RE: Urban Backpacking - Planning
You are going to love Colombia, I am sure, and especially Medellin! I have been living here over 3 months now and wish I didn't have to leave. Be sure to get up to Parque Arvi on the Metro Cable (I call them the bubbles). The view is magnificent!
One thing I need to disagree with you about is leaving the cell phone behind. I use my smart phone (Samsung Note 3) instead of a camera (It takes great photos) and it is much lighter than the printed materials you list above, all of which can be accessed on the web with the phone. My data coverage doesn't cost me anything down here, although it's a little slower, and I have a connection even when wifi is not available.
Enjoy your trip!
(...and I will be posting more about Medellin if you'd like to follow me at: https://steemit.com/@synchronicity)
Sorry, I posted an old article! I love Medellin too!!!! I just finished building a house with my wife (she's Colombian) in Barranquilla and we will be headed to do the family thing in the new year.
Just be careful with your phone. It's probably worth 2-3 weeks salary down there and its quite common for someone to steal it. I agree, and do take my phone down south now that im comfortable but I have also bought a number of phones over the years as they go missing due to petty theft.
Have you been to Guatape?