You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. – Dr. Seuss

Woke up at 7am after practically no sleep thanks to the snoring monster in our our 6-bed dorm! Even as I fight through the exhaustion I am ready to explore Medellin and learn more of the history that is notorious for the drug kingpin, Pablo Escobar. Thankfully I was given metro cards from Josh and Iefke, since Medellin is the only city in Colombia that has a mass transit system. On our walk to the station while crossing the street I see a familiar body even from the back. Then it hits me. It’s Karleen! Sneaking up behind her as we are in the middle of a busy street I grab her and as she is ready to turn around and smack me she sees that it’s me and huge hugs are exchange. As we continue to walk to the train station we realize that we are heading to different parts of the city, but agree to meet up for dinner. Char and I head to the Universidad Estacion first where we plan to take the Metrocable, which is a gondola ride that overlooks the city. After reaching the top and taking in the view of the slums below, I adventurously decide to walk through the narrow neighborhoods instead of riding the gondola back down. Passing children playing soccer in the streets, and smiling at local merchants and women sitting on their balconies enjoying the sights and sounds of the neighborhood, it made me feel glad to be immersed in a vibrant Colombian community where people stop to greet each other with hugs and conversation.


