Medellin Reports

[Jan 156]

Frankly, it would be much more likely the driver wanted to be sure you were not going to put yourself in danger.

Among the 100's drivers I took in years in Medellin and Colombia, I never met anyone who could make me doubt. Yes, possible but unlikely.

I always keep no more than 100-200 in my wallet, and much more "hidden" here and there. In a robbery, that is not safe, but at least I show I have not much, when I pay a taxi etc.

That mirrors my own feelings. Another possibility is that the taxi driver might be nervous on his own account, rightly or wrongly. There are some areas of Centro where it is difficult to get a taxi or to get dropped off, but not all (Poblado) taxi drivers know the area well. I had a taxi driver drop me off one night (Poblado to Centro, straight run) which was in a pretty safe main street, but he was looking round nervously as he dropped me off. I assured him he was ok. Occasionally I have had a taxi driver ask me many questions by way of conversation to disguise the fact that he didn't know where he was going and wanted time to think (this was in Poblado, he was young and seemed new, and he was mostly confused by the one-way systems). In downtown I've had a taxi zoom off into a gridlocked street before being clear where I wanted to go, rather to my annoyance. In these last two cases, both drivers insisted on giving me a discount, which was fair. In other words, taxi drivers, even when not perfect, are human beings and mostly pretty decent.

[Gotta GO]

I'm from England too and was in Medellin a few weeks ago. I'm going back later this year.

A little bit of Spanish would help, just to be polite. If you are streetwise you don't need a guide to party in Parque Llera. I'd suggest getting a subscription to ISG and PM me. Happy to help out and give advice to make the most of your trip.

Cheers!

That's too far away for what Parque Lleras has to offer. Go to chapel Hill NC. Way more ladies here!

[Black Page]

In addition to the obvious of not wearing ANY jewelry in Medellin I'd like to offer one more thought. Be very wary of the taxi drivers. Last week I had one driver pepper me with questions on our way to el centro. I told him I was just going for lunch and to walk around. He made me a little nervous with all his questions. When I went to pay him he asked if I had different denominations to pay him. I think he was wanting to see how much cash I was carrying. I fanned out all 90 or 100 mil I had in my money clip to make clear this was all I had. Of course I had a couple hundred more in other pockets. It sounds like the murder victim was targeted and followed to the point he exited the taxi. I wouldn't be surprised if there are some taxi drivers out there acting as scouts for the thieves letting them know who is carrying a lot of cash. Important to make good use of the hotel safes and hide most of the cash needed to carry.

Frankly, it would be much more likely the driver wanted to be sure you were not going to put yourself in danger.

Among the 100's drivers I took in years in Medellin and Colombia, I never met anyone who could make me doubt. Yes, possible but unlikely.

I always keep no more than 100-200 in my wallet, and much more "hidden" here and there. In a robbery, that is not safe, but at least I show I have not much, when I pay a taxi etc.

About the murder, based on what we read, it was a well organized set-up: people on a bike AND a car. No way the taxi driver could call them after picking up the wealthy tourist. There is no time. Probably, that guy showed he had lots of cash, a goldd chain, something unusual well BEFORE. Wrong eyes spotted the guy, followed the taxi and called others.

[Lucky Nuts]

In addition to the obvious of not wearing ANY jewelry in Medellin I'd like to offer one more thought. Be very wary of the taxi drivers. Last week I had one driver pepper me with questions on our way to el centro. I told him I was just going for lunch and to walk around. He made me a little nervous with all his questions. When I went to pay him he asked if I had different denominations to pay him. I think he was wanting to see how much cash I was carrying. I fanned out all 90 or 100 mil I had in my money clip to make clear this was all I had. Of course I had a couple hundred more in other pockets. It sounds like the murder victim was targeted and followed to the point he exited the taxi. I wouldn't be surprised if there are some taxi drivers out there acting as scouts for the thieves letting them know who is carrying a lot of cash. Important to make good use of the hotel safes and hide most of the cash needed to carry.

