Back in the City - Medellin

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The 30+ degree weather is over, and I can now walk the streets without looking like I just took a shower. We arrived here in Medellin yesterday, and could instantly feel the difference in temperature, and it was more than a welcomed change. The city is different than any of the other places we have been so far. Bogota and Cartagena were cities with narrow streets and bustling traffic. Medellin is a long, stretched out city that is based in a valley, and walking around, the city has a laid back feel which I find odd for the western appearance the city has.
Before leaving Cartagena, we visited the Volcano de Lodo del Tolumo, which is a mini volcano that is now full of mud. It is supposed to be therapeutic like a spa, but the most odd part of the volcano was the consistency the mud had. When you first dropped into the mud pit, you felt stuck, and despite your best efforts, it felt impossible to move around. The workers in the pit would push you around as you laid on your back and you would glide around. You would also bob in the pit at the same level. If you tried to push yourself further down, your body would pop back up the exact same level which you were at before. I think that the mud pit would be one of the closest experiences you could have to being freely suspended because it took no effort to stand, and you would not be standing on any solid ground. It was definitely another unique experience that I will be able to add to the rapidly growing collection of memories that I am acquiring.
The area of Cartagena that we were in was a very unique area as well. We were located just off of the old town, and all of the buildings in the area were constructed with the old, Spanish influence, and were all very beautiful. We also wandered around a fortress that is situated on the waterfront and was once used as the primary defense location against any water attacks. Sadly, many of the buildings had their ground level floors converted into boutique or specialty shops, so part of the beauty was taken away because of this. We also spent a day walking around the new town, and this area is very modern, and would be a fantastic place to live. All along the water were high rise condos that looked like they could be five star hotels. Cartagena is a beautiful city, but with a trip like this, you are always on the move. Another day or two in Cartagena would have been nice, but from what I have seen of Medellin so far, the days not spent in Cartagena will be well spent here.

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