Nice to see and hear a positive review! I was a very young man in 1973 and landed in Barranquilla during Carnival and it was an unbelievable experience and start to an awesome 45 days in Colombia. It was so much different then but so was everywhere 50 years ago. Still a great country…
I went to Carnaval for the first time this past February and it was incredible. People from all over the world showed up. Definitely going back next year.
Very interesting about summer carnival first time I heard about it. I am from Boston area so you being from Houston the nights will be similar to Barranquilla. I was working in Santiago, Chile a few days a month (very long flight trip) a met a woman online from Barranquilla. I had no expectations, little Spanish, me, No English for her but after many trips to her city we got married on a beach on the Big Island Hawaii on a Fiance Visa. That was 15 years ago and my beautiful wife is now very fluent in speech and written with a very good Accounting position. She can be fiery but she has a heart of gold and best thing that happened in my happy life. Your description of Barranquilla rings true and the city has grown leaps and bounds in infrastructure since early 2000's from a backwater South American city to one developing into very modern proud city. As you discovered Middle Eastern food has a long history with the Lebanese going on 80 years or more. Also in entertainment with Shakira, Sophia Vergara, Ms Universe 2015 and in MLB Edgar Renteria
I love and enjoy being in Barranquilla, to me it’s the BEST kept secret of Colombia. The airport is quick and efficient. The Malcon very nice chill and the traffic is not bad. I’ve mainly travel to coastal city’s (Cartagena). Trust me I hope and pray Barranquilla remains a SECRET!!
David, I have been living in Barranquilla for over eight years. I retired here. My wife is from Barranquilla. I first came here in 2001. Very different city now. I live in the north, right half way between the Viva shopping mall and Buena Vista. I don’t know if you went to any of those two. Anyway, getting in to Barranquilla is very sad. However, the road was extended a couple of years ago, the airport was rebuilt and now there are many excellent hotels. The culture here is one of partying and drinking. It goes on until 5AM. The malecón was opened about three years ago and there is more to be added. Barranquilla is a business and manufacturing city. There is a lot of old money from big businesses. The Colombian football team is based in Barranquilla. They have a first world training center. All home games are played here. In 2019, the city hosted the Central American and Caribbean games. There excellent great football, baseball and basketball venues. There is a great tennis center as well as an Olympic swimming center, roller skating venue and excellent parks. The old part of the city, which was very undesirable and a mess is now being rehabilitated. We have first world shopping and too many Starbucks! One problem here is the lack of culture when it comes to garbage, noise and rude behavior, specially on the roads. There is also a lack of international food options although Arabic food is great since there is a large Lebanese and Syrian population. Barranquilla is a main venue for all types of Caribbean artists in the salsa, merengue and vallenato type of music. There is an annual jazz festival, food festival and the carnaval. The city has improved greatly over the last ten years. While there are too many cars and no reliable public transportation system, we don’t have a car since taxis are readily available 24 hours and they are cheap. It is interesting to note, that most travelers do not think of coming to Barranquilla. They start in Santa Marta and then go to Cartagena, bypassing Barranquilla. We are 1 1/2 hours from both cities. Many visitors who find Cartagena too expensive, come to Barranquilla and take day trips there. Yes, it is hot and humid between March and October. Between November and February it is very pleasant. While Barranquilla is not on the ocean very much, you can visit the nearby city of Puerto Colombia whose waterfront and beaches have been cleaned up and are now a ver pleasant waterfront visit. The government of the Provincia (state) of Atlantico has done a great job of rehabbing the beaches and of trying to get away from the problems that you find in Santa Marta and Cartagena. Barranquilla does not have an old town like those two cities, but it makes it up by offering great shopping, restaurants and night life. It is not perfect but getting better. I hope that you can tell us where you lodged and where you visited outside of the malecón.
Excellent synopisis of Barranquilla Wolfgang present and too distant past. When I first visited back 15 years ago me being light brown hair and blue eyes I was always glanced upon (but not in a bad way, just curious). I bought near the zoo, a property that I rent but wished I had purchased in Puerto Colombia where I was first looking when it was just beginning to grow
David please keep making great videos my fiance of 4 years is from Cartagena and i have been to Colombia many times. I absolutely love it there. However We're not able to get back there until 2025. Your videos are great reminders of good times and good people. Thank you.
i will also say this about barranquilla. As a foreigner, I was alone at the public beach and not once any vendor or anyone tried to scam me, they also showed me the menu and what I wanted to order and the price for each meal. I also went swimming in the pool while leaving my phone in the bag at my table on beach. Came back after like 20 minutes no one touched it. (NOW I DO NOT RECOMMEND DOING THIS, I couldn't resist the water so i had to go lol). Just overall the people seemed really cool, I don't think anyone tried to scam me even once and I am a solo traveller with 0 Spanish.
Best haircut of my life was in Barranquilla for under $5. There's a lot of nice empty houses near where I stayed by Romelio Martinez Stadium. Good Carnaval
Great story David. I went to Barranquilla for Carnival 9 years ago. And everything you experienced, the parade, concert, humidity, dancing, people having a great time, was what i experienced too. There is some breeze, but it is humid. I didn't think it was dirty at all. I felt safe too. It was crowded, but I wouldn't say it was overcrowded. I don't recall the boardwalk, so i think that might be new. I would love to go back again. Thanks for the update.
Rest in Peace to Timothy Reed he was from Atlanta ,Georgia and was shot and killed in barranquilla back in 2021. The case is still unsolved he went to barranquilla to purchase two buildings one was for real estate and the other one was a commercial building to open up a soul food restaurant. He purchased both properties from a Sketchy real estate owner in Barranquilla and paid the guy 300k with a money order check and was killed weeks later he was only 52 years young.
