Barranquilla, hot springs and colors of the central Caribbean

July 18, 2018, 06:25 By Raúl Alejandro Del Pino, Special Envoy

Barranquilla, Colombia, July 18 (Prensa Latina) When there was only a week there was almost no talk of the Games of 39, Central America and the Caribbean because of the World Cup, the temperature of the imminent multisport event reaches already high values.

It seems that the more than 35 degrees Celsius striking this city from early morning until almost night are tempered little while waiting for 'curramberos', as we call it usually to the inhabitants of Barranquilla

A taxi driver takes the Prensa Latina team who comes to cover the sporting event and the first thing he does is express his pride receive in his city to so many foreign people, so that they know the Colombian pearl of the Atlantic.

On the Olympic market a dependent immediately realizes the "different" accent. from the top journalist looking for water and ask for his origin. Ah, it's Cuban, it's coming for the Games, is not it? Here we welcome you with open arms, he says with a smile

In the different facilities, the last touches are given to make everything ready on the 19th. The city is looking forward to the opening ceremony which is planned as an extraordinary, unique holiday.

The famous carnival Barranquillero will be the protagonist. Lights, colors, music, movement. The madness will be unleashed in the metropolitan stadium. And as a culmination, Shakira, true to his land, will awaken a little more enthusiasm of locals and visitors alike.

But it will not be the only surprise. The ex-Columbian Miss Universe Paulina Vega (2004) will also be a star at the inauguration.

The modeller and television presenter will present the details of the scheduled timing this Wednesday at a press conference scheduled at the Puerta de Oro Congress Center. The mayor of the city, Alejandro Char, and the director of events of the Games, Víctor Ariza

Although the zero hour is still missing, the news is constantly generated. The streets are a hive with the torch road. Traffic is skyrocketing and the temperature … is just as stifling.

Yesterday, the Central Caribbean flame left the Romelio Martínez football stadium to visit nearby rink Alex Cujavante. From there, he continued his way through the crowds to the Rackets District Park and then reached his last stop of the day in Parque de los Sueños, where the cauldron was lit.

Tomorrow, after another walk The arteries of the city, will rest in the city center of Caribeña, before leaving for its final destination in the Metropolitan Bridge.

A fascinating fact occurred at the University of the Atlantic. Barranquilla High School has reopened José Chelo & # 39; of Castro Coliseum, name of the only living journalist who covered the first games organized by the city in 1946.

But the surprise was when Chelo himself, 98, he recognized the moment and received a commemorative plaque from the rector of the institution, Carlos Prasca, and the governor of the Atlantic Department, Eduardo Verano, in the pavilion itself, which will host the competitions of bodybuilding and wrestling.

It highlights the professional career of the oldest active journalist on the planet, who was awarded last year by the International Association of Sports Journalists (AIPS) at a ceremony also in his native country.

the federations of the Sports Organization of Central America and the Caribbean (Odecabe) take advantage of the opportunity to hold their relevant working meetings.

Now, every minute, Barranquilla is warming up more and more. At this rate on Thursday it will be a volcano. But do not hesitate, we will be in the heart of the crater.

tgj / rps