The Medellin that CNN doesn't want you to see!

Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 11:24:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 11:27:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 11:29:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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roloenNJ says on Oct 19, 2009, 11:30:

nice pics Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 11:33:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 11:34:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 11:36:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Aji1 says on Oct 19, 2009, 11:36:

Beautiful! I have been to a lot of places in Colombia, but not Medellin. I must get there.

Thanks Simon, keep them coming.

I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 11:38:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 11:40:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 11:42:

This is the completed building that you can see being built above, the new HQ of Bancolombia.

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 11:45:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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dwmte7 says on Oct 19, 2009, 11:46:

beautiful, simon. thank you very much and medallo thanks you.
douglas

patriarch

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 11:46:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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alezzz says on Oct 19, 2009, 11:48:

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 11:48:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 11:50:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 11:51:

Thank you Douglas it's my pleasure!

Thanks for the help Alezzz!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 11:53:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 11:55:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 11:56:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 11:58:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 12:00:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 12:01:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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cstew47 says on Oct 19, 2009, 12:08:

Aw c'mon Simon. Now we're going to be flooded with gringo's. I tell everybody how dangerous it is here. You're ruining the mystique.

Nice photos though.

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 12:08:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 12:09:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 12:12:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 12:14:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 12:20:

"Aw c'mon Simon. Now we're going to be flooded with gringo's. I tell everybody how dangerous it is here. You're ruining the mystique.''

LOL!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 12:25:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 12:27:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 12:33:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 19, 2009, 12:35:

Why does any Colombian want to attract tourism? It raises the prices on everything and overall destroys a place. Can't get why it is so heavily promoted on PBH? Maybe casue they left and are not living here to deal with it? beats me?

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 12:37:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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cstew47 says on Oct 19, 2009, 12:51:

I was kidding in my earlier comment. I in fact I feel just the opposite. Colombia can become a major tourist destination as well as a strong environment to attract foreign investments. It's the only way it can truly escape the drug induced crime that is retarding its growth. We expats doing business here will benefit as well. A rising tide lifts all boats.

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 12:58:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 13:00:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 13:04:

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Bill Turley (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 19, 2009, 13:08:

Haghj00 says on Oct 19, 2009, 13:09:

God made it possible, aint that right Bill?

There is no god, never was and never will be.

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 19, 2009, 13:45:

cst I have to completely dissagree with you that it will make things better for us or anyone that is not lining their pockets with tourist dollars. I have been here for 7 years and never has it been so bad outside my barrio for el gringo as far as the perception of the gringo. I never want to leave anymore, the rep of the gringo is in the toilet thanks to tourism.

What Colombia needs to grow is less corruption, a weaker peso and security. Having those things will bring industry here, not tourists who cause prices to rise and piss a lot of people off who are Colombia and want to stay in a hotel or visit a tourist site or whatever.

Oh and why is it so much nicer than the other cities? COCAIN!
So lets keep are feet on the ground and not wish for that to ever go away. k?

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Haghj00 says on Oct 19, 2009, 13:48:

Weaker peso = more tourism

Weaker peso = More corruption

Weaker peso = Less security

There is no god, never was and never will be.

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jman73 says on Oct 19, 2009, 13:58:

So CNN doesn't want us to see picturesque photos of Medellin???? How scandalous!!!

"Anyone who thinks that Colombia is a gastronomical paradise needs to have their head examined." jman73

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colombogringo1969 says on Oct 19, 2009, 14:01:

CNN takes Colombia ad money for www.colombia.travel sandwiched between news stories focused solely on drugs in Colombia. Hypocrites!!

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kenblanquito says on Oct 19, 2009, 14:27:

Wow Simon, excellent photos and I hope some of the sceptics spot this post. Even Mrs Blanquito would be impressed and she takes a good one. Only one obvious thing missing; some examples of the Christmas lights in La Playa and over the River Medellin but you have made your point well.

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dtbrooklyn says on Oct 19, 2009, 15:38:

I love the picture of Junín. It's a great shot.

