Cartagena Reports

[Wet Nose]

Read this account from a forum (didn't happen to me). Be careful out there folks:

Backstory: I have been traveling Latin American for a continuous 8. 5 months now with no problems. I had already spent nearly 88 days in Colombia with zero violent incidents. The previous 13 days or so, I had passed in the south of Cali in an highly secure apartment in Ciudad Jardin. Cali was to be my last port of call in the country with 90 days in total before heading south into Ecuador over land. I was having a tough time in Cali up to this point, only doing day-game approaches with essentially zero lays (after several dates with some very sexy but flaky women). Spent almost 2 weeks in the south of the city doing strictly day game around the University del Valle area and Unicentro and some parts of the north around Centenario Mall, with only a sloppy BJ to show for it all. Which admittedly is still better than nothing.

That being said, I decided to ship in a young sexy 21 why / o Colombiana from Manizales (I had met about 5 weeks prior) for my last weekend in Colombia. I had a few lukewarm prospects for the weekend but decided on the sure things instead. She had been hitting me up lately with, "quiero verte antes de irte. " So I decided to go for the guaranteed lovin and bought her a bus ticket to Cali.

I met her at the Terminal de Transportes around 10 PM on a Friday night as her bus was actually on time. From here we grabbed a quick snack before making our way over to the taxi line. Take note this is the official taxi line. We did not hail a cab from the street which is generally not advisable in Colombia, even though I've done it several times without incident. There was a single dark-skinned Colombian guy (looked black) in front of us in the line with several other middle-class people with luggage behind us. Red flag #1, when it was time for the black guy to get a taxi, I noticed that the next available taxi actually waved off this black guy and pointed to us to come get in instead. The thought that crossed my mind was about a Chris Rock standup routine complaining how hard it is for a black person to get a taxi in NYC, but otherwise didn't think anything of it.

Red flag #2 - I was instructed to put my girls luggage in the front passenger seat. When I closed the door (a bit too firmly, apparently), the taxista started angrily complaining that I slammed it way too hard. He clearly seemed to be agitated for some reason. I apolgized and was like, "tranquilo, tranquilo. " Anyway, I gave him the address to my hotel and didn't think anything more of the situation.

Red flag #3 - about 2-3 minutes after leaving the terminal, the taxista pulled into a natural gas refueling station to fill up the tank. We were instructed to get out of the car while it was being refueled for our own safety. The taxista then disappeared for a few minutes and returned once the refueling was complete, probably 4-5 minutes later.

Ref flag #4 - we get back in the car and the guy is complaining about how expensive it cost to have to refuel his car (50,000 COP) and about how he has already been working 20 hours straight today. I was starting to now get uncomfortable at this guy's negativity but me and my girl just kinda brushed him off and thought it better to ignore him.

We slowly approach my hostel now and it is probably 10:45 PM. My hostel is located on Calle 5 across from the Library. It is quite dark, there isn't much traffic, but I didn't think anything further. The taxista approached my hostel very slowly as he appeared to be looking at the numbers to see where the hotel was. Eventually, I just said, "this is close enough, we will walk 3-4 buildings. Gracias. " We get out of the taxi, my girl gets our on the opposite side toward the driver's side / street and I get out on the opposite side on the sidewalk / passenger side. Pay the man 20 k and get about 9 k change. I have the change now in my left hand and my girl's wheeled suitcase in my right hand. Close the door gently, and the guy pulls away about 20 ft and stops.

As I turn to my right I see a guy on a motorcycle (engine quietly running) wearing all black clothing and immediately notice a semi-automatic pistol in his lap, full face helmet on his head. Immediately I knew we were fucked. Next thing I know I feel a cold hard metal object being repeatedly rammed into my right shoulder blade. I knew it was a gun (#2). I dropped the taxi fare change to the ground, and we both simultaneously put our hands up. Then, I slowly went for my iphone 4 in my left pocket and just held it up. It was snatched up immediately. I look out of the corner of my eye and I see my girl in a hysterical panic. The girl was now being approached by guy on motorbike #1, gun shoved in her face. The guy takes her huge purse and her wheeled suitcase, when a third guy on motorbike pulls up now and scoops up her suitcase. The guy then starts patting her down with one hand while holding her at gunpoint with the other. From here, I still have a gun in my back, and my guy tells me "Cartera, Cartera. " I reach into my right pocket and give him my moneyclip. From here, the guys slowly walk towards their waiting motorbikes while looking back over their shoulders at us.

Then, they just drive off, while occasionally looking back at us. I grab my girl and we immediately run into the front entrance of my hostel. The robbery is over, although she is absolutely hysterical and can barely breathe.

