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lavendertales · 2 years ago

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SEÑORITA: Chapter 2

pairing: Javier Peña x Murphy!f!reader

summary: Steve offers to show you around the precinct, but he's not expecting all the teasing words and the tension between you and Javier; and neither does Javier himself.

word count: 3k

series warnings: reluctant friends to lovers, lots of playful banter, mutual pining, slow burn, secret relationship, filthy smut.

series masterlist | AO3

As it turns out, a baby living in the same space as you isn’t your biggest inconvenience.

Okay, perhaps “inconvenience” is taking things too far. Olivia has been a treat these past few days; she’s just started walking and mumbling a few words, so watching her be curious about everything and reach for things and people with her little hands has been one of your weekly highlights.

But you and Steve remain far from the good buddies you were as children, and the awkwardness that floats in the air whenever you interact is very much palpable and thick, weighing down on both of you.

Even so, you at least remain polite towards each other, and you both try your hardest to become friendly again.

Steve tells you about his time in Colombia; he tells you how he caught Pablo Escobar in his final moments and how he wished Javier was there to share the sweet victory since “it would’ve been only fair”. He mentions Javier quite a lot, actually, just like he did in his letters to you. You deduce that they are good friends, bonded by a mutual goal and plenty of tragedy, and that Javier is, despite some flaws and choices, a focused and hardworking man. Trustworthy and loyal.

In other words, a good man.

“I still have them, by the way,” you tell your brother as you take another sip of coffee.

Steve blinks in surprise. “You kept the letters I sent you?”

“Well, yeah. You’re still my brother, and the fact that you took the time to write to me when you were basically in a living hell, it means a lot to me. I was worried about you.”

The warmth that fills Steve’s body is not unknown, and yet it feels like it’s the very first time he’s ever felt it such a big wave of affection towards his baby sister.

“I figured if something were to happen, you’d be… eased,” he tries to joke.

“You’re not my favorite person in the world but I don’t want you to die. Besides, do you have any idea how expensive it is to have a funeral? Not to mention the cost of retrieving your body from there… way too much work.”

You both giggle, finding odd comfort in the rather morbid way you’re making jokes, and you finish your coffees in silence. Connie is at the park with Olivia—which you suspect was done intentionally on her part—and it’s almost time for both of you to head off to work. You actually crave the library’s welcoming silence today.

“I’ve got an idea,” Steve says, washing both cups. “The precinct isn’t that far from the library.”

“Probably ten minutes by car or so.”

“Exactly. How about you stop by at lunch? I can show you around, give you a tour.”

He’s trying, you smile to yourself. He’s trying to make things great again. You want that too, so it’s not hard to meet him halfway.

“That sounds pretty good actually,” you reply and smile when Steve does.

“Cool!”

“Can you give me a ride to work?”

“Sure thing, c’mon.”

On your way, you talk more and it becomes easier, more lighthearted. You find out that Steve wrote to your parent as well, and he also called them once a week. He talked to your mother daily during the brief time he and Connie were apart, and as you hear that, your heart sinks a little. You figure how difficult it must’ve been for both of them.

And even if you don’t say it aloud, you’re very impressed by Steve’s work in Colombia. But most of all, you’re proud of him.

“What’s Javier like?”

The question replaces the brightness on Steve’s face with a gloomy and curious expression. Much as he tries to hide it, it’s there.

“Why?” he asks flatly.

You roll your eyes, chuckling. “He’s your best friend, isn’t he?”

“Yeah, so?”

“Steven, I’m given to understand that Colombia was very dark. The two of you are bonded together by things that the rest of us can’t comprehend. I’m just asking out of curiosity, nothing more.”

Steve’s grip tightens over the wheel, recalling some of the events in Colombia. It was very dark indeed, but most of the time he had Connie there. Javier, on the other hand… there were times Steve feared he was drowning the more vehemently he refused any external help. All he had were his brothel girls, alcohol and cigarettes.

And Steve fears he still hasn’t recovered, even a year later.

“He’s a great guy overall,” Steve replies after a while. “Tough nut to crack and stubborn, but you can rely on him when it comes down to it.”

“He does look like he’s stubborn.”

“Have you seen much of him?”

“You mean since he introduced himself last week, then you shadily pulled him over after which he fled like the plague? Hmm, no, I can’t say I have.”

Steve coos your name, almost apologetically so, but you cut him off instantly. “Even if I were interested in him, which I’m not, what’s it to you? I get that I’m your sister and he’s your best friend and that puts you in the middle, but we’re adults. It would be none of your business.”

“True, but…” Steve huffs, struggling to find his words. “Look, I’m just trying to keep you both safe and sane.”

You frown. “What do you mean?”

“Whenever you were dating one of your bad boys, it never ended well. Remember Hyde, who spray painted dad’s car when you broke up with him?”

“Ugh. Yikes.”

“Or Mike?”

You try your hardest not to laugh. “I still can’t believe he found a skunk and sprayed it all over you.”

You suppress a giggle, much to Steve’s dismay.

“I had to sleep in the basement for a week,” he reminds you bitterly. “Wasn’t funny then, and it’s not funny now.”

“I know, I’m s—I’m sorry.”

“Ever notice how your breakups affected the rest of us, but never you?”

You shrug. “What can I say? I have a long lasting impact on these boys.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.”

“Javier’s a grown man. Those were little insecure boys. I doubt—“

“Javier isn’t fully okay after Colombia. Neither am I, really, but I’ve got a beautiful wife, an amazing daughter, and life goes on. He took it all by himself and bottled it up. Which is exactly like the kind of guy you’d fall for.”

“I thought he’s a reformed bad boy.”