[Puntz79]

The difference in the "wealthy" areas and why this comes as a surprise is because there is also increased security during the daytime and at night so it feels safe to walk around. I've walked around El Poblado at night along Carrera 43 A and there's always people, some light security here and there and never had an issue. I've walked around Zona Rosa / Zona T in Bogota and never much of an issue although both areas have a few sketchy characters walking around. Then you have a place like Santa Fe in Bogota, you'll see cops a block over from the clubs but lots of shady people. I've never faced an issue in either, knock on wood.

With regards to carrying a cell, I've noticed more and more that there are people carrying Galaxy S5's and iPhone 6's around Medellin and Bogota. That doesn't mean it's the best idea to carry one around, as you should always try to minimize what you carry on you, especially with something like a cell phone. There are plenty of good unlocked phones that don't cost a lot. Take a look at the Blu phone or OnePlus One. Or find a used one on eBay. I don't carry regular cell phones, there's no point in that and these days just about everyone has some type of a smart phone whether it's one that is worth $10 from years ago or a new iPhone. I'm pretty sure blending in doesn't mean carry around a brick Nokia where you can change the faceplate of the phone. Thieves want anything of value and aren't going after a watch or phone specifically, they can easily go after a pocket that has cash or debit / credit cards. A blingy watch in a country where a blingy watch is not the norm, is going to make you stand out. Having a 5 inch smart phone to check your facebook and whatsapp when just about everyone else is doing the same thing, that's not going to make you stand out really. If anything, it makes you blend in. What does make a person stand out is if they pull a smart phone and keep checking their maps to see if they are going the right direction, and that's something that can be spotted rather easily. That's what I encourage people to avoid doing. Get in a restaurant or cafe, use the restroom and pull out your phone to look at directions in there. Not out in the open street.

It's a messed up story; he may have still been in CR mode as the news article indicates he was recently there. You can't treat MDE or BOG like being in Sportman's Lodge in San Jose or Blackbeard's in DR. Many DR and CR mongers never really transition well to Colombia but it is f*ed up this guy never even really had the chance.

I'm into cowrie shells and I used to occasionally wear a necklace or bracelet with a few shells on them but after reading about this incident, I'm not going to wear even the worthless stuff. These young thieves are stupid enough to think that if a gringo has some kind of bracelet or necklace on, he's loaded with cash and an easy target. It's just not worth tempting the fates to score some fashion or coolness points.

By the way that's why you see most guys, even the young ones, dress pretty casual in the clubs. You'll see many women dressed up of course but most guys usually don't play the dress up or fashion game.

I'll admit I like to wear a Skagen watch when I go out; they have a nice designs and are thin and light, but they're not worth much so no big loss if stolen. For a smartphone, I'll carry an S2 or S3 galaxy, not the latest and greatest. Guys, leave your iPhone 6 or your S5 or S6 galaxy at home or in the hotel safe. Try to minimize your loss if you do get robbed. I've always hated lugging a wallet at night in my back pocket or inner jacket pocket, especially when abroad, so I just put a credit card and ID card in one jean pocket and 30-50 K pesos in the other. The rest of the money is hidden somewhere else. I dress nice, but not flashy.

If you're going somewhere really sketchy (centro at night), forget the watch and just bring an old regular cell phone, not a smartphone. Dress down a small step more.

Also, it's a really bad idea to resist or try to do any funny move. Like I said these young thieves are so dumb and trigger-happy (and likely liquored up or drugged up to bolster their courage for the robbery) it could really back-fire on you. Given today's exchange rates, or even the lousy ones from a couple years ago, it should be no major loss to cough up 50 k pesos and an old phone.

As for the Poblado thing, I don't see why all the surprise. In Bogota, there is just as much crime in the upper-crust "Zona T" nightlife sector as in the sketchy Santa Fe neighborhood. After all, the crooks like to go where the money is.

[Surfer500]

I have spent four months total in Colombia, spread out over many years. In Medellin I rented an apartment for three months and left after two months, due to the second robbery. I speak excellent Spanish but I absolutely look like a gringo and can't do anything about that as my ancestors all trotted out of the peat bogs 100 years or so ago.

