Colombia
The pre-departure party for United's inaugual flight from Houston to Medellin (IAH-MDE) was in full swing by the time I arrived at gate C3. They had a local dancer keeping the crowd hyped, along with an ample selection of local snacks. I think it was pupusas, empanadas, pulled pork (?), and horchata? Pretty substantial fare along with full-sized bags of chips at a table nearby. I barely had time for a few photos, videos, and bites to eat before the speeches started.
United Airlines Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances Patrick Quayle lead what was a very excited crowd, while Andres Diaz, Consulate General of Colombia, eloquently spoke for his fellow Colombians on how much they were looking forward to this route. Obligatory ribbon cutting and all usual inaugural flight fuss followed, attended by a few influencers as well (@todoraviation and @nycyorkiegirls that I noticed, possibly others I did not notice!), and then boarding commenced. Ended up upgraded to business class (aka: domestic first class), but they had full on menus and all the fun inaugural flight swag (printed cards/flyers, keychains) ready to go at your seat. Even managed to snag a flag pin before boarding.
Had a gorgeous sunset over the Caribbean, the bistec served for dinner was surprisingly good, and just over 4 hours and 2,000 miles later, it was time for United 1675 to make a foggy and damp landing at Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE). No watercannon salute, but there were firetrucks present for photos, along with a violinist on arrival. Not much else that I could see-- especially after waiting forever in the queue for immigration. Several passengers next to me were very excited for this route, including an elderly couple relocating permamently back to Colombia after 50+ years in the USA (wow).
Almost screwed up my ride to the hotel (I totally missed signs saying to go to the departures level for the hotel shuttle...), but made it riiiight before the shuttle pulled out. Hotel Santiago de Arma is pretty basic, quite noisy due to proximity to the road, but it worked...