26 Jun - 21 August - Medellin Colombia – El Cantante, Hector Lavoe
Medellin is all about the good times and I was fortunate enough to be there for 2 bodacious events. The city was hosting to 4 teams in the Fifa under 20 world cup and also it was the time of year for the annual flower festival known as the Feria de Flores.
Copa Mundial sub 20
The under 20 world cup shows off upcoming international football talent. It is largely overlooked by most countries, but as with most Colombian festivities, the people threw everything into it. Medellin hosted Korea, Argentina, England and Mexico. It was always a great time watching the games, either from the outside bars in carrera 70 or in Medellin’s world class stadium complex.
 The place could hold 40,000 and was packed to the rafters with supporters for Argentina v England. |  Goooooooal! The crowd goes crazy. Paul supporting Argentina and me England (who played like shit). Game ended up in a 1-1 draw. |
 After the match we hung out with the security forces. You should check out the smoking gun on the right! |  They also bough in a tank in case those crazy English hooligans got out of control. |
Madness in the Feria de Flores
The feria is a festival to celebrate the regions second biggest export after cocaine…flowers. Back in the old times, the men and women used to carry their flowers from the farms into Medellin to sell. They carried them on there backs in beautiful displays, which this festival recreates.
The festival is a week long series of events, starting with a parade and cavalcade. During the week there are free concerts, dancing and so much partying and drinking to be done.
 This is me, standing next to one of the flower arrangements. Isn’t it pretty? |  And the parade begins in good style with a float of transvestites. |
 Followed by some swamp beasts |  and infantry with big guns. |
 And the horse parade begins..Whhooop!! |  about 3000 horses prance down the road during the parade |
 Not all horses are created equal |  Some of them are just enhanced |
 And after all that horse riding, everyone is in need of a few sensible drinks, |  and a few not so sensible. |
Friends, Amigos and Dance Partners
Over the 2 months I made a large number of friends and had more good times than you can shake a stick at. Here are a few random photos
 Housemate Dave calling home |  Ana my salsa teacher, teaching me el pájaro |
 Flaming calculators here |  and some fucking sweet street art |
 The key to success in Colombia is written on this piece of paper |  nice chicken wings |
 Whooooooo!! |  Colombia, known for its delicate cuisine |
 Dirty old Parque Periodistas, this is where all the local drug smokers and hippies hang out. It is also the location of my favorite heavy meatal bar, Bar Monroe. |  and not to forget the best crew in town, Maree, Ana, Patrick and myself. Here Patrick is being a pussy. |
 Some old men, singing for there supper in Envigado Park |  random street cheerleading |
 and some cheekyness from Botero in Botero Square |  Presidents park, when copias amounts of bad banter was had over beers. |
And that about sums up my good times in Medellin. A fantastic place to go and an impossible place to leave.
Till next time
Laters. x.b.rad
