Barranquilla: ‘Golden’ gateway

0
1168
Part of the historic district of Barranquilla.
Part of the historic district of Barranquilla.

Men in smart suits close business deals, women dressed in elegant styles drink coffee on the go. It’s 8 a.m and there’s a sense of urgency in the air. No, this is not Bogotá. This is Barranquilla. Colombia’s fourth largest city, and one with so much more to offer than the perception it’s a mandatory layover on a trip to the coast; or the town of legendary carnival hangovers.

While Barranquilla could be Colombia’s Vegas-on-the-sea, its enterprising spirit is often overlooked by travelers. “Barranquilleros are born with one very strong rule: work hard,” states one local entrepreneur. “We work hard and it shows.”
This work ethic can be seen in the rapid progress of the city over the last 10 years: the influx of local and international designer shops, medical specialists and clinics, multi-language schools, nouveau architecture and the creation of well-to-do communities.

The city’s growth is led by the forward thinking mayor, Elsa Margarita Noguera. Her main focus has been job creation and investments in transportation infrastructure. “Colombia has to connect with the world through Barranquilla, and at the same time, the world has to connect with Colombia through Barranquilla,” remarked the mayor recently to the press. The geographical location of the city, strategically placed at the mouth of the Magdalena River, has helped its growth, especially in receiving foreign investment.

The gastronomy culture of Barranquilla is as crazy and mixed up as the third day of Carnival. Immediately after World War I and II, several groups of immigrants arrived from the Middle East and Asia bringing with them their food traditions and culture. If you are in the mood for Arabian cooking, try Arabe Gourmet (Cra 49C No.76 – 181) for a casual lunch in a relaxed atmosphere. Afterwards spend the rest of the afternoon browsing boutique stores, which offer the latest styles from renowned designers Francesca Miranda (Cra 52 No.79 -320 Local 3) and Silvia Tcherassi (Cra 51 No.79-82).

Shopping can squeeze you dry, so to quench your thirst, I suggest heading over to Bistro (Clle 106 with 51B) for a late afternoon drink which could turn into dinner, if you are tempted to linger and try their delicious traditional French and Italian cuisine, fused perfectly in an ancient city style atmosphere. For another option try El Cellar’s (Cra.54 No.75- 119) contemporary take on Colombian gastronomy.

Now, we cannot forget that Barranquilla is well-known for its yearly Carnival commotion, particularly since Barranquilleros try their utmost best to recreate this celebration every single week. So with your belly satisfied, suit up and get ready for a great night out with enthusiastic partygoers at Díscolo (Cra 43 No. 99-50) for night you might not remember.

After you have made holes in your feet, it is time to rest your body and mind. Barranquilla has wasted no time in constructing high quality accommodation, a night at Hotel Sonesta (Clle 106 No. 50- 11) won’t disappoint. If you mistook the aguadiente from the night before as water, detox your body at The Smoothie Factory (Cra 53 No. 85-49) with delicious smoothies, fresh juices and energizing vegetarian food. Or for a healthy lunch try Freshii (Cra53 No. 76-279). The food is light, revitalizing and great value for your money. I recommend the smokehouse burrito and banana nut crunch smoothie. Spend the rest of the afternoon in cool air, trawling shops with chic people at the best commercial centre Buenavista (Clle 98 No.52B-52). If you are looking for some history to accompany you on your modern excursion, the Romantic Museum (Cra 54 with Cll 59) offers visitors the chance to discover the rich history and tradition of Barranquilla.

The old Republican style mansion is well-stocked with astounding collections of valuable photos and historical artifacts such as letters from Liberator Simón Bolívar, the original costumes worn by the Carnival queens and the typewriter on which Gabriel García Márquez wrote his novel Leaf Storm. The Caribbean Museum (Clle 36 No.46-66) is another option and a must for history, art, and culture lovers. With its five floors representing the nature, people, words, actions and expressions that reflect the Colombian Caribbean, you will be taken on a journey filled with stories, songs and traditions of the region’s way of life.

Barranquilla is a city full of possibilities and, with the hardworking, dedicated and passionate Barranquilleros trying to make a prosperous and appealing life, Colombia’s ‘Golden Gateway’ may just be paved with diamonds.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here