Medellin Reports

[Srslice]

Here are my thoughts:

- Women are beautiful, yes, but extremely superficial. It would take a lot of weeding to find a real diamond in the rough. I. E. A real down to earth girl that really likes you for you. I was dating a girl (2 months) that I thought was that way until I discovered she had at least two other boyfriends on the side. Seems infidelity is commonplace in Colombia. My Colombian friend just laughed and said that the women are just as bad as the men!

- Food is good, not great like Peru, but very good. Albeit you really ought to be a carnivore to enjoy it! Lot's of beef, pork, etc. I would HIGHLY recommend El Corral for a good burger though!

- Booze is cheap. Learn to like Aguardiente, Rum and you will be fine.

- Taxis. What can I say? Are all taxi drivers scumbags? I don't know how many times I got in a taxi and the gringo light must have come on. Next thing I know I'm getting taken the Loooong way around. Do your homework and tell the taxi driver the best route. Also, make sure you KNOW the address and even EXACTLY where the place is you are going. I had a couple of experiences where the taxi driver couldn't even radio in to get help/directions! How fucked up is that? Finally, watch the meter. I had a couple of taxi meters that ran fast. Only after I complained the guy said, oh yeah, it's broken I'll charge you less.

- Bring ID everywhere. Amazing how strict they are letting even an old guy (30+) into the clubs

- Strip clubs are overrated and expensive. Yes, you might find an 18 year old hardbody, but it will cost you hundreds! Yes, DOLLARS. There are exceptions and negotiation, but probably better options like going to a disco, website or even a hotel concierge/taxi driver.

- Accommodations, shop around. I found a great 4+ star hotel for $56 a night, including breakfast and even an evening snack (sandwhich, drinks, etc.), internet, etc.

- Pantyliners. Sorry, I thought this was interesting so I had to put it in. There were a couple of times I met girls and after some time, cuddling, started working my hand downstairs. Only to find a PANTYLINER! Shit, on the rag. Nope. Apparently in Colombia it's common for girls to wear pantyliners even when not on their period. Very hygienic I guess.

- Medellin shuts down early Sun-Wed. Even Parque Lleras is somewhat dead on those nights. Check out other clubs and venues.

- Use the metro. Dirt cheap and good. Especially if you need to go North-South for great distances.

[John Gault]

Due to some added financial responsibilitys I just picked up I decidided to try and budget monger this trip. The lodging part was no different as I am paying $150 a week at My Place.

To start off I took the airport bus to Centro for 6, 500 peso. Then I really took it all the way and took the Metro to the Mayorista stop for 155 peso.

I most of the time eat in resturants but so far it has been fruit and supermarket food.

I went to Divinas club in Prado where I usally buy all the girls a beer and even the boss one. This time I just bought the Chica I picked one beer and instead of the 10k tip I normally leave I gave her 5K. So instead of the 100k+ I always spend I got away with 45K. On a sad note my favorite girl is no longer working there.

So far except for carrying my two pieces of baggage all that way it has not been a hardship. I think the key for me is staying on my toes when I most of the time say fuck it I am on vacation.

Getting back to the tipping issue for a BBBJ I used to give 10 to 20 K tip. I give less now and still get a warm smile from the lesser tip.

Got 21 days left and if I don't get to drunk I will keep to the plan. Of course if I find my fun level has gone down a lot then I will losen the purse strings and say fuck it I am on Vacation.

[Cubanut]

I am huge fan. Thank you for your response.

If you have an email address or website url for the $45 apart hotel please pm me with it.

I wouldn't be against staying at juan carlo's place. My only concern would be him wanting to cart me around. I'm not crazy about being on display like that.

Maybe it would be a good place to stay for a few days until I found a more private space.

Thanks

Artisttyp,

Here is the Aparta Hotel Plaza Real info as written on the card. They do not list an email or website and I did not find one when I tried to google the hotel.

Sede Norte: Av. 2N #21N-99 tel # 660-6014 or 660-6033

Cheers,


Cubanut

[Artisttyp]

I am a huge fan. Thank you for your response.

