Medellin Reports

[Jan 156]

Great pocket phone-sized map Wolf posted. .

Unfortunately ISG doesn't have the bandwidth for high res. Here's one I used last year for what I call the casa quick circuit (as they're all an easy walk from each other). Are these all still open? I've consistently found them pretty good value.

It's good to have two or three maps if you are new to the area. With a few googlemaps screencaps you can locate your way quickly. There's a kmz file too but jpgs travel well.

Enjoy.

[Knowledge]

It's not so unusual. It's better organized and more transparent than government aid programs (yes, it's a government aid program) in other countries. For example, in Europe and North America social programs such as supplemental nutrition for children, graduated fees for health care, "Section 8" housing assistance, etc. Are based on household income. It's just another version of the same thing.

"To understand Colombia and its people you need to understand the government stratum system. In speaking people use the word estrato as in "he lives in estrato 4. " To my knowledge Colombia is the only country to have it as law. In the opinion of many the scheme has evolved to deciding how a person is viewed and what opportunities are available to them as well as giving the wealthy an upper-hand.

The plan started in the late 1980's for Bogot. In 1994 a law specifically noted how areas or neighborhoods throughout the country should be classified in the stratum.

[MedellinGringo]

When a listing says "extra people no charge" does that mean visitor friendly? I only found one place that explicitly says visitor friendly. The problem is that it's right in laureles and the windows aren't soundproof.

This is a list of the Airbnb apartments I have rented over the last year. And I never had a problem with any of them. Or any other Airbnb apartment over the years.

But I don't pick up street walkers, I don't have parties or play loud music late at night. I don't share my place with other mongers. I don't do short time. All the women I have over spend the night and since I have a rotation of 3 to 4 women I sleep with 80 percent of the time. There are only a handful of nights out of the month that I might have new girl spend the night.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/5785887

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/16869195

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17208469

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/16048648

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/8983914

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/985846

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3485866

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/8343152

[HBoy54]

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[JjBee62]

When a listing says "extra people no charge" does that mean visitor friendly? I only found one place that explicitly says visitor friendly. The problem is that it's right in laureles and the windows aren't soundproof.

The only way you'll be certain a place is visitor friendly is to either use a place that one of the frequent visitors uses, or to specifically ask the host "I expect to have several visitors, and maybe an overnight guest. Is that okay?

[YippieKayay]

When a listing says "extra people no charge" does that mean visitor friendly? I only found one place that explicitly says visitor friendly. The problem is that it's right in laureles and the windows aren't soundproof.

You need to ask unless it says no doorman. The extra people charge is for people registered there. Like I said, in El Poblado there are tons of apartments which are chica friendly. Just ask if you are allowed to bring dates back to the apartment. You'll either get a 'no' or a 'yes. '.

EDIT: I see JjBee62 posted the same :)

BTW, the default answer should be 'yes.' The problem is there are people going to Medellin and staying up all night with loud music banging away at hookers. So it may help to let the host know you won't be partying late at night with loud music.

[PepolesBuddy]

When a listing says "extra people no charge" does that mean visitor friendly? I only found one place that explicitly says visitor friendly. The problem is that it's right in laureles and the windows aren't soundproof.

[JjBee62]

Evcellent post! Hilary, Bernie & Osama would approve of this Socio-economic mechanism!

El Mechanico.

Although his numbers are high, Wolf662 is correct. Currently paying $50 per month for combined electric, gas, water, sewage and trash in an estrato 6 3 br. The health insurance is scaled in a similar way, although there are only 3 price tiers based on income.

Except for internet, utilities are pretty cheap. Internet is reasonable unless you need high speed.

[El Mechanico]

The idea is those in the higher stratum help pay for the services (water, electricity, gas) of those in the lower stratums.

An example would be that an estrato 6 home may pay $175 USD on their water bill while estrato 3, using the same amount of water, will have a bill for $100. Those in 1 and 2 will pay even less."

Excellent post! Hilary, Bernie & Osama would approve of this Socio-economic mechanism!

El Mechanico.

[JjBee62]

Where can I find this information myself?

There are several immobilaria (real estate) websites. I use an app called Finca Raiz.

[PepolesBuddy]

Where can I find this information myself?

[Fun Luvr]

I don't remember, sorry. The ATM reciept has BBVA at the top of it tho. I taped the reciept to the Schwab statement with the transaction I am referring to indicated by the arrow. I hope this helps.

El Mechanico.

Thanks for the information. I will try a BBVA ATM during my next trip. You received 18,800 extra on a $100 equivalent withdrawal. I usually withdraw around $2,000 in COP during a trip. That extra would amount to two dates with the ladies at my apartment.

[Wolf662]

What estratos are these municipalities?

"To understand Colombia and its people you need to understand the government stratum system. In speaking people use the word estrato as in "he lives in estrato 4. " To my knowledge Colombia is the only country to have it as law. In the opinion of many the scheme has evolved to deciding how a person is viewed and what opportunities are available to them as well as giving the wealthy an upper-hand.

The plan started in the late 1980's for Bogotá. In 1994 a law specifically noted how areas or neighborhoods throughout the country should be classified in the stratum.

The stratums run from 1 to 6.

Stratum 1: Lowest class.

Stratum 2: Low-middle class.

Stratum 3: Middle class.

Stratum 4: Upper middle class.

Stratum 5: Upper class.

Stratum 6: Wealthy.

The idea is those in the higher stratum help pay for the services (water, electricity, gas) of those in the lower stratums.

An example would be that an estrato 6 home may pay $175 USD on their water bill while estrato 3, using the same amount of water, will have a bill for $100. Those in 1 and 2 will pay even less."

[Wolf662]

I use this when at the Hotel Botero.

6 Strip clubs underlined in light blue.

10 Casa's in light purple- some with hours of operation.

SW Red light blocks in red.

3 Centro love motels also listed (Spazios, Eros, Hawaiian).

& the address's to Energy & Fase II with hours of operation.

[Wolf662]

Curacao? I keep hearing about this place.

It's just off the coast of Venezuela, next to the island of Aruba.

Curaçao, a Dutch Caribbean island, is known for its beaches tucked into coves and its expansive coral reefs rich with marine life. The capital, Willemstad, has pastel-colored colonial architecture, floating Queen Emma Bridge and the sand-floored, 17th-century Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue. It's also a gateway to western beaches like Blue Bay, a popular diving site.