Texas vs Colombia

Things you didn't know, you didn't know.....

So, I'm learning more about my new home everyday! This week I learned that Colombia is roughly twice the size of Texas. Seriously, who knew???

Texas = 268,581 sq miles

Colombia = 439,733 sq miles

Okay, so maybe not quite twice the size, but close!!  I also read (not exactly sure where) Colombia is about 1/9 the size of the US (I'm assuming not including Alaska). Again, who knew!?!

Other useless facts....

*Colombia is the only South American country with coastlines on both the North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea

*The electrical outlets are the same as the US!! Woot woot!

*Colombia Independence Day is July 20th (I arrive July 19th-- just in time)--- Yes, my one way airline ticket is being processed already!! I leave Texas on July 19th

I will be living in the El Poblado neighborhood when I arrive. Here are pictures of the area.....

Until next time....

Adios,

Carrie

Moving to Medellin, Colombia

On Friday, January 31, 2014 I made a two year commitment to a wonderful school (The Columbus School) in Medellin, Colombia. One might ask (many already have), "Why Colombia?" And I ask, "Why not?".

Here are a few reasons why I chose Medellin:

Here are a few facts about Medellin:

1. Average annual temperature- 72* F 

-Known as the city of Eternal Spring

-Medellin features a tropical rainforest climate (after all it's near the Amazon).

-Since it's located about 5,000 ft above sea level the temperatures are not as warm as other cities located at the same latitude (Medellin is surrounded by the Western Range of the Andes mountains)

-Temperatures remain constant throughout the year

2. In February 2013, Medellin was chosen as the most innovative city in the world due to its recent advances in politics, education, and social development. (No longer Pablo Escobar days- he died in 1993)

3. Population 2.4 million

4. Was once known as the most violent city in the world as a result of an urban war set off by the drug cartels. It was the home of the Medellin Cartel funded by Pablo Escobar. However, after the death of Escobar crime rates in the city have decreased.  The neighborhood that I will live in, El Poblano has virtually no homicides and is extremely safe. 

5. In December the city is covered with thousands of famous Christmas lights, which are considered by the National Geographic as one of the ten most beautiful in the world.

6. Medellin is considered a top notch research city in medicine. 

7. Medellin is home to over 30 universities.

8. It's spelled Colombia not Columbia. Just thought I'd add that since I don't think most people know this! 

Medellin is in the yellow box in the above picture. It's 644 miles from Panama, 918 miles from Caracas, 628 miles from Quito. Approximately an 11 hour drive to Cartagena and very close to the Galápagos Islands.  So, it's totally okay to be jealous of me and know you can visit me anytime!!

I will be blogging about my moving adventures more in the coming weeks! 

Adios,

Carrie