If you have an email address or website url for the $45 apart hotel please pm me with it.

I wouldn't be against staying at juan carlo's place. My only concern would be him wanting to cart me around. I'm not crazy about being on display like that.

Maybe it would be a good place to stay for a few days until I found a more private space.

Thanks

[BayBoy]

To Common Sense -- Rio Claro outside Medellin, may be the type of place for you. Its a 3 hour bus trip up and back.

Eco place, no cars allowed. Hiking, rafting, and rapheling stuff available. Nice clear river running thru with a strong current. Makes it difficult to swim in the the cool water. Rustic accommodations available. Kind of a laid back atmosphere.

In March I went to Pereira. Outside of town is Santa Rosa de Cabral, natural warm springs spa. Nice place to relax at the pools and enjoy the warm water from the hills. I took the chiva from the local town. Another kind of laid back atmosphere.

[Shemp]

Stay at Juan Carlos's pad for personal intros as well www.Jccali.com for about $50 a night. Perfect English speaking guided tours of the night life.

Cheers,

Cubanut

Hey Cubanut,

From going to the link it appears that Juan Carlos rents apts., there is not a Castle Cali anymore. Do you know different?

[Safety Guy II]

"The tour books provide scant info on this subject". My observation is that there is little eco tourism near Cartagena. Unless you bus it over to Santa Marta and Park Tayrona. Medellin has a lot of things to do exploring wise and the area is very green. Four hours from Medellin is Manizales which has lots of mountain stuff to do. Bring warm waterproof clothes if you spend time on Nevado del Ruiz. Bogota has Villa de Leyva 4 hours a way and it is currently very cheap there and there are some euro chicks around. Further up the road is San Gil which is the center of the Colombia adventure sports. I have a girl in Bogota who wants me to take her there on my next trip.

[SavePros321]

Speaking of violence. Have you even been on the DR boards lately?

I know I am just a lurker in these parts, but I felt compelled to ask about this (DR) violence you speak of?

I keep up with the DR forum almost daily. I was there in March and will be there next week. So far the only thing I've heard about within the last two weeks was a bar fight that never happened during the Mayweather fight. The only fighting going on was on the screen.

I know that anything can happen to you anywhere, but so far I have not heard of any kidnappings taking place in DR. Hell, I can't even remember the last time someone has even mentioned being robbed by a puta! Unless you considered being cheated when it comes to service a form of robbery. If that's the case then I've been "robbed" a few times, lol :-}

[Common Sense]

Hey Fellas,

I'm planning a trip to Colombia and can't decided on Medellin or Cartagena. It will all boil down to which area provides the most opportunities for eco-tourism in and around the city, such as hiking, rafting, and zip-lines. The tour books provide scant info on this subject.

Can any of you guys provide any detailed info on this?

Thanks

[Rickyj]

I'm planning a trip to mde for the first time in the coming months. How much money should one budget if one is staying a week there? This is not including flight, hotel, and airport transfer. I'm thinking of staying at the mansion and I'm trying to get my finances in line so that I can have a blast! I'm in my early 30's and speak 100% fluent spanish. I know that it depends on how much p4p you indulge in but if I'm staying at the mansion how much should one budget for food, transportation, booze etc.

Also do any of you have any luck at the local universities?

[Cubanut]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I got a phone call out of the blue today from an old friend I haven't seen in 8 years and he wants to go to the DR really bad, so I'm going to head there this time. I've heard violence has been on the rise again in the Medellin area and it's not a good idea for a guy like me right about now (for reasons that I won't expand upon on the internet). I'll continue to follow this thread. Medellin is still on my hit list.

Lagocache,

Can you elaborate as to what violence in Medellin is on the rise? Have heard nothing as of recent. Even the many people that live there in Medellin that I know say that it has been extremely calm. So I wonder what violent activity it is that is on the rise.