Steve huffs, parking the car in front of the library and looking at you with a care he hadn’t possessed in years.

“I’m not trying to tell you what to do,” he says softly. “Not gonna do things like I did when we were teenagers. You’re a grown woman, Javier is a grown man as you said. He’s a little broken though, and you can be a lot to deal with… and I’m just afraid you’ll both end up getting hurt.”

“I appreciate your concern, Steven. But I promise you, I’m not interested in Javier like that.”

“All the women are at some point.”

“It’s a regular occurrence?”

When Steve hesitates, you get your answer. “Oh come on, it’s not like he’s some Adonis.”

“I don’t know, for a guy he’s pretty good looking.”

Devilishly handsome is more like it, you think.

“He is,” you agree indifferently, “but I’m not into it.”

“I’ll pick you up at 12-ish?”

You notice the topic change, but you don’t fight against it. “Sounds good,” you concede. Thanks for the ride.”

“You got it.”

Time flew by in the blink of an eye. Before you knew it, you were back in Steve’s car and on your way to the precinct. There’s a tingle in your body that you cannot explain, but you don’t fight against it either.

“So what exactly does a consultant do at a police precinct?” you ask.

“I help with cases but I don’t actually get involved. It’s a pretty sweet deal actually.”

“So it’s basically like giving advice and adding at the end, ‘if it ruins your life, it’s not my fault’?”

A hearty laugh leaves Steve’s chest, booming throughout the car. “Basically, yeah.”

“That’s a pretty sweet deal. How are you adjusting to it after all you did… in your previous job?”

“It’s a bit boring if you compare them, but it’s a nice change of pace.”

“I’ll bet. You are, after all, America’s hero.”

“Oh, stop it.”

“Come on! You know what people are saying about you! Steve Murphy, American’s fine hero, saved the world!”

You keep teasing him till you both end up laughing wholeheartedly. It’s a sentiment you haven’t had in years, and suddenly you feel grateful and lucky to have your big brother back in your life.

Steve holds the door for you, thus allowing you to get a first glimpse into his work environment. It’s as busy as any precinct, people buzzing and moving at a fast pace without paying much attention to their surroundings.

“Here,” Steve catches your attention. “This is my office.”

You scan the cubicle, noticing the picture of him, Connie and Olivia on his desk. “Pretty cozy.”

“That one over there is Javier’s.”

The difference between the two desks is quite stunning: while Steve’s is cozy and personalized with reminders of the life he has outside these walls, Javier’s is pretty empty except a few folders neatly stacked on top of each other, a pen and a stapler. His desk seems pretty empty, and you fleetingly wonder if that reflects how he’s feeling on a daily basis.

Impossible, you think to yourself. Surely he’s a ladies’ man, and surely he’s got someone to hook up with at least, if nothing more.

“Hey Jav,” your brother’s voice changes. “You remember my sister.”

Your eyes met Javier’s for a single second, frozen-like in time, and you’re quick to notice how he shifts his gaze as farther away from you as possible. As a response, you lower your head, stiffening a chuckle.

“Hola señorita,” he tells you, even his voice distant.

There’s no verbal reply leaving your mouth. You want to say something clever and witty, maybe even sarcastic, but there is a small fraction of your slightly twisted being, deep down, which considers his greeting to be an awakening of some sort. You like how the words roll so easily down his tongue. A presumably filthy and skilled tongue.

Whoa. Where the fuck did that come from?

Okay, so you might think he’s attractive. He might be sin personified with golden skin and cold attitude, which means he can be trouble.

And you’re not looking for trouble. Not anymore.

“What brings you here?”

It takes you a bit to realize that Javier’s addressing you because he’s not even looking at you; he’s looking through a folder in his hands, seemingly doing everything in his power to ignore you.

“Steve wanted to show me around the precinct while we grab some lunch,” you say.

“Hm.”

“Oh, right, lunch!” Steve exclaims. “I got us turkey sandwiches from a nice place down the street, hope that’s okay.”

“Yeah, love those.”

“I’ll be right back.”

With Steve gone temporarily, you take the opportunity to squeeze some answers out of Javier.

“Let me guess,” you start, crossing your arms at your chest and teasingly sitting on the edge of Javier’s desk. “Steven put on the big bro talk with you.”

Javier finally looks at you, somewhat surprised. “Is that a regular occurrence?”

“Oh yes. He used to do it a lot when we were teenagers. But please don’t hold my being related to him against me.”

“Wasn’t going to.”

“Thanks. He claims that I made his life miserable by bullying him when we were younger but if you’re asking me, he’s a bit of a wimp. When it comes to me, at least.”

“You do sound like a bully.”

This time you do chuckle. And if you wouldn’t have such great observation skills, you might’ve thought that Javier chuckled too.

“Did you bully him though?” he asks, voice less distant.

“Well… depends from which side you’re viewing things. I say I gave him reality checks. But this might explain why he’s trying so damn hard to overcompensate now by being ridiculously protective. He knows I didn’t like it then and it’s why we’re awkward around each other now, and yet here he is, going out of his way to keep you at bay.”

“He only asked me nicely to not hit on you.”

You raise your eyebrows. “Were you going to?”

“No. You’re not really… my type. No offense or anything.”

“None taken. But the question remains, why does my brother want to keep you at bay? Are you really that big of an asshole, Javier?”

He turns to you, studying your face properly for the very first time. You seem much sharper than any of the women he previously encountered, and for this reason he decides to be as blunt as possible with you.

“That seems to be the consensus,” he agrees.

“Cause I heard some storied from my brother’s time in Colombia. I heard about the infamous Javier Peña. Heard you were quite the hit with the ladies, but nothing short of ‘hero’ and ‘great friend’.”

