[QUOTE=CaliTexMex;2772203]Medellin is a well-designed city with an ideal climate. Prices are quite affordable compared with most worldwide destinations. The prepagos scene has good variety to keep everyone happy. Culturally sex is more conservative so you won't see the craziness apparent in locations across East Asia or Europe. El Centro area may provide a more toned-down version of Bangkok for certain individuals. If you're obviously an expat this is not the best advice.
Safety was the biggest concern by far spending a few weeks in Medellin. If you're a white guy you will stand out in a bad way. I did have some minor scuffles in my stay from very aggressive junkies after the sun set. If you are not in very good shape and sober with at least workable Spanish I would not recommend going out alone in Medellin, something I did the entire trip. Everyone from locals to larger middle-aged black American guys thought I was unwise coming alone. I always had a concern any time I was out in public anywhere in the city at any time. My astuteness and aggressive defense when junkies tried to get close I think kept me safe from a stabbing or other robbery attempt. Locals agreed it is acceptable to physically threaten street trash of which I had to do a few times, unfortunately..[/QUOTE]What hotel were you staying at where there were multiple shootings outside of it? As far as the junkies in El Centro you just have to look right through them and give them 0 attention. Also like you mentioned you can get physical if need be, the local shop owners do it all the time and no one gives a fuck. From my experience the junkies are scared of you, I can see the fear in their eyes. They won't just flat out assault you in public even at night. I have spent countless hours in El Centro and no one has ever tried to assault me. If some junkie or homeless person is bothering you a lot just dip into a bar / restaurant / casino they won't be allowed in.