We spent the morning exploring Block 13, meandering through its vibrant streets until noon. From there, we set off to catch the cable car, a journey that turned into a 20-minute adventure through unexpected paths. Our navigation app seemed to have taken a day off, leading us down narrow alleys and winding streets.
At first, we exchanged nervous glances, but with four of us in broad daylight, it quickly became an exciting detour. Eventually, we stumbled upon the cable car station, tickets in hand, and boarded for a breathtaking ride above the sprawling slums below.
Afterward, we hopped on the subway straight to Boteno Square. There, we sipped refreshing salted sodas, resting our feet and passing the time as dark clouds gathered overhead. With rain imminent, we decided to head to Alambique restaurant for dinner. Our Uber driver for the evening was Colombian but spoke flawless English, having lived in London for two decades.
When he learned we were from China, his eyes lit up as he shared stories of his visits to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shenzhen. As we chatted, he asked why we’d chosen Colombia for our travels. We jokingly replied it was because of Pablo Escobar, but our lighthearted comment left him somber. He shook his head firmly, explaining how many lives were lost because of Pablo.
A childhood friend of his had worked in a high position for the drug lord, only to be killed by the police three months after Pablo’s death. Strangely, he hadn’t known about his friend’s involvement until afterward.
As the conversation deepened, so did the rain outside, drumming against the car windows. Before parting ways, I asked for the driver’s contact details, eager to recommend him to friends visiting Medellín. Though our ride together lasted just 20 minutes, several things stood out: his effortless command of English in a region where Spanish dominates, his genuine kindness, and his impressive knowledge of Medellín’s top attractions.
If you’re looking for a reliable driver in the city, feel free to reach out to me.
Despite my best efforts, jet lag has caught up with me, leaving me utterly exhausted. This diary entry feels a bit flat, but I wanted to wrap up today’s reflections before calling it a night. Tomorrow is another chapter waiting to unfold.