Gradually, Javier becomes irritated. Reminders of his past life in Colombia and how much it took from him become a trigger, and he doesn’t want to relive any part of that.

“Are you gonna do this the whole time you’re here?” he asks you instead.

“I could,” you shrug. “I can see it gets a rise out of you.”

“And I can see why Steve said you can be a pain in the ass.”

“Ouch.”

But you smile, and paired with the way you said his full name, rolling the R perfectly at the end, it does get a rise out of him.

Frustration. The inability to act upon it. Curiosity. Forbidden fruit.

Too much contradiction for Javier’s personal taste.

“Listen,” he moves closer to you to whisper in dangerous proximity, “Steve asked me to not get involved with you, friend to friend. So that’s what I intend to do. More like not do.”

“Okay, that’s honorable, I respect that. But how much fun would it be to mess with him?”

Javier cocks an eyebrow in your direction, the faint scent of something floral suddenly invading his nostrils.

“Why would we mess with him?”

“Come on! Haven’t you ever wanted to just mess with him? Prank him in any way?”

“Not out of instinct.”

“You’re missing out.”

“And how exactly would we mess with him?”

“Do I detect interest in your voice?”

The playfulness in your voice, along with a hint of mischief, is causing Javier’s head to spin. You’re still not his type, but you sure seem like fun.

And he likes to have fun once in a while.

Forbidden fruit, he reminds himself.

“I figure if he sees me around you a lot, he’ll think we’re fucking, and based on your reputation, sounds plausible,” you ponder. “One of those veins in his head is bound to pop.”

“Shit, you’re a mean one. But I still want to respect Murphy’s wish.”

As if on command, Steve rushes back, handing you a sandwich and pulling Javier closer.

“I found this on Lieutenant Dan’s desk,” he mutters, but not hushed enough to not reach your ears.

Steve reveals a folder that you try to peak at while Javier rummages through it. Seconds later, his face brightens.

“New intel on the case,” Steve adds. “These sure would come in handy for closing the case.”

“So take ‘em.”

Both men stare at you like you just said the most outrageous thing in the world. “They’re classified, smarty pants,” Steve practically scolds you.

“So? You’re not taking them outside the precinct. You’re just… borrowing them, looking at words on a page.”

“If I close my eyes, you’re like the female version of Javier.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“Why are you here, again?”

Javier’s sharp eyes cut through you like glass, but they don’t intimidate you.

“Apparently I’m the only one thinking rationally,” you retort.

With a loud grunt and a quick glance around, Javier turns to Steve. “Look, just—just stuff it down your pants.”

“What?”

“Do you wanna close the case or not?”

“Yeah, obviously, but—“

“Stuff ‘em down your pants.”

“Say that a lot to your lady friends?”

The glare Javier throws you doesn’t intimidate either. If anything, it only makes you bolder.

“If your brother wasn’t here, I would’ve told you where you can stuff that,” he grunts.

“Yeah, you’d wish you’d stuff something in this.”

“Both of you, cut it out, now,” Steve shushes you. “And ew. Why me, anyway? You pulled the same stunt back in Medellin.”

“They’ll suspect me.”

“You can’t play that card here too!”

“Spanish-speaking guy with a foreign family name? Trust me, they’ll fucking suspect me, Murphy.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake!”

Within a split second, you snatch the folder from Steve’s hands and, ensuring no one’s around, you tug at Javier’s belt, making enough room for the folder to slide between his shirt and his pants. Breathless, Javier can only watch in shock as you smile, so as to not raise any suspicions, and button his blazer so that the foreign element in his suit isn’t visible.

“There,” you say, “problem solved.”

“What the fuck,” Steve mutters under his breath.

“I wasn’t gonna shove a folder down your pants.”

Javier can’t think of a single thing to say. He can only watch you as you sit down, finally munching on your sandwich, and feel a concoction of feelings.

She’s not my type, he remembers.

But shit, that was hot.

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tags: @pedrostories @milkymoon2483 @ifall4dilfs @psychedelic-ink @casa-boiardi

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brookstonalmanac · 6 months ago

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Events 7.22 (after 1900)

