Medellin Reports

[Paulie97]

If you're wearing headphones you've not only put up a sign you've got marketable tech on you, you've also isolated one of your primary forms of defense. Any ne'er-do-well seeing a foreigner with headphones on knows he can walk up on the blind side and ambush someone with impunity. If you're hanging out in iffy areas in a foreign country wearing earphones, you're too stupid to travel. If you were in the jungle you'd be eaten. This is a textbook example of a "dar papaya".

No one is promoting headphones here. The point you missed was that this can happen regardless, especially in the present atmosphere. Maybe you missed the series of recent videos where the victims were attacked by crowds of guys. There's really no defense against that, and it happens to plenty of locals without headphones.

P.S. Most folks would consider anyone who plans to go to Colombia right now to drink, seek out hookers, and perhaps partake of party favors too stupid to travel. All perspective I guess, plus they have passports, oh well. Wink.

[MiamiSammy]

I was walking down 43 A yesterday at 7 pm and had two young dudes walking the opposite direction suddenly pull out a gun, put it to my face, and rob me of my iphone, wallet, and headphones. I just kept my head down and handed everything over and they took off.

The police came to my airbnb and were very ashamed because when looking at the map. It was right next to the poblano police station. Maybe 200 meters from Parque poblano. Cops said they've never seen a time where robbers were so brazen.

Keep your head on a swivel! Or I guess don't walk alone at night. Obvio.

P.S. - anyone know where I can buy a cheap Iphone?

If you're wearing headphones you've not only put up a sign you've got marketable tech on you, you've also isolated one of your primary forms of defense. Any ne'er-do-well seeing a foreigner with headphones on knows he can walk up on the blind side and ambush someone with impunity. If you're hanging out in iffy areas in a foreign country wearing earphones, you're too stupid to travel. If you were in the jungle you'd be eaten. This is a textbook example of a "dar papaya".

[MiamiSammy]

This is a fact, and especially in the present atmosphere. But everyone is too smart for it to happen until it happens. C'est La Vie.

If you're wearing headphones you've not only put up a sign you've got marketable tech on you, you've also isolated one of your primary forms of defense. Any ne'er-do-well seeing a foreigner with headphones on knows he can walk up on the blind side and ambush someone with impunity. If you're hanging out in iffy areas in a foreign country wearing earphones, you're too stupid to travel. If you were in the jungle you'd be eaten. This is a textbook example of a "dar papaya".

[Paulie97]

Headphones may draw attention but the point is these bandits are looking for any opportunity to rob someone. If they think they can get away mugging you they will. Doesn't matter if they saw something or not. If they feel they can get away with it they will do it.

This is a fact, and especially in the present atmosphere. But everyone is too smart for it to happen until it happens. C'est La Vie.

[IamLookin]

Headphones may draw attention but the point is these bandits are looking for any opportunity to rob someone. If they think they can get away mugging you they will. Doesn't matter if they saw something or not. If they feel they can get away with it they will do it.
As far as dressing like a native, I know plenty of Colombians that have been robbed.

I agree about this I agree about this. The headphones are on advertisement.

[YyzTravel]

Hey folks, lots of questions / PMs since my last detailed reportso I thought I would share them with the group.

• Spanish - I have had a lot of folks ask me about best phrases. Sure, there are some phrases you could learn in Columbian slang, but just go and download DuoLingo, and give yourself 30 minutes a day of practice. For you guys in Columbia already, use your phone for a translator, but instead of showing it to the girl attempt to read it EVERY DAMN TIME, and yes, you will have horrid pronunciation at first. Yes, I know, it will be annoying, but they will help you, the girls actually think it's cute when a gringo tries to learn Spanish. Never copy and paste, use the translator, and then retype. Watch some movies you already know with Spanish audio... just get used to using it, and saying basic things to people in Spanish... you will be speaking Spanish in 4-5 weeks if you do this. Hit up amazing and buy some kid's workbooks - seriously, once your get over the learning curve with the genders and the tenses, it's not that difficult.

• What is the best way to (insert thing here) - I had a lot a guys ask me for my best way to XYZ... all of those answers are different honestly, but I can tell you this that is a reoccurring theme from almost all of the question I got in this area. I can't overstress the following advice. "Dress well, take care of yourself, eat healthily and work out if you can... and lastly put in a little fucking effort". Yes, a lot, if not MOST of these girls are just solid working girls but they are still human beings and don't want to fuck an old, unattractive sweaty gross fat guy... I may be in the minority on this board who don't treat the girls only like meat... but I think I get a better experience... Sure, if you are there to just put up a number (like I am in Santa Fe, then yep, it's right down to business). If you are looking to actually enjoy your time, do what you expect out of them, and put in the effort. Outside of this hobby, you will also just look and feel better about your life if you are healthier.

• BBFS - Most casas don't offer BBFS, and even if they did, I wouldn't go there. A lot of those girls go like 10x a daily. If you want BBFS, I suggest non-pros or young Facebook girls. Never assume, make sure to ask in advance otherwise even if they do it, they will try to upcharge you. Know the risks going into this, and see my last post re: STD checking if you go crazy and make some questionable decisions while on tussi while you are there.

