A Modicum of Hope

For anyone over about the age of 10, Medellin is a place associated with drugs and violence.  Around 2000, it was one of the most homicidal places on the planet.  (Those who will admit to watching Entourage may also associate it with the plot line involving the terrible biopic on Pablo Escobar.)  The turnaround has been quite dramatic.  Medellin is a bustling, comfortable place.  We spent much of yesterday afternoon loitering in a park with a Sunday farmers' market.  It was every bit as yuppy as Lincoln Park in Chicago.  Below is the view from the balcony of our Airbnb apartment.  Yes, if you look closely at the billboard, it's Sophia Vergara from Modern Family.

We are taking a "down day" in the comfortable apartment for laundry, schoolwork, etc.  The girl on the right is Tess Kuczun (Leah's sister's daughter) who has joined us for the first three weeks.

Meanwhile, one of the best things about Colombia is the street food, and one of the best kinds of street vendors is the avocado peddler.  The avocados are HUGE.  You eat them in wedges sprinkled with lime and salt.