They did him real dirty, he didn't know the language and was relying on some woman he met to help him. I think he was set up, nothing random about that murder.
In my opinion Barranquilla is the best place in colombia to live, nice city, near to Cartagena if you want to spend a nice weekend there but also near to tayrona park, I believe digital nomads did not have Barranquilla as an option but now that Medellin is getting full and more expensive Barranquilla should could be the second option for digital nomads. Conclusion Medellin and Barranquilla are the best cities in colombia
Champeta was originally used as an insult for African-descent communities in northern Colombia. It later emerged as a frenzied folk music tradition, combining Congolese and West African rhythms with indigenous Antilles music, and is a regional favourite in Cartagena, Barranquilla, Cali and capital Bogotá.
When I heart champeta for the first time in 2009 I recorded it and sent it to my mom and she thought I was on vacation back in africa from the dancing style and rhythm
This goes into my list of favorites. Such a positive great recounting of your experience in Barranquilla, not on my list of places to visit, as I am not a fan of hot, humid weather, but, you sure made it sound tempting. Thanks for the share.
I was Born in Barranquilla but I live in Houston Texas now 😅. I spent my whole adult life in the US Army so I was always scared to go back to Colombia. I went back to visit the family, for the 1st time in 23 years and have to say I fell in love with it . Will be going back in two weeks
I love Barranquilla (pues...en el norte😂). David I see you went to the malecon right on the rio Magdalena. Yes its not new, but recently lots of plans and new construction has been happening on the malecon. There is even a plan to build a huge hotel structure with restaurants and a place inside to host futbol games and monster truck rallys. Yes its very hot, the inner part doesn't have much of a breeze unless a tormenta is coming. Glad to see you had a great time, I always enjoy going.
Great that you finally got to know my hometown. I guess the problem with that summer carnival is that was the first time they dit it and nobody knows it. In the other hand Barranquilla is known for not being a tourist city, visitors literally drive throught it when traveling from Cartagena to Santa Marta without even asking whats is there. But during the last decade the city has been trying to bring more tourism as well as "develop" another type of tourism (events) thats what you guys experienced. The Malecon is part of that development, as well as El Centro restauration, Mallorquin lagune complex and more.
I like Barranquilla and considering living there someday. It’s laid back. Went to Carnaval in Feb. In Santa Marta last week, it was even quieter. In Cartagena now. The coast is definitely hotter! 🔥 I like Champeta too and you pronounced it correctly .
I've been to Barranquilla a few times. Even locals don't know why it's called Barranquilla Airport. It's should've been called Soledad Airport. From the airport, it's another 40 min to the northern part of Barranquilla.
Good video. I'm glad you had fun and were surprised at how nice it was. I'm more of a coastal Colombia guy myself. So, I've been to Cartagena, Santa Marta, Barranquilla to name a few and each time I've loved it. To me the coastal regions have a tad more flavor in everything. Not to take away from Inner Colombia, it is just a personal preference kind of thing. I enjoyed watching!
Hi David. Loved this story. Your channel can be so wholesome. Laughed way to hard at the radio presenter and competition tickets. What a great story. Keep up the good vids. Glad you two had a good time at Barranquilla. Sounds like a awesome festival. Not all have to be big events. I like that you are doing some videos outside. Gives a different feel to it.
What's interesting is ? Many people assume just because you're from Lebanon you're Arabé. Huge misconception. Same thing in Egypt. Many traditions an food in Egypt are Christian base Coptic. Which the Coptic language is closer to the original Ancient Egyptian language.
@@nadicmark-4077 I'm sure some are not. Im speaking identity not culture. Culture isn't exactly identity. Culture can be impose on you. But not D.N.A. Christian existed since Mesopotamia, before Islam came. Lebanon, on a general surface has arab culture an many are, but many identify as not an act as such. Lebanon consisted of Phoenician, Maronites, Levantine lineage. Which like Egyptians ? still have decent. Not to mention other minor ethnic groups Southern Europeans, Turks. Arabs have a habit of generalizing everyone as one. Like Islam. Latino people are no different. I'm American Bolivian with Italian Turkish ancestry. The Spanish conquest didn't native people. We see it even in Colombia. Arabs are from Arabian Gulf.
@@Misael8924 well I'm colombian and my ancestors came from andalusia/galicia and the balkans and grow up around christian palestinians and christian Lebanese kids, they identified themselves as ARABS, I know their history firsthand, I don't need no stupid education phd to know the subject.. ..capice?
Uh those immigrants where centuries ago, most Colombian ppl are mestizo aka Native American blood with European admixture,stop making it. Seem like Colombians are half Arab or something 🤣we know that's not the case. Even Petro looks native American with his almond shaped eyes and most Colombian are short ppl , they look different than taller Arab or Spanish ppl. Colombian ppl are more native American than Arab FACT. Even the word Arepa is a indian word and Arepa were eaten by the native ppl The Spanish raped and stole gold from
Barranquilla was much better some 20 years ago. Long ago, I used to sail in that area, and was excellent. Often stay in Barranquilla for several days as I make my way to Maracaibo and other locations in Venezuela. The problem with all of Colombia is the scams Colombians play on visitors. Even Colombians visiting other cities get scammed just the same. Lately, has been nearly impossible to sail to Colombia. I am more afraid of the naval authorities than the rateros.
