Medellin Reports

[Surfer500]

What am I doing wrong? I've been exchanging mensajes with half a dozen women from FB and col cupid. I've got commitments for dates on Thursday and Friday. I asked if they wanted to meet at a restaurant or my place. All said whichever you want. I said ok, we'll meet at my place. Let me know if you have any special expectations for our time together. None of them have thrown out a number? I'm a reasonably attractive guy but there's no way these hot young women are interested in seeing me (early 40's) and not being compensated is there? One of the obvious prepagos from FB said whatever "it's up to you".

I don't want to come right out and ask how much they want so I'm dancing around it because there are a couple of them that are so hot I would meet them just for conversation. Is it common for them to just trust you to give them money without talking about it? Or are they stringing me and I will I get a text a couple hours before the date spelling out the rates? I suspect there's a Playbook because I'm getting the same messages. It's coming across Kind of like the two call system in the states. I'm happy to play by the "semi-pro" rules but I want to know what they are.

I don't know how good your Spanish is, but you really should firm up a price with them before having them come to your place. If you don't agree to the price beforehand, there could be lots of problems, and sometimes there's even problems when you have an agreed upon price beforehand. You might want to consider meeting them at a Coffee shop or other place within a few blocks of your place to work out the details beforehand. You may want to bail on some of these Chicas immediately upon meeting them because they don't look anything like the photos you saw, and if so, it will be much easier in a public place. And if you think these women are going to bang you for free, well I am sorry to inform you that's not going to happen.

[NorthStar1]

Take a step back. They're in it for the money not some random guy they are messaging with. Make an offer. Also watch out for being robbed.

I took your advice and asked the one I was most certain was a prepaid and. Lo and behold, she quoted me 300 k for two hours. I asked one of the ones I was pretty sure was a prepago on FB and I think I used the wrong phrasing. I asked her what her expectations for our date would be and she said "My Expectations? Like she was totally insulted. Next, I'll suck it up and ask the two ultra 10+ ladies and see what they say.

As far as being robbed goes, I'm aware of the drink spiking and the blowing powder in your face, any other common schemes? I'll keep my valuables in the safe and the suitcase locked up. My main worry is the possibility that the girl is working with some guy (s) and sets me up to get jumped.

[YippieKayay]

What am I doing wrong? I've been exchanging mensajes with half a dozen women from FB and col cupid. I've got commitments for dates on Thursday and Friday. I asked if they wanted to meet at a restaurant or my place. All said whichever you want. I said ok, we'll meet at my place. Let me know if you have any special expectations for our time together. None of them have thrown out a number? I'm a reasonably attractive guy but there's no way these hot young women are interested in seeing me (early 40's) and not being compensated is there? One of the obvious prepagos from FB said whatever "it's up to you".

I don't want to come right out and ask how much they want so I'm dancing around it because there are a couple of them that are so hot I would meet them just for conversation. Is it common for them to just trust you to give them money without talking about it? Or are they stringing me and I will I get a text a couple hours before the date spelling out the rates? I suspect there's a Playbook because I'm getting the same messages. It's coming across Kind of like the two call system in the states. I'm happy to play by the "semi-pro" rules but I want to know what they are.

Take a step back. They're in it for the money not some random guy they are messaging with. Make an offer.

Also watch out for being robbed.

[Knowledge]

You are correct.

Over the past several months, and especially the past two months, I have noticed a huge increase of Venezuelans hanging out between the area of the Veracruz Church and the Museum and the park in front of the Museum. It's like they have taken over the area and are squeezing the Colombians out. They typically hang out in groups of two or more girls versus the Colombians, and the majority of these girls are physically disgusting being grossly overweight and ugly. There are a few doable ones around, but I find the variety of the Colombians much more appealing.

I am curious as to other board members observations who frequent El Centro.

[NorthStar1]

What am I doing wrong? I've been exchanging mensajes with half a dozen women from FB and col cupid. I've got commitments for dates on Thursday and Friday. I asked if they wanted to meet at a restaurant or my place. All said whichever you want. I said ok, we'll meet at my place. Let me know if you have any special expectations for our time together. None of them have thrown out a number? I'm a reasonably attractive guy but there's no way these hot young women are interested in seeing me (early 40's) and not being compensated is there? One of the obvious prepagos from FB said whatever "it's up to you".

I don't want to come right out and ask how much they want so I'm dancing around it because there are a couple of them that are so hot I would meet them just for conversation. Is it common for them to just trust you to give them money without talking about it? Or are they stringing me and I will I get a text a couple hours before the date spelling out the rates? I suspect there's a Playbook because I'm getting the same messages. It's coming across Kind of like the two call system in the states. I'm happy to play by the "semi-pro" rules but I want to know what they are.

