Colombia’s Bad Rap Lingers

Before we arrived in Medellin, we had our typical transition meeting where we celebrate our month in the current country and talk briefly about respecting and appreciating the social and cultural norms of the country in which we’re about to enter.

One of the first things mentioned was what NOT to talk about while in Medellin, Colombia. If you know anything about governmental and cultural changes in Colombia over the past couple of decades, then you might guess what warning we received – don’t talk about cartels and Pablo Escobar in public. Apparently, it’s the city’s effort to bury a horrific past of killings and displacement of its people over many decades.

While there continues to be drug trafficking and some unrest in certain parts of the country, those at the highest ranks of government and profiteers from the cocaine business recognize the value of maintaining the peace among the people. The new leaders of the drug world have decided that staying “invisible” is a better business model for all involved.

The current peace agreement is on somewhat shaky ground due to the increase of cocaine production and other related issues, but it appears that for now, Medellin’s overall strength through revitalization efforts in the community are prevailing over the negative impressions from abroad. The city has become one of the most popular stops for tourists from around the world, and many foreigners are now calling Medellin home.

The most significant change that united the people of Medellin was the 1995 addition of the ‘Metro de Medellin’, the city’s advanced integrated transportation system that includes two railways, trams, aerial cable cars, and an increasing number of bus routes that allow citizens and tourists to easily navigate around the city.

That ability to move more freely has brought the people from all zones together to celebrate their similarities and differences. They take great pride in that accomplishment – an accomplishment that only strengthens their resolve to be a stable, vibrant community.