LifeStyle
ChI Stays At…

•  Casa Medina Declared a national monument in 1985, this beautiful brick building is ideally located for easy access to the centre as well as other frequented areas of the city. The style is predominantly classic but new rooms have a distinctly more modern feel. Probably the best hotel in town, it has a cosy vibe and feels less ‘ corporate’ than the larger chain hotels. The restaurant is excellent. Not cheap but since you will save in expenses, splash out on the hotel! http://www.hotelescharleston.com/casamedina_ing/default.php 

•  Hotel de la Opera In downtown Candelaria, right next to the Colón theatre (which hosts very good events), this hotel is ideal if you prefer colonial architecture. The area is not particularly safe at night but it remains a preferred place to stay among foreigners who want to be within the old Candelaria area.
http://www.hotelopera.com.co/web/paginas/documento.php?

•  Howard Johnson Hotel In the up-market residential area of ´rosales´, this hotel was originally a house and preserves a discreet , intimate vibe at good prices (despite the chain image). Very good location.
Carrera 4, 69 A - 46

ChI Drinks…..
ChI is basically a wine drinker, but also enjoys a really, really good cocktail!

Check out:
•  Aguardiente Traditional aniseed based drink, usually served in small measures. Quite strong.
•  South American wines Take advantage of your location and splurge at the super-market (for really cheap prices compared to Europe) on Chilean wines. Try Casillero del Diablo.

 

ChI Reads….
(with a nod to Blue Chip’s “He reads….She reads”)

•  Anything by Enrique Serrano Currently ranked as the best contemporary Colombian writer (by people such as Gabriel García Márquez!). Start with ‘Tamerlan’.

 

ChI is Listening To….

• Anything by Los Cuatro de Belén. A group of Cuban musicians once went to Colombia and decided to stay! Amazing voices and music, they play all sorts, from slow to faster son cubano. And, you can even hire them for special events!