The home of Pablo Escobar

This statue was erected as a symbol of peace and then blown apart by a bomb

It doesn't matter that Medellin was once one of the most dangerous cities in the world - it's been variously known as the world's 'kidnap capital', 'cocaine capital' and 'murder capital'. It doesn't matter that it's streets were once ruled by one of the most infamous and violent drug cartel bosses in history. Pablo Escobar fed the world's cocaine habit during the 80s and 90s. He hired thugs to hunt police and politicians. He blew up buildings, cars and planes, and killed friends, family and anyone who stood in his way. He unleashed a reign of terror on the streets of Medellin that the people of this city will never forget. But they're proud people.

The slums of Medellin

They're proud of their city's vibrancy, the food, the weather, their culture, and their strength. They're still cautious. They'll warn you to be careful, to stay away from the slums that surround the city and spread for miles across the slopes of their vast valley. They'll ask you why you chose to visit such a dangerous city so often that you start to wonder the same thing yourself. But they're proud that they've survived.

Pablo Escobar damaged the city's image considerably, but not irrevocably. While the war against drugs still rages in the jungle of Columbia, the people of Medellin are getting on with their lives.

Want to know more? Pick up a copy of Killing Pablo: The Hunt for the Richest Most Powerful Criminal in History by Mark Bowden.