Mr David, you still in Colombia after all these years...Me too..I spent some time in St Louis and illinois also I lived in Malta ( Europe ) and I got bored at some point so I came back to my jungle...Greetings from Cali - Valle...
Tips about Barranquilla: if you go between December to April the weather is way nicer, I think it’s the only city in colombia with 2 season,2 tip is go to puerto colombia, 3 take a boat to visit parque isla Salamanca, 4 you need to visit the eco parque ciénaga de mallorquín, casa del carnaval, museo romántico, barrio el prado
Great Story! But im surprised you said why the Costal People people don't like Rolos. You know there big regionalism in Colombia. Is like each region have beef among each others. Barranquilla & Bucaramanga are Great cities that I hope many foreigners don't find out and stay in Medellin, Bogota & Cartagena.
Damn, David. Please. Barranquilla is one of Colombia’s best kept secret. Please let your viewers know not to come here and behave badly. We don’t want anyone to come ruin the city.. 😂
David, I’ve been married to a girl from Barranquilla for four years and I’ve been there four times. Wonderful place, and we plan to retire there in a few. I’ve also been to Medellin, which I enjoyed very much, but I would say the biggest difference between the two, not including climate, would be the warm welcoming people. Medellin was a little colder - people just kept to themselves, while Barranquilleros are just very open and conversational which makes your experience very pleasant. Definitely enjoy the climate in Medellin, but if I had to pick between the two, it would have to be Barranquilla with everything around it like Santa Marta, Puerto, Colombia, and Cartagena.
What's up bro!, From Tx also. Been traveling there a few years also. Yea BQ is dope! been there a few times also. BQ has a big arab influence also. thats why there are more then usual restaurants like that. Yea that malacon is pretty new also super nice. there's an area where they got like 8 restaurants all together. Out of all the costa id say BQ is pob the best place to live in my opinion. I'll be there in a few weeks, i'll hit you up, jjaja dale pues parcero
Many people assume just because you're from Lebanon your Arabé. Huge misconception. Same thing in Egypt. Many traditions an food in Egypt are Christian base Coptic. Which the Coptic language is closer to the original Ancient Egyptian language. Everyone in Middle East countries aren't Arab bro.
Never trust third party booking websites. The savings is not much of a difference and there are more headaches that can spring up compared to booking directly.
David: I think you are a great raconteur! You really seem to be enjoying your Colombian life! 100% agree about not liking excess heat and humidity! Manizales has always been on my "watch list." I hope one day you might do a trip there and give us your impressions. I know Medellin is nice, but for older folks, it seems a little too much of everything.
I am thinking of going there. I have been to Medellin a few times, Bogota once, and Cartegana once. I appreciate each city but Medellin is where I visited most. I heard Barranqilua was beautiful and a great city. I think your video gave a fair assessment from what I have heard. I will check out your other video to hear a more in-depth view of the city sites.
Man o man! You had me on pins and needles after seeing the title. I thought " oh no! I hope they didn't get robbed!"😅 So happy you enjoyed Curramba. It's the 4th largest city in the country and is making good strides in improving the lives of their population. On a different note, I'm writing to you from H-Town. Houston. Dealing with a straight month of 100 degree temperature and 100% humidity. It's been miserable! Missed your videos David. Glad to see your new content. Cheers from hot muggy Houston. 👍
The drive from Soledad to a neighborhood like Riomar is insane. Feels like an entirely different city. Of course every city has it's built up areas, and also more run down neighborhoods, but I saw nothing but trash and poverty for the first 30 minutes. Get into Northern Barranquilla and I felt like I was in a super nice wealthy city. Quite the transition.
I was there for about a week in February, but left the day of the main carnaval. There were still lots of carnaval related festivities and decor around the city. I went to the Gran Malecón boardwalk the week before the main day and there were a lot of people out there at night. And yes, a very strong breeze and very choppy water on the river. Checked out the Ventana Al Mundo and the Aleta de Juniors Tiburon display too. By the way, sometimes Barranquilla can be less expensive to fly to than Cartagena or Medellin depending on your departure city. A bus to Cartagena is about $10 and takes about 2 hours if you don't want to deal with the airport. Also it's only an hour from Santa Marta by car, so you can make it your arrival / departure city for a trip to Santa Marta too. I stayed in a holiday inn express (i have lots of points) near the new centro comercial (Atlantico?) - anyway - very modern shopping centers there. I had a good time. I never felt in danger, and people were very friendly.
Hey David , I was in Colombia for 3 weeks in January . I liked Barranquilla , far more than Cartagena . Next trip to Colombia , ill spend more time there . B
My wife and her family are from soledad and I have spent weeks there and never had an issue. I'm not naieve and do realize there is alot of extortion crimes happening on a daily basis but just my 2 cents. Never felt unsafe there however I am returning once again in a month and have booked an Airbnb in the north because the accommodations are much nicer en el norte😅
Hi David. This video caught my attention. I've been to Colombia several times and I know five cities: Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Cartagena and Popayan. I liked them all but Cartagena for my taste was too touristy. I plan to return to Colombia next year (2024) and I want to explore a new city. Recently on youtube I saw another travel video about Barranquilla which was also very positive, describing it as one of Colombia's hidden gems. So, I haven't made up my mind completely, but I'm thinking of adding Barranquilla to the list of Colombian cities I have visited. The vibes have been quite positive. Despite the fact that, like you, I hate heat and humidity.
if medellin will stay in pants the residents of Barranquilla would stay in their city and not migrate to Medellín, stop the offensive comments they are very different cities, each city can have things that can attract a certain group of people the difference is that Medellín grew thanks to its own inhabitants and Barranquilla did it thanks to foreign investment and that is what they are looking for, from your comment it even seems that you are an offended Barranquillero
I've seen similar things in the past in Bogota. The promoters hype the festivals like it's a big event and it turns out to be something fairly small. I'm not sure about the hot dog festival, but in Bogota they have fritanga fest and it seems just like a ploy to get people to go the restaurants with maybe a small promotional discount.
