Yo Amo Medellín

 Although I've only been here three weeks, I'm starting to love Medellín, especially the neighborhood I've been staying in, Laureles.



Just a few blocks away are the posh streets, where you can go for a drink or a nice meal.



The city is built in a valley, so wherever you go there's a view:



There's culture in the formerly gang-ridden districts, built on the hills going up from the valley.





Everwhere in Laureles there are beautiful plantings:





It wouldn't be Medellín without the pervasive art influence of Fernando Botero:




Merry Xmas!




My hotel is great, the most spacious room yet.  With a Jacuzzi.  Which I haven't used.  $25 a night!  And with flawless internet (first time in my travels) so I'm catching up some things I've really been looking forward to on the Criterion Channel.



I heart butterflies in my bed:



Have I mentioned the restaurants?  Lots of little prix fixe/menu del día around.  This time it was "chicharrón" aka deep-fried pork belly.  Fantastic!


So, yeah, I'm really liking it here.  The only improvement would a kitchenette, but I've adaped to a go-out big lunch and a sandwich for dinner (the hotel room has a fridge.).  My residency resets as of Jan. 1 so I can stay (with a visa extension) for 176 more days . . .









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