Wow. Medellin. A beautiful city in so many ways. I am amazed each time we leave our hostel at how gorgeous this city can be when just less than 10 years ago the street were filled with death and the fiasco that was Pablo Escobar. I am enjoying talking to locals about the progress and were they see taking this city into the future.
The streets are clean because they have started recycle programs, put trash cans on every corner and created jobs in the garbage industry to have more boots on the ground so to speak. They are the first and only Colombian city to have a Metro line that takes you across town and out to certain barrios (neighborhoods). They have enforced street parking, people follow traffic signals and walk signs - I even saw bike lanes during one of our long walks. Amazing.
It really shows the resolve of these great people here; to be able to transform their government, eliminate loads of poverty (still lots, don't get me wrong) and clean up a city in virtual ruins is inspiring. Power to the people :) We found a great hostel in a middle class neighborhood full of tiendas, cafes, small business, hostels and a hop, skip and a stumble to the bar strip where the blend of various music types blends into the air.
I am so enjoying the views of tall, green, lush mountains (most full of beautiful cattle farms), brink buildings winding up the hillsides, colorful graffiti on the walls and art, art, art... For an even better view today we took to the skies in a paragliding little adventure. After heaving myself out of a plane this past year at 15,000 feet, running and jumping off the side of a hill was a walk in the park. While not the same thrill, natural high and pure rush I got from skydiving, the views were incredible and it was a highly relaxing ride. It's always nice to be up with the birds, although it has me craving more action.
Tomorrow we plan on exploring more of this grand city of nearly 2.3 million to see the botanical gardens, university districts and some great statues, murals and colorful parks Medellin has for us. While I think I could buy flat here and call it a day...the adventure must continue, so stayed tuned because I think it's gonna get even better!
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