Colombia

Medellin is a surprisingly pretty city. Surprising because of the fearsome reputation it had acquired some 10-15 years ago as a beehive of drugs, crime and kidnapping. Even now, some care is advised, but other than some "common sense" no special precautions are needed in much of the city. The road from the airport - an hour or so away in the mountains - is in itself a very pleasant drive, and a suitable introduction to the city. It snakes through the mountains surrounding Medellin and the landscape is very pretty in places. In the city itself, it is red brick that dominates - even its many high rises often have red brick facades. There are several interesting places to visit, the malls are well stocked and the women are beautiful. While the local food is not much to talk about, many other kinds of restaurants are plentiful.
A view of Medellin from the Pueblito Paisa, a replica of a traditional village.	Another view, from the road to the airport.	Medellin has many little and large gardens and squares. This is a fountain near the Intelligent Building.
The Intelligent Building (in background). It houses Medellin's utility company, of which the residents are very proud.	A section of Poblado Avenue, named after the city's most desired area.	Poblado Park at night. The little park serves more as a landmark - as parks go it is not much by Medellin's standards.
One of Botero's voluptuous statues in the square in front of the Botero Museum. It has a more formal name, but that is how it is often referred to.	Another Botero piece.	An office of the Cultural Ministry, that stands at one end of the Botero Plaza. The style of architecture was common in Medellin a hundred years or so ago.
Houses clustered on one of the slopes of the poorer neighborhood of Santo Domingo.	The MetroCable is the only convenient way to the Santo Domingo neighborhood. It begins at the Acevedo station. Here, looking down from one of the cars.	The beautiful public library that is perched on one of the slopes of Santo Domingo.