1916 – Preparedness Day Bombing: In San Francisco, a bomb explodes on Market Street during a parade, killing ten and injuring 40. 1921 – Rif War: The Spanish Army suffers its worst military defeat in modern times to the Berbers of the Rif region of Spanish Morocco. 1933 – Aviator Wiley Post returns to Floyd Bennett Field in New York City, completing the first solo flight around the world in seven days, 18 hours and 49 minutes. 1936 – Spanish Civil War: The Popular Executive Committee of Valencia takes power in the Valencian Community. 1937 – New Deal: The United States Senate votes down President Franklin D. Roosevelt's proposal to add more justices to the Supreme Court of the United States. 1942 – The United States government begins compulsory civilian gasoline rationing due to the wartime demands. 1942 – Grossaktion Warsaw: The systematic deportation of Jews from the Warsaw ghetto begins. 1943 – World War II: Allied forces capture Palermo during the Allied invasion of Sicily. 1943 – World War II: Axis occupation forces violently disperse a massive protest in Athens, killing 22. 1944 – The Polish Committee of National Liberation publishes its manifesto, starting the period of Communist rule in Poland. 1946 – King David Hotel bombing: A Zionist underground organisation, the Irgun, bombs the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, site of the civil administration and military headquarters for Mandatory Palestine, resulting in 91 deaths. 1962 – Mariner program: Mariner 1 spacecraft flies erratically several minutes after launch and has to be destroyed. 1963 – Crown Colony of Sarawak gains self-governance. 1973 – Pan Am Flight 816 crashes after takeoff from Faa'a International Airport in Papeete, French Polynesia, killing 78. 1976 – Japan completes its last reparation to the Philippines for war crimes committed during imperial Japan's conquest of the country in the Second World War. 1977 – Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping is restored to power. 1981 – The first game of the 1981 South Africa rugby union tour of New Zealand and the United States is held in Gisborne, New Zealand. 1983 – Martial law in Poland is officially revoked. 1990 – Greg LeMond, an American road racing cyclist, wins his third Tour de France after leading the majority of the race. It was LeMond's second consecutive Tour de France victory. 1992 – Near Medellín, Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar escapes from his luxury prison fearing extradition to the United States. 1993 – Great Flood of 1993: Levees near Kaskaskia, Illinois rupture, forcing the entire town to evacuate by barges operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. 1997 – The second Blue Water Bridge opens between Port Huron, Michigan and Sarnia, Ontario. 2003 – Members of 101st Airborne of the United States, aided by Special Forces, attack a compound in Iraq, killing Saddam Hussein's sons Uday and Qusay, along with Mustapha Hussein, Qusay's 14-year-old son, and a bodyguard. 2005 – Jean Charles de Menezes is killed by police as the hunt begins for the London Bombers responsible for the 7 July 2005 London bombings and the 21 July 2005 London bombings. 2011 – Norway attacks: A bomb explodes, targeted at government buildings in central Oslo, followed by a massacre at a youth camp on the island of Utøya. 2012 – Syrian civil war: The People's Protection Units (YPG) captured the cities of Serê Kaniyê and Dirbêsiyê, during clashes with pro-government forces in Al-Hasakah. 2013 – Dingxi earthquakes: A series of earthquakes in Dingxi, China, kills at least 89 people and injures more than 500 others. 2019 – Chandrayaan-2, the second lunar exploration mission developed by Indian Space Research Organisation after Chandrayaan-1 is launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in a GSLV Mark III M1. It consists of a lunar orbiter, and also included the Vikram lander, and the Pragyan lunar rover.

#Events

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rap23 · 2 years ago

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#http://rap23.tumblr.com/

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sydneyadventures · 8 days ago

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Medellín, Colombia

The second stop on our Colombia trip was the bustling metropolis of Medellín.

We arrived in the evening and took an Uber straight to our airBNB in the La Poblado district - a touristy, safe area of the city. After checking in, we walked around the neighbourhood to find a place for dinner. I was immediately struck by the greenery that surrounded us - despite being in an urban area, there was lush, tropical foliage all over the streets.

Medellín is a huge city nestled in thickly forested mountains. As soon as you are outside the city you are surrounded by lush rainforest, but even when you are in it, you can feel the forest trickling in. Even in the most urban areas we went to, there were still many trees and plants to be seen.

In Cartagena I noticed many beautiful flowers like bougainvilleas and hibiscus- in Medellín, what I noticed instead were the tropical plants that we Canadians normally reserve for houseplants. Some species I noticed were (with their common names): ZZ plants, monstera, parlour palms, prayer plants, and snake plants. These kinds of plants cost a fortune in Canada, and most of them are notoriously difficult to maintain (save for the hardy snake plant)- but here they thrive, even amongst the concrete buildings and sidewalks.

We spent our first full day here going on a day trip outside of the city to Guatapé. On a recommendation from a friend, we took a tour organized by AirBNB. Getting to Guatape is not impossible without a tour, but the tour was very convenient and was an easy way of seeing everything on our list.

The bus took us out of Medellín city and through some beautiful farmlands and countryside. We learned that the regions surrounding Medellín are known for farming, and we were impressed by the way the land was segregated in to beautiful vegetable gardens.

The first activity on the tour was a boat ride through the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir. The boat ride itself wasn’t super thrilling, but it was a good way to take in the area. I compared it to Colombian Muskoka - but probably like Lake Joe in Muskoka, because the lake network was adorned with multiple luxurious vacation homes… though when our guide told us the “crazy” prices for these homes, we couldn’t help but be a bit depressed…. You could buy a giant mansion on this lake for what you might spend on a condo in Toronto!

One of the vacation homes we saw from the water was La Manuela, previously owned by Pablo Escobar. It was bombed in the 90s by the Colombian government in an unsuccessful attempt to kill Pablo, and now only the ruins remain- though the ruin itself is still fairly formidable, as the house was built with strong walls to protect from this sort of attack. Apparently you can now play paintball in the mansion and take tours of it, but Pablo Escobar tourism is a pretty controversial topic in Colombia… more on that later.

After the boat ride our tour took us to the town of Guatape. The streets had the same vibrant colours of Cartagena but on a much smaller scale - narrow cobblestone streets and one-story houses gave the area a real small-village feel. We had about an hour to walk around, which truthfully was completely sufficient as it’s a pretty small place.

The last big stop on the tour was to La Piedra, an enormous natural rock formation with a stunning lookout point atop it… with only 700 steps to get to the top. I got a little nervous when we arrived, wondering if my fear of heights would ruin the experience, but the stairs are wide and very solid, with thick guard railings, so there wasn’t much to worry about.

The view at the top was just as stunning as the photos I’d seen - a beautiful network of water snaking throughout lush green land masses. We learned on the boat tour that the water system was actually entirely man-made, to create the hydroelectricity that powers Medellín and the surrounding areas.

On our second day in Medellín we enjoyed a leisurely brunch on a street side cafe, and then headed out on a free city walking tour. We lucked out, as it ended up only being the guide and us.

