Today we took a walking tour of Medellin city center. Our tour guide is great -Juan. 36 years old. Lived in NYC and came back to Medellin.
He gave us a fabulous tour and had a story to tell. He told us of the cheerful Colombians who chose to live happy. He shared some of his personal stories of when Medellin had the highest murder rate in the world. He & his step brother were shot when playing soccer one day and his friends did not live. His two uncles who were successful engineers were captured & taken prisoner to the jungle for 1 year. His family paid $400,000 ransom. Their life changed/ they needed to sell their home & move to a lesser neighborhood & rent apartments. And, they survived. After the soccer killings, he suffered from depression and moved to NYC. Stayed in NYC-until he was deported. And has carved out a successful life here.
About the city, you do not see the large accounting firm skyscrapers in downtown Medellin. You see corporate buildings in the suburbs. You do see vibrant & crazy markets. And can buy amazing juices from street vendors for $0.35- and they are happy to sell one to you. …their tap water is safe here. There is an abundance of storefronts selling different foods, fruits, & veggies. …so fresh!
Camino Venture 