Overall damage: she lost what amounted to easily over $1200 USD in merchandise. For her, this is about a 3 month salary. Two smartphones, lots of nice clothing, her wallet, bank card, 30,000 pesos in cash, makeup, purse, etc. I lost about 150,000 pesos in cash, my travel bank card, my ID, and a beat-up iphone 4.

Lessons learned / advice from this experience:

(1) Whenever possible, always use easytaxi, uber, or a similar app when calling taxis in Colombia. This will ensure that you have the driver's information in the event shit hits the fan. I personally prefer using public transport when possible, but in a city like Cali this isn't really possible.

(2) Under no circumstances should your taxi driver stop en route to your destination. Taxi drivers are specifically prohibited from doing this during a taxi fare. Didn't know this at the time.

(3) Under no circumstances should your taxi driver be on his phone. People in Colombia are generally very wary / paranoid of a taxi driver on their phone because it is easy for them to tip off some waiting robbers.

(4) If your taxi driver seems agitated or in a negative mood at all whatsoever, get the fuck out of the cab and get a new one. There is no reason you should be dealing with a taxi driver with a bad attitude or bad mood.

Final thoughts.

It turns out we firmly believe that we were set up. The whole thing was planned. When we stopped to fill up the tank, we believe that the taxi driver called in the muscle during the time that he disappeared to use the bathroom. Next day, we filed a police report at the police station in the centro of Cali, then I went to the bus station and we watched the video of the registered taxi line. While at the police station telling our story, one of the clerks just shakes her head, let's out a sigh, and says, "Cali es Cali" (Cali is Cali). She seemed disappointed but completely unsurprised. Luckily, our taxi driver's vehicle was on video and we were able to get his plate number. That being said, it is highly unlikely that there will be any sort of justice done on our case. After talking with the police detective, we realized how swamped and understaffed their office seemed to be. We realize and understand that there will probably be no justice in this case, given how inefficient the justice system seems to be in this country. Lesson learned, and I hope at least one person can learn from this too.

[Old Parr]

Was wondering if any of you can recommend a place in Cartagena that has a private pool or jacuzzi. Can be beach or old city. I've stayed at the Hampton inn and one of Juan's places, but this time I want something more private. Where I can have a girl or two laying around topless, playing. Etc. I really need only one bed since its me, but understand it may be a multiple room place.

How much in pesos are you willing to spend as I might be able to help you out?

[Rzrfl69]

Was wondering if any of you can recommend a place in Cartagena that has a private pool or jacuzzi. Can be beach or old city. I've stayed at the Hampton inn and one of Juan's places, but this time I want something more private. Where I can have a girl or two laying around topless, playing. Etc. I really need only one bed since its me, but understand it may be a multiple room place.

[Jooks]

I have a layover of about 24 hours in Cartagena. It's been a long time since I've been there. Is there a stroll where I can pick up someone decent? A hotel for $50 - $75 not too far from the airport and action?

Not to digress, but I will be in San Andres with a companion for 4 days prior to my layover going home (I'll be alone after San Andres). Any recommendations for a SIM to buy in San Andres, like which carrier?

Thanks.

[LocoGringo]

Hi guys,

Looking for advice as a new permanent resident in CTG.

I'm a veteran of Cali and Meds, and just accepted a job offer in CTG of which I've only spent several days prior.

LDV and clock tower seemed quiet and pricey during my visit, and I couldn't find any clubs or casas a la Meds or Cali.

I found more in neighboring Barranquilla and even Dubai Club in El Rodadero.

I don't want to put down CTG (I'm looking forward to living there! I think it's down to lack of groundwork. But insights are warmly welcomed.

Look forward to reporting in, and invite anyone who will be there from mid June for a beer.

Cheers.

I have a friend who uses facebook to pay a better price in Cartagena. He usually gets the 18-22 year old girls with minimul experience for 80-120,000 and stays busy with some cuties. Not many "blancas" but especially with Barranquilla chicas some jewels. Sometimes hey stay for a few days, travel fares from Barranquilla and 70-100,000 a day.

Not my style but a definite financial advantage.

Beaches at Playa Blanca are really nice, crowded on weekends and holidays. You can drive there now, bridge from the mainland. Or a little better beach on the ferry just before the Hilton. Streetwalkes in BocaGrands and Laguito. Careful of the oldtimers, Claudias old crew.

I pass on most, like the University girls, some newbies, 150-200,000 and some VicSec. A little expensive but not as active in my golden years.

[Old Parr]

Hi guys,

Looking for advice as a new permanent resident in CTG.

I'm a veteran of Cali and Meds, and just accepted a job offer in CTG of which I've only spent several days prior.

LDV and clock tower seemed quiet and pricey during my visit, and I couldn't find any clubs or casas a la Meds or Cali.

I found more in neighboring Barranquilla and even Dubai Club in El Rodadero.

I don't want to put down CTG (I'm looking forward to living there! I think it's down to lack of groundwork. But insights are warmly welcomed.

