Despite the fact that the U.S. State Department continues to post a travel warning for the entire country, Colombia's most numerous visitors are Americans and Medellin is becoming mainstream on the tourism map.
As I experienced on a recent press trip, you can get an overview of the hilly city 5,000 feet above sea level from the metro cable gondola over Santo Domingo Savio.
It soars above the formerly drug-riddled slum, capped off by Parque Biblioteca España, a library that has brought worldwide recognition for its imposing architecture.
Downtown, within the confines of Plaza Botero, you can see dozens of rotund sculptures by Medellin’s favorite son, world-renowned artist Fernando Botero.
For the locals, known as paisas, not all habits die hard. One persistent addiction is the arepa, the Colombian version of a corn tortilla. Some are dogged in their determination to have one.
In a city transformed by skyscrapers, both food and fashion have become more sophisticated.
A local flower seller.
Medellin does hold fast to its traditions though, one of which is the "Festival of Flowers" held every summer for more than 50 years.
You don’t have to travel far to experience it, as Medellin is one of three Colombian cities being showcased in early July at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C., where authentic silleteros, or flower vendors, will be among the customs highlighted.
As I experienced on a recent press trip, you can get an overview of the hilly city 5,000 feet above sea level from the metro cable gondola over Santo Domingo Savio.
It soars above the formerly drug-riddled slum, capped off by Parque Biblioteca España, a library that has brought worldwide recognition for its imposing architecture.
Downtown, within the confines of Plaza Botero, you can see dozens of rotund sculptures by Medellin’s favorite son, world-renowned artist Fernando Botero.
For the locals, known as paisas, not all habits die hard. One persistent addiction is the arepa, the Colombian version of a corn tortilla. Some are dogged in their determination to have one.
In a city transformed by skyscrapers, both food and fashion have become more sophisticated.
A local flower seller.
Medellin does hold fast to its traditions though, one of which is the "Festival of Flowers" held every summer for more than 50 years.
You don’t have to travel far to experience it, as Medellin is one of three Colombian cities being showcased in early July at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C., where authentic silleteros, or flower vendors, will be among the customs highlighted.
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