Mis Primeros Dias En Medellin
Medellin is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever seen. There is endless food I still need to try, views I need to take in, dance styles I need to learn, people I need to meet, and much much more. But as far as first impressions go, this city ES UNA CHIMBA (roughly “is dope”).
After landing at the airport, I called an uber to my hostel. $13. And that was with surge pricing for a 35 min ride to my hostel.
First day, the people at the hostel signed me up for 2 walking tours. One in La Candelaria (the cities downtown) and one in Comuna 13 (a beautiful neighborhood filled with street art, food, views, and tourists that was once one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the world. Given my terrible fomo, I went on both with a partially torn achilles. The pain this caused is a story for another day. I’ve learned my lesson though. Promise 🙂.
The tour of La Candelaria began with taking the cities metro from El Poblado (vibrant neighborhood with tons of bars, clubs, and gringos) to the city center. The metro opened in 1995 and has had a profound impact on the city. This is one of the most modern transit systems in the world. And it feels like that when you’re riding. Its efficiency, coupled with the massive increases in safety in the city, is a huge reason the city has nearly doubled in population since then.
Oh, forgot to mention the cost of a ride. $0.60.
The tour then made its way through city streets, plazas, pedestrian pathways, and even a shopping center. The guide told us about the history of the city and the massive change that has transpired over the last few decades. A city once known for blood and cocaine, is now known for being a model for sustainable development, public transportation, great weather, amazing views, and incredible people.
As we made our way through the city we stopped at times for snacks and drinks. I got a sweet bread with warm chocolate filling at one. $0.40. A guanabana smoothie at another. $1.
We saw sculptures and murals showcasing some of the city’s culture and history. We walked passed a shelter and learned about the social programs that Medellin offers its citizens. We passed busy squares of people doing everything from breakdancing to playing chess.
After that, it was back to the hostel to head out for the second tour. This time, a ride on the metro and a bus to Comuna 13. Once we got there we walked up. And then walked up some more. Then a little bit more. After that. Yeah. You get it. Sorry achilles.
But the views we’re so worth it. The streets there are packed with tourists, both Colombians and extranjeros, walking past shops, vendors, rappers, dancers, art, really everything you can think of. The comuna is built into the upper parts of a mountain and there are incredible views of the Aburrá valley from almost everywhere in it.
The area represents the reclamation of Medellin. It represents a resilient people that wanted peace and a better life than what existed as little as 2 decades ago. The activity and excitement in the air are contagious. Las vistas are overwhelming. The smiles, chatter, and laughter are intoxicating.
When my Achilles feels a little better I’ll definitely head back up.
After learning about the history of the Comuna, eating, perusing, gallivanting, and enjoying the scenery, the tour was over and we headed back to the hostel.
Two tours. $20. Maybe $30 bucks total spent the whole day. You’re starting to see the trend.
The next few days fews days were more relaxed. Makes sense given it hurts to walk. Lackadaisical days filled with $1 ubers to $4 restaurants with some of the best food I’ve ever had.
I’ll probably do a whole other post about healthcare here. But the summary — fuck the USA. A little bit more of a teaser — the prices are super cheap and the care is great.
Oh and yesterday I started immersion language classes. More on that later.
So 5 days into a 4 month journey, it’s safe to say Medellin has already exceeded any expectations I could’ve had. I can’t wait to see what the next few months hold.
Note:
When I mention these prices, it comes from the privilege of living in a wealthy country and living my life now thankful to be in a position where I don’t have to worry about money, let alone basic needs. I understand the prices are actually pricey for many of the people here and that is humbling.
