Although I have little photographic evidence of it, my long weekend in Medellin was one of my most pleasant. Maybe this is because what I like most about the city were the intangibles: its relaxed vibe, perennially perfect climate and warmth of its people. In Cartagena I had made a friend from here and she made sure I was always in good company!
Not too long ago, Medellin would have been the last city on anyone’s travel to-do list. Throughout the 90’s, it was known for being the world’s murder capital and for its most notorious resident, cocaine kingpin, Pablo Escobar. This year, however, Medellin was named the world’s most innovative city and has seen an 80% decrease in the homicide rate over the past 20 years. How could that be?!
Well obviously the answer is a complicated one but the gist is this: the city started investing in its poorest, most dangerous neighborhoods in urban renewal projects with the idea that rich and poor should have equal access to public spaces and architecture as well as transportation. Getting rid of Escobar helped a little too...
Medellin is nestled in a valley with gorgeous green slopes to each side. As population expanded and the city experienced an influx of poor, displaced families, make-shift barrios developed, higher and higher up the mountains. These neighborhoods were so disconnected from city, allowing the violence to spiral out of control. Though the situation has improved greatly, I was content to check things out from above in the state-of-the-art Metrocable, Medellin's solution to extend the metro system up the mountains.
In contrast to their dark, recent history, Paisas (as people from the region are called) are quick to befriend, love their city, and know how to have a good time. Two of my three nights were spent dancing the night away to salsa with my new friends.
Not too long ago, Medellin would have been the last city on anyone’s travel to-do list. Throughout the 90’s, it was known for being the world’s murder capital and for its most notorious resident, cocaine kingpin, Pablo Escobar. This year, however, Medellin was named the world’s most innovative city and has seen an 80% decrease in the homicide rate over the past 20 years. How could that be?!
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| Botero's version of Escobar's rooftop demise |
Well obviously the answer is a complicated one but the gist is this: the city started investing in its poorest, most dangerous neighborhoods in urban renewal projects with the idea that rich and poor should have equal access to public spaces and architecture as well as transportation. Getting rid of Escobar helped a little too...
Medellin is nestled in a valley with gorgeous green slopes to each side. As population expanded and the city experienced an influx of poor, displaced families, make-shift barrios developed, higher and higher up the mountains. These neighborhoods were so disconnected from city, allowing the violence to spiral out of control. Though the situation has improved greatly, I was content to check things out from above in the state-of-the-art Metrocable, Medellin's solution to extend the metro system up the mountains.
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| The houses highest up the slope were humblest I saw in the country. |
In contrast to their dark, recent history, Paisas (as people from the region are called) are quick to befriend, love their city, and know how to have a good time. Two of my three nights were spent dancing the night away to salsa with my new friends.
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