Very interesting David. I’m living in Villavicencio right now and my girlfriend and I are heading to Cartagena in a month or so. After this video I think we might just stop off at Barranquilla also. Thanks for the info.
Before I lost my job I was hoping to leave Barranquilla and move to Cali. Why? Because in Cali they speak something close to Normal Spanish. On the coast in Barranquilla, Costeñol is an unintelligible garbage fire, bro 😂
Dude, you were here?! My host is from Medellin and she keeps telling me how good the Comida Áribe is. I’m going to finally try this week. I was going to go to the Carnaval but I had a stomach ache (or was that Dia del Independencia?). Lots going on here.
I actually live not too far from that restaurant. I've been there once and I liked it (though I totally forgot to write a review on Google Maps). Hey David, when you're coming back to BAQ let me know and I'll be happy to show you around a little... mostly restaurants and places where you can get some peace and quiet (those are my areas of expertise 😅)
This is so funny, is not that we don't like people from bogota is just that they cant dance or move like costeños. There's always been a running joke between the regions and rolos are known for their lack of dancing skills Great video mate!
I haven’t seen any vids about people who want to be expats in Columbia, but have families. I’d be interested to see how private school works and cost. Where the good schools are etc.
People think people from Bogota are stuck up. I have friends I like from Bogota but when I am in Medellin and talk about Bogota people shake their heads. It’s weird.
Not surprised at all David. Why would more people be interested in a "mini Carnival." Locals here have the Carnival festival every year. EVERY SINGLE YEAR. It makes sense they're not interested in another "mini festival"... It like saying more Caleños should attend a "mini Feria de Cali" Why??? They lived here. It's a yearly event.
Unfortunately regionalismo in Colombia is really bad. The people in the interior will find any excuse to put the coast down. Barranquilla is beautifully though. The north reminds me of affluent neighborhoods in Dade or Kendall counties.
Nice to see and hear a positive review! I was a very young man in 1973 and landed in Barranquilla during Carnival and it was an unbelievable experience and start to an awesome 45 days in Colombia. It was so much different then but so was everywhere 50 years ago. Still a great country…
I went to Carnaval for the first time this past February and it was incredible. People from all over the world showed up. Definitely going back next year.
Very interesting about summer carnival first time I heard about it. I am from Boston area so you being from Houston the nights will be similar to Barranquilla. I was working in Santiago, Chile a few days a month (very long flight trip) a met a woman online from Barranquilla. I had no expectations, little Spanish, me, No English for her but after many trips to her city we got married on a beach on the Big Island Hawaii on a Fiance Visa. That was 15 years ago and my beautiful wife is now very fluent in speech and written with a very good Accounting position. She can be fiery but she has a heart of gold and best thing that happened in my happy life. Your description of Barranquilla rings true and the city has grown leaps and bounds in infrastructure since early 2000's from a backwater South American city to one developing into very modern proud city. As you discovered Middle Eastern food has a long history with the Lebanese going on 80 years or more. Also in entertainment with Shakira, Sophia Vergara, Ms Universe 2015 and in MLB Edgar Renteria
You got exactly what you originally wanted, a fun festival without oppressive crowds and expensive prices!
True 👍
And you stand with Ukraine 🤡
I love and enjoy being in Barranquilla, to me it’s the BEST kept secret of Colombia. The airport is quick and efficient. The Malcon very nice chill and the traffic is not bad. I’ve mainly travel to coastal city’s (Cartagena). Trust me I hope and pray Barranquilla remains a SECRET!!
I left Cartagena after almost 3 years there to live in North Barranquilla . Been 2 months now and l love it
I heard its more normal girls over there
@dyblifestyle Not really. Any girls who have access to social media suddenly are no longer "normal".
I live in BAQ as well, BTW... almost a year now
David, I have been living in Barranquilla for over eight years. I retired here. My wife is from Barranquilla. I first came here in 2001. Very different city now. I live in the north, right half way between the Viva shopping mall and Buena Vista. I don’t know if you went to any of those two. Anyway, getting in to Barranquilla is very sad. However, the road was extended a couple of years ago, the airport was rebuilt and now there are many excellent hotels. The culture here is one of partying and drinking. It goes on until 5AM. The malecón was opened about three years ago and there is more to be added. Barranquilla is a business and manufacturing city. There is a lot of old money from big businesses. The Colombian football team is based in Barranquilla. They have a first world training center. All home games are played here. In 2019, the city hosted the Central American and Caribbean games. There excellent great football, baseball and basketball venues. There is a great tennis center as well as an Olympic swimming center, roller skating venue and excellent parks. The old part of the city, which was very undesirable and a mess is now being rehabilitated. We have first world shopping and too many Starbucks! One problem here is the lack of culture when it comes to garbage, noise and rude behavior, specially on the roads. There is also a lack of international food options although Arabic food is great since there is a large Lebanese and Syrian population. Barranquilla is a main venue for all types of Caribbean artists in the salsa, merengue and vallenato type of music. There is an annual jazz festival, food festival and the carnaval. The city has improved greatly over the last ten years. While there are too many cars and no reliable public transportation system, we don’t have a car since taxis are readily available 24 hours and they are cheap. It is interesting to note, that most travelers do not think of coming to Barranquilla. They start in Santa Marta and then go to Cartagena, bypassing Barranquilla. We are 1 1/2 hours from both cities. Many visitors who find Cartagena too expensive, come to Barranquilla and take day trips there. Yes, it is hot and humid between March and October. Between November and February it is very pleasant. While Barranquilla is not on the ocean very much, you can visit the nearby city of Puerto Colombia whose waterfront and beaches have been cleaned up and are now a ver pleasant waterfront visit. The government of the Provincia (state) of Atlantico has done a great job of rehabbing the beaches and of trying to get away from the problems that you find in Santa Marta and Cartagena. Barranquilla does not have an old town like those two cities, but it makes it up by offering great shopping, restaurants and night life. It is not perfect but getting better. I hope that you can tell us where you lodged and where you visited outside of the malecón.