Still, I don't think it's unfair at all of CNN to draw attention to the stunningly high murder rate here in Medellín. Honestly, it would be noteworthy anywhere, and so doesn't really reflect any bias on the part of CNN. If the murder rate were like this in New Orleans, or Washington Dc would you really expect them to do "feel-good" stories to balance out their coverage? Would it be better if they pretended there were no problems down here? Do you really expect them to cover the flower festival or the christmas lights... c'mon, that's the dreck that El Colombiano splashes on the front page instead of doing any real in-depth journalism. Hardly worthy of international coverage.

Furthermore, the pictures are great, but you are preaching to the choir here, to the people who already live here, or visit here, and have their own daily experiences and memories to draw on regarding Medellín. Even the ones who bitch about it all the time. If they're perusing this forum, they don't need CNN to tell them what Medellín is about.

all that said, there were some very nice shots in there, so thanks for the pics!

porque no te callas?

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 19, 2009, 15:39:

davidslc46 says on Oct 19, 2009, 16:00:

Simon

Absolutely awesome pictures. Generally the only ones I find of Medellin have so much pollution that they are not clear or stunning.

David

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love2travel says on Oct 19, 2009, 16:01:

thanks for the great pics

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kenblanquito says on Oct 19, 2009, 16:14:

dtbrooklyn
There are members of this site who have never been to Colombia or seen Medellin in a better light, so these photos are very valid. Journalism should be a balanced thing anyway even if it rarely is. These sources should tell you the good things and warn you about the risks too.
makopp5
Colombia should be a great tourism place and the extra employment provided and the influx of clean foreign currency would be great in so many ways. There are no-go areas but there are relatively safe areas, particularly if your head is screwed on properly.

Back in 1989, I spent a month in Africa and visiting certain areas/townships in Jo' Burg, Harare and smaller towns in Botswana could have been dangerous experiences for a white "wealthy" Brit, but they were not. It was well-researched before going, I was travelling with friends who had already lived/visited those places and they did not lead me astray. We knew where to drink, where not to go at night, what situations to avoid etc. The aforementioned places had levels of poverty as bad/worse than Colombia, drug/alcohol problems and violence that could have been directed at white people. For me, the experience was totally positive and I saw real wildlife rather than animals imprisoned within zoos outside of their natural habitat and climate conditions. The information that I researched gave a sensible balance between the good, the bad and the ugly and not the biased opinion presented alegedly by the CNN channel.
Simon has every right to show the other side of this top-heavy coin.

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emerson_wylde says on Oct 19, 2009, 16:40:

dtbrooklyn, all CNN had to do was start their story out with context and perspective - simply use a few sentences to paint how life for the vast majority of people in Medellin continues as normal, and a far cry from the Pablo days. In some neighborhoods up on the hillside, however, the story is very different....bla bla
That type of "lead in" IS an important part of the story - leaving it out was irresponsible and a disservice to CNN readers/viewers. They painted a very inaccurate picture of how things are in Medellin.

Now, Simon still wouldn't like them running that story with a proper "lead in". But if they had properly set the context and perspective I wouldn't have a big problem with it because the killings are newsworthy.

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Sam Salmon says on Oct 19, 2009, 18:21:

Wonderful pics-I ♥♥♥LOVE♥♥♥ Medellin!

Those red brick coloured buildings are instant classics.

' a la orden!'

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 19, 2009, 19:14:

Explain to me how a weaker peso means less security and more corruption? You lost me there?

Mak I live in Bogota. If you want to see what a weak currency does take a look at China, you want to see what tourism does take a look at hawaii, Costa Rica any other Island. Prices sky high and the locals kept to the slums except to work.

At least with production type jobs you are going to have a higher salary paid and if you want good skilled workers you will need to pay for them. Anyone can spill whiskey into a glass or make up a bed. Just my opinion....

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love2travel says on Oct 19, 2009, 19:23:

Why does Colombia have so many red brick skyscrapers? Cheaper than steel and glass I guess.

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 19, 2009, 19:35:

Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 19:50:

"Why does Colombia have so many red brick skyscrapers?''

Because red contrasts much nicer with green mountains than gray steel or glass.

