Colombia has nearly 20 "heritage" villages and towns, spread across much of the country's rural landscape. Unlike other historical towns, Mongui has not been painted in bright, vibrant colors. Well-preserved colonial buildings are not the only attraction, however, as the town is most famous for, of all things, the manufacturing of soccer balls. Go figure! During our walk about Mongui we met the couple you see here, and when we first caught them up, I made the error of asking how long they had been married. Oops. After I delicately apologized, mother and son amiably went their way, we went ours. 

Comuna 13 was once considered one of Medellin's most dangerous neighborhoods. Crime and drug-related violence was rampant, and residents feared to walk the streets at night. Now, following Medellin's revival, the community is one of the city's most popular tourist destinations, thanks in part to the colorful, graffiti art that brightens the scene.