After closing our Salento Chronicle in Pereira, came the moment to catch the bus, but this time to Medellin. The journey lasted around 8 hours, partly due to roadworks in various segments. Thankfully, when we arrived, the bus station was close to our reserved apartment. We stayed in Poblado and after dinner, we took a stroll around the bustling neighborhood filled with vibrant local spots, reminiscent of the southern american vibes of a Tirana’s ex-Bllok area.
The next morning, our first destination was the former Colombian mobster’s house museum. As it turned out, it used to be just a warehouse for guns and money, the entire villa; he never actually lived there. Still, hearing the story from a local and seeing the museum’s exhibits was quite intriguing.
Next on the agenda was buying running shoes for my training and the Tirana Marathon. Some might wonder why I had to buy them there. Well, living in a small country like Albania means limited access to various types of athletic gear, especially for long-distance running. So for me, it was a must-buy. Fortunately, we quickly found what we needed at the first store and headed to La Canderlaria and saw some other Botero sculptures.
We had lunch at a Vietnamese place, nestled among trees, creating a serene ambiance. In the afternoon, we booked a tour of Communa 13. Our guide walked us through the neighborhood’s transformation history, including the famous electric stairs, the first public electric stairs in the world. Despite the rain and us wearing plastic ponchos, we thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Being there, amidst the locals’ daily lives, made us feel less like tourists and more like part of the community. We closed the evening by visiting a small electronic music spot and a salsa music venue. The following I can only describe it with photos…
For the second day, we booked another tour, including breakfast and lunch, to visit the third-largest monolith in the world, El Peñol in Guatape. Climbing the 740 steps to the top was quite the feat, but the breathtaking view of the surrounding lakes from the summit made it all worth it. The monolith was large enough to have several booths offering snacks, drinks, and various souvenirs. Interestingly, due to an ongoing legal dispute, part of the word “Guatape” carved into the rock is left unfinished.
Afterward, we ventured to the vibrant town of Guatape, enveloped in lively vibes and boasting picturesque spots for Instagram snaps. We took a leisurely stroll, savouring coffee and exploring every nook and cranny. Though not very big, the town was brimming with intricate details that captured our attention.
As part of the tour’s itinerary, we embarked on a scenic boat ride on the Guatapé dam with crossover music, seeing distant homes of some well-known figures, like the Ruins of the Hacienda La Manuela. Our final destination was the Replica of the Old Peñol. By this point, I must admit, fatigue had set in, and I was eager to return. Thankfully, they dropped us off in Poblado, conveniently close to our apartment.
Given that our initial visit to Communa 13 was cut short due to rain and time, we decided to explore it once more on our last day before heading to the airport. This time, the atmosphere was electric, with every corner of the touristy part of Communa 13 bustling with activity. I even indulged in a small temporary tattoo as a memento. It was a delightful experience, but also the sun felt very hot. And thus, our Medellin journey came to a close, in the most hopeful part of the city.
Our next adventure awaited at the beach, and this time, we were going to fly there instead of taking the bus. We are heading to Cartagena.