Looking like a gringo sucks sometimes, and that's exactly what I thought was the problem you were having when I read your post. I too have spent about four months total over the past eight years in Colombia as well. However my ancestors are from southern Europe and I pass as a Colombian as people at times ask me for directions, what time it is, etc. And when I speak they know I'm not Colombian. I've been lucky as I have never had an incident here but always have the radar up as Colombians as well are targets.

[Colombia Jake]

What are the alternatives to staying at the Mansion. Will be there next month and need an alternative location that is chica friendly and modestly priced.

Thanks,

Chris

Nobody has Girlfriend experience dates and a chica friendly environment like we have here! Ralp is on his last two days after being here 15 nights and enjoying 15 different Girlfriends while he has been here! The girls show up at 7 pm ish and he takes them to a Restaurant in Park Lleras for a bite to eat and a drink and depending on the night and the action around the park he comes back anywhere between 9 and 12 for sex and fun! Natalia here speaks perfect English and is a lot of fun to hang out with!

Thanks.

Colombia Jake

[Revere]

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/worl...icle-1.2376616

[Dickhead]

I'm puzzled why you spent four months in Colombia if you had so many bad experiences.

I have spent four months total in Colombia, spread out over many years. In Medellin I rented an apartment for three months and left after two months, due to the second robbery. I speak excellent Spanish but I absolutely look like a gringo and can't do anything about that as my ancestors all trotted out of the peat bogs 100 years or so ago.

[Phunluv]

It's a messed up story; he may have still been in CR mode as the news article indicates he was recently there. You can't treat MDE or BOG like being in Sportman's Lodge in San Jose or Blackbeard's in DR. Many DR and CR mongers never really transition well to Colombia but it is f*ed up this guy never even really had the chance.

I'm into cowrie shells and I used to occasionally wear a necklace or bracelet with a few shells on them but after reading about this incident, I'm not going to wear even the worthless stuff. These young thieves are stupid enough to think that if a gringo has some kind of bracelet or necklace on, he's loaded with cash and an easy target. It's just not worth tempting the fates to score some fashion or coolness points.

By the way that's why you see most guys, even the young ones, dress pretty casual in the clubs. You'll see many women dressed up of course but most guys usually don't play the dress up or fashion game.

I'll admit I like to wear a Skagen watch when I go out; they have a nice designs and are thin and light, but they're not worth much so no big loss if stolen. For a smartphone, I'll carry an S2 or S3 galaxy, not the latest and greatest. Guys, leave your iPhone 6 or your S5 or S6 galaxy at home or in the hotel safe. Try to minimize your loss if you do get robbed. I've always hated lugging a wallet at night in my back pocket or inner jacket pocket, especially when abroad, so I just put a credit card and ID card in one jean pocket and 30-50 K pesos in the other. The rest of the money is hidden somewhere else. I dress nice, but not flashy.

If you're going somewhere really sketchy (centro at night), forget the watch and just bring an old regular cell phone, not a smartphone. Dress down a small step more.

Also, it's a really bad idea to resist or try to do any funny move. Like I said these young thieves are so dumb and trigger-happy (and likely liquored up or drugged up to bolster their courage for the robbery) it could really back-fire on you. Given today's exchange rates, or even the lousy ones from a couple years ago, it should be no major loss to cough up 50 k pesos and an old phone.

As for the Poblado thing, I don't see why all the surprise. In Bogota, there is just as much crime in the upper-crust "Zona T" nightlife sector as in the sketchy Santa Fe neighborhood. After all, the crooks like to go where the money is.

[McLoving]

I'm from England too and was in Medellin a few weeks ago. I'm going back later this year.

A little bit of Spanish would help, just to be polite. If you are streetwise you don't need a guide to party in Parque Llera. I'd suggest getting a subscription to ISG and PM me. Happy to help out and give advice to make the most of your trip.

Cheers!

Hola my fellow gents!

I'm trying to get the low down of the best options / advice for a group of Non-Spanish speaking travelers to Medellin. We'll be staying about 1 mile from Parque Llera.

