What Is Your Favorite City in the Whole World?

Summary

The author expresses a deep affection for Barranquilla, Colombia, despite its challenges, finding joy in its vibrant culture, food, and the personal happiness experienced there.

Abstract

The article titled "What Is Your Favorite City in the Whole World?" reveals the author's profound connection to Barranquilla, a city often overlooked for its objective lack of modernity, cleanliness, and tourist-friendly amenities. The author, who met her husband in Barranquilla during a transformative period in her life, paints a picture of a city that comes alive with color and festivity, especially during the winter months. Despite the heat, dust, and danger typically associated with the city, the author found a sense of inner peace and happiness while exploring its busy streets and indulging in its culinary delights. The experience was a stark contrast to the author's life in Germany, offering a sense of freedom and joy that led to a feeling of being in paradise. The article also provides a link to a friend's experience emigrating to South America and offers survival tips for traveling in Germany.

Opinions

The author acknowledges Barranquilla's shortcomings but emphasizes its vibrant and festive atmosphere, especially during the holidays.
Personal happiness and inner peace were found in Barranquilla, contrasting with the author's experiences in Germany.
The city's culinary offerings are highly praised, contributing significantly to the author's fondness for Barranquilla.
The author values the transformative power of travel and cultural immersion, as evidenced by the positive impact Barranquilla had during a depressive phase.
The article suggests that emotional connections and personal experiences can overshadow a place's objective qualities, leading to deep affection and appreciation.

My Love Belongs To Barranquilla

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The port city of Barranquilla in South America is certainly not the most beautiful city — objectively speaking. It has never been particularly modern or tourist-friendly, nor very clean.

Moreover, it is very hot all year round, hardly bearable during the day. The streets are dusty, the alleys dangerous.

But Barranquilla also shows color! 🙌

Especially during the winter months, when the holidays are approaching, everywhere is festively decorated.

Then Christmas vallenato plays on the radio while the wind plays with the leaves of the palm trees….

photo by jmsolerb from Wikimedia commons

My husband is from Barranquilla, and that’s where we met for the first time after we got to know each other online.

That was not long after my depressive phase, and I simply enjoyed being so far away from Germany. Far away from all responsibilities and duties.

I think I had almost forgotten what it means to be happy. But when the lukewarm night air brushed my skin during our walks and the loud musical rhythms from the streets accompanied our steps, I felt so light.

There were no more worries, doubts, or fears, only the magic of the moment.

photo by jmsolerb from Wikimedia commons

And the streets were always so busy! Quite different from here in Germany.

Actually, as an introvert, I would avoid crowds. But there I did not mind. So great was the feeling of inner peace.

09/13/2022

What Is Your Favorite City in the Whole World?

My Love Belongs To Barranquilla

But Barranquilla also shows color! 🙌

And everywhere there were stands with culinary offers! And with delicious food, you quickly win my heart. 🤍

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