Medellín (Colombia)
Published: 04.07.2019
Communa 13 (formerly the most dangerous neighborhood in Medellín)
Monument to the Race
In Medellín, there are numerous statues by Botero that are disproportionate.
In Medellín, there are numerous statues by Botero that are disproportionate.
In Medellín, there are numerous statues by Botero that are disproportionate.
Botero's bird statue
This was destroyed in 1995 by a bombing, which killed or injured numerous people.
The original idea was to remove the statue from the square. This was not implemented. Today, there is a new bird statue next to the destroyed one as a symbol of resistance against violence, and the old statue remains as a reminder of the terrible act of violence.
At every corner, freshly sliced fruit is sold. In the background, there is a house where criminal groups used to settle. As a counteract, these buildings were deliberately converted into schools, libraries, and cultural institutions after their liberation.
Cheese arepa for dinner
Coconut arepa for dessert
Library in the Metro
The malls in Colombia resemble more of an amusement park than a shopping center.
Communa 13 was once the most dangerous neighborhood in Medellín. The Communa 13, characterized by violence and war, in which narcos, gangs, paramilitaries, guerrillas, and the government fought for power, has developed into a safe neighborhood today with many small bars, street art, and hip hop and break dance performances.
Outdoor escalators make it easier for residents to climb the slopes.
Outdoor escalators from above
Where there are no escalators, the traditional steps must be used.
Alternatively, slides can be used to descend at this point.
Hip hop and break dance to process the violence-prone past of the city
Hip hop and break dance to process the violence-prone past of the city
Communa 13
Communa 13
Communa 13
We are all migrants
Communa 13
Communa 13
Street art in memory of violence and its victims
Hope (Esperanza) is not given up in Communa 13.
Communa 13
Communa 13
Communa 13
Equipped to play with Colombian jerseys
We watched the game in a small corner pub together with locals who, when they spotted us in Colombian T-shirts, gave us a shot of joy.
Copa America: Colombia vs. Argentina, final score: 2-0 for Colombia
For drinking, there is beer and aguardientes (a spirit with an alcohol content between 40% and 50%, agua = water, ardiente = burning)
Copa America: Colombia vs. Argentina. Colombia won 2-0 and the whole country celebrated joyfully. We are glad to have been a part of it :-)Magis peregrinatione tradit