Our guide, Sebastian, was incredibly informative and super nice. We got along famously with him, so it felt like spending the day with a friend. He gave us a ton of information related to the tour, but was also open to questions, which led us into some very engaging discussions about politics, culture, and activism - but also other shared interests like pets and coffee. Born and raised in Medellín, he was truly passionate about his city, with a past career in journalism and volunteering with the homeless.

It was on this tour that I really was able to take in the beauty of this city. Before the tour, I was very nervous and guarded while walking around, but with Sebastian’s help, we quickly became comfortable in crowded markets, busy town squares, and even on public transit, as our tour brought us along the famous metro system.

We learned that Medellín’s metro system was integral to the city’s upward mobility in the 90s, as it allowed crime ridden neighbourhoods on the outskirts of the city to become connected to the main city. The access to jobs in the city eliminated the need to engage with gangs for survival. To this day, the metro is considered a bit of a sacred place, in the sense that you cannot eat or drink on the trains (to keep them clean), and even listening to music on headphones is frowned down upon.

It was fascinating to understand all aspects of Medellin’s history, but especially the most changes that have happened within our lifetime. In 1990, Medellín was literally the MOST dangerous city in the world, but so much has changed since then. Our guide explained to us that he would understand how our parents would be scared for us to come to Colombia, because they remember hearing about the murders and bombings on the news - but how amazing it is to see young people like us, choosing to look past its history and embrace the present, seeing Medellín for what it is: a city that has worked hard for change.

The reign of terror in the 80s and 90s was brought on by narcos, and as a result of that, Colombians are generally very eager to distance themselves from Pablo Escobar and anything to do with cocaine. It ruined their families, their homes, and their country, so this makes a lot of sense. But it’s not uncommon to see tourists looking to engage with Escobar’s history… many tourist shops have his face on T-shirts and keychains, which is pretty absurd when you think about it. Our guide explained to us that sometimes there is fascination with Escobar because he was perceived by some as a ��Robin Hood”, because he used his money to build neighbourhoods for the poor, but in reality this is an overblown fact - the neighbourhoods were really slums, designed to keep people impoverished, so they needed to work for Escobar to survive. He did say, however, that he is not completely unsupportive of Escobar tourism, or tours that explore Medellín’s previously crime ridden areas, as long as these tours are honest about the horrors that Escobar brought to Colombia, and give the people in these areas the credit and honour they deserve for wanting to turn it all around.

On a separate note, our tour also featured information about Fernando Botero, one of Colombia’s most famous artists. We went to Plaza Botero where his statues are prominently on display. I enjoyed learning about the inspiration behind his art, and wished we had more time to take in the art that this city had to offer.

Overall, Medellín was a very interesting city with abundant culture and a fascinating history. It felt good to bring our patronage to a city that has been so hungry for a change in its reputation. Medellín’s citizens have a lot of heart, which is palpable. I think we definitely could have spent more time here.

See below for my recommendations for things to do and places to eat… I didn’t write about it much here, but the food in this city was great!!

Tips for Medellín:

Like Cartagena: Used Uber, have Google translate ready for Spanish, and keep your wits about you when walking around.

Stay in the El Poblano area, very touristy and safe.

Free walking tour is a must! Medellín comes to life much more when you understand its history (link below).

Turns out you CAN drink the tap water here. Our walking tour guide assured us of this - for Medellín specifically, not all of Colombia. Ev had some and was fine.

Medellín weather is known as “eternal spring” - cooler in the morning/evening and when raining, but warm/hot when the suns out in the afternoon.

Restaurants & Food:

Gabo

Mamasita (incredible cocktails!)

Le Brunch Nairobi

Cafe Campesino (coffee)

El Laborotorio (coffee)

Hacienda (traditional Colombian lunch)

Ev also had some traditional street food, including empanadas and bunuelo (cheesy bread ball, apparently a common Christmas food)

Tours:

Medellin walking tour: https://www.capturecolombiatours.com/medellin/cultural/walking-tour

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zigzagderogeliogarza · 30 days ago

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Por:Rogelio Garza

Jaló pal’ otro mundo Juan Brujo, fundador y cantante del grupo Brujeria. Un infarto lo chingó a los 61 años, el mero 16 de septiembre, durante la gira Mexorcista por los rumbos de Ohio. Hace un mes también se peló, por lo mismo, el otro vocalista del grupo, Pinche Peach. Ahora sí, el nahual de sonido que era Brujeria, ser de metal en extremo popular, se quedó sin voz y, valga la redundancia por su célebre mascota, sin cabeza.

Brujeria fue uno de los chistes mejor contados del rock. Un humor matón. Así nacieron, en el desmadre para reírse de la discriminación en la escena metalera en California. En una fiesta estaban los de Faith No More, los de Fear Factory, los Dead Kennedys y Juan Brujo –cuyo nombre entonces era John Lepe–, organizándose para formar un combo de grindcore & gore: Asesino en la guitarra, Fantasma en la batería, Güero Sin Fe en el bajo y el director Diabólico “Jr. Hozicon” en la otra voz. Tipos de allá y de acá dispuestos a reivindicar el metañol como una tropa loca por la que han marchado más de 25 mexicanos, gringos y chicanos, tocando metal atascado y cochambroso acerca de narcotráfico, migración, crimen, ilegalidad, violencia, muerte, sexo, kilos de vísceras, satanismo y zapatismo. Controvertidos desde 1990 con “Machetazos”, el disco Matando Güeros (1993) ostentó una mano sosteniendo la cabeza cercenada y quemada que se volvió su mascota: Coco Loco. Enseguida salió El Patrón (1994), un tributo a Pablo Escobar.