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Cali2005 says on Oct 19, 2009, 20:52:

Great pictures. Thank you!

Red brick is cheaper and its made in Colombia.The new skyscrapers are half brick under that modern finish. Of course the main supports are not brick but the rest of the walls are.

Brick is cheap look at the popular neighborhoods.

Medellin Apartments and Tours http://www.ParadiseRealtyMedellin.com

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tannedincali (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 19, 2009, 21:07:

love2travel says on Oct 19, 2009, 21:33:

The support has to be steel.

Wouldn't wooden walls be cheaper than brick if the support is already steel?

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miamimike says on Oct 19, 2009, 22:35:

Simon, are you sure you want us "Greengos" to see Medellin as well? Maybe we see too many Chicas! lol

Very Nice Photos though, Thx

Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte después Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte de

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Simon says on Oct 19, 2009, 22:48:

Thanks Miamimike, I appreciate it!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Lisa Zee says on Oct 19, 2009, 23:22:

Simonsito, porque no pones que es cada edificio porfa. Muy buenas fotos, mil gracias.

Vive la vida y deja vivir!.

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Lisa Zee says on Oct 19, 2009, 23:33:

This is the view from one of my apts in El Poblado

Vive la vida y deja vivir!.

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Lisa Zee says on Oct 19, 2009, 23:45:

View from balcony

Vive la vida y deja vivir!.

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Lisa Zee says on Oct 19, 2009, 23:50:

View of El Club Campestre

Vive la vida y deja vivir!.

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guapochino007 says on Oct 20, 2009, 01:25:

thaks for sharing the photos!!! looks great!! wow

----Ok, call me conceited or whatever you like... lets not talk about my PBH account name... LOL---

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El Expatriado says on Oct 20, 2009, 01:58:

You don't have to convince us , we've already been there. Try to convince the Media, who likes to feed these scary sinister stories to the masses, most of whom don't speak a word of Spanish, are scared of their own shadows and REALLY scared of anyone of swarthy complexion, talking in a foreign language, and never been on out of thier own country, other than to a 5 star all-inclusive resort in Mazatlan where they were lived in a drunken state never leaving the hotel grounds (laying by the pool and turning beat-red like lobsters) except one guided tour of the local village, where they threw up in the plaza central ,and the only latin people they saw were the maid, pool boy, and bartender, who told them "You speak really good Spanish Senor) when they drunkenly blurted out "Dos cervezas por favor).

Tell those people. Try to convince them. The 99.9% of the population. That's the challenge.

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El Expatriado says on Oct 20, 2009, 02:01:

Good Pictures Simon.

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dwmte7 says on Oct 20, 2009, 05:28:

simon...........for those who've been around for years and those colombians native to medallo, we never stop in amazement at the building growth. when i first landed, coltejer (junin and la playa) was the only high rise anywhere. in the center, you'ld see a few 5 maybe 7 story buildings, old office buildings, but that was it. look at it today. in the eighties, between poblado and envigado, there was not one building over 3 maybe 4 stories. look at it now. a sea of condo towers and ever growing.. before all you saw between pob. and envigado was trees. now the trees are hard to see, and empty land is very hard to find as that's where those with investment dollars want their real property.

granted, there's a resurgence in violence brought about by the drug problems and corruption. but if it increased exponentially, it would never return to the "narco years" the govt. has too good a hand on it. there's still tons of work to do on infrastructure in the barrios (barrio in this case meaning basically, the really poor hillside area to the north) but little by little, the 'trickle down' theory works and these projects are addressed. OH! for the return of fajardo.

