Gusti: welcome to Medellín, Colombia

(Sunday-Tuesday, 17-19 May 2009)

Google map:
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=pt-PT&geocode=&q=medellin+colombia&sll=10.325052,-84.940109&sspn=1.329404,1.757813&ie=UTF8&ll=6.326218,-76.096802&spn=2.685936,5.603027&z=8

Red-brick buildings, everywhere. Shanty towns that in Central America are invariably tin-bright, here go uphill with the construction materials still on show, giving the idea they’re not finished yet. Even the more upscale neighbourhoods are red-brick, when not from the brick themselves, from the paint.

Drug stores named “Drogas rebajas” – interesting choice for a place like Medellin…

Mobile top-ups being sold by the minute everywhere in the street (seems to be a major source of employment here – so many Colombians spend their day in the street, with a signpost and a mobile in their hands, ready to top-up your cell phone via SMS in exchange for cash).

Old couples dancing in the park, surrounded by a circle of people that play and sing for them, or just watch and applaud.

Bums sleeping everywhere in the city centre – even during day light. Drunk or wasted, or both?

Spanish spoken with a curious Italian accent (at least that’s what it seems to me)!

Interesting museums. Botero’s art in the street – you can feel the strength of Colombian culture, much more than any of the Central American countries I’ve visited thus far.

Posh nightlife district. A modern metro system (proudly unique in Colombia). A pleasant university.

Beautiful women, everywhere. By the way, on that, it’s the second time I’ve the same type of reaction and advice from a cab driver:
* first, some surprise from the fact I’m travelling alone (even if I’m far away from being a unique case on that regard);
* second, jealously for the ability of us Europeans to travel so freely around the world (as you can imagine it’s quite hard for the average Colombian to get a visa into western countries, given the country’s reputation);
* third, a recommendation to be careful everywhere I go, as “there are some nasty people around”;
* fourth, wishes that I get to know the beauty of this country and enjoy myself;
* fifth, and last but not least, guidance to what best Colombia has to offer: “My friend, do appreciate our best treasure – the women, they’re the most beautiful in the world. Appreciate - with respect, but do appreciate”.

Gusti: welcome to Medellín, Colombia.