Look forward to reporting in, and invite anyone who will be there from mid June for a beer.

Cheers.

Nothing really to add. Cartagena is a very expensive city, double the cost for almost everything when compared to any other major city in Colombia which is one of the reasons I chose to move to the Santa Marta area, with the other fact being I am a beach bum, and the beaches right in Cartagena and Laguito are dirty and the ocean waters are very polluted with sewage.

[AussieStiffler]

Hi guys,

Looking for advice as a new permanent resident in CTG.

I'm a veteran of Cali and Meds, and just accepted a job offer in CTG of which I've only spent several days prior.

LDV and clock tower seemed quiet and pricey during my visit, and I couldn't find any clubs or casas a la Meds or Cali.

I found more in neighboring Barranquilla and even Dubai Club in El Rodadero.

I don't want to put down CTG (I'm looking forward to living there! I think it's down to lack of groundwork. But insights are warmly welcomed.

Look forward to reporting in, and invite anyone who will be there from mid June for a beer.

Cheers.

[You Can]

First night Tuesday was at LDV and picked up a nice girl DD was here said name. Speaks good english. Very nine but little crazy😂.

Well as a few peple that know and met me I been on a fucking tear here. I come with best intentios then that's first thing to go out window. I changed my flight til tomorrow originally was satourday but need to get back to work Questions just pm me this is my last night I think I have some people from the club coming to my apartment with some of girs and that will be fun!

Haven't been ldv at night because met a few girls over the years. Anyway every thing is petty much same. I love this apartment in marinare from juan. Great place.

[You Can]

My flight was originnally Tuesday.

Well as a few peple that know and met me I been on a fucking tear here. I come with best intentios then that's first thing to go out window. I changed my flight til tomorrow originally was satourday but need to get back to work Questions just pm me this is my last night I think I have some people from the club coming to my apartment with some of girs and that will be fun!

Haven't been ldv at night because met a few girls over the years. Anyway every thing is petty much same. I love this apartment in marinare from juan. Great place.

[You Can]

Well as a few peple that know and met me I been on a fucking tear here. I come with best intentios then that's first thing to go out window. I changed my flight til tomorrow originally was satourday but need to get back to work Questions just pm me this is my last night I think I have some people from the club coming to my apartment with some of girs and that will be fun!

Haven't been ldv at night because met a few girls over the years. Anyway every thing is petty much same. I love this apartment in marinare from juan. Great place.

Iunderstand it. I think I am all paid if not let me know. My flight got in 4 hours late yesterday but I piccked up a fun girl.

[Old Parr]

Hello all,

I will be arriving in Cartagena Saturday for a few days. I have read the posts, but I still had a few questions. Is it best to find girls on sites like mileroticos, or go to the clubs, and by clock tower. Also I will it be safe to bring my girlfriend to these clubs.

Which beaches do you recommend in Cartagena? Also any other pointers you guys may have. I am on the younger side, in my early 30's if that helps. I appreciate any advice that is given.

Answers to your questions:

1). Clubs or the the beach Playa Hollywood.

2). Ask your girlfriend if she is from Cartagena not the ISG.

3). Recommended beaches. None, as they all suck.

[ZvearNY]

Hello all,

I will be arriving in Cartagena Saturday for a few days. I have read the posts, but I still had a few questions. Is it best to find girls on sites like mileroticos, or go to the clubs, and by clock tower. Also I will it be safe to bring my girlfriend to these clubs.

Which beaches do you recommend in Cartagena? Also any other pointers you guys may have. I am on the younger side, in my early 30's if that helps. I appreciate any advice that is given.

[Ricardo Torres]

Iunderstand it. I think I am all paid if not let me know. My flight got in 4 hours late yesterday but I piccked up a fun girl.

Where is the report and we want a hour to hour breakdown of your time so far in Cartagena. Write it down on a timeline format then paste it for all of to learn from the master CanYou! Very much appreciated.

[You Can]

Iunderstand it. I think I am all paid if not let me know. My flight got in 4 hours late yesterday but I piccked up a fun girl.

Let me know where you will be "pre-gaming" and I can buy you a drink. I am here for at least another week.

===============================================

Greetings,

It appears from your post that you don't quite understand the Forum's Private Message service.

To use the Forum's Private Message service, both you and the Forum Member you are trying to contact must be either a subscriber or a Senior Member.

For more information, please read: http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/ISG_Payments.php

If you cannot afford $20 dollars to buy a subscription, then perhaps you can convince another forum member to purchase a subscription for you.

Jackson

[Old Parr]

Let me know where you will be "pre-gaming" and I can buy you a drink. I am here for at least another week.

Just look for a big guy on Playa Hollywood in Tony or Fao's section as they are side by side who is smoking a cigar.