Medellín: The City of Eternal Spring

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-bor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón
  [pair-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-bor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-bor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prar]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwahn-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [eh-soh ehs mwee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes rebajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs reh-bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Y media (10)
  [ee meh-dee-ah (deez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwahl ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (bus)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un tiquete (para ....)
  [oon tee-keh-teh (pah-rah)]

Medellín was founded on November 2, 1616, by Francisco Herrera Campuzano. Initially named 'San Lorenzo de Aburrá,' the settlement was established in the Aburrá Valley, which was initially inhabited by the indigenous Aburrá people. Over the years, the city grew from a small village to a significant colonial town.

In the 19th century, Medellín experienced rapid growth due to the coffee boom. The establishment of the Antioquia Railway in 1874 facilitated the transport of coffee to international markets, bolstering the city’s economy. During this period, Medellín emerged as an industrial hub, with textile factories and other industries flourishing.

The late 20th century saw Medellín become infamously associated with the drug trade, particularly the Medellín Cartel led by Pablo Escobar. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, the city experienced severe violence and instability. Escobar's death in 1993 marked the beginning of a significant decline in cartel-related violence.

In the early 21st century, Medellín underwent a remarkable urban transformation. Initiatives such as the construction of the Metrocable system in 2004 and the establishment of the Medellín Metro revitalized the city. Projects like the 'Library Parks' and 'Escaleras Electricas' in Comuna 13 showcased innovative urban planning aimed at social inclusion and reducing crime.

Medellín has also seen a cultural renaissance, becoming a vibrant center of art, music, and education. The city is home to events like the annual Flower Festival (Feria de las Flores), which celebrates the region's floriculture with parades and displays. Institutions such as the Museum of Antioquia and the Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra highlight the city's commitment to cultural enrichment.

Medellín is served by José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) located in Rionegro, roughly 35 kilometers from the city center. The airport handles international and domestic flights. For a more budget-friendly option, travelers can also fly into Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH), which mainly serves domestic routes. From José María Córdova International Airport, you can take a taxi, an airport shuttle, or a bus to Medellín. The journey typically takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour by road.

Medellín boasts a modern and efficient public transportation system. The Metro system, including metro trains, metro buses, and the Metrocable, covers most parts of the city. The metro is clean, safe, and affordable. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are also widely available. For a local experience, you can hop on a buseta (local bus). Renting a car is an option but navigating the city’s traffic can be challenging for newcomers.

The official currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Medellín, especially in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and street vendors. ATMs are plentiful and can be found in shopping centers, banks, and other convenient locations. Be mindful of transaction fees that may apply when using foreign cards.

Medellín has made significant strides in improving safety, but it’s still important to take precautions. Areas like El Poblado and Laureles are generally safe for tourists. However, neighborhoods such as La Sierra, Comuna 13, and some parts of downtown can have higher crime rates and should be visited with caution or accompanied by a local guide. Always be vigilant, particularly at night, and avoid displaying valuables.

In case of an emergency, dial 123 for immediate assistance. Medellín has several hospitals and clinics that provide quality medical care. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies, known as 'droguerías,' are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress casually but neatly. Medellín is known for its fashion-conscious residents. Avoid wearing overly flashy jewelry. Religion: Do respect local religious customs. While Medellín is predominantly Catholic, always be respectful when visiting churches or religious sites. Public Transport: Do use the Metro as it is clean and reliable. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a hug if you know them well. It’s customary to use formal titles like 'Señor' or 'Señora.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods such as arepas and bandeja paisa. Don’t refuse hospitality as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Medellín like a local, visit the local markets such as Plaza Minorista and Plaza de la América. Enjoy a game of Tejo, a traditional Colombian sport, or take a stroll in the botanical gardens. Make sure to explore the city’s vibrant street art in Comuna 13 and take a ride on the Metrocable for stunning views of the city. Don’t miss trying local coffee at one of the many coffee shops; Medellín prides itself on its exceptional coffee.