LA IDENTIDAD DE JUAN BRUJO era “secreta”, se mantuvo anónimo con el rostro oculto por un paliacate de la bandera mexicana, la gorra y su inseparable machete. El grupo tampoco revelaba su identidad, no daban entrevistas ni conciertos. Con Raza Odiada (1995), un disco zapatista con el Sub en portada y la canción dedicada al gobernador antiinmigrante Pito Wilson, comienza la expansión que amacizaron con Marijuana (1997), su versión de “La Macarena”, de Los del Río. Luego, otro bongazo: “Don Quijote Marihuana”, el cover ochentero de “Don Quichotte”, de Magazine 60. El pop flamenco y el techno dance quebraron el hábito de comer moronga a diario, fueron sus mayores éxitos.

Su primer concierto fue el 2 de octubre de 2003 en Chicago, 15 años después de formados, la primera misa del Mexicutioner Tour que pasó por Guadalajara. Les gustó salir de gira y cobraron fama mundial, algo raro para un grupo de su calaña. En el 2017 eran estelares del Vive Latino y el Knotfest sin hacerle el feo al Tianguis del Chopo, siempre sencillos y cálidos con los fans. Siguieron Brujerizmo (2000), donde incluyeron a la cantante Pititis, la Bruja Encabronada; Pocho Aztlan (2016), su disco más comercial que llegó al Top 3 Latino en Billboard con su versión de “California Uber Aztlan” de los DK. Entonces sucedió el operativo en la casa de Juan Brujo, los sencillos “Viva presidente Trump”, “Amaricon Czar” y la gira Make America Hate Again lo colocaron en el radar del FBI. El último disco, Esto es Brujeria (2023), cierra premonitoriamente con su “Cocaína” de Eric Clapton. Adiós al Brujo cocainero-marihuanero. Aunque los brujos no mueren tal cual.

#rogeliogarza #periodismomusical #lacancionnumeroseis #juanbrujo #brujería

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portales-digitales-50 · 4 months ago

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PABLO ESCOBAR TOUR

El Cartel de Medellín fue una organización criminal colombiana que se dedicaba al comercio de sustancias ilicitas, siendo el lider Pablo Escobar, fue uno de los principales protagonistas del conflicto armado colombiano entre 1980 y 1993. El Tour por Medellín tiene salidas todos los dias de una duración de 3 a 4 horas.

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apexart-journal · 6 months ago

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Dario Mohr in Bogota, Day 19

Today I went to the gym, and then road a bike downtown to meet with a fantastic curator named William Contreras Alfonso, who also happens to be one of the Apex International Open Call winners. He was very down to Earth and open about his journey becoming a curator, having developed initial interest in an art history class and is now at a place where he is curating a series of installations at the Salt Cathedral I'd just visited days earlier in Zipaquira.

I was really impressed by the tasting I did the day before at Arte y Pasión Café, so I opted for us to meet there, where i had a Coffee Lemonade, and we spoke for about two and a half hours about topics ranging from the landscape of art in Colombia vs the U.S., where things are headed, representation, spirituality and some of our own life experiences. We then walked to the Police Museum where he shared a lot of his knowledge about the history of the Police Department in Colombia. The highlight of this exhibit was a custom made, salmon colored Harley Davidson motorcycle previously owned by Pablo Escobar. A lot of the exhibits were behind doors and we for some reason were not allowed in, so we peered through windows to see most of what was on display.

After that we went to The Black Magic Market, which I was really excited to visit and learn more about the Indigenous spiritual instruments and herbs. I thought I'd seen it all in Togo at the Grand Fetish Market a couple years back (world's largest Vodun Market). Was definitely not prepared for some of what I saw and was super grateful William was there to explain because I would have been very confused. There were statues ranging from the usual: Jesus, Buddha, sacred elephants, orgone pyramids, etc., but also a range of unexpected icons, and some of which gave me pause. In an earlier conversation about my installation practice, I previously spoke about the idea that objects can be imbued with power by a person's intention. It was very interesting to learn that a hot item at the market is a figure of a rebel soldier with a gun, or even a figure of Pablo Escobar, that people in the drug trafficking trade worship to bring about good luck, or bad luck to enemies. There were other more innocuous discoveries, like Elf and Troll statues which he believed became more popular as idols of worship in the 80s thanks to the media, and specifically the nerdier side of Heavy Metal which i tend to like (Shout out to Ronnie James Dio 🤘). There were also lots of herbs that had a range of propeties from physical healing to magic. All in all a fantastically selected excursion for a weirdo like myself!

We then walked to the space where he plants to exhibit his Apex show: "Null", which he says "comes from a term used in telecommunications meaning a misspoint, a false data input or a programming mistake. This project tries to reevaluate wrong choices and system errors as an start point for brand new ideas and possibilities for the future, believing in people's connection as its key." That show will be taking place October 2nd to November 5th, and is using a really fantastic space consisting of several abandoned floors with loose wires, broken walls and ceilings and crush brick debris and sand scattered across the floor in places. All in all a fantastic afternoon getting to know a Curator at the pinnacle of his career.

Then I biked to the barber, got a shape up and then went home and relaxed a bit until an English Language Exchange Meetup Group for Karaoke. Unfortunately no one did any Karaoke, but I invited a couple expats I met previously (one from yesterday at the Tour and the other from the first Meetup I did on Day 2). We met a bunch of people and then I proposed we got to Theatron where a bunch of us went and partied until 4am. All in all, another day for the books.

