Medellín has the reputation for being a big party city. And it is if you are on vacation or on a sabatical. I have been living in Medellín since 2018 and I have found that drinking culture is much more prevalent in the United States. Drinking culture in the US officially begins in college. It is everywhere.
I went to college in a town that had 13,000 people and more bars per square mile than any other city I had been to. Coming from New York City, it was quite the big culture shock. I had a really hard time assimilating. Most people around me had suburban or rural backgrounds. I eventually met my tribe, but it still wasn’t easy. There wasn’t much to do in this small town. Sorority and fraterinity parties were the standar weekend (and sometimes weekday) activity. At the time, alcohol helped me control my social anxiety and it made everything seem so fun! This is how my drinking habit began.
When I moved back to New York City I discovered how great the party scene was. I had a really great time and made plenty of memories with my friends. But drinking in New York City doesn’t just stay at the club or the bar, it spills over into the work culture. Team building usually happens over happy hour. You build your network at fancy corporate events that often offer three or four hours of open bar. And how can we forget those lavish and extensive client meals?
After living in Colombia for as long as I have, and after having the experience of working at three large Colombian corporations, I can say that alcohol is not as big as people like ot think it is.
