It was our last day in Medellin, and after being told that gunshots were fired in Comuna 13 we weren’t very optimistic.  However, given my penchant to experience true civil disorder first hand, we still headed towards the favela-like district.  The shots were fired in close proximity to the metrocable station so we took a cab there.  Once out of the cab, we asked if it was safe and one extremely nice young gentlemen offered to take us up there and he said it was safe for us as long as we stayed close to him.  To really get into the heart of the district, one must traverse a brand new escalator system which really is an impressive juxtaposition to all of the dilapidated dwellings lining the hillside.  What we witnessed within Comuna 13 was not so much a violent, crime ridden warzone, but more of an extremely tight-knit, resilient and proud community who are making the most of a poor socio-economic situation.

Escaleras Eléctricas San Javier

 

 

 

1 Goat vs. 3 Men