Medellín Is Kinda Blowin’ My Mind
One gets the sense that if all human activity ceased, this place would revert to a state of nature within years; not centuries, not decades, years. This is, by far, the most verdant, fertile place I’ve ever been, both literally and figuratively.
I’ve been here just over 24 hours and have already had a bunch of wonderful, beautiful, life-affirming experiences; have already met interesting, fun people; have eaten some amazingly fresh fruit (those who know me know I loves me some fruit) and have barely spent any money.
This city is NOT paradise. Visible signs of poverty are everywhere outside of the rich areas. The Medellín river is nothing short of a massive sewer. Crime is definitely a “thing.”
Example: Upon arrival, I met this young Dutch dude at the airport who directed me to a bus that saved me a $50 Uber ride… and dropped me a couple miles from my hotel. Having no Colombian cash, I needed a cajero and had to navigate a treacherous set of road crossings with all my baggage, exhausted after a night’s travel. On my way to the ATM, I asked directions, and they were like, “Go that way. It’s safer.” This was in broad daylight at 10 in the morning. I found the ATM which was guarded by armed, very serious looking fellows. The display on the machine helpfully warned as it dispensed cabbage, “Cuidadté! Put your cash and card in your wallet before turning around.”
Needing a ride to the hotel, I found a line of taxis, and the driver and his friend were salivating, saying, “Give me your phone so I can get directions.” Bro, please. I was born during the day, but it wasn’t yesterday. Pretty sure they were going to rob me or kidnap me or something… so I called Uber. It cost four bucks and felt safer.
So, yeah, it’s not paradise. A lot of Colombians have parted with, “Cuidaté” which can mean “take care” or “be careful,” and I’ve sensed that “be careful” was moreso the intended meaning.
But, you know, it’s like that everywhere. People get conned and robbed and murdered every single day back home in NYC. Hell, listen to the voice of experience: I’ve been conned and robbed there more times than I can count.
Fuck, at this point I’m not exactly an easy target. I get this shit everywhere. Seen it before and clock it everywhere, even on Park Ave. Especially on Park Ave. A dapper dickhead in a $10,000 suit can (and does) rob you a lot more easily and for a lot more than can some taxi driver in Medellín.
But I’ve digressed, as usual.
I’m looking out my window and seeing the lights twinkle on the nearby mountainsides as if the stars had fallen to earth, reflecting on the beautiful and intense experiences I’ve already had here. If you want more of a feel for it, listen to my latest podcast episode.
I’ll be making some videos too so check back.
Happy 2026!
Peace,
Chuck
Be careful!