| There are
cities in the world that have been discovered, places
with longtime secrets today revealed and mysteries already
solved, that invite us to verify what is now known. There
are other cities that, on the contrary, attract us because
surprises await us; they move us with unexpected delights,
and give us the unforeseen sensation of things new. This
is Cali, a metropolis spread on a fertile valley, protected
by the Colombian western mountain range, a city that invites
us to enjoying the gift of sensations that our senses
present us. The smell of fruit sold by street vendors
on the corners distracts Cali's inhabitants from the hurries
SO typical of our modern age and brings to mind forgotten
memories: boroj6, chontaduro, lulo, baby mango are names
with an aroma of delicious, fresh juice. The variety of
greens of Cali's ceibas, rubber trees, and mango trees
that line the roads, the multicolor blend of its women's
dresses, and the diversity of its inhabitant's skins all
shine in the transparent light of Cali's sky. The flavors
combined in this territory's recipes speak to us of native
Indian traditions, of black cuisine, of Spanish gastronomic
delights, and of the sweets oozed out of its large sugar
cane plantations. The vibrant sounds of salsa dance music
make us dizzy with their voluptuousness and cadence and
with their rhythms that recall the drums and melodies
of the Caribbean.
Cali is an open city; its warm
weather that invites us to walk around without a coat.
Cali is a kind city; its inhabitants are always willing
to talk about what is happening and about the future
that they want for their city. Here, the expectations
of those who have made this city a place for new opportunities
coexist with the remembrances of those who have experienced
its vertiginous transformation. Cali is a vital city;
its progress, evidenced by the soundness of its industries,
its modern buildings, its broad avenues, and the commodities
of urban life, does not hide the magnificent past and
the peaceful life that the architecture of its churches
and historic buildings recall, or the simple yet harmonious
construction of the dwellings in its more traditional
neighborhoods.Cali was founded by Sebastian de Belalcázar
in 1536 after he had traveled throughout Peru alongside
Francisco Pizarro and after he had founded other cities,
such as Guayaquil and Quito in Ecuador. It today boasts
the number one concentration of industry and commerce
in western Colombia. It has a population of two million
with different ethnical backgrounds, who give it an
atmosphere of economic and cultural vitality. Until
the end of. the last century this city was a town marked
by the austerity of its traditions. Today, it is a vibrant
metropolis that houses some of the most dynamic companies
in the country. This city now seeks to show the country
and the world the spirit of enterprise that has made
it one of the axes of national economy. It spares no
effort to rid itself of a painful stigma a situation
that contrasts with its people's happy, honest behavior.
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