#Dario Mohr #Outbound to Bogota

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roamcolombia · 2 months ago

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Organize Your Bachelor Party in Medellin with Roam Colombia

Looking for a vibrant and beautiful place for your upcoming party? Want to spend quality time with your friends in Medellin? Roam Colombia brings an exclusive offering for those planning the ultimate Medellin Colombia bachelor party. Known for its vibrant nightlife, rich culture, and stunning landscapes, Medellin has become one of the top destinations for bachelors. You can enjoy a personalized and unforgettable experience in Colombia with the right tour package and expert guide. The Ultimate Bachelor Party Destination Medellinis often called the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its pleasant climate and adventurous lifestyle. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping activities, luxurious accommodations, or a wild night out, Medellin has something to offer you. Roam Colombia specializes in curating tailored experiences that match the tastes and preferences of each group. From luxury transportation to VIP access at the best clubs and bars, it manages every detail to ensure a stress-free trip. Customizable Party Packages Roam Colombia offers a range of personalized bachelor party packages that fit the needs of any group. Its expert team works with you to create the perfect itinerary and adventurous tours. Activities include exclusive nightlife experiences, outdoor adventures, and ATV tours Medellin. It also offers Pablo Escobar tours, paragliding, horseback riding, and paint balling, all within affordable tour packages. It arranges private dinners at top restaurants with local cuisine and wine, or even books a yacht for a day. These activities are ideal to make your bachelor party memorable in Medellin. Roam Colombia’s tour guides can also help you organize the party at your favorite place. Whole City Tour To make your bachelor party unforgettable, Roam Colombia shows some of the most iconic landmarks of Medellin. Your tour begins at the iconic Plaza Botero, Medellin’s most famous public space. The plaza is home to 23 large sculptures by Colombian artist, Fernando Botero. Roam Colombia allows you to explore Pueblito Paisa village. This charming village gives you a glimpse into the region’s culture and traditions. Roam Colombia’s expert guides provide detailed insights into the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria. The peaceful atmosphere of the place offers a nice balance to the excitement of the bachelor party Colombia. The spot provides a quiet moment of reflection before returning to Medellin’s lively streets. Roam Colombia is a leading tour company specializing in customized tours and experiences in Colombia. With expert knowledge of the country’s best destinations, the company creates unforgettable experiences for each group. Explore the Medellin lifestyle closely at https://roamcolombia.com/ Original Source: https://bit.ly/4gcPSP4

#Medellin Colombia Bachelor Party

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travelwithrene · 1 year ago

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Exploring the Shadows of History: The Real Pablo Escobar Tour in Medellín

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#Colombia #Medellín #Pablo Escobar #travel #travel blog #travel ideas #true crime

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stayseecolombia · 1 year ago

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Exploring the Infamous Pablo Escobar House in Medellin with StaySee Colombia

Welcome to StaySee Colombia, your gateway to discovering the captivating history and culture of Colombia. Dive into the enigmatic world of Pablo Escobar as we take you on an unforgettable journey to his former residence in Medellin.

Uncover the Secrets of the Notorious Drug Lord:

Pablo Escobar, one of the most infamous figures in the history of organized crime, once called Medellin his home. Our immersive experience will transport you back in time to the height of his power. Explore the iconic Hacienda Napoles, the sprawling estate that once symbolized the excesses of his empire. Learn about his life, his rise to power, and the impact of his legacy on Colombia and the world.

A Tour Like No Other:

StaySee Colombia offers an exclusive guided tour of the Pablo Escobar House in Medellin. Our knowledgeable guides will provide you with a deep understanding of the complex history surrounding this place. You'll see the remnants of Escobar's opulent lifestyle, including his private zoo, vintage car collection, and even the remains of his downed airplane.

Experience the Transformation:

Hacienda Napoles has undergone a remarkable transformation since Escobar's downfall. Today, it's a theme park and wildlife reserve, showcasing Colombia's rich biodiversity. Your visit helps support the ongoing efforts to turn this once infamous place into a symbol of Colombia's recovery and resilience.

Book Your Adventure with StaySee Colombia:

Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Pablo Escobar House in Medellin with StaySee Colombia. Our tours are not just about history; they're about understanding how Colombia has moved beyond its past. Discover the real Colombia with us and witness the transformation of a place that was once synonymous with crime into a symbol of hope and renewal.

Join us on this remarkable journey, book your tour today and let StaySee Colombia be your guide to the heart of Colombia's history and its bright future.

#Pablo Escobar House in Medellin

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laura-apexart · 1 year ago

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DAY 10 7.17.23

War and peace walking tour

Started in front of the gold museum

This was fascinating to have this context over a week of exploring the center of the city independently, monuments and museums, (busts, tombs in central cemetery) could be brought to life -without having had a timeline or fluid history spelled out for me (in english) -a history grounded in site, in architecture, in the physical space of the city—though so much of the cities original architecture no longer exists because it was burned down in riots after the assassination of working class, liberal Colombian politician of the people, for the people, by the people– Jeorge Eliecer Gaitan Ayala in 1948 by train station/train tracks which no longer functions or runs (is there is an underground city where train used to run–there is an entrance to go underground) Tour guide proposes: were the CIA formed in 1947 with mandate to spy on and dismantle socialist governments and destabilize communism part of this assassination?

and then in 1985–the Palace of Justice siege or Supreme Court bombing by M-19 group working for drug cartels (Pablo Escobar who had documents/evidence against him housed within the Supreme court and wanted it destroyed) PE said “I rather have a grave site in Colombia than prison cell in the USA.” The bombing/raid left over 200 injured and 98 people killed–all 11 supreme court justices assassinated–Shed light on independence museum exhibit.

Lots about all the different presidents and political parties and military factions forming—FARC, ELN, EP, M-19, Paramilitaries--complicated and I am sure I am oversimplifying all of this --

How in the 1980s they all became corrupt because of the drug cartels–and their ties to NYC and MIAMI–The poor are pushed out to the countryside and forced to work to produce cocaine and then poppies are introduced and the production of heroine in the 1990’s–then in 2016 there is the Historical Peace Accord/Agreement –but still conflict over unclaimed land and coca crops.

