Going to a country you’ve never been before can be a little daunting. What neighborhood is safe, how are you going to figure out their money system, the language thing or how are we going to get from point A to B? Although it is quite exciting, it also pretty much takes you out of the box. The one thing that I have consistently found is this: we are all the same, we are people all inhabiting the same planet with the same desires as everyone else and let me say, the Colombian people that we have met are unbelievably kind, loving, helpful and patient. We have visited many of the neighborhoods and El Centro, where we are, is simply wonderful! It’s flat, one block from the tram which takes you to the Metro, it has Mom and Pop stores EVERYWHERE and the humble Columbians that live here are just so nice. We love the neighborhood. Of course, you need to be careful. Of course, you don’t walk alone at night. Just normal safety precautions. Because there is this……
But, then there is this…..look at this cute minimalist apartment…
We went to Parque Explora and enjoyed a full afternoon there. Here are some photos. This is a wonderful place for kids especially. My grandson, Leo could of spent a week there!
January 7….I went to paint at a little coffee shop that is near Parque Bolivar. It was quiet when I came, but soon became busy and decided to go to the old National Palace…same thing…really busy…but I found a quiet spot and journaled…after a 3 hour adventure I figured it was time to return…..of course, got confused and walked an extra 30 minutes. I got to see a part of Medellin I would have never seen:)
An interesting tree in Parque Bolivar 
In the old National Palace, now a mall.
This is Sebastian, he knows us very well. We stop almost everyday for a beverage where he works. He’s always happy to see us.
Today is Zoo day! January 9. It was refreshing to be out of the hot Colombian sun, shaded by beautiful foliage. A collage of photos below.
Being relatively close to the Mercado del Rio, we took a look at the huge food court and it’s copious amounts of wine!
It is said there are 600,000 motorcycles in Medellin and they drive fast here. Guess there is one less now……..….thankfully the cyclist was fine and was assessing the damages to his bike.
Food has been simply delicious and very reasonably priced…..I wonder……. how all these Columbian Chicas stay so fit!!
Today we’re visiting the Antioquia Museum in Plaza Botero and then off to Pueblito Paisa. Fernando Botero was a prolific painter/sculptor and the museum is nicely done with much of his work. Photos below.
Botero and us! 
Paint Brushes galore 
Diego Rivera…had to include a Mexican painter! 
Courtyard in the Museum 
Meeting Room
Pueblito Paisa is a mock Antioquian village situated atop Cerro Nutibara, a hill occupying a central location in the Medellin valley, with amazing views.
So ends a 2nd week of learning a lot about the city of Medellin and Colombia itself. Ciao for now!
The BIG Colombian Adventure 
Great information! Thanks!
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