Once the most violent city in the world, the home of the notorious Medellin Cartel, led by Pablo Escobar. Once the city dominated by left wing guerilla groups the FARC, ELN and EPL. Once the city dominated by the military operations and right wing paramilitaries. Once the city where nobody would dare go on holiday.

Things have changed. Okay so it’s not a bed of roses and whilst there’s a lingering negative reputation, it’s actually quite safe to visit Medellin and enjoy the unique culture. Unfortunately, this means I don’t have a scary story to share with you.

Instead, let’s share some happy hip hop. Oh go on give it a chance. You were young once, remember? It’s certainly not worse than ‘shang a lang’

Let me explain further my reason for this video from Comuna 13.

Comuna 13 was once the most notorious area of the most notorious Medellin. The district is strategically located on the road to the coast where all the cocaine travelled and it’s always been a key location for the bad guys.

When the army eventually cleared out the guerilla groups from Comuna 13 in a series of questionable military operations culminating in ‘Operation Orion’ on 16th October 2002, there was much anger and disenchantment, particularly amongst young people. Not least because right wing paramilitaries assisted the army in the disappearance of many family members. Whilst there’s no denying that crime was brought under control, Comuna 13 was still a cauldron of frustration and hate against authority and government.

That’s where hip hop and rap comes in. For the last 20 years it’s been an important outlet for young people, a way of expressing their anger, frustrations and hopes. And I do mean important. So I thought a short video was appropriate.

Oh, I know there will be someone out there saying ‘shang a lang’ would also be appropriate in these circumstances, quoting the words ‘we sang ‘shang a lang as we ran with the gang’. Well I will give you the ‘gang’ reference but in my case for the prosecution I will refer to the next line ‘doin’ doo wop be dooby do ay’. That’s just not going to cut it in Comuna 13!

Talking of Comuna 13, here’s the place. Once the most violent place on earth. It actually looks quite nice in the sunshine though I do I appreciate that comment is very subjective.

Now for some culture and art – we’ve got to try and raise the intelligence quotient of this blog now and again. Please stay with me though I do appreciate it’s hard for some 😄

Wall art is another important means of expression in Comuna 13 and this is an example by Chota_13. You can follow her on Instagram if you’re so inclined. Yup, you’re probably not so inclined but nobody said my efforts to bring culture to this blog was going to be easy.

So what does this wall art represent. Basically, it means you are in charge of what’s inside you’. Please note how I’m keeping my explanation simple. I’m either catering for my audience or I’m at my own limit. 😀. I will let you decide. Namaste.

Here’s some more wall art. Probably the most important wall art in Comuna 13.

This mural is representative of ‘Operation Orion’ (mentioned above) and it’s full of symbolisms representing the army (camouflage), the right wing paramilitaries (ace of spades), families hiding at home (eye in window) ….. Okay that’s enough. You’re now sitting there bored thinking, let’s get back to stories of Susan falling off the bike.

How about a photo of an escalator? Does that make it more interesting for you?

A series of such outdoor escalators were installed in Comuna 13 to improve accessibility. They also provided an easy way by which lardy tourists could visit. Hence, Comuna 13 going from ‘gang hell’ to ‘tourist hell’. That’s progress I suppose?

Finally, a photo of us. That day was our wedding anniversary and I treated Susan to deep fried shrimps and beer at the Bogota Beer Company in Medellin. What a guy I am!

I thought I would also share another photo taken on our wedding anniversary. This time it’s 2014 whilst cycling across Canada.

Her only treat that day was a whole mars bar to herself. So, as you can see, despite all the hardships of motorcycling in Colombia, Susan looks a lot happier this time. I could possibly say, she’s never had it so good!

Finally, finally, I can’t leave you wanting more. So here’s some more.

Just bringing young people and energy into your lives. And as me and my young hip hop homies say ‘hang loose’.

• South America