Colombia

Medellin, Colombia is one of my favorite cities in the world. Friendly, beautiful people abound, and it's almost unbelievable that this used to be considered the drug capital of South America. It's a truly lovely place, and I feel more threatened in San Francisco, but note two things:

- Spanish Medellin, Colombia is one of my favorite cities in the world. Friendly, beautiful people abound, and it's almost unbelievable that this used to be considered the drug capital of South America. It's a truly lovely place, and I feel more threatened in San Francisco, but note two things:

- Spanish will be incredibly helpful
- Rude tourists are tolerated... up to a point. The smiles of locals do not mean you can push them around, as I've seen some loud-mouthed Yanks and Brits attempt. There are still plenty of Cartel around, and if you cat-call their girlfriends and otherwise spout off, you can end up looking down a barrel. So be nice and be polite. Act like a well-mannered ambassador for your own country, as you should regardless, and you won't have anything but good times.… see moresee less

It's almost hard to believe this is real, isn't it? The pink color is actually a special species of plant on the floor of the river that shows up between seasons so plan accordingly!

no trip to Colombia would not be complete without savoring their largest export stimulant - Coffee. Try Juan Valdez to see the rapidly growing Colombian version of Starbucks (locations all over the city), or Mikaela (Transveral Inferior) to taste some of the best espresso in the country. (see my no trip to Colombia would not be complete without savoring their largest export stimulant - Coffee. Try Juan Valdez to see the rapidly growing Colombian version of Starbucks (locations all over the city), or Mikaela (Transveral Inferior) to taste some of the best espresso in the country. (see my overall Medellin thoughts here)… see moresee less

Modern Latin party craziness with the A list locals at Spazio 44, under the Diez Hotel in the Zona Rosa. Dress to impress, make sure your party includes some very attractive women, and they may even let you in. (see my overall Medellin thoughts Modern Latin party craziness with the A list locals at Spazio 44, under the Diez Hotel in the Zona Rosa. Dress to impress, make sure your party includes some very attractive women, and they may even let you in. (see my overall Medellin thoughts here)… see moresee less

Order the "Bandeja Paisa" here (Av de Las Palmas, Poblado) for ultimate in Medellin native cooking. (see my overall Medellin thoughts here)

Looks like a lot of fun!!!

A night of Latin salsa energy dancing away at Cien Fuegos in Barrio Colombia (see my overall Medellin thoughts here)

Experience the best of authentic local cuisine here (Calle 8 y Av Poblado, Poblado) - a little house and only open for lunch, this place has had only three choices on the menu in 30 years, yet is packed daily. You won't go wrong with one of your three choices of local "Paisa" style eating, your Experience the best of authentic local cuisine here (Calle 8 y Av Poblado, Poblado) - a little house and only open for lunch, this place has had only three choices on the menu in 30 years, yet is packed daily. You won't go wrong with one of your three choices of local "Paisa" style eating, your choice of Ajiaco, Mondongo, o Cazuela. (see my overall Medellin thoughts here)… see moresee less

Take a day trip to Guatape. While there swim in the lake, and climb Penon de Guatage - the rock of Guatape. Engineering and architecture buffs take note of the "zipper" construction of the stairwell… the water you drink at the top is delivered by a little old man who goes up and down that rock 20-40Take a day trip to Guatape. While there swim in the lake, and climb Penon de Guatage - the rock of Guatape. Engineering and architecture buffs take note of the "zipper" construction of the stairwell… the water you drink at the top is delivered by a little old man who goes up and down that rock 20-40 times a day with supplies. (see my overall Medellin thoughts here)… see moresee less

Walk around and see some serious green stuff, make sure you check out the flowers, Colombia supplies 90% of the flowers to North America, and they are something Medellin is famous for. (see my overall Medellin thoughts Walk around and see some serious green stuff, make sure you check out the flowers, Colombia supplies 90% of the flowers to North America, and they are something Medellin is famous for. (see my overall Medellin thoughts here)… see moresee less

Ride the Metrocable (cable-car) up to Parque Arvi and go for a hike in the forest (see my overall Medellin thoughts here)