We are about 10 British guys, looking to party for a weekend. Given limited Spanish abilities, and warnings about just trying to mingle like we would in streets of England. What is your advice? All of us are single and are headed to Colombia for pretty much nothing but a fuckfest to unwind from the rainy weather out here.

Should we hire a local guide? Any recommendations?

Can we bring women back to our place for overnights / sex parties?

Or better to go to local parlors like San Deigo or FASE II?

Appreciate the advice.

[Puntz79]

LAC and CC are good, it may be a bit of work if you do not speak spanish however. You can use a translator, but it's better if you're able to speak spanish in the situation you decide to meet up with a non-pro and then you lay it on her that you can't speak any spanish whatsoever and that will give the impression that you're just looking to get laid. I've generally had good success on the cupid sites, but I use it more to find dates when I'm in Colombia or DR (DominicanCupid). You can still find pros / semi-pros on there though.

Back to the safety thing, I think one should also keep in mind that we're hearing about this issue because it involved an American tourist. Robberies, and other crime take place every day in Latin America and often involving residents, and not tourists. Most of us probably stay in El Poblado and any incident like this can make a person slightly uneasy, but this could have happened anywhere with any resident or visitor and we still don't quite know the circumstances. The last few times I've been in El Poblado around Parque Lleras, in a way I felt like I was in an American city with the number of western guys that were there on a Friday night! With that said, everyone should make every effort to be safe and enjoy the hobby safely.

In my experience in Medellin I never felt really unsafe. One night I was walking with my novia in Sabaneta along a little path late at night and I got a little nervous. It was really dark and there were a lot of younger guys hanging around and drinking. This is the only time I ever felt unsafe. Poblado is just like any other large city-- you must always watch your back.

The recent murder in Poblado sounds like a set up. Someone knew this guy was coming-- either the cabbie, someone from the hotel, or someone from the airport. Possibly he was traveling with a lot of cash?

If he was coming from Costa Rica he was probably a fellow monger? Who knows?

My novia always tells me that she worries for my safety in Medellin. I just don't see it. I've traveled all over the world and never been in any type of scrape involving robbery or assault. Of course I do not carry myself like a victim.

At any rate- this news is quite sad and scary for all of us who frequent Medellin.

I wanted to ask if anyone on here uses Latin American Cupid? Experiences? I've been on for a little while and am chatting with a few cuties. I was just wondering what you all experience was.

[Sun08]

I came across few more articles. This is just for more awareness.

http://colombiareports.com/medellin-...ce-statistics/

[Chris Long]

What are the alternatives to staying at the Mansion. Will be there next month and need an alternative location that is chica friendly and modestly priced.

Thanks,

Chris

[Surfer500]

I have said several times that Colombia is inordinately dangerous in many regards. I have been to 49 countries now and Colombia is the only one where:

1) I was robbed multiple times (I. E. , twice in the same trip).

2) I was robbed in broad daylight with cops looking on, and indeed involved.

3) I was physically assaulted while being robbed of a very small amount.

4) I got thrown in jail for the weekend for resisting a robbery.

5) I received counterfeit bills from a taxista and then he called the cops.

6) The doormen in my building increased the danger rather than reducing it.

Out of all these 49 countries I have visited, Colombia is the ONLY one that I tell most people not to go to.

Take that for what it is worth. I still would go back there under the right set of circumstances, meaning a great exchange rate, the right wing men, the perfect time of year, and so forth, be..

Please don't take this as being personal however I'm puzzled why you spent four months in Colombia if you had so many bad experiences. I have to assume that you obviously look like a foreigner, hence the robberies that happened. Your not alone in this regards, all my buddies who are obvious foreigners on their last trip had robbery attempts on them, some successful. Speaking Spanish as well makes a difference even being a foreigner.

In regards to the food, there is good food, sin embargo, however you won't typically find it in El Centro but in the more upscale places in and around Poblabo and other upscale parts of town. There is a lot of organic vegetables etc. Used in dishes here and I know of three great places to eat around Parque Poblado.