Spray's World (2024)

08/02/2023

10 facts on Prado, formerly Medellin's most exclusive neighbourhood

While Poblado and Laureles are the most popular neighbourhoods in Medellin for tourists, Prado is the most interesting and enigmatic. Here's to 10 facts to enrich your visit to Prado, Medellin. 1. Prado is the only officially protected barrio in Medellin Prado is located in Comuna 10 and it is the o...

26/01/2023

A visit to house where Pablo Escobar died prompting reflections on how the city treats its troubled past

A complaint Colombians commonly make about tourists is that their only reference to the country is Pablo Escobar and narco trafficking. What about the biodiversity, the music, dance, cuisine, amability, they might note. Indeed, a surefire way to pierce a budding friendship with a Colombian is to res...

23/01/2023

What I wish I knew about Medellin before I arrived... Here's my tips for getting the most out of the city.

After spending four fantastic months in Colombia’s second city from October to the end of January, I learned a lot. Here's what I wish I knew about Medellin sooner: Take advantage of menu del dias Traditionally lunch is the most important meal whereas dinner tends to be more of a snack. Eat like a...

19/01/2023

A history of San Pedro Claver, the so-called 'slave of the blacks', after stumbling upon his namesake church in Cartagena

Known as the "slave of the blacks", San Pedro Claver was a revered yet polemical character who dedicated his life to the aid of slaves. A visit to his eponymous church and cloister in Cartagena is recommended. A historic colonial cityThe early life of Pedro ClaverThe slave trade"The slave of the bla...

12/01/2023

A look at the history of Santa Fe de Antioquia, the former colonial capital, after a recent day trip from Medellin

Santa Fe de Antioquia is a captivating colonial town that makes a perfect day-trip from Medellin. It is the region’s oldest settlement, founded by Jorge Robledo in 1541 on the banks of the river Cauca, and was once the capital of Antioquia. It oozes history. The history of Santa Fe de AntioquiaJor...

10/01/2023

The fascinating history of Miss Universe in time for Saturday's pageant

Miss Universe takes place on Saturday the 14th of January at 8pm (GMT -5) in New Orleans, the United States. It is one of the 'big four' beauty pageants, which include Miss World, Miss Earth and Miss International. It is watched by an estimated half a billion people in over 190 territories. Just in....

06/01/2023

An up-coming trip to Cartagena sparked an interest in the fascinating tale of when the British tried to invade Colombia

In 1741, a vast British naval force died in a disastrous attack trying to capture Cartagena. They were repelled by a wily and mutilated Spanish naval commander, named Blas De Lezo, who managed to withstand the invasion with his much smaller force. This is the story of when the British tried to invad...

03/01/2023

An account of my first-day in Cuba, in which I arrive to Santa Clara, the home of the revolution.

First day in Cuba: arrival to Santa Clara - September 25th 2022 It’s the red eye from Toronto. We haven’t slept since the night before. At the check-in desk the air hostess hands us a piece of paper. Hurricane Ian is approaching Cuba. Travel is not recommended. Refunds are available. Groggy with...

30/12/2022

The best tips to explore Colombia's coffee region from Armenia

Armenia, the capital of Quindio, is a perfect base to explore Colombia’s coffee region. Count on top-class coffee shops, traditional coffee towns, stunning hikes amid epic palm trees, iconic jeeps to ferry you around, and an up and coming city growing in confidence. Here are my tips on what to do ...

24/12/2022

A piece on the background and history of the Colombian people

Colombia is the second most biologically diverse country in the world. It’s also the second most populous country in South America, with over 50 million inhabitants. It’s a nation with two oceans, the final northward thrust of the Andes, five contrasting deserts and a vast chunk of the Amazon ju...

23/12/2022

In which I describe my recent visit to Santorini in Antioquia, a replica of its Greek namesake, and visit nearby Hacienda Napoles, formerly Escobar's most famous ranch and now a bizarre theme park.

A weekend exploring the Santorini inspired neighbourhood in Doradal, Antioquia, and the nearby Hacienda Napoles, a theme park cm zoo and formerly Pablo Escobar’s infamous finca. The journey to Doradal The North Terminal bus station in Medellin overwhelms. The concourse throbs with animation. Tick...

21/12/2022

My tips on how to get the most out of a trip to Cuba

Cuba, with its unique history and Caribbean backdrop, is fascinating, compelling and inspiring. However, what attracts can also frustrate and madden. It's often a country that doesn't work. Exacerbated by the downturn in the economy since the pandemic and Trump’s reversal of the Obama reforms, it ...

09/12/2022

The murky background to one of Medellin's christmas traditions, the Alborada

It started with a bang. Soon the valley and hills were alight. Colourful fireworks danced and weaved around the sky, shooting up from around the valley. Families and friends gathered on balconies to watch the show. Thunderous noises bellowed from all directions. A constant racket. Medellin was on fi...

05/12/2022

Reflections on over-tourism after a trip to Barcelona

Tourists go home Seeing the first graffiti was a novelty. A rush of intrigue and levity. A brief distraction to the mundane. A gentle act of dissent. "Tourists go home", the blue scrawl boldly proclaimed. Very soon we saw more. More and more. Every block, corner and wall seemed to be inscribed with....

02/12/2022

A post industrial ‘hole’ reborn as a cultural hub with world-famous art and architecture. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, the historic city centre boasts a buzzing and delectable gourmet food scene. The city is Basque but ever so European. In early September I enjoyed a long weekend in Bilbao with my Dad. Day 1: a Basque welcome and pintxos in the old town…...

A post industrial ‘hole’ reborn as a cultural hub with world-famous art and architecture. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, the historic city centre boasts a buzzing and delectable gourmet food scene. The city is Basque but ever so European. In early September I enjoyed a long weekend in Bilb...

21/09/2022

A write up of my overnight trip to Cuenca in early September

https://spraysworld.com/overnight-trip-to-magical-cuenca/

A Unesco world heritage sight and one of Spain’s most arresting cities. Alluring and spell-binding, it’s most famous for its casa colgadas, buildings that literally hang from the cliff, and its modern art scene first established in the 1960s. Relatively un-touristy given its sheer beauty, Cuenca...

Spray's World