcomes Summer With Opening of Ice N Cream (Part 2)

Summers in the Philippines are excruciatingly hot. They say that you can even fry an egg outside just by placing it on a hot concrete floor, and I totally believe that. So what’s the best way to cool and refresh ourselves during these sizzling summer months? Let’s have ice cream! Novotel Manila Araneta Center has the perfect solution to our problems as they open the newest and hippest ice cream parlor in the city, Ice N Cream by Novotel. The Hungry Kat was invited to the media launch of Ice N Cream last April 11, just two days after I had checked out from my summer staycation at Novotel Manila. It was great to be back at my new secret hideaway in Cubao and try all these fantastic ice cream flavors. 

But before that, let’s get back to my overnight staycation at Novotel Manila (read part 1 here) where I found another way to beat the summer heat. Their Swimming Pool is located on the sixth floor and is open from 6:00am to 7:00pm. I did not imagine this hidden tropical oasis sitting right here inside the busy Araneta Center, so it was so refreshing to get my feet wet and take a dip inside their lovely pool.

Families will definitely enjoy bringing their kids to the swimming pool for a morning or afternoon of fun and bonding. They can also learn essential swimming skills this summer through the Bert Lozada Swim School from March 29 to June 19, 2017. Kids and even adults can have sessions of learning and fun before the school season starts again.

I wanted to avoid the crowds so I decided to hit the swimming pool early in the morning after I woke up from my relaxing slumber. My massage service at In Balance Spa last night was really effective and it was so tempting to just lie in bed all morning, but I also wanted to take a quick swim.

Just beside the pool is the 6th Pool Bar and Lounge. This is a casual pool bar by day but it transforms into the trendiest outdoor club at night. Guests can groove to the beats of the resident DJ and experience a pool party during weekends and special events.

I just love having the pool all to myself which is why I usually wake up very early to catch this serenity. After a few laps around the pool, my tummy was already telling me that it was time to head down to Food Exchange for a yummy breakfast buffet. 

Food Exchange Manila offers its breakfast buffet from 6:30am to 10:30am. Guests at the Club floors can actually have their breakfast either here or at the more private Premier Lounge, but I always like the wider selection at the hotel cafe so this is where I usually have breakfast first. I did have an indulgent dinner last night so I really needed their Juice of the Day to keep my appetite healthy.

A wide selection of breads and pastries are available like the Ube Ensaymada which is a highly recommended item. Early risers can also get as much Puto Bumbong as they want as well as crepes, salads, fruits and more.

They also offer a good range of hot dishes like the Homemade Corned Beef which is a thicker and meatier version of those canned items. The Canadian Bacon was also a popular dish with its low fat bacon. I had some fried eggs prepared which I placed on top of my garlic rice and that was all I needed. Noodles and even pizza are also on hand with several juices and beverages to choose from.

After my breakfast at Food Exchange, I went up to the Premier Lounge to check out the breakfast setup there. The lounge is a better venue for those who want a quiet and more private breakfast experience. While the selection may be smaller, you get a much better view of the city. As expected, I could not help myself from having a second breakfast so I ordered a cup of hot chocolate and helped myself with a plate from the buffet table. That is how The Hungry Kat enjoys breakfast.

The best thing about staying at the Executive Room is that you can request for late check out as long as it is available. My check out was scheduled at 4:00pm so that gave me even more time to explore the hotel facilities. The one area that really impressed me at the hotel is their expansive bridal garden and tent called the Versailles Garden. This 2,500-square meter outdoor events venue can be found at the back of the swimming pool area and offers a spectacular place for weddings and celebrations. Many special occasions have been held at this venue which gives its guests an exclusive and enchanting area.

Would you believe that this picturesque garden paradise can be found right inside Cubao? I would have never thought that a place like this even existed here at the Araneta Center but Novotel Manila has definitely transformed the way we see this busy commercial district.

Novotel Manila is even taking it one step further this summer with outdoor movie screenings and garden picnics at the Versailles Garden all weekends of April starting April 15. Take a break and bond with family and friends while watching exciting movies at this outdoor oasis.

Another reason to visit Novotel Manila Araneta Center is the newly opened Ice N Cream by Novotel located at the lobby floor just beside Food Exchange Manila. The newest ice cream destination started scooping to the public yesterday, April 16, 2017 and gives everyone the coolest and sweetest reasons to beat the smoldering summer heat.

This hip ice cream parlor is not just for hotel guests but for anyone who wants to get out from the heat and enjoy their fun and creative ice cream flavors. There are around 30 different and unique ice cream flavors to choose from which you can enjoy on a cup or cone starting at only P100 per scoop. I think that’s much better than going to those crowded coffee shop for a cup of coffee that is twice as expensive.

