Learning to dance salsa was the last thing on my mind when I arrived in Colombia. I'd taken lessons at a studio in Washington, DC a few years earlier, but I was far too shy to start asking strange women to dance outside of the classroom.

I have a confession to make. In August 2010, after a cummulative 18 months living in Medellin Colombia, I left to explore the rest of South America.

The rest of the world could learn a thing or two from the uplifting story unfolding in Colombia’s second city, Medellin.

My first impressions of Bogota, and Colombia, were shattered when Laura opened the door to her apartment.

Fincas are the Colombian version of country homes, and it's common for paisas to escape the big city atmosphere of Medellin for fincas in nearby pueblos on the weekends.  My friend Rodrigo had generously invited me to stay at his family's finca in Copacabana one such weekend.

I’ve been here for less than a day. But I can already say: I love Medellín.