Welcome to Laureles, Medellín, Colombia

 Seen at the Santiago airport - dunno what it actually stands for, but it made me giggle like a schoolboy:



On the flight I sat next to a big, extremely tattooed leather/denim-dressed biker type, scary until I saw him kissing the guy next to him on the neck.  We had a nice chat, and if I need a place to stay in Costa Rica, I'm set!


Due to a last-minute foul-up, I spent my first night in the historical center.  Normally I enjoy the hustle and bustle, but this was madness -- impossible to walk anywhere without almost bumping into someone.


I had a "light" typical breakfast, eggs, an arepa (fried corn cake) and a hunk of queso fresco (fresh cheese).  $2 of yum!



Finally, on to Laureles!  The guide books describe it as the second-best neighborhood, after Poblado, for first-time visitors to Medellín.  And indeed, it's lovely -- I would call it middle- or a bit above class, with lots of areas that are filled with interesting-looking restaurants and bars.  Very walkable, very green, with lots of beautiful plantings.




Just two blocks away is the cleverly named "Primer Parque de Laureles" (First Park of Laureles), lovely with its winding paths:



On my way to . . . can you guess? Second Park, I had a break.  I've wanted to try a BBC for a long time.  Those who know me well will find this amusing, but no, seriously folks, this was an IPA from the Bogotá Brewing Company.  Nice but over-hopped for my taste, $5.50.





Second Park isn't nearly as pretty as First, but has this groovy sculpture:





Time for dinner, and I wanted ethnic food, so I went for Mexican.



Soup, two tacos, and a tamarind drink for $10.50.  The tacos were delicious, the soup pretty good but over-salted, the tamarind drink nicely balanced between sweet and sour.  



Laureles is such a nice neighborhood -- I just wish it had a few more of my beloved hole-in-the-wall (i.e., cheap!) restaurants.  BUT I've been really good with my budget; in fact, I have more in my checking account now than when I started travelling.  Plus it's that holiday season, so I'm going to treat myself!


PS It didn't take much walking around to discover the non-touristy (i.e., down-market) parts of Laureles.  I don't think I'll find any $3.50 full lunches, but there are loads of restaurants that look more budget-friendly.

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