Now there have been reports coming out of the state dept a few months ago stating that the USA was blaming Dominican Republic's rising violence on drug cartels. Funny thing. Perhaps they have found a new home.

You will probably have a great time in DR, I have many fond memories of the island. However, when you do someday get to Medellin, the next time that old friend calls, you probably will talk him into trying Medellin as well.

I would assume the biggest expense would be lodging. In Medellin you can get a room with just a fan and you are fine(eternal spring). I've been told a room with AC is a must in Cali. That's when prices go up. $50 a day is fine for a few days but not for extended trips.

Artisttyp,

In Cali, the Aparta Hotel Plaza Real is one of the best bang for your buck hotels in Cali. It's on the next block from Dr. Amor's and half block from Faraon (Pharoah's). They have renovated recently and have nicely appointed rooms with steam rooms and Jacuzzi in the rooms. The prices are right, starting at $45 USD nightly. All have air conditioning.

The Cali Plaza hotel is great as well at $70 USD a night with air located right off of Avenida La Sexta where the party zone is. American owned and operated. Plus free cell phone use and wi-fi.

The thing I like about staying with Juan Carlos is the opertunity to meet and greet girls and also for those who don't speak Spanish, he and his staff speak perfect English. Juan is a great guy to hang out with as well. Some rooms do not have air though so inquire as to availability.

I have been to Cali a dozen times at different times during the year. I must say that for me, I prefer Cali's weather over Medellin. Sure I like Medellin but it can become cool at night. Cali to me has always been quite comfortable at night with moderate summer temperatures. One plus about Cali is I find more taxi's have air conditioning than in Medellin as well.

Medellin may be the "City of Eternal Spring" but Cali should be the "City of Eternal Summer".

Cheers,

Cubanut

[Hioctane]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I got a phone call out of the blue today from an old friend I haven't seen in 8 years and he wants to go to the DR really bad, so I'm going to head there this time. I've heard violence has been on the rise again in the Medellin area and it's not a good idea for a guy like me right about now (for reasons that I won't expand upon on the internet). I'll continue to follow this thread. Medellin is still on my hit list.

Speaking of violence. Have you even been on the DR boards lately?

In most countries, you're welcome as long as you're not a complete asshole with a loud mouth. I know some people issues going because of work, but you sound like it has something to do with the danger aspect.

[Golfinho]

Thank you. I guess I will be goin' to Pereira. I wish I could go to cali but I fly into medellin and am only here for four days.

Have been to every big city in Colombia, and most places between Medellin and Cali and have found the girls in Perreira to be the most friendliest -- willing to stop and talk and make a date after just a smile and a hello. Although other larger towns have better set-ups for hooker access and are easier for those who prefer to just shoot fish in a barrel. Stay near to Bolivar Square where are many good hotels and activity.

[Lagocache]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I got a phone call out of the blue today from an old friend I haven't seen in 8 years and he wants to go to the DR really bad, so I'm going to head there this time. I've heard violence has been on the rise again in the Medellin area and it's not a good idea for a guy like me right about now (for reasons that I won't expand upon on the internet). I'll continue to follow this thread. Medellin is still on my hit list.

[Dcfan77]

Thank you. I guess I will be goin' to Pereira. I wish I could go to cali but I fly into medellin and am only here for four days.

Dcfan77,

A man on a tight budget but wanting many chicas and access to Pereira, Manizales, and Armenia is better off going to Cali.

Outside of Cali, Pereira is the best smaller town of the three you listed for abundance of cheap girl services.

Plenty of cheap casas like Clinica de Dr Amor, Ropa de Bebe, La Piscina, Medeteraneo, Relax, Casa de Agua, Dina's, Vanessa's, Casa Blanca, Las Profesionales, Olympus etc..(see Cali lists section).

There's about 60 venues to choose from in Cali alone. All cheap. The only two places that are expensive are Floras Frescadas and Escoces.

Stay at Juan Carlos's pad for personal intros as well www.jccali.com for about $50 a night. Perfect English speaking guided tours of the night life.

Cheers,

Cubanut