When I received my Remote Year itinerary many people had reactions about me living in Medellín. After all it was deemed as the most dangerous city in the world by Time Magazine in 1988. It's no secret that Medellín has had a troubled past. It was home to Pablo Escobar's notorious drug cartel, guerrilla warfare, a tumultuous political environment, and murder rates were off the charts.

After living here for one month I truly got to understand that it is a tale of two cities. Despite what you see on TV shows like Narcos, Medellín is far from what it used to be 20-30 years ago. From the most dangerous city in the world it is now named as one of the most innovative cities in the world.

The government has made strong efforts to implement modern designs of public spaces, transit infrastructure, and urban interventions to address the issues of violence, and inequality. The mayor recognized the need to unite the city. Some of the worst spots underwent renovations such as Plaza de Cisneros which was one of the worst drug dens, and is now a literal beacon of light, and gives hope for Medellín. The city developed its transportation by adding a cable car, tram system, bus system, and metro that connects the once separated impoverished hillside communities to the prospering city below.

While there is significantly less violence now there are still gangs, and street crime. The streets are often occupied with soldiers with guns, and police men with bright vests which indicate that the transformation is very much in progress, and still fragile.

Every person works incredibly hard to shrug off the legacy of a violent past, and to move forward towards a brighter future. It is now home to a thriving social entrepreneurship scene that is reshaping the character of the city. Digital nomads are flocking to this city with laptops in hand. Medellín's temperate climate, cheap cost of living, and a healthy dose of Latin American flare makes it an appealing place to work, live, and enjoy life. Medellín is frequently mentioned in the same breath as well-known hubs like Chiang Mai, Lisbon, and Bali. With an economy that is growing rapidly, it is one of the great success stories of Latin America in the 21st century.

embrace everyday moments

barriga llena, corazón contento

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