Retro Rambles in Medellín's Backstreets
yo, i just rolled into this city and it’s got this energy, you know? like, it’s not bogotá, not cartagena, it’s its own thing. i’m here for *vintage clothes, obviously, and let me tell you, the thrifting scene is wild. i just checked and it’s… kinda damp out there, like the air’s been left to marinate overnight, perfect for digging through racks without overheating.
“heard from this vendor at the market that the real treasures surface after the rains. everyone’s clearing out their closets, you dig?”
so, been hitting up the local markets. there’s this spot called callejón de flores, but someone warned me that the gold’s hidden in the alleys behind it. like, literally tucked away in these tiny stalls you’d miss if you’re not paying attention. pro tip: go early, like 6:30 am, before the crowds show up. that’s when the good stuff gets snapped up.
“i heard that the owner of this one shop, el rincon retro, has been hoarding pieces since the 90s. she’s got some insane finds, but she’s stubborn on prices. gotta haggle like your life depends on it.”
if you get restless, manizales is just a short bus ride away, but honestly, why would you? medellín’s got its own rhythm. the street art here is next level, by the way. like, every corner has something cool, and it blends with the vintage vibe in a way that’s just… perfect. also, the coffee? forget what you’ve heard. this city’s coffee game is unbeatable. hit up Café Quindío for the real deal.
“someone told me that the market on carrera 70 is touristy and overpriced. better stick to the local spots where the vendors are actual collectors, not just resellers.”
been scoring some sick finds, man. like, this 70s corduroy jacket that fits like a glove, and these bell bottoms that are so out of style they’re back in. the locals here are cool too. they’ll give you the lowdown if you ask nicely. like, this one dude tipped me off about a hidden warehouse in belén that’s like, the mecca for vintage hunters. haven’t found it yet, but i’m looking.
also, if you’re into history, medellín’s got that too. like, the comuna 13 area, which was once sketchy as hell but now is this vibrant art hub. there’s a tour company called Comuna 13 Tours that takes you through, and it’s wild to see the transformation.
anyway, that’s the vibe so far. this city’s got layers, and the thrifting* is just the tip of the iceberg. gonna keep digging, and maybe i’ll find that warehouse. or not. either way, it’s the journey, right?
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