Excellent synopisis of Barranquilla Wolfgang present and too distant past. When I first visited back 15 years ago me being light brown hair and blue eyes I was always glanced upon (but not in a bad way, just curious). I bought near the zoo, a property that I rent but wished I had purchased in Puerto Colombia where I was first looking when it was just beginning to grow
I was in Barranquilla recently, it is an emerging city, for entertainment you have to ask around, as entertainment is not concentrated in one area.
David please keep making great videos my fiance of 4 years is from Cartagena and i have been to Colombia many times. I absolutely love it there. However We're not able to get back there until 2025. Your videos are great reminders of good times and good people. Thank you.
I was in Barranquilla 5 days ago. Man that's a beautiful city. The temperature was mild. I looked at my girlfriend and said...let's move here!
i will also say this about barranquilla.
As a foreigner, I was alone at the public beach and not once any vendor or anyone tried to scam me, they also showed me the menu and what I wanted to order and the price for each meal.
I also went swimming in the pool while leaving my phone in the bag at my table on beach.
Came back after like 20 minutes no one touched it.
(NOW I DO NOT RECOMMEND DOING THIS, I couldn't resist the water so i had to go lol).
Just overall the people seemed really cool, I don't think anyone tried to scam me even once and I am a solo traveller with 0 Spanish.
we have values and principles, ciudad conservadora.
Best haircut of my life was in Barranquilla for under $5. There's a lot of nice empty houses near where I stayed by Romelio Martinez Stadium. Good Carnaval
I recently lived in Barranquilla for a year. It's Colombia's best kept secret.
@user-xn3dq7sz4k I didn't meet even one other gringo the whole time. It seems like no one really thinks about going there
yep correct keep it a secret lol
Keep it secret men..Gringos and Europeans love going places like that...Greetings from Cali..
Great story David. I went to Barranquilla for Carnival 9 years ago. And everything you experienced, the parade, concert, humidity, dancing, people having a great time, was what i experienced too. There is some breeze, but it is humid. I didn't think it was dirty at all. I felt safe too. It was crowded, but I wouldn't say it was overcrowded. I don't recall the boardwalk, so i think that might be new. I would love to go back again. Thanks for the update.
Rest in Peace to Timothy Reed he was from Atlanta ,Georgia and was shot and killed in barranquilla back in 2021. The case is still unsolved he went to barranquilla to purchase two buildings one was for real estate and the other one was a commercial building to open up a soul food restaurant. He purchased both properties from a
Sketchy real estate owner in Barranquilla and paid the guy 300k with a money order check and was killed weeks later he was only 52 years young.
I remember this happening. It is a real crime and a shame those who did this are still not apprehended. Who knows if there is an investigation.
@@2Que4 very sad situation he left behind 3 sons in the states I pray he receives justice he was clearly set up
They did him real dirty, he didn't know the language and was relying on some woman he met to help him. I think he was set up, nothing random about that murder.
Thought he was killed because of a robbery for a gold chain he was wearing
@@tooneov not true at all
In my opinion Barranquilla is the best place in colombia to live, nice city, near to Cartagena if you want to spend a nice weekend there but also near to tayrona park, I believe digital nomads did not have Barranquilla as an option but now that Medellin is getting full and more expensive Barranquilla should could be the second option for digital nomads. Conclusion Medellin and Barranquilla are the best cities in colombia
The North is beautiful & relatively safe! No dar papaya y cuídate siempre!
💯
Love it there.
Champeta was originally used as an insult for African-descent communities in northern Colombia. It later emerged as a frenzied folk music tradition, combining Congolese and West African rhythms with indigenous Antilles music, and is a regional favourite in Cartagena, Barranquilla, Cali and capital Bogotá.
When I heart champeta for the first time in 2009 I recorded it and sent it to my mom and she thought I was on vacation back in africa from the dancing style and rhythm
Thanks for the info - I never heard of it
😂😂😂 who said that😂😂😂
This goes into my list of favorites. Such a positive great recounting of your experience in Barranquilla, not on my list of places to visit, as I am not a fan of hot, humid weather, but, you sure made it sound tempting. Thanks for the share.
I was Born in Barranquilla but I live in Houston Texas now 😅. I spent my whole adult life in the US Army so I was always scared to go back to Colombia. I went back to visit the family, for the 1st time in 23 years and have to say I fell in love with it . Will be going back in two weeks
You should do a live video walk around Barranquilla one day.
barranquilla is one of my favorite cities in Colombia!
David is a perfect mix of Quagmire and Joe from Family Guy lmao
I love Barranquilla (pues...en el norte😂). David I see you went to the malecon right on the rio Magdalena. Yes its not new, but recently lots of plans and new construction has been happening on the malecon. There is even a plan to build a huge hotel structure with restaurants and a place inside to host futbol games and monster truck rallys.
