Christmas in Medellín


It will probably get up to 30° C today. Summer is almost here and I write this wearing shorts and a T-shirt. In the shopping centres a wintery Father Christmas doesn't look right, but the flashing lights, 9 foot glittering decorations and Catholic nativity scenes fit in well. Colombians don't do subtle and pastel but, like their flowers and birds, it's strong colours, and preferably big and in your face.

Something like 10,000 light bulbs are in the city's decorations with a couple of miles of the river turned into a Blackpool illuminations type of spectacular. I was woken up last night at midnight with the constant sound of rockets and fireworks going off. It lasted for an hour and every part of the city seemed to be alive with exploding lights. Colombians enjoy their displays loud and spectacular, and in that order.

Years ago a missionary book was written with the title, Give up your small ambitions. Maybe the title should have been, Give up your small spaces. If you want a life of quietness and privacy, the missionary life isn't for you, at least not in South America. In 10 days time we leave for Christmas in Scotland and the change will take a bit of getting used to.

Photo: Sorry, no sparrows allowed here

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