• My hotel wont XYZ - Tips go a longggggg way when rules exist. A lot of folks have said Marriott charges them, others say they don't... I think for every hotel there is always going to be a stickler or two at the front desk, security, etc.... My trick is I always grab some chocolates from the duty-free in the US and bring them down. When I check in to hotels, I always let people know how grateful I am, how diffcult a job it is being in the service industry since I was there before, and usually give some small tips to say 'thanks in advance for the amazing stay I'm about to have". Sure, it might NOT be necessary, but I will tell you I have not had problems with my hotels, that, and it's just a nice thing to do too. I can already tell you I'm going to get multiple emails about "what an idiot" or "YYZ just wastes money".... guys, we have enough money to have an expendable hobby literally flying around the world to fuck women.... even if it's NOT REQUIRED, it's a nice thing to do for someone who works at the front desk in in a hotel in a third world who probably makes 1/100th of your salary.

• Can I asked you a question/talk with you on the phone - Sure, send me a PM, and happy to help... if you are not an asshole, I may chat with you on the phone for a few minutes to help with suggestions for your trip, or even help you get a good hotel rate with my sources if I can.

Guys, in general, you have to remember, most people who are working down there, who are not "working girls" are people just like you and me. Don't be an asshole, treat them well, and tips go a LONG way. What "might not be allowed" amazingly becomes "ohh, it's ok if YYZ does it" after a $100 tip for a few weeks.[Deleted by Admin]

[Kafka]

If you were wearing your headphnes-you advertised that you likely had a phone or some device to play music. If not, why have them with you? Also, why the need to bring a phone everywhere we go? I tend to leave mine in the hotel safe in Colombia. On vacation why stare at a 4 inch by 5 inch or whatever little screen instead of looking at the world you are in while you are there? Are we all that addicted to our devices? Plus, these things create distractions and take away from hyper vigilance. If I meet a chick-I will give her my number for her phone.

The only time I use headphones or take a phone with me in Medellin is on Sundays when they close Poblado Avenue in the morning for people to walk and bike down the street. Its safe then and only then.

I only take just enough money that I need for whatever I am doing in that moment. Only some in the front pockets. Nothing ever in the back pockets, and some in my shoes or socks-spread out and hidden.

I agree about this I agree about this. The headphones are on advertisement.

[Surfer500]

The first thing I do when arriving in ANY country is observe what people are wearing-if I don't have those type of clothes I find the nearest place to get some. For instance: I was in Suriname a couple of years ago. Everyone there in t-shirts, jeans and sandals with no socks. So, that's how I dressed. Look local, walk like you own and no the place-and don't ever take anything with you that you don't want someone else to have!

Well if you have blond hair and blue eye's I guess you would have to get a wig and wear colored contacts to better blend in and maybe look like a local and I agree with you on the clothes.

[Surfer500]

I guess it's been 2 years. Strange to think all those stores have gone. It must look like a ghost town now, because most of the stores are too small for much else.

Are you sure we're talking about the same place? The Monterrey mall website still lists a bunch of cell phone stores. I'll have to stop in next trip and update my knowledge.

I believe he had this Mall confused with another one.

[El Mechanico]

It's 96 hours, not 72.

Correct, within 96 hrs of entering Colombia and within 72 hrs of returning to the USA.

What a bunch of BS. I'm not traveling again till this mess is over. Just can't afford to extend my trips another 14 days.

FYI, as of Monday 5/10 the lockdown restrictions eased up and is now 10 pm to 5 am weekends included.

El Mechanico.

[Just Incognito]

Sorry to hear of your bad luck Chi-town guy. Yeah it can and does happen everywhere. But I wouldn't carry around an expensive phone in Medellin. Or more than 200 mil pesos in my pocket. And dress like a poor dude too which is pretty much how I'm most comfortable. Maybe why I've never been robbed after a few winters spent in Medellin. Look like you are more trouble than you're worth and that doesn't mean you look like much trouble.

The first thing I do when arriving in ANY country is observe what people are wearing-if I don't have those type of clothes I find the nearest place to get some. For instance: I was in Suriname a couple of years ago. Everyone there in t-shirts, jeans and sandals with no socks. So, that's how I dressed. Look local, walk like you own and no the place-and don't ever take anything with you that you don't want someone else to have!

[Just Incognito]

Sorry for your loss but you did right and are unharmed. I know Chicago so do you and that's why you did as you did. This place has good selection of iPhones and you pick the quality but you have to be back home I'm sure. You can check though but for now buy a cheap Chinese phone in Medellin. Back Market is the place. I've bought 2 1st gen SE's and am very happy. About $100 each a couple months ago, unlocked like new.

