[Into the Shadows of Cali] If it weren’t for an academic exchange program sending me to Colombia, I doubt I’d have ever mustered the courage to visit Cali in my lifetime.
☁️ Cali boasts a tropical rainforest climate with stifling humidity. I spent five days there in May, and the rain mostly fell at night, creating a mysterious ambiance. The sun during the day is relentless—so strong that sun protection becomes a necessity rather than a choice.
🏠 My stay was at a hotel near Universidad del Valle, one of the city’s prestigious institutions. The accommodations were surprisingly well-appointed, complete with a small balcony. After our performances, we would retreat to this cozy space, sipping on the cool evening breeze as we reflected on the day’s events and reviewed our shows.
🔫 Cali is infamous in Colombia as the hub of drug trafficking 💵 and holds the grim title of having the highest murder rate 🪓 in the country. It’s also known as the birthplace of several notorious “big brothers.” The majority of the population here is Afro-Colombian, and local students repeatedly emphasized the importance of always being accompanied by someone familiar with the area whenever we ventured out.
Fear struck me the first time we stepped outside. A female classmate led us to a convenience store to purchase alcohol. Outside, clusters of people lounged around, eating and drinking. As soon as they spotted our group of Asian faces, their reactions were immediate and intense—some stood up, others whistled, and the atmosphere became unnerving. Our guide exchanged a few words and swiftly ushered us back to the safety of the hotel after making the purchase.
🎬 For those intrigued by the darker side of Cali, I highly recommend watching “Narcos.”
🍕 That said, it’s not as if you can’t enjoy the city. The restaurants near the university are excellent, offering vibrant atmospheres where students from both countries could swap stories about their lives. Though the specific flavors may have faded from memory, the camaraderie and shared experiences remain vivid.
👍🏻 For the bold-hearted who wish to explore Cali further, I suggest visiting some cultural landmarks:
🏫 Universidad del Valle (Photos 1-4): Established in 1945, this institution ranks among the top three public universities in Cali. Its academic aura is palpable. We had the privilege of attending a drama performance class for two days. Despite their modest size, the classrooms exude a disciplined energy, where everyone finds their place without disturbing others, maintaining an orderly environment.
The entire campus is painted in shades of yellow, radiating vitality. The first floor features various graffiti—likely student creations—that add a touch of youthful rebellion. Walking through the corridors, you encounter young faces brimming with confidence and pride, embodying the spirit of this resilient community.
🏠 Maria’s House, a fairytale estate (Photos 5-7): This enchanting property offers accommodation and has garnered rave reviews. Surrounded by flowers, lush greenery, and even animals, it feels like stepping into a Disney princess fantasy—a serene escape from the bustling city. I recall seeing some intriguing artifacts displayed inside, though the memory is hazy now.
🖼 Street art dominates the urban landscape, injecting a raw, edgy beauty into this perilous city. Each mural tells a story, reflecting both the struggles and the resilience of its people.
But ultimately, the destination isn’t what matters most. This journey forged deeper bonds between friends. Even today, when we reunite, we fondly reminisce about the hilarious and heart-stopping moments from that unforgettable trip.
🌟 Throughout life, you’ll visit countless places, some only once. Cherish these moments and document them with care—they become the threads that weave the tapestry of your memories.
