We have spent the last three days in Medellin, the second largest city in Colombia and known best for its shady past when the Medellin cartel ruled the streets and the ensuing war between cartels saw the city claim the title the most dangerous in the world from 1989- 1993.
Needless to say we were a little apprehensive on our arrival but equally determined to discover more about what the place is today as well as learn about the past.
I have to say we were pleasantly surprised. The city has clearly undergone a transformation and has a lot to offer visitors. We loved the Botanical Gardens which as an added bonus was free entry (although was not so keen when the largest lizard type animal I have ever seen came spiraling down a tree towards me!)
The new library, made out of slate that overlooks the city is also really impressive. You have to get a cable car up to it and from the ground up it looks like a huge rock carved into the mountain. It has been developed in one of the poorer neighbourhoods in an effort to bring more visitors and economy to the area. It also has a strong community outreach programme and we were luckily enough to meet some blind people involved in a workshop where they expressed their thoughts through photography.
A highlight of the trip was the Pablo Escobar tour around the city which aims to educate visitors on the effect he, the Medellin cartel and cocaine in general has had socially, economically and even environmentally on the city and beyond. It was brilliant and would highly recommend it to anyone www.paisaroad.com
Finally we can't forget to mention our hostel, Casa Kiwi. The best we have stayed in yet - it provided a brilliant environment to meet and socialise with other travellers. As a result we met some new friends, cooked an awesome BBQ and learnt some new card tricks (not to mention had a few drinks).
Moving north next to Cartagena. 13 hour bus ride so best get some chilling in first ...
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