[SandStorm20]

Staying in el Centro area all this week. If any fellow members don't want to fly solo, PM me.

SS.

[Surfer500]

Although it's not as comfortable as the Medellin Metro, the Transmilenio in Bogota is a cheap and quick way to get around. It can be insanely crowded during rush hour, even worse than the Metro, but it'll take you right to the heart of Santa Fe.

This is good to know for those visiting and who like Bogota, but for me everything sucked about the place and I won't being going back.

[Surfer500]

You're on the right track. I certainly agree that nobody can really tell him what he does or doesn't need. He's the only one who knows his own strengths and weaknesses.

Now, to your tutor. At 35 k per hour, for 40 hours of tutoring you're paying 10 k more than the cost of a single, 40 hour class at EAFIT. The classes have 2 options. There's 2 week classes, 4 hours per day, or 4 week classes, 2 hours per day.

The class at EAFIT includes a placement exam, complete access to the university, and, if you finish the full program, a certificate stating you've met all the requirements and know the language. Which will come in handy if you're hoping to find employment in any Spanish speaking country (or applying for a position requiring Spanish).

They have weekly free, coffee socials to practice conversation with Colombian students, a free weekly salsa class and frequent free local excursions. There is an extra charge for the textbook, I believe around 100 k. You're also eligible to use the gym at the university, although there's a charge for that.

There's a discount for paying for multiple classes up front. It also qualifies you for a student visa. Pay for 3 classes and get a 6 month visa. Pay for 6 classes and get a 1 year visa. To get the visa you'll need to travel to Bogota.

As Alumni of EAFIT a couple of other things for others to know, they have a BanColombia branch on campus and as a student you can open a bank account without a Cedula, just your Passport. They also have an on-site health club you can join for a small fee and an Olympic Pool free to use. But more importantly, you failed to mention all the beautiful Co-Eds on campus.

[Sho423]

Join some Medellin expat groups on Facebook--I see people offering tutor lessons on them all the time. Alternatively you can look here: https://www.catalystweekly.com/categ...spanish-tutor/ A private tutor I tried a few times charged 35,000 an hour (minimum 2 hours). She was decent but her lessons seemed more geared towards if I was trying to pass a formal written exam when all I wanted was to get better at conversation. I was progressing better just talking regularly with chicas. You're paying them anyway--might as well get a Spanish lesson from them to boot!

Yeah I enjoy practicing my Spanish with the girls, its a totally different vibe then having to always pull out the translator.

I started out using Duolingo and started making flash cards. But I think having a tutor and being able to converse back and forth is better then learning from a CD or book.

[Mr Enternational]

First, I think anyone that says you don't need this or that is doing a disservice to mankind. Just because YOU are able to learn a language with a book or CD or whatever, doesn't mean that anyone can. As I originally said, everyone is different and learns differently, especially languages.

Sorry. Instead of saying you don't need, I should have said in my opinion as a linguist and educator you should try this option which will cost you less and you can learn at your own pace. No need to have to be at a certain place at a certain time.

Of course I am well aware that there are different ways to learn. That is why I added talk to chicks online! You can direct questions to them and the messages back and forth will help develop reading and writing and they can lead and instruct considering they have a good command of the language themselves. Comes in handy sometimes to meet educated women with normal jobs, and not only those that are hookers or party animals.

I used to sell Rosetta Stone and before selling it to a person I would always tell them that IMO it was an awful way to try to learn a language. So I am not saying to try to teach yourself any old way. The options that I laid out though will more than likely achieve the desired effect considering one is not lazy. I am merely giving the shortcut version of how and what it took me 4 years and $50,000 to learn.

[JjBee62]

I forgot to add that I'll be paying 35.000 per hour for a tutor, a little over $10.

You're on the right track. I certainly agree that nobody can really tell him what he does or doesn't need. He's the only one who knows his own strengths and weaknesses.

Now, to your tutor. At 35 k per hour, for 40 hours of tutoring you're paying 10 k more than the cost of a single, 40 hour class at EAFIT. The classes have 2 options. There's 2 week classes, 4 hours per day, or 4 week classes, 2 hours per day.

The class at EAFIT includes a placement exam, complete access to the university, and, if you finish the full program, a certificate stating you've met all the requirements and know the language. Which will come in handy if you're hoping to find employment in any Spanish speaking country (or applying for a position requiring Spanish).

They have weekly free, coffee socials to practice conversation with Colombian students, a free weekly salsa class and frequent free local excursions. There is an extra charge for the textbook, I believe around 100 k. You're also eligible to use the gym at the university, although there's a charge for that.

There's a discount for paying for multiple classes up front. It also qualifies you for a student visa. Pay for 3 classes and get a 6 month visa. Pay for 6 classes and get a 1 year visa. To get the visa you'll need to travel to Bogota.