Men in suits standing around outside buildings in a specific square downtown close to site where the old train station is--later learned it was Emerald Market–trading grounds -seemed like the floor of a stock market -never would have known they were emerald trading. Then I noticed the neon emerald icon at the top of a building close by.

Guide emphasizes So much of history hidden or the people whose have been terrorized have been murdered, and their stories have been covered up ,

Ended in front of theater-where protest signs hung giving voice to indigenous women and young girls who have been raped by American military men who were sent here to “help” in the peace treaty.

The Guide compared the number of deaths and people missing from all of the drug violence to holocaust. Heavy, I think back to the film La Mujer Del Animal I saw the 3rd night.

An hour's gap between tours and I am right by the Botaro museum which is free and so I break the rules and go inside–housing his own artwork and his private collection of art he donated.

Then on the food tour I ran into the war and peace tour guide and he told me Botero always includes the Colors of Colombian flag, snake to indicate sin, gray skin tone to indicate corruption. I bet he is into Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code and I also told him he might like Adam Curtis Hypernormalization.

Food Tour

Street food

Empanadas

Arepas

Mazorca (roasted corn)

Ajiaco (chicken and potato soup with corn, capers, avocado and cream)

wafers with different sweet fillings

Fruit juice

Hot chocolate with cheese -delicious

Capybaras large rodent that is eaten -had a taxidermy version near tables where it was served!! I passed–too much. Talked to Kate who was a world traveler translator -freelance , could work from anywhere -LA And traveling with mother who is Ukrainian and we ended up talking about fentanyl and opioid crisis in LA -and the mental health crisis at large, and homelessness which is also so visible and present here–and there is a whole economy or presence of trash pickers and sorters and what hard work that is, its own ecosystem, makes me curious about the sanitation department here and trash cycles and systems in general.

#Laura Bernstein

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brookstonalmanac · 2 years ago

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Events 7.22 (after 1900)

1916 – Preparedness Day Bombing: In San Francisco, a bomb explodes on Market Street during a parade, killing ten and injuring 40. 1921 – Rif War: The Spanish Army suffers its worst military defeat in modern times to the Berbers of the Rif region of Spanish Morocco. 1933 – Aviator Wiley Post returns to Floyd Bennett Field in New York City, completing the first solo flight around the world in seven days, 18 hours and 49 minutes. 1936 – Spanish Civil War: The Popular Executive Committee of Valencia takes power in the Valencian Community. 1937 – New Deal: The United States Senate votes down President Franklin D. Roosevelt's proposal to add more justices to the Supreme Court of the United States. 1942 – The United States government begins compulsory civilian gasoline rationing due to the wartime demands. 1942 – Grossaktion Warsaw: The systematic deportation of Jews from the Warsaw ghetto begins. 1943 – World War II: Allied forces capture Palermo during the Allied invasion of Sicily. 1943 – World War II: Axis occupation forces violently disperse a massive protest in Athens, killing 22. 1944 – The Polish Committee of National Liberation publishes its manifesto, starting the period of Communist rule in Poland. 1946 – King David Hotel bombing: A Zionist underground organisation, the Irgun, bombs the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, site of the civil administration and military headquarters for Mandatory Palestine, resulting in 91 deaths. 1962 – Mariner program: Mariner 1 spacecraft flies erratically several minutes after launch and has to be destroyed. 1963 – Crown Colony of Sarawak gains self-governance. 1973 – Pan Am Flight 816 crashes after takeoff from Faa'a International Airport in Papeete, French Polynesia, killing 78. 1976 – Japan completes its last reparation to the Philippines for war crimes committed during imperial Japan's conquest of the country in the Second World War. 1977 – Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping is restored to power. 1981 – The first game of the 1981 South Africa rugby union tour of New Zealand and the United States is held in Gisborne, New Zealand. 1983 – Martial law in Poland is officially revoked. 1990 – Greg LeMond, an American road racing cyclist, wins his third Tour de France after leading the majority of the race. It was LeMond's second consecutive Tour de France victory. 1992 – Near Medellín, Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar escapes from his luxury prison fearing extradition to the United States. 1993 – Great Flood of 1993: Levees near Kaskaskia, Illinois rupture, forcing the entire town to evacuate by barges operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. 1997 – The second Blue Water Bridge opens between Port Huron, Michigan and Sarnia, Ontario. 2003 – Members of 101st Airborne of the United States, aided by Special Forces, attack a compound in Iraq, killing Saddam Hussein's sons Uday and Qusay, along with Mustapha Hussein, Qusay's 14-year-old son, and a bodyguard. 2005 – Jean Charles de Menezes is killed by police as the hunt begins for the London Bombers responsible for the 7 July 2005 London bombings and the 21 July 2005 London bombings. 2011 – Norway attacks: First a bomb blast which targeted government buildings in central Oslo, followed by a massacre at a youth camp on the island of Utøya. 2012 – Syrian civil war: The People's Protection Units (YPG) captured the cities of Serê Kaniyê and Dirbêsiyê, during clashes with pro-government forces in Al-Hasakah. 2013 – Dingxi earthquakes: A series of earthquakes in Dingxi, China, kills at least 89 people and injures more than 500 others. 2019 – Chandrayaan 2, the second lunar exploration mission developed by Indian Space Research Organisation after Chandrayaan 1 is launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in a GSLV Mark III M1. It consists of a lunar orbiter, and also included the Vikram lander, and the Pragyan lunar rover.

#Events

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