Cali Reports

[Ricker]

I was in Cali last XMAS season ... it was a blast! Lots of chicas from all over Colombia. Every night was like a Friday night.

If I remember correctly though ... the first week of the year (after New Years eve party) ... it is absolutely dead ... the casas with chicas ... the streets ... everything.

Right before XMAS and up to Dec 31 is really fun ... people are ready for a party!

[Marcos]

I'm looking for a place where to spend new year's eve and talking with a girl from Cali she told me that every year there's a big convenction of salsa bands (feria) and the whole town is quite a nice place to be during that period. Anyone that has been there can confirm ? What would be instead a nice location to relax by the beach ? I like kind of untouched places and don't mind having to travel a little before getting to the city for action.

[El Colorado]

I'm a regular on the Cuban forum, but have decided to take the plunge and try out Cali. Based on the posts I've read here, it sounds perfect.
Shaft57 - You endorsed Andreas as a guide. What did you pay him per day? Did it include gas?
Some posters say I should bring US currency and exchange it at black marker rates. I saw the exchange rate in a currency converter as 2.9 CP to the US dollar. Can I expect that rate down there?
I'm looking for a place to stay. It sounds like the north end of Cali is the safest. I want some creature comforts and room, but don't want to pay the Intercontinental rates. An apart hotel or apartment would be great. I want to have access to a pool and either a balcony or courtyard so that I can hang out outside. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Marino]

Does anybody have any info on how cel phone works in Cali. I havea cingular GSM phone. Can I buy any sim card in Cali to work with my tri band celluar phone?

[Prosal]

Leo, i'll arrive in Sao Paulo on 26 December, for New year's Eve in one of the good clubs there, then a little side trip to Goiania, back to Sampa and leaving to Cali around 12 January (flight Varig SP/Bogota) : i can't wait to meet some Calenas !!

Cheers

[Leo]

Pro,

When you going? I'll (we'll) be very interested to see how your trip went... hear your stories!

[Prosal]

Leo, i've been throught the thread some weeks ago but for whatever reason missed your post !!
Now found and printed it ; Thanks

Cheers

Pro

[Leo]

I give a ton of detail on nonpro spots, in my trip report (july?) in this cali thread. Malls, bars, clubs, other places - times, concerns, plans, etc.

Post any specific questions so I can help further.

[Prosal]

Leo, thanks for the advice about San Fernando Hotel and the atmosphere on Sexta avenue : when you say that the bars there are not populated with some hotties non-pros, where are they to be found :) ?

Thanks in advance

Cheers

Pro

[One Great Man]

Hi guys:

I read reports on electronic translators on one of these posts. Unfortunately, I don't remember which one, and I didn't copy the brand names down! If anyone has suggestions, I'd appreciate a post at This1greatman@yahoo.com. This would be of benefit to all us mongers.

[Leo]

Pro,

I liked Rigo's place, Hostal San Fernando, as a bargain yet quite sufficiently nice place (very clean!). www.hotelcali.com. Great neighborhood, safe, and short cab to everywhere.

There is no redlight district in Cali (or none as obvious). Yet, I discovered that Av. Sexta area was quite worthless for about anything (other than nasty - yet an occasional find - streetwalkers). The restaurants there are not good compared to other spots... the bars are not populated with hottie non-pros... and it's not necessarily the area of casas (pro action), although it's nearby.

I have more detail in my extensive trip report which was in Jul-03.

[Prosal]

Ricker thanks the infos ;

Av Sexta in Cali sounds good as to stay in a lively area with regulars bars and cafes is a real ++ for me ; Surfer reported the Don Jaime, any other alternative in a more upscale guestfriendly place ?

Thanks

Pro

[Ricker]

If you really like a chica, San Andreas Island is a great place to take her. Make arrangements in a Colombian agencia de Viajes (travel agency) ... much cheaper.
Plenty of flights from all the major cities in Colombia ... included with your package from the travel agency.

Also Santa Marta is a cool place to take a chica ... northern Colombia.

By the way ... Ave Sexta is not a red light district in Cali ... chicas will not think your a sex fiend if you stay in a hotel there. You'll have a better time ... closer to discos / cafes if you're there too.

In Medellin ... Hotel Plaza Rosa if it's available is your best bet. Definitely not in a red light district.

[Prosal]

Surfer, thanks for your answers, it's this kind of mongers fraternity which make WSG the best of all !...

About Cali, as (in my eyes) being in the heart of red light district (heart of action ?) should not be a good choice for the 'image' given to the non-pros (as staying in Copacabana in Rio target you immediatly as a sex tourist), i'm more interested with your upscale choice (if it's guest friendly :) !)

Prado in Barranquilla and Mercure in Mendellin seems to be very good choices ;

BTW, what are your options to take a girl a few days in a beach resort or any cool place ?

Cheers

Pro

[Surfer]

Opps, forgot to give info on Medellin. In Medellin you MUST stay in the Poblado section. Hotel Plaza Rosa gets rave reviews for good value but was full when I was there during the Flower Festival in August. I stayed at Hotel Mercure near the Oveido shopping center which is HIGHLY recommended! InterC is old, isolated up on the hill, but is close to many good entertainment options.

I also do know a place with pool and inroom safe in Cali that is WAY more upscale than Don Jaime but prefer to share it by email.