Cartagena Reports

[Tom 33]

The election is Sunday, May 28. I believe that one day on each side of the election is dry. That means from midnight Friday to midnight Monday. I have seen beer served at restaurants on Monday evenings. The bars in CTG especially LDV will open at midnight on Monday. They may not bother opening in MDE on Monday night.

I am not a night person and don't drink. So I am not aware of any alternatives. I am perfectly happy going to bed early. Things in general seem very quiet during elections. If you don't like quiet, I suggest that you change your plans.

[East Sider 300]

Please, I really need some advice. Had a trip scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, not knowing it was Ley Seca. Would arrive on Thursday, so I guess one day at the clubs. Also, have some local chicas I can hang out with, but I hear the atomosphere is just not the same.

Are the casinos still open? Where are the people partying? House parties? Am I better off changing itineraries? Maybe Santo Domingo? When is the actual start and end of Ley Seca?

Tom33, I know you're a resident. Please help!

Thanks!

[Escort King]

Guys,

All input much appreciated.

I am heading down to Cartagena for about 8 weeks starting next month. How much should I expect to pay for an apartment (say, per month).

Also, how much for decent Spanish classes (small groups or solo). Nueva Lengua seem to be the marketing kings - they are all over the web. But at over $10 an hour, they seem pricey. What is a fair price and any recommendations for school / teachers?

Many thanks in advance.

Pimselur and Rosetta Stone are two on cds that work well.... put them in the car or onto an IPod

[Mugsey]

Guys,

All input much appreciated.

I am heading down to Cartagena for about 8 weeks starting next month. How much should I expect to pay for an apartment (say, per month).

Also, how much for decent Spanish classes (small groups or solo). Nueva Lengua seem to be the marketing kings - they are all over the web. But at over $10 an hour, they seem pricey. What is a fair price and any recommendations for school / teachers?

Many thanks in advance.

[Escort King]

Doing great man. I married a Colombiana a year and a half ago and it is just wonderful. Hopefully Tom will be there when you are. He is the man in Cartagena, the gringo Mayor. Get him to show you his picture collection. His personal collection can blow away all of the sites put together.

Tom is to CTG as Jimmy is to Sousa?

[Beavis]

Doing great man. I married a Colombiana a year and a half ago and it is just wonderful. Hopefully Tom will be there when you are. He is the man in Cartagena, the gringo Mayor. Get him to show you his picture collection. His personal collection can blow away all of the sites put together.

[SkyJuice]

Hey Beavis..how are you man?..we met years ago at Sosua Palace, right?
seems like we still got that fever for the chicas..haha.
Tom, thanks again about the rooms. Anyone down there from June 2nd - June 9/10th..give me a holla.

Sky

[Beavis]

Hey Tom I met Skyjuice in the DR, he is a great guy.

[Tom 33]

The dates you mention are not during high season which starts around June 20. You will get the best deal by shopping around. However, you will only be here for a week. Why waste time shopping? Remember you get what you pay for. That 30-35K pesos will not get you air conditioning which I need even though I live here 8 months a year. You will also not get any hot water. But, in this climate, you can live without hot water. I just like hot showers.

I wouldn't bother with the laptop for a week. There are a ton of Internet cafes. And it may be difficult to connect the laptop to the Internet although some of Juan's apartments have Internet connections.

[SkyJuice]

Thanks again fellas. I added that Jaun Ventura link to my favorites. I think the dates of June 2nd to the 9th will do for CTG. The price is still reasonable from NY..only $568. Do you guys think I should secure rooms now or is it ok to just wait till I'm there since and shop around a bit since it's not peak season?..Winner, those rooms you mentioned for 30-35k pesos sounds sweet to me...also, I'm thinking if I should also bring along my laptop...or is it better to use an internet cafe there?

Sky

[Winner71]

There are hotels on the backside of Boca Grande that only cost 30-35k pesos a night for the room.. all 4 of you can sleep there if yo want(next to the Olimplica).. that's where I usually stay. There or from one of Mery 's rentals if I feel like splurging.

Juan Ventura rents apartments in your price range. See http://www.zepelion.com/apartamentos/index.htm.

I posted the election date in the Cali section.

[Tom 33]

Juan Ventura rents apartments in your price range. See http://www.zepelion.com/apartamentos/index.htm.

I posted the election date in the Cali section.

[Escort King]

Thanks to Tom33 and Winner71, I've been redirected to CTG instead of Cali for my first trip to the country. I was also told about the elections that are taking place during the end of May and I would like to know when it's over so I can search for air fare prices again. I've read about 10 pages back for any information regarding a decent place to stay thats not too expensive. Trying to stay under the $50/day range for an apartment or girl friendly hotel. I'll be there for 7 days with a couple of my budies and will be looking for fellow mongers to grab a cerveza and hit a few of the hot spots with. We are a laid back couple of guys in our mid 30's and are well seasoned in the Dominican Republic scene. We are giving DR a rest and now it's time for us to head a little further south of the boarder..hehe. Any suggestions guys?? TIA.

Sky

I am sure if all three kick in $40 a day you can get somewhere though possibly not 3 bedroom... I am only speaking from my reading and real estate listing searches.

[SkyJuice]

Thanks to Tom33 and Winner71, I've been redirected to CTG instead of Cali for my first trip to the country. I was also told about the elections that are taking place during the end of May and I would like to know when it's over so I can search for air fare prices again. I've read about 10 pages back for any information regarding a decent place to stay thats not too expensive. Trying to stay under the $50/day range for an apartment or girl friendly hotel. I'll be there for 7 days with a couple of my budies and will be looking for fellow mongers to grab a cerveza and hit a few of the hot spots with. We are a laid back couple of guys in our mid 30's and are well seasoned in the Dominican Republic scene. We are giving DR a rest and now it's time for us to head a little further south of the boarder..hehe. Any suggestions guys?? TIA.

Sky

[Biffy]

I landed recently during the ley seca or dry law. All bars and lots of restaurants, no street action, v.quiet - however i did go to the town square area and found a streetwalker amongst the dross.

I wouldn't like a whole weekend like that.