Novotel’s ice cream are made from premium local and imported ingredients from Germany and France. These are all homemade and gluten-free, with less sugar and absolutely no stabilizers, resulting in a very creamy texture with high quality and consistency. Some of these flavors, like the Purple Dream with ube and langka, are found at the dessert section of Food Exchange Manila but diners loved these so much that Novotel decided to set up their own ice cream store.

Ice N Cream by Novotel showcases many creative and yummy flavors like Cocoyeah, creamy coconut milk mixed with slivers of young coconut meat; Breezy Berry, a mélange of berries married with the cool breeze of mint; or Sugar-Free options like Oh Honey Honey, local lime zing blended with Tagaytay honey. 

Other Philippine flavors are also highlighted like the Leche De Almond with its velvety leche flan crowned with crunchy Almond Florentine. The Passionista, on the other hand, has a pleasantly sweet and tart silky passionfruit goodness.

Ice N Cream by Novotel also offers classic flavors with catchy names such as Oui Vanilla, Choco Goes Nuts, It Match-a Been Love, and Wake Me Up Before You Go Go which has rich notes of coffee with real coffee bean crunch. They even have alcoholic ice cream flavors like Kirsche Me, a black forest ice cream with high quality couverture chocolate and sponge infused with fruity Kirsch brandy. Or try the Papa Don Preach with plump, juicy raisins enhanced with a kick of warmth from rum. All these exciting flavors are sure to keep ice cream fanatics coming back for more.

During the media launch last week, I was privileged to be one of the first to sample their myriad of delicious flavors. I ordered two scoops of ice cream on a cone with Choco Goes Nuts and Oui Vanilla flavors. I was really surprised with the creaminess of the ice cream which are almost similar to other imported ice cream brands. Novotel Manila takes pride in their homemade ice cream flavors and I can attest to the quality of their creations.

Guests can also choose to have their ice cream inside a cup for the same affordable price. You can also add toppings to your ice cream to personalize your treat.

Aside from the yummy ice cream offerings, Ice N Cream by Novotel also features freshly made pastries and baked favorites like Buko Pandan Layer Cake, Coconut Cheesecake, Chocolate Praline Cake, Croissant, Danish breads, Double Chocolate Chip cookies and much more. They also offer milkshakes and Carmen’s Best ice cream flavors for even more variety.

One ice cream monstrosity that is available at the Gourmet Bar by Novotel is the 15-scoop Le Mont Gourmand which is now also available at Ice N Cream. Media guests were invited to participate in a fun ice cream challenge to design and create their own bowl of Le Mont Gourmand. 

We had all these toppings, syrups and sauces at our disposal to create the best and most creative bowl of Le Mont Gourmand ice cream. It was not as easy as I thought because this bowl is huge! We also had to act quickly because the ice cream was melting fast.

Here it is! Presenting our own Le Mont Gourmand. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to win the top prize but we did have fun sharing and devouring this colorful bowl of ice cream.

Here’s another great treat from Novotel Manila. From April 16 to 29, 2017, Ice N Cream by Novotel will be having a Buy 1 Take 1 offer for the purchase of one scoop of any ice cream flavor (diner pays for the higher priced ice cream flavor). What’s more, if you are social media savvy and aspiring “IT” girls and guys, you can join the search for the Novotel iScreamers: The Ice N Cream Dream Team. Simply follow Novotel Manila’s Facebook page and look for their Ice N Cream contest video (here’s the link). Share on the comments why you should be part of Novotel iScreamers and take your shot to be part of the lucky five to win exciting prizes such as a year’s supply of ice cream at Ice N Cream by Novotel, one overnight stay in an Executive Suite with breakfast and Premier Lounge access similar to my summer staycation, exclusive passes to product tasting, events and new flavor launches, plus a meet and greet with the Bb. Pilipinas Candidates on April 28, 2017 during the Ice N Cream grand launching! Check out the full contest details here.

I never thought that I would enjoy having a staycation at Cubao, but everything during my stay at Novotel Manila Araneta Center has been magical. It has been a while since I last stayed in the Cubao district, but Novotel Manila has truly transformed the way I see Araneta Center and I’m sure this is the case for other travelers as well. Other higher priced luxury hotels may be more popular in Makati or at Roxas Boulevard, but Novotel Manila is now my favorite secret hideaway this side of the city.

Novotel Manila Araneta Center

Gen. Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City

990-7888

www.novotel.com/Manila

www.facebook.com/NovotelManilaAranetaCenter