4 Reasons You Should Visit Medellin

4 Reasons You Should Visit Medellin From once being under the grip of Pablo Escobar, the notorious Columbian drug lord, to becoming a cherished tourist destination, Medellin has truly come a long way. Why do thousands of tourists want to experience Medellin living? What’s so remarkable about this place? Read here to know more: ● The Comuna 13 Neighborhood: Comuna 13’s strategic location cut off its residents from the outside world, leaving people isolated, poor and vulnerable to gang lords. With its gang violence, police raids, and drug trafficking, not even Medellin locals dared to set foot inside this comuna. Over time, though, things have changed slowly but surely, thanks to the hundreds of residents who were determined to give their children a better future. Credit also goes to a giant 384-meter escalator that scales the many sections of the comuna. Now, Comuna 13 is all about street-art! It’s reflected in the many murals that serve as a memento to the community’s past, or the many art, music and dance performances hosted by locals keen to keep their peers away danger and make Medellin living interesting. ● Feria de Las Flores, Medellin: Feria de Las Flores Medellin or Festival of Flowers, is one of Medellin’s most important festivals that’s usually held in August in memory of the city’s paisa culture. The festival first started in 1957 as a tribute to the city’s flourishing flower business. The highlight of the Feria de Las Flores, Medellin is the silleteros parades, where men decorated their sillero – a chair initially used to carry people by porters on their backs with flowers. ● Sample Some of the Best Coffee in the World: It’s no surprise that Colombia produces some of the best coffee in the world. If you’re a coffee lover, it’s important to explore Medellin’s café culture. Unlike in the past, not all the quality produce is exported; cafes have now started to retain the produce and prepare the coffee in a wide variety of ways. You haven’t truly experienced Medellin living until you’ve sampled some coffee at some of their world-famous coffee bars! ● The People are Very Welcome:

As long as you respect their privacy, Medellin locals are very friendly and welcoming.

Colombians, in general, are friendly, but Medellin locals are the friendliest of the lot.

â—? The Paisa Culture: People in Medellin and Antioquia are called paisas and have a unique culture as far as food and drink goes. There are many local dishes that you ought to sample besides the usual rice and beans. For example, the bandeja paisa is a traditional dish of meat, beans, rice, chorizo, arepas, plantains, fried eggs, and avocado. And chicharron is definite must for breakfast!

Resource Box: The Author recently visited Medellin during the Feria de Las Flores Medellin and experienced Medellin living firsthand. He loves writing about the places he visits and chronicling his experience.