local tour guide took us to the favelas of Medellin today (though they're not actually called favelas here), and full of pride told us about the progress the city's been making over the past 10 years. Even though the people are still poor, it's actually so good here, that some rando tourists can just come by, walk around and talk with locals - without having to worry about anything. That cablecar is a symbol for the progress made, he said.