A 'moving' last day in Medellin

Most people who know of Medellin think only of the times when cocaine wars ravaged the country driven by Pablo Escobar's Medellin cartel, and of course the fact that there were streets with invisible lines drawn - to cross them would result in being shot down - no questions asked.

Yes tough neighbourhood.  I agree. 

Good thing so much has changed and the citizens and gov't are due some 'props' for turning things around so significantly.

As I mentioned earlier, there has been a significant investment made into the city and one of the improvements was to install a Metocable system connecting the city to a National Park in the hills just above the slums. Connecting all citizens to the beauty that surrounds them.

The gondola cars are spotless and uber safe even though they glide over, and have multiple stops in, one of the poorest area of the city.  At one station they also have a huge beautiful library sitting on the edge of the hill. They really seem intent on making the lives of the less fortunate better. Not something you see in many countries that deal with serious poverty.

Much to our surprise, as we rose through the hills, we began to notice at least a dozen huge cloth pictures draped across walls and roofs of the slums promoting "justice", "tolerance", "love" etc.

The inspirational posters reflect the faces of all kinds of Colombians; all age ranges, male & female, young & old, light & dark to surround the inhabitants and those cruising above with some inspiration.






It was really a very moving part of the journey.  I wish Canada had this kind of huge art installation throughout our cities.





When we finally reached the National Park we actually didn't have any significant time to walk around because, in the afternoon, we were heading to the airport bound for Cartagena via Bogota.

Yes you read me right. Planes number 13 &14 to date. I suppose the purchase of some carbon offsets will be in order when I get back home.

While at the entrance to the park, I did take a quick snapshot of a sleeping dog because I have recently felt remiss in not commenting on how relaxed the 'perros' (dogs) of South America have been.  Never in my life do I recall seeing dogs just lay down and nap ANYWHERE. Busy sidewalks, streets, shops... it makes no difference.

Originally I though maybe they were dead but no, healthy as ever so not to worry Kruz,  Frankers and all you other dog lovers out there.

I suppose we just tell our dogs to move "off the couch", "out of the doorway" etc in North America so in our culture they stick to the safe zones. These dogs don't even flinch when people walk by or over them to continue on their way. Strange.

Off to Cartagena - wish us luck.
xo
b