Welcome to Medellin Colombia

Bello (pronounced Bayjoe) has a mixed reputation as a city with areas of high personal danger, ranging to: Bello is a nice middle class place to live and work. Just as in many cities in the world, both opinions can be correct. Bello, is a large city, with a growing population of 400,000+people. The city is composed of 81 Barrios, and has a social/economic rank of Estrada 3, placing Bello in the middle range of 1 to 6. Estrada 6, is the most affluent- and where the residents pay highest taxes and utility costs!

The City of Bello has a very complete and well designed website. Surely there are Bello citizens who are both proud of their fine city, and can translate their Home Page into English?

Food and textiles are the major contributors to the local economy. Suburban barrios are known for their agricultural contribution to the economy.

Walking in the downtown area you'll find many small furniture stores with manufacturing employees crafting the furniture in the rear of the stores.

Bello is one of the many Terminals of the modern Metro System, and the home of the Metro Administration Center. Historically, Bello was also the center for the old narrow gauge railroad serving the State of Antioquia.

Many Metro workers reside in Bello for the convenience of being close to their work, plus the perks offered by Metro, such as secure parking for employee bicycles, and the large number of Metro buses which serve the far reaching barrios of Bello.

The central park is currently undergoing re-construction, is the hub of the city. The church, complete with twin clocks and a beautiful cast bronze door entrance, tree lined shops, and the city government building located nearby.

In many Hispanic Central America and South American cities, it's not unusual to see references to both JFK and Thomas Alva Edison. Why Kennedy,and not Jefferson or Washington, is so honored, I have yet to learn.

In the center of Bello is a unique library. Within the old adobe walls securing the library is a park setting complete with a covered meeting area, trees, birds, flowers and places to sit and read, to meet, chat, contemplate whatever, OR just close your eyes and listen!

Your Gringo host spent a half day wandering the streets of Centro Bello. During my walks, I chatted with the people and openly took many photos. I felt comfortable, secure, and enjoyed my time in Bello.