VIVA MEDELLIN. again, simon, thanks for the tour.

patriarch

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Philly says on Oct 20, 2009, 06:50:

No disrespect but does it really matter how beautiful a city is if it is dangerous? You can post pictures of just about any place in Colombi to show its beautiful. CNN´s point is very clear. MEDELLIN IS DANGEROUS

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 20, 2009, 07:02:

kenblanquito says on Oct 20, 2009, 07:09:

All large cities are dangerous, or certainly have dangerous boroughs. Whether it be caused by drug wars or inner city poverty. London is wonderful for a tourist but if you stray from the rich boroughs where the sightseeing is done and enter certain Northern, Eastern or Southern boroughs, you will see a different world with street gangs, mini drug wars, council tower blocks in disrepair and anybody can be mugged. I do not enter those areas any more and I lived in London for half of my life. Tourists are oblivious to these bad areas and why? Because they are not publicized in any tourist propaganda or articles for foreigners who may wish to visit the place. Little mention is made to the increases in gun/knife crime in popular press seen outside of England. Unlike Medellin. Not fair really.

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 20, 2009, 07:21:

Something happened to me in Chia? JAJA huh? I never go to Chia.

OK all you people trying to figure out who I really am can you please give it a break. If you know me come up and say hello if you do not then leave the dick tracy bullcrap to NCIS. jaja

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 20, 2009, 07:25:

here is just an interesting...well to me anyway observation. Th eApartment buildings for the most part seem to be taller than here in Bogota. You don't see the barrios of the 5 and 6 floor buildings all over the place. Now wonder why that is? I really don't wonder but I guess I wonder if anyone else does? jiji

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 20, 2009, 07:26:

oneforyourmillion says on Oct 20, 2009, 07:30:

You sure about tht? Looks like a lot of trees could be cut down and make some room. In Bogota you don't see it like that it is buildings built next to your kitchen window. Contrar mi amigo. In Bogota they are tearing up old neighborhoods dissplacing the people in them and putting up their apartment buildings.

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 20, 2009, 07:35:

oneforyourmillion says on Oct 20, 2009, 07:46:

I am looking at it man.JAJA

You could be right but there is another possibility, a more likely one.

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dwmte7 says on Oct 20, 2009, 10:36:

martin............tell john to stop stalling--it's been years--and come to medallo and breathe in the beauty. there ain't nothing like it on the planet.

patriarch

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mosvar says on Oct 20, 2009, 12:14:

The pictures are beautiful. Although, it does nothing about the crime in any city, nice buildings and scenic views don't account for murders and robbery anywhere.

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davidslc46 says on Oct 20, 2009, 12:58:

MEDELLIN IS DANGEROUS

The roads thoughout Colombia are dangerous not just Medellin.

David

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 20, 2009, 13:02:

Simon says on Oct 20, 2009, 13:06:

David just doesn't want anyone else in on his little paradise.

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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davidslc46 says on Oct 20, 2009, 13:27:

It was a joke with some truth to it. I know he was referring to the murder rate. I guess I should take it more seriously particularly in my little place in Colombia. But beyond making a decision not to push my girls to come visit I have not really changed my perspective on the risks involved with living here.

A few more gringos would at least give my neighbors someone else to be curious about. But I do drive everyday and have driven everyday for over a year. Prior to that I took taxis and buses in and out of Medellin. I am more than happy to let you guys ride the public transportaion as I actually had a few very uncomfortable rides with bus and taxi drivers who thought they owned the road. I will leave moto safety in Colombia to those who know more about it than me. But I would love to know how many moto riders get lost each year on the roads in Colombia as my assumption is it must be a large number.

David

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dwmte7 says on Oct 20, 2009, 14:15:

couple of years back, the LA freeway system was like the OK corral. the bumper stickers said, "DONT SHOOT, I'LL PULL OVER" if they'll gun you down on the hollywood freeway, why not on autopista del norte? common.

patriarch

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larryrn says on Oct 20, 2009, 17:47:

incredible. thanks so much. I miss Medellin. I was there for 2 years and miss much about Medellin.. Santa Marta is so different - good in many ways, but I still miss Medellin. Medellin is my where i was born (grin) in Colombia..

Your Source for Nursing CEUs - www.RN.ORG - www.RNCE.US - www.EnfermeriaSite.com - www.Enfermeria.US

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 20, 2009, 17:52:

callejero says on Oct 20, 2009, 19:54:

David says "But beyond making a decision not to push my girls to come visit..."

I don't know your situation David, but I finally got my daughter here to Medellin for a visit. It was fantastic for her on so many different levels. But again, I don't know if you are referring to your daughters, their ages, their travel experience, etc.