Yes its very hot, the inner part doesn't have much of a breeze unless a tormenta is coming.
Glad to see you had a great time, I always enjoy going.
Great that you finally got to know my hometown. I guess the problem with that summer carnival is that was the first time they dit it and nobody knows it. In the other hand Barranquilla is known for not being a tourist city, visitors literally drive throught it when traveling from Cartagena to Santa Marta without even asking whats is there. But during the last decade the city has been trying to bring more tourism as well as "develop" another type of tourism (events) thats what you guys experienced. The Malecon is part of that development, as well as El Centro restauration, Mallorquin lagune complex and more.
I like Barranquilla and considering living there someday. It’s laid back. Went to Carnaval in Feb. In Santa Marta last week, it was even quieter. In Cartagena now. The coast is definitely hotter! 🔥 I like Champeta too and you pronounced it correctly
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I've been to Barranquilla a few times. Even locals don't know why it's called Barranquilla Airport. It's should've been called Soledad Airport. From the airport, it's another 40 min to the northern part of Barranquilla.
The airport is under Barranquilla administration, it is located in Soledad but the district is paying to use that portion of land. That’s why.
What??? This is your first time? I'm good for you both. Now you've GOT TO GO in Feb. Craaaaaazzzzy fun
I'm gonna have to make it this time for sure.
Good video. I'm glad you had fun and were surprised at how nice it was. I'm more of a coastal Colombia guy myself. So, I've been to Cartagena, Santa Marta, Barranquilla to name a few and each time I've loved it. To me the coastal regions have a tad more flavor in everything. Not to take away from Inner Colombia, it is just a personal preference kind of thing. I enjoyed watching!
Hi David. Loved this story. Your channel can be so wholesome. Laughed way to hard at the radio presenter and competition tickets. What a great story. Keep up the good vids.
Glad you two had a good time at Barranquilla. Sounds like a awesome festival. Not all have to be big events.
I like that you are doing some videos outside. Gives a different feel to it.
there's a lot of Lebanese influence in Barranquilla, from the elite to the governors are of Lebanese descendants including Shakira the singer!
What's interesting is ? Many people assume just because you're from Lebanon you're Arabé. Huge misconception. Same thing in Egypt. Many traditions an food in Egypt are Christian base Coptic. Which the Coptic language is closer to the original Ancient Egyptian language.
@@Misael8924 colombian lebanese people are all arab christians, also there are a good share of christian palestinian arabs all over the country.
@@nadicmark-4077 I'm sure some are not. Im speaking identity not culture. Culture isn't exactly identity. Culture can be impose on you. But not D.N.A. Christian existed since Mesopotamia, before Islam came. Lebanon, on a general surface has arab culture an many are, but many identify as not an act as such.
Lebanon consisted of Phoenician, Maronites, Levantine lineage. Which like Egyptians ? still have decent. Not to mention other minor ethnic groups Southern Europeans, Turks. Arabs have a habit of generalizing everyone as one. Like Islam. Latino people are no different. I'm American Bolivian with Italian Turkish ancestry. The Spanish conquest didn't native people. We see it even in Colombia. Arabs are from Arabian Gulf.
@@Misael8924 well I'm colombian and my ancestors came from andalusia/galicia and the balkans and grow up around christian palestinians and christian Lebanese kids, they identified themselves as ARABS, I know their history firsthand, I don't need no stupid education phd to know the subject.. ..capice?
Uh those immigrants where centuries ago, most Colombian ppl are mestizo aka Native American blood with European admixture,stop making it. Seem like Colombians are half Arab or something 🤣we know that's not the case. Even Petro looks native American with his almond shaped eyes and most Colombian are short ppl , they look different than taller Arab or Spanish ppl. Colombian ppl are more native American than Arab FACT. Even the word Arepa is a indian word and Arepa were eaten by the native ppl The Spanish raped and stole gold from
Barranquilla was much better some 20 years ago. Long ago, I used to sail in that area, and was excellent. Often stay in Barranquilla for several days as I make my way to Maracaibo and other locations in Venezuela. The problem with all of Colombia is the scams Colombians play on visitors. Even Colombians visiting other cities get scammed just the same. Lately, has been nearly impossible to sail to Colombia. I am more afraid of the naval authorities than the rateros.
Mr David, you still in Colombia after all these years...Me too..I spent some time in St Louis and illinois also I lived in Malta ( Europe ) and I got bored at some point so I came back to my jungle...Greetings from Cali - Valle...
i visit Barranquilla each year with my wife to visit her family i like it and i now know the city well now but the heat gets me every time.
Tips about Barranquilla: if you go between December to April the weather is way nicer, I think it’s the only city in colombia with 2 season,2 tip is go to puerto colombia, 3 take a boat to visit parque isla Salamanca, 4 you need to visit the eco parque ciénaga de mallorquín, casa del carnaval, museo romántico, barrio el prado
I love Colombia. I looked at Barranquilla today. You sold me. Greetings from Manizales!
Great video, I've been watching you since I went to Bogota. I'll be back end of next month to Barranquilla, Santa marta and Cali or Medellin.
I could have met you.😲 I was in Barranquilla at the time as well for my Birthday. I left for Medellín on the 16th.😁
Barranquilla is beautiful
Great Story! But im surprised you said why the Costal People people don't like Rolos. You know there big regionalism in Colombia. Is like each region have beef among each others. Barranquilla & Bucaramanga are Great cities that I hope many foreigners don't find out and stay in Medellin, Bogota & Cartagena.
