I am in the last week of a three week trip to Medellin. This city continues to draw me in and has a certain level of a hold on me. The people here make so much of a difference. Where ever we go, people see a need, they do not hesitate to help. My son, his wife, and Debby were on a street in a poverty stricken neighborhood on the north side of Medellin. We were unsure where to get on the bus to get to the metro. A lady selling street food noticed we were confused and called us over to explain where to meet our bus. Unnecessary for her; needed by us. She helped in an unmeasurable way. It is one of so many times people have gone out of their way to help.
Changes are also evident. In my first five years here, I had never heard sirens. Now they are far more common. The biggest danger here is getting hot as a pedestrian - between motorcycles, taxies, buses, and older ladies - the corners have many dangers. Street lights, stop signs, and general traffic control are often just suggestions. You often feel like you are in the middle of a game of frogger here. We also have seen a steady increase in prices. For the first time, I spent $175 USD for a great dinner for the four of us. It included two great imported steaks and 4 wonderful drinks but it represents the highest I have paid for a meal.
Zach and his wife Sarah visited us here for the first time. It was a great experience for all of us. Their six days had many memories but Zach walking into our condo and seeing tears in his eyes when he saw the view was remarkable for me. They were surprised by many things - the variety of food options, the markets, the people, the temperatures, the malls, and the metro cable system. They left with a great feeling for Colombia and Medellin.