“What is your perception of Colombia?” Standing outside a restaurant in Medellín, a local walked up to me and asked me this question. He was thoroughly curious about why we were visiting Medellín. He knew many Americans had certain assumptions about Colombia and therefore wondered why we chose to visit. And you know what, he was exactly right. Before we even embarked on our trip, many friends and family questioned why we were going. They thought it wasn’t safe and wondered why we would choose to travel to Colombia when there were so many other places to explore. They had a particular perception of what Colombia was like, yet didn’t take the time to realize the transformation that had occurred.
When people don’t know much about a country because it hasn’t hit the “top tourist destination yet,” that is when you should travel there. Of course, do your research to make sure it’s safe, but don’t let others’ perceptions persuade you not to go. Every country has its history; just make sure you focus on recent facts rather than history from 30 years ago. Countries change, and it’s essential to see the beauty in each of them.
Colombia underwent a massive transformation, and in 2013, it was named the leading country in innovation. Neighborhoods of Medellín, in particular Comuna 13, which were once considered the most dangerous in the world, had been transformed. But it wasn’t always like that.
A Brief History Of Medellín
Back in the late 1980’s Comuna 13 was the center of extreme fighting. Violent drug trafficking organizations used the neighborhood as a transit route, while illegal military groups fought to control the area. In 2002, Operation Orion occurred, and over a four-day siege, hundreds of civilians were wounded, with many killed or missing. But around 2006, Medellín began to change. The mayor invested vast sums of money into the city to improve its citizens’ quality of life. One notable investment was the construction of electric escalators in Comuna 13 in 2011. Slowly, Comuna 13 began to emerge from its dark past.
To fully comprehend the history of Comuna 13, we took a tour with a local guide to explore this neighborhood. I was very hesitant to take my children on a tour of an area once considered the most dangerous place on earth, but I trusted that what I had read about the transformation was correct. I hoped that being another person to travel here and bring awareness to this community would continue to help the community grow in its revitalization.
Medellín’s Transformation
Our guide informed us that we would be using six outdoor escalators to explore the steep neighborhood. These escalators enabled locals to reach the top of Comuna 13 in six quick minutes rather than 35 treacherous minutes of uphill stair climbing, which was equivalent to climbing 28 stories! They were a recent addition and one of the significant innovations brought to Comuna 13 to improve the citizens’ wellbeing.
Besides technological advances, Comuna 13 also evolved into a neighborhood filled with vibrant art and music. Many local artists from Comuna 13 have depicted colorful graffiti scenes and mural artworks throughout the community as a gentle reminder of its history.
At the entrance of Comuna 13 is a stunning mural painted along the wall leading into the notorious neighborhood. The elephants waving the white flags symbolize the neighborhood’s strength during such violent years and their hope for peace.
As we continued our walk through Comuna 13, we noticed colorful graffiti depicted at every turn. It was an impressive sight to see and even more impactful once we learned the meaning behind the street artwork.
Besides the local street artists, local dance groups have evolved, which has become a positive outlet for the children living there. We encountered a few of these talented young hip-hop groups along this boardwalk and were pleased to see so many tourists supporting them.
The Impact Comuna 13 Had On My Family
As we walked along the renovated boardwalk, Tyler said, “Mom, I want to live here.” That speaks volumes. Instead of the violent past, he saw a revived neighborhood with local children dancing and playing on the streets. He “heard” all about the town’s violent history, but what he “saw” was completely different. He wasn’t blind to what had happened, but he saw the beauty of what was currently there today.
Tyler didn’t let the perception of the history of the neighborhood change his opinion of it. And we as a family didn’t let others’ perceptions stop us from traveling here. If we had, we would not have experienced firsthand the beauty of this country and the impressive steps they have taken as a community to continue its revival.
So while it’s easy to be persuaded by what you hear and think you know, take your time to do your research to make your own assumptions on the country. Otherwise, you might not get to experience the country, and wouldn’t that be a shame.
I loved this post, I connect with so many things you say here about choosing for yourself and getting informed on you own other than letting others’ perceptions affect you! It’s so hard though because people will give you advice because they care about you but in the end, everyone has such a different style of travel that what you think of a destination has nothing to do with what other may think of it. And by the way, just added Colombia to my bucket list thanks to you!
It’s so true! We all have varied travel styles and thoughts about each destination. And what might be right for us might not be the best for others. Colombia is a true gem, and I’m glad you put it on your list! Medellín was fabulous, but there is also so much more to explore in the country too!