Agreed I hope they stay out big time.
Damn, David. Please. Barranquilla is one of Colombia’s best kept secret. Please let your viewers know not to come here and behave badly. We don’t want anyone to come ruin the city.. 😂
A lot of expats already moving there
Right? LoL! Where do you stay, BTW? I am in El Porvenir
@@ChineduOpara I usually stay in the Riomar / El Poblado areas.
@imperfectillustration6261 OH do you live in BAQ, or you just visit?
@@ChineduOpara I visit Barranquilla about twice a month. I’m here now…
Thank you, David! Coming from a TEXAN it's a BIG complement for Barranquilla.
David, I’ve been married to a girl from Barranquilla for four years and I’ve been there four times. Wonderful place, and we plan to retire there in a few. I’ve also been to Medellin, which I enjoyed very much, but I would say the biggest difference between the two, not including climate, would be the warm welcoming people. Medellin was a little colder - people just kept to themselves, while Barranquilleros are just very open and conversational which makes your experience very pleasant. Definitely enjoy the climate in Medellin, but if I had to pick between the two, it would have to be Barranquilla with everything around it like Santa Marta, Puerto, Colombia, and Cartagena.
What's up bro!, From Tx also. Been traveling there a few years also. Yea BQ is dope! been there a few times also. BQ has a big arab influence also. thats why there are more then usual restaurants like that. Yea that malacon is pretty new also super nice. there's an area where they got like 8 restaurants all together. Out of all the costa id say BQ is pob the best place to live in my opinion. I'll be there in a few weeks, i'll hit you up, jjaja dale pues parcero
Many people assume just because you're from Lebanon your Arabé. Huge misconception. Same thing in Egypt. Many traditions an food in Egypt are Christian base Coptic. Which the Coptic language is closer to the original Ancient Egyptian language. Everyone in Middle East countries aren't Arab bro.
Never trust third party booking websites. The savings is not much of a difference and there are more headaches that can spring up compared to booking directly.
David: I think you are a great raconteur! You really seem to be enjoying your Colombian life! 100% agree about not liking excess heat and humidity! Manizales has always been on my "watch list." I hope one day you might do a trip there and give us your impressions. I know Medellin is nice, but for older folks, it seems a little too much of everything.
Great video 💯💯💯
I am thinking of going there. I have been to Medellin a few times, Bogota once, and Cartegana once. I appreciate each city but Medellin is where I visited most. I heard Barranqilua was beautiful and a great city. I think your video gave a fair assessment from what I have heard. I will check out your other video to hear a more in-depth view of the city sites.
Man o man! You had me on pins and needles after seeing the title. I thought " oh no! I hope they didn't get robbed!"😅
So happy you enjoyed Curramba. It's the 4th largest city in the country and is making good strides in improving the lives of their population.
On a different note, I'm writing to you from H-Town. Houston. Dealing with a straight month of 100 degree temperature and 100% humidity. It's been miserable!
Missed your videos David. Glad to see your new content.
Cheers from hot muggy Houston. 👍
Uff I don't miss that houston heat at all.
The drive from Soledad to a neighborhood like Riomar is insane. Feels like an entirely different city. Of course every city has it's built up areas, and also more run down neighborhoods, but I saw nothing but trash and poverty for the first 30 minutes. Get into Northern Barranquilla and I felt like I was in a super nice wealthy city. Quite the transition.
I was there for about a week in February, but left the day of the main carnaval. There were still lots of carnaval related festivities and decor around the city. I went to the Gran Malecón boardwalk the week before the main day and there were a lot of people out there at night. And yes, a very strong breeze and very choppy water on the river. Checked out the Ventana Al Mundo and the Aleta de Juniors Tiburon display too. By the way, sometimes Barranquilla can be less expensive to fly to than Cartagena or Medellin depending on your departure city. A bus to Cartagena is about $10 and takes about 2 hours if you don't want to deal with the airport. Also it's only an hour from Santa Marta by car, so you can make it your arrival / departure city for a trip to Santa Marta too. I stayed in a holiday inn express (i have lots of points) near the new centro comercial (Atlantico?) - anyway - very modern shopping centers there. I had a good time. I never felt in danger, and people were very friendly.
Hey David , I was in Colombia for 3 weeks in January . I liked Barranquilla , far more than Cartagena . Next trip to Colombia , ill spend more time there . B
Quick advice regarding Barranquilla..... "Stay north"!!!!
Absolutely. Soledad is a huge danger zone
My wife and her family are from soledad and I have spent weeks there and never had an issue.
I'm not naieve and do realize there is alot of extortion crimes happening on a daily basis but just my 2 cents.
Never felt unsafe there however I am returning once again in a month and have booked an Airbnb in the north because the accommodations are much nicer en el norte😅
Hi David.
This video caught my attention. I've been to Colombia several times and I know five cities: Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Cartagena and Popayan.
I liked them all but Cartagena for my taste was too touristy.
I plan to return to Colombia next year (2024) and I want to explore a new city.
Recently on youtube I saw another travel video about Barranquilla which was also very positive, describing it as one of Colombia's hidden gems.
So, I haven't made up my mind completely, but I'm thinking of adding Barranquilla to the list of Colombian cities I have visited. The vibes have been quite positive. Despite the fact that, like you, I hate heat and humidity.