As a matter of fact I told my kid to check out the CNN articles and compare them to what she saw in Medellin for herself & note how the media can really skew how things seem if one doesn't know better.

"I'm no f****ing implicator."

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goin_south says on Oct 20, 2009, 22:07:

jey, simonito... maybe you and LZ can hook up and make this thread even longer than the one the Lcacique and Mafe did on Colombia.... but, please make it so the pictures last.

Que Medellllin!

I like Bogota, the Mountains, The Cold Rain.

I've got a few bitches (uhhhaaaah.. Complaints) this time around.
But, Locombia is always fun.
Like I said.... I'm not sure, but I think someone tried to kill me.

nothin I say is to be takn for my words, but rather for the words of Sailor Jerry.

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lampltr says on Oct 21, 2009, 00:49:

Super pics Simon...gracias :-)

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lampltr says on Oct 21, 2009, 00:49:

bump....

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davidslc46 says on Oct 21, 2009, 04:11:

Callejero

don't know your situation David, but I finally got my daughter here to Medellin for a visit. It was fantastic for her on so many different levels. But again, I don't know if you are referring to your daughters, their ages, their travel experience, etc.

As a matter of fact I told my kid to check out the CNN articles and compare them to what she saw in Medellin for herself & note how the media can really skew how things seem if one doesn't know better.

Callejero,

My situation is different becuase of the increased amount of assasinations going on in the neighborhood. An excerpt from the Rueters article brian posted reflects the change that we have seen over the last 8 months:

This was a calm neighborhood, until now," said the owner of an open air bar where a man was shot dead by two thugs last Friday night in Bello, a Medellin suburb.

An hour later and several blocks away, someone tossed a grenade into a group of gang members sitting by their motorcycles in a park, killing one of them and wounding two.

That was Friday night. On Sunday night as I reported there were two guys shot dead in an open air resturant in front of my building and a taxi driver got whacked around the area in Bello my stepdaughter goes to school. That makes about 10 in my peaceful little neighborhood of Niquia in the last month or two. Bello should have more as I live in the quieter area of Bello.

Despite others arguing that a large number of the murders occuring are domestic violence related just about every one of these deaths occur in the same manner. A couple weeks ago I did report one in which the girl accross the street was killed by the slashing of her neck, but thats the only apparent domestic I can see looking back a few months.

I believe that Rueters article points out some good reasons why these murders maybe occuring.

1. The old bosses are in jail and a power vacume has occured.
2. The international market is being significantly impacted by LE interdiction
3. Local gangs are fighting for the street market.
4. Despite the fact that the numbers of gang victims is so high, because of the poor economic situation there are more
popping up to replace them.

Interesting to consider that it maybe the successes against major personailities and shipments in the cocaine business which has created much of the problem we see now.

My girls really have never had to deal with these kind of realities up close.

It is not that surprosing to me that they can deal with robberies and assasinations in El Poblato, They can and they do. But they have not been successful with stemming the tide of assasinations that are occuring in poor neighborhoods throughout Medellin.


David

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youngman says on Oct 21, 2009, 08:30:

The reason why CNN did the hit piece is so that the liberal and socialsit politicians....can you say Messiah Obama...... does not have to sign the trade agreement.....

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dwmte7 says on Oct 21, 2009, 13:33:

oh, so that's why.

patriarch

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 22, 2009, 09:26:

Could be either way it is money in the toilet

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 22, 2009, 09:31:

oneforyourmillion says on Oct 22, 2009, 10:02:

None of your business

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 22, 2009, 10:21:

oneforyourmillion says on Oct 22, 2009, 10:26:

Well it does not take much then does it? Look man I don't need to show you or anyone else on this board anything. You want to beleive I am not real? Go ahead.

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 22, 2009, 10:35:

Here is the deal Makopp you could have been friends with me. You could have said lets have a coffee, beer whatever and I would have been there. But you saying I am not real well that is just dissrespectful. Why becasue I don't put where I live on the internet like an idiot? So there ya go. Your loss.

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