Viva Colombia!

I recently had the privilege of visiting Medellín Colombia. I can tell you that this is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever experienced. Colombia has gotten a lot of bad press over the years and Medellín has borne the brunt of much of it. Admittedly, back in the days when Pablo Escobar and his band of sicarios were wreaking havoc on the city, Medellín was probably not the safest place for a gringo to visit. As a vestige of this period, today the law requires all motorcycles drivers to wear the license number on the back of a vest in order to never have the same terrible days where Pablo’s motorcycle-riding sicarios (hit men) would gun down intended targets. But those days are thankfully long gone. I was fortunate to have a wonderful guide during my visit, my beautiful Paisa girlfriend (who now lives in Costa Rica, but whose heart is still 100% in her pueblo natal, Medellín). Medellín is located in the department of Antioquia. It has an international airport (actually located about 1 hour outside the city). The population is around 2 million and the population of the entire department of Antioquia is 5 million (second largest in the country behind Bogotá).

Places worth visiting in Medellín would certainly include the National Museum, which features many pieces from Colombia’s most famous living artist, Botero. Medellín also has an incredible elevated train system that will take you almost anywhere you want to go (the pride of the paisas and very clean and safe). Also, they have a great Metro Cable as well that will take you over the city and offer you some great views. Of course, the night life is great too. The Mangos of South Beach is a carbon copy of Mangos in Medellín and will definitely offer a night to remember. Some of the pueblos you might want to visit include Poblado, Envigado (hometown of Pablo Escobar) and Sabaneta. These offer great little outside bars where everyone gathers to drink the famous Colombian guaro known as Agua Ardiente. Also, the malls are incredible, especially the grandest in the city, Mall Tesoro.

Outside of Medellín there are some really cool places to visit. One of those is the colonial capital of Colombia, Sante Fe de Antioquia. This is a beautiful and historic city with cobblestone streets and rows of pastel colored colonial homes and beautiful churches. It is like taking a step back into the colonial days when the Spanish first colonized the country. Another great place to go is Guatapé, where you will find the mysterious Piedra del Peñol, a massive rock of 200 meters in altitude. Also in this area are the beautiful lakes known as the Represas de Guatapé. This is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen and there are loads of activities and sightseeing in the area. There are great hotels too!

No Mas Farc!

Colombia has so much to offer that it is a shame that the FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) continues to terrorize the country with armed invasions of pueblos and kidnappings (despite the recent release of some high profile hostages at the behest of Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez, the FACR is estimated to be holding hostage some 700 persons). The FARC now enjoys very little support in Colombia (really only the narcos want them around to help guard their coca and marijuana fields). Recently there was a world-wide condemnation of the activities of the FARC, which took place in 125 cities around the world. I pray that the FACR would give up the fight for the good of Colombia and all its citizens as well as the people around the world that would like to visit safely and experience the magic of this incredible country.

D Scott Bowers
President
Costa Rica Zine