We went in Baranquilla and probably return, went i see video like you do you give us goog new for other festival, thanks and continue
Barranquilla is nice. I go there often but too hot in summer. Puerto Colombia is very nice the beach area of barranquilla
Hahaha just what I've been telling other foreigners... Medellin gets all the attention but it's pants compared with Barranquilla 😂😂
if medellin will stay in pants the residents of Barranquilla would stay in their city and not migrate to Medellín, stop the offensive comments they are very different cities, each city can have things that can attract a certain group of people the difference is that Medellín grew thanks to its own inhabitants and Barranquilla did it thanks to foreign investment and that is what they are looking for, from your comment it even seems that you are an offended Barranquillero
I went to the real Carnaval this February. It’s wild, you should go
We definitely plan to now
Dave, I'm from NYC and I live in BAQ! Let me know next time you come by so we can hang out! 👍🤘
Where you at? I'm in El Porvenir, next to Las Mercedes barrio
I live in Olaya.
I've seen similar things in the past in Bogota. The promoters hype the festivals like it's a big event and it turns out to be something fairly small. I'm not sure about the hot dog festival, but in Bogota they have fritanga fest and it seems just like a ploy to get people to go the restaurants with maybe a small promotional discount.
Very interesting David. I’m living in Villavicencio right now and my girlfriend and I are heading to Cartagena in a month or so. After this video I think we might just stop off at Barranquilla also. Thanks for the info.
i believe chmpeta is from Cartagena, being a caribbean influenced dance and music from africa..good v ideo
This is the biggest misconception people have of places they never had visited. Going along with what other people are saying.
When I was there I just thought it was a quiet, small and slow city. Not a bad thing.
Baranquilla and Cali have the most beautiful woman in Colombia I think.
Before I lost my job I was hoping to leave Barranquilla and move to Cali. Why? Because in Cali they speak something close to Normal Spanish. On the coast in Barranquilla, Costeñol is an unintelligible garbage fire, bro 😂
@@ChineduOpara So right, in the Dominican Republic good luck on Spanish unless they are well educated
@@Matthew-gz4oh I've noticed that.
Shame on you David! I live in NYC and I know about champeta. You need to explore outside of Medellin more often. 😄
Love that name ..close to the water
David .. I like that green VW.
Best vid ive seen u do good stuff
Great arabic food there mostly because there are tons of Lebanese people in Barranquilla. Shakira herself is mostly Lebanese
Wrong,no one speaking Arabic in Colombia 🤣😂
Buenavista 2 is opening a Lebanese restaurant, I was shocked to see that so there has to be a fair amount of residents there.
I love Champeta! I am taking classes here in Cartagena. My ex girlfriend from Monteria introduced me to Champeta.
Your videos like this were the best. Please keep on doing the same
Ill check out Arabic food in Barranquilla. Thanks
I was just there last week and went to San Andreas Island for two people round trip tickets were $1,000
David the King
I thought I recognized you on the flight back to Medellin.
I heard Barranquilla was awesome, but I haven't been there yet.
Dude, you were here?! My host is from Medellin and she keeps telling me how good the Comida Áribe is. I’m going to finally try this week. I was going to go to the Carnaval but I had a stomach ache (or was that Dia del Independencia?). Lots going on here.
I actually live not too far from that restaurant. I've been there once and I liked it (though I totally forgot to write a review on Google Maps). Hey David, when you're coming back to BAQ let me know and I'll be happy to show you around a little... mostly restaurants and places where you can get some peace and quiet (those are my areas of expertise 😅)
@@ChineduOpara facts. 😂
Carnaval is gr8 in barranquilla go in February. Its better more fun more ppl but theres a lotta places to party besides the north.
❤
This is so funny, is not that we don't like people from bogota is just that they cant dance or move like costeños.
There's always been a running joke between the regions and rolos are known for their lack of dancing skills
Great video mate!
my girl, also named Naty is from Barranquilla, i like it better then Cartagena. prices do quadruple though during carnival.
Never been to Barranquilla, I'm going to have to tell my girlfriend (also Paisa) about this.
I haven’t seen any vids about people who want to be expats in Columbia, but have families. I’d be interested to see how private school works and cost. Where the good schools are etc.
Great video
People think people from Bogota are stuck up. I have friends I like from Bogota but when I am in Medellin and talk about Bogota people shake their heads. It’s weird.
Not surprised at all David. Why would more people be interested in a "mini Carnival." Locals here have the Carnival festival every year. EVERY SINGLE YEAR. It makes sense they're not interested in another "mini festival"...
It like saying more Caleños should attend a "mini Feria de Cali"
Why??? They lived here. It's a yearly event.
Did you ever get a visa? Or are you limited to 180 days per year?
I got my visa 😊
@@LifewithDavid did I miss the video?
February is the month to be in Barranquilla.
Please don't advertise it. Just let it be, and keep the gringo brigade in Medellin.
Ok so this is the last post about Barranguilla, We don’t want it to be like medellin porfavor
Did you go to the beaches in Barranquilla?
Didn't make it there
I was thinking, you look Arabic when you said the libanés food is amazing. I guess your father is Arabic and your mom is Colombian
Unfortunately regionalismo in Colombia is really bad. The people in the interior will find any excuse to put the coast down. Barranquilla is beautifully though. The north reminds me of affluent neighborhoods in Dade or Kendall counties.
Carnval starts before Christian advent, that is why it is in february.
Wes said it’s hot as hell😂
Barranquilla is the best city for me in Colombia hasn't been overrun by tourists
It would’ve been nice if you put the name of the Arabic restaurant
Arabic gourmet - thats the place. I forgot to add
I live in Barranquilla. If you need any information or a guide I can help you
JaJa...funny story