I love my Rio Mar bubble (see House Hunters Puerto Rico: TPOL Finds His Home), but food options in the area leave much to be desired. That’s why it was a welcomed change to go to Medellin and sample all sorts of food. La Carbon I arrived in Medellin en route to stay at my friend’s house (see Hostel v. Hotel v. Friend’s House). I could not find the address for his building on Uber. I asked for a restaurant nearby and he said La Carbon. When the Uber dropped me off, I stopped in for what was supposed to be a light lunch. Trying to get a grasp on my binge ways, I attempted to order a half bottle of wine. As good luck would have it, they were out. Since moderation was not an option, I decided to splurge for their finest Malbec.
With a full bottle to consume, I needed an adequate amount of food. I started with the shrimp ceviche and, despite my complaints about PR cuisine, ordered the fried pig cutlets.
With half a bottle to go, I needed more food and ordered the mixed chorizo plate. I received the check, a modest $82, paid, and walked down the hill to my friend’s house.
Delivery
On day two, we were supposed to go out for dinner. Since I had given up on moderation, that did not go as planned. After a stop at the golf club (for wine not golf), we went back to the house of views for more vino. Three bottles later, it was clear we were in no condition to leave the house. Unlike Rio Mar, Medellin has delivery options like all real cities do. I took a calculated risk and ordered Arabic fast food. The shwarma, though not top 10 worthy (see The Best Kebab in the World), was good. The falafel sandwich was excellent, and the hummus was passable.
Dandre
Since I was here for ‘work’ (see IQKhameleon in Medellin for the Final Stretch), I needed to get my life together and not arrive at the meeting completely disheveled. I walked to Parque Lleras and came across Dandre. I started off with an espresso which, compared to the bean water most coffee shops in PR serve, was perfect. I ordered a mimosa as an appetizer. That brought back memories of first-class travel (see Get Ready to Takeoff: The World’s Best Champagne). Though it was not made with Krug, the freshly squeezed OJ made it worth ordering a second. Like San Carbon, I needed food to accompany my libations. The salmon with rice sounded pleasant. I did not know that I would also receive tomato soup and a fruit salad. All of this was only $20.
Terraza
Following the meeting and in need of a celebration, we did make it out to dinner. This time the cuisine was Italian. A few appetizers, a pizza, rigatoni bolognese, and two bottles of wine made for a great way to end my trip. Pricepoint: $115.
The following are new additions:
Clemente Coffee Shop
Minus the influx of gringos (see Manila, Medellin: Too Many Gringos), this is where to come for espresso.
TPOL’s TIP: Clemente is located at Cl 11B #36B-13, Edificio C36 Local 2, El Poblado, Medellin Colombia
Malevo
If you’re looking for an Argentinian parilla, look no further.
TPOL’s Tip: The address is Cra. 43E #11A – 20, El Poblado, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Criminal Taqueria
The tacos are so good that they are illegal.
TPOL’s Tip: The address is Cra. 43E #11A – 46, El Poblado, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Cuzco
If you’re looking for too much steak, look no further.
TPOL’s Tip: The address is Edificio Platinum, Cra. 25 #1 a Sur 155 local 9901, El Poblado, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín,
Overall
For food, Medellin may not be Melbourne (see Guns & Butter: Melbourne Travel Guide). However, there are still so many restaurants with excellent and diverse food, friendly staff, and great wine for the right price. Puerto Rico needs to catch up on all fronts. 
The first glass was a carmenere. It was good but had too much sediment, a result of being grown high up in the mountains.
I went inside and started noticing familiar labels, including the Framingham from 
The Lagarde from 
I probably should have left, but I stuck around for wine and cheese and a glass of Italian. Then, like chips and salsa, I had too much cheese and not enough wine. They brought an emergency screw cap bottle.
TPOL’s Tip: The address is Cra 43D #13 – 17, El Poblado, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia 
After diving in, I was surprised why the tourist was so traumatized. To be fair, the ice had melted so maybe it wasn’t as cold as when he went in.
The next day after my yoga session (see 
TPOL’s Tip: Ice Bath and Yoga are available at Flow Wellbeing: Cl. 12 #43D-105, El Poblado, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia. 
Historical Landmarks
The first Catholic church was locked away and inaccessible.
We arrived at the church, and again, it was locked. 
My guide knocked on the door and informed the guard that there was a Chaldean (Catholic Iraqi) from Michigan who wanted to ask him a few questions (Though I am not a practicing Catholic, Catholicism is an integral part of my culture.). A few moments later, he came down and immediately welcomed us in.
I thought it would only be a hurried look around and a prohibition on pictures. Quite the opposite, he was thrilled to take us on a tour. The first stop was the part of the church which was restored after the ISIS attack. Seeing the church where my relatives prayed years ago was a solemn moment.
The guard took us to two more places of prayer. Both were badly destroyed by ISIS and have yet to be repaired. He told us that people were killed in these rooms. That was disturbing and surreal.
Nuns Quarters
Nuns used to live on the premises but left after the invasion and have not returned.
The Cemetery
After the tour of the church, the guard gave us the keys to the cemetery. That was unbelievable.
I searched for the names of relatives who may have been buried there. I could not locate any of them.
It was sad seeing tombstones shattered into pieces by ISIS.
Although ISIS was defeated, much of the population of Telkaif left.
We went back to the church to take photos with the guard and thank him for welcoming us. He invited us to tour the neighborhood across from the church. According to my aunt, that is where the Bachuwas lived.
TPOL’s Tip: Here is how you assemble a Russian assault rifle.
Return to Mosul
We told the security officer that we were going to Telkaif for a quick look around. When we came back hours later, he inquired why we were gone for so long. Despite our delay in returning, he promptly gave us back our passports and sent us on our way.
Dinner in Mosul
To top off one of the best days, we had dinner at what looked like Flint’s own Big John Steak and Onion. The lahem ageen was superb. The bombyah (okra) was good but as usual, it is better made at home. The meat was great, especially the lamb which fell off the bone.
Overall
For food, Mosul is the place to go (see 