[JjBee62]

I didn't personally find the cold there so bad, however the City is very congested and hard to get around anywhere because they don't have a Metro system which I use in MDE every day.

As far as Bogota's Santa Fe red light district I personally did not like it, not much of a street scene, just lots of bars and hotels with girls in front and there were no parks or other areas immediately nearby this area to go to.

I think for the typical board member they will find that in MDE there are venues relatively close and easy to get to versus in Bogota it's hard to travel around the City and time consuming, at least that was my experience there. I agree with you that the quantity of venues available and the variety is probably at least five fold as MDE.

Although it's not as comfortable as the Medellin Metro, the Transmilenio in Bogota is a cheap and quick way to get around. It can be insanely crowded during rush hour, even worse than the Metro, but it'll take you right to the heart of Santa Fe.

[Jooks]

First, I think anyone that says you don't need this or that is doing a disservice to mankind. Just because YOU are able to learn a language with a book or CD or whatever, doesn't mean that anyone can. As I originally said, everyone is different and learns differently, especially languages.

I think many schools rely on people that don't know any better, I. E. , that there are tutors available to teach for much less. Toucan was mentioned. It is considered the best or one of the best schools in Medellin. However, if I'm not mistaken, the cost is even more than Colombia Immersion Spanish School and seems about the same as far as what they offer. At Colombia Immersion, there are different programs. If one opts for "immersion," the cost is either 525.000 (I think) or 725.000 per week. Mucho dinero. The latter includes 10 hours of private classes, I. E. , tutoring plus 4 hours of coaching, I. E. , conversation and weekly field trips to different parts of the city where you mingle with paisas and get to learn about the city. The former includes group classes instead of private classes. I checked 2 other schools and the offerings and prices are similar. Some students live at the school or with a host family to get an even fuller immersion. However, there's a lot of bullshit that goes along with that, or so I was told.

The best way to find a tutor is from a personal recommendation. A number of people in my school jumped ship to tutors by getting a recommendation from fellow students. However, that's not an option if you don't know anyone, my situation when I arrived. A very active board is the private facebook group, medellin expats - https://www.facebook.com/groups/159461177529433/. A post asking about tutors will bring numerous responses.

I forgot to add that I'll be paying 35.000 per hour for a tutor, a little over $10.

[Jooks]

Join some Medellin expat groups on Facebook--I see people offering tutor lessons on them all the time. Alternatively you can look here: https://www.catalystweekly.com/categ...spanish-tutor/ A private tutor I tried a few times charged 35,000 an hour (minimum 2 hours). She was decent but her lessons seemed more geared towards if I was trying to pass a formal written exam when all I wanted was to get better at conversation. I was progressing better just talking regularly with chicas. You're paying them anyway--might as well get a Spanish lesson from them to boot!

First, I think anyone that says you don't need this or that is doing a disservice to mankind. Just because YOU are able to learn a language with a book or CD or whatever, doesn't mean that anyone can. As I originally said, everyone is different and learns differently, especially languages.

I think many schools rely on people that don't know any better, I. E. , that there are tutors available to teach for much less. Toucan was mentioned. It is considered the best or one of the best schools in Medellin. However, if I'm not mistaken, the cost is even more than Colombia Immersion Spanish School and seems about the same as far as what they offer. At Colombia Immersion, there are different programs. If one opts for "immersion," the cost is either 525.000 (I think) or 725.000 per week. Mucho dinero. The latter includes 10 hours of private classes, I. E. , tutoring plus 4 hours of coaching, I. E. , conversation and weekly field trips to different parts of the city where you mingle with paisas and get to learn about the city. The former includes group classes instead of private classes. I checked 2 other schools and the offerings and prices are similar. Some students live at the school or with a host family to get an even fuller immersion. However, there's a lot of bullshit that goes along with that, or so I was told.

The best way to find a tutor is from a personal recommendation. A number of people in my school jumped ship to tutors by getting a recommendation from fellow students. However, that's not an option if you don't know anyone, my situation when I arrived. A very active board is the private facebook group, medellin expats - https://www.facebook.com/groups/159461177529433/. A post asking about tutors will bring numerous responses.

[Surfer500]

You don't need any stinkin languange schools..

For some people like myself I found attending a language school, EAFIT in Medellin to learn Spanish much better than trying to learn from Spanish programs, etc. I know this because I started to learn Spanish this way on a computer and it was hard for me to just memorize stuff and when I was in a classroom setting it was much easier for me to learn by association and interaction with others. It was also fun for me.

There are some people like you who don't need a language school because languages are very easy for you to learn. However, for others it is very challenging and a classroom setting will be better for them to learn in which was my case.