If you were wearing your headphnes-you advertised that you likely had a phone or some device to play music. If not, why have them with you? Also, why the need to bring a phone everywhere we go? I tend to leave mine in the hotel safe in Colombia. On vacation why stare at a 4 inch by 5 inch or whatever little screen instead of looking at the world you are in while you are there? Are we all that addicted to our devices? Plus, these things create distractions and take away from hyper vigilance. If I meet a chick-I will give her my number for her phone.

The only time I use headphones or take a phone with me in Medellin is on Sundays when they close Poblado Avenue in the morning for people to walk and bike down the street. Its safe then and only then.

I only take just enough money that I need for whatever I am doing in that moment. Only some in the front pockets. Nothing ever in the back pockets, and some in my shoes or socks-spread out and hidden.

[Just Incognito]

The number of new cases is only meaningful in relation to the actual number of tests and of course hospitalizations which are the bottom line and less likely in young people. Everything seems to vary from City to City and from week to week.

The recent wave of Covid where I live was the British strain and it was mainly young people. Why? The old people were already vaccinated!

[Just Incognito]

Yeah, it depends on the number of Covid cases and demonstrations. If the demonstrations keep up and there is pressure to bend on Covid, the government might let up. But the best measure is the number of cases, and that has not gone down. Every day, Colombia is still at 17,000 cases give or take, and unless there is political pressure, my guess, and it is just a guess, is the government does not let up.

I also do not think the number of cases goes down anytime soon. Lockdowns do not work (and in fact are harmful. Even the NYT had a blurb today on how rare transmission is outside) and the Brazil variant is in Colombia, and it does not seem to be letting up in Brazil. In fact, the Brazil variant hits young people.

On top of that, Colombia is doing a shitty job with vaccinations. The vaccines are way more prevalent now (states in the USA are turning them down now), so maybe, maybe Colombia will start to get more, but that is the one ray of hope in a bleak picture IMO.

I live on an island. More than 1 out of 20 people had Covid at the same time a few weeks ago. We did 1 month of night curfews, shutting businesses, not letting anyone meet with other people from different househilds, closed must businesses, and everyone was locked down unless they were outside and away from anyone from another household. We went from over 500 positive cases to 5 in 4 weeks. They lifeted the lockdown. We went to 30. Now back to 20 since the government went to businesses to check and change procedures where they though businesses could do better. The lockdown worked here.

In Colombia they do lockdowns, then open things up like the metro. Or they do the tax free days and everyone crowds stores. Or the people have demonstrations where they are not distanced from each other. They keep doing things that counter the effectiveness of the lockdowns. Its not that lockdowns don't work-its that they aren't done correctly in some places.

The rule should be: everyone is locked down unless you are outside solo or with members of your household-and moving-walking / running-and if you can maintain real distance from others not in your household during the lockdown.

I really think the game changer for where I live was the vaccines. And giving out the vaccines in much greater numbers-while people were locked down. It makes sense. While we weren't spreading the virus we were getting inoculated. And boom--the numbers dropped very very quickly and our systems are not overwhelmed now. They started driving into the local neighborhoods and pushing them-now more than 1/2 the island is vaccinated and its getting better each day. Of course, as more tourists come back--more virus and transmission and spread will happen. If more and more people get vaccinated-then the virus won't have anywhere to spread as much or as easily and will burn out.

I wish they would require vaccines for all flight travel and most group indoor activities like night clubs, bars, concerts, sports, etc. In all cases, its not entirely up to the government to fix this problem. Individuals need to do better. A this point there is no excuse for not understanding how masks help, how the mask goes over the nose, how to not congregate around non vaccinated people and how to stop the spread. Its been over a year--people can't be this dumb--they are just being lazy or obtuse with their defiance-and companies that communicate to masses-like Facebook need to do better to stop the spread of misinformation and disinformation on their sites.

I don't know why, while the USA is dealing with some potential fuel issues they don't go to Colombia and say: Here's 100 million vaccines-we'll trade ya for some cheap oil. Everyone wins (except the environment until we get off of oil).

Maybe we should create a new program: Free blowjob with your vaccine! Every man will be vaccinated in days! That would be some progress.

[Lucky Nuts]

I was walking down 43 A yesterday at 7 pm and had two young dudes walking the opposite direction suddenly pull out a gun, put it to my face, and rob me of my iphone, wallet, and headphones. I just kept my head down and handed everything over and they took off.

The police came to my airbnb and were very ashamed because when looking at the map. It was right next to the poblano police station. Maybe 200 meters from Parque poblano. Cops said they've never seen a time where robbers were so brazen.

Keep your head on a swivel! Or I guess don't walk alone at night. Obvio.

P.S. - anyone know where I can buy a cheap Iphone?

Sorry to hear of your bad luck Chi-town guy. Yeah it can and does happen everywhere. But I wouldn't carry around an expensive phone in Medellin. Or more than 200 mil pesos in my pocket. And dress like a poor dude too which is pretty much how I'm most comfortable. Maybe why I've never been robbed after a few winters spent in Medellin. Look like you are more trouble than you're worth and that doesn't mean you look like much trouble.