Medellin Reports

[Surfer500]

Took a Spanish class at EAFIT in July and will be taking another course in October. Looking for a private tutor around Poblado. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

[Member #4394]

Sounds good decision. Actions with positive energy and good intuition will make your life happier.

Matt Psyche,

Well said! This is exactly what went through my head at the time. This particular woman had been so very giving that, in return, I really wanted to make her day. It was cheap for me, and jackpot for her. She was a non-pro with a regular job.

I don't recommend that anyone else do the same if they dislike the woman, think that she didn't try hard, she seemed manipulative, or otherwise performed weakly. Why reward mediocrity?

However, should you meet someone who seems deserving, remember how easy it is for you, as a "rich" westerner, to share a little and give a lot.

.

[ColombiaLover]

I'm not a big fan, but if you want to try it, it would be less expensive to try it in a casa. If you call for two escorts, then you are talking about a lot more money, although with the exchange rate, it's not nearly as much as it used to be.

If you ask some of the FB girls, they may have someone they'd bring with them. But I personally never found a 3-some to be worth it. But that's just me. I like the 1-on-1 attention.

I will be in both Bogota and Medellin, have read this thread and followed for several years but never posted anything since I never went. My question would be pertaining to a threesome. Would the experience be better via escort agency or at a brothel. Does anyone have any insight regarding cost and experience.

Thanks

[Knowledge]

It really boils down to making yourself less of a target in Medellin. If I was a Colombian thief looking for tourists to rip off, I would as an example stand on the stairs going up to the Parque Berrio Metro Station and if I noticed someone wearing shorts in El Centro I would immediately know they were a tourist, even if I could not discern whether there a gringo.

Agree, and if I were looking for a target I would go for somebody that is maybe not so situationally aware.

[Member #4402]

Well said! This is exactly what went through my head at the time. This particular woman had been so very giving that, in return, I really wanted to make her day. It was cheap for me, and jackpot for her. She was a non-pro with a regular job.

I don't recommend that anyone else do the same if they dislike the woman, think that she didn't try hard, she seemed manipulative, or otherwise performed weakly. Why reward mediocrity?

However, should you meet someone who seems deserving, remember how easy it is for you, as a "rich" westerner, to share a little and give a lot.

First of all it is your money. Spend your money as you like.

Secondly, it is true that 100 k peso equals to $30 ACCORDING TO cURRENCY MARKET RATE.

But this rate is based on the the price at which people want to sell and buy pesos.

If you apply the income ratio, 100 k peso is about 3-4 day income for blue collar workers.

Roughly speaking, the value of 100 k peso to Colombians is like a value of $2-300 to the westerners..

[James Dandy]

Generally speaking, Colombians do not wear shorts in Medellin. I am not sure why, but it is a fact that some consider shorts to be a sort of disrespectful, or maybe it's dirty to them. I wish I could find an article I read a couple months ago in Gente magazine in Poblado, but the writer of the editorial was bitching about tourists 'wearing shorts all over town". He didn't mention flips flops or sandals, but that is an even bigger affront to the culture, naked feet must be considered uncleanly. I can see where food establishments might be an issue, but not sure about just walking around.

However, I do believe gringos can wear what they want, if they are respectful of the locals that is what matters. Even if they would not wear shorts or think its funny, does not mean you can't. As far as Colombians wearing shorts, I have not seen it other than some street rats in El Centro, often not wearing a shirt either, and sometimes no shoes. I have noticed several more stores in El Centro selling baggy, cargo style shorts of late also, so maybe it's going to change? For now, I don't often wear shorts in MDE unless it's scorching hot, it's not like it's often too hot out anyway. I have on a few occasions worn shorts and not had anybody berate me, though it does attract more attention and not usually the good kind (beggars, etc). It's not an issue of blending in so much that they will never know a gringo is a gringo, it's more that there are different types of gringos as well. There are gringos that live here and obviously know the score (pants), and there are gringos "fresh off the boat"(shorts and flip flops), you generally don't want to look like the later though it won't kill you.

[James Dandy]

So if I took the metro to the last stop (Niquia? Could I then walk to Puerta del Norte mall? Is it far? Is it safe? Or better to take a cab? I'm talking about going during the day to scout some chicas.

The mall is right there across the road from the metro station, and there is a pedestrian walkway over the road. Keep in mind that Medellin is not a resort town with ladies looking to party or have sex for money 24/7. The most you will probably get in the daytime, if you have balls and speak some Spanish, is a few phone numbers and arrange dates for later at night when they are off work and it's party time or for the weekend. I think it's a fallacy that all the pretty women come from Bello, it's just what they say because sooner or later taxi fare will come into the conversation and Bello is the furthest away=more money for her when you pay. In my opinion, there are beauties everywhere and in every barrio just as there are normal girls everywhere, so I don't think Bello gives one much of an edge other than the further you get in any direction away from gringos they more of a novelty you are, and thus people are more likely to be curious about you.

Good luck!

[BlueChange]

If I recall, the Puerta del Norte mall is in Bello. After the last metro stop. Yes? Never been to Bello. I assume the mall is safe. But what about getting from the Niquia metro station to the mall? And around the mall itself? Just curious. I'm all for hunting at the source.

The mall is right near the metro stop. Just hop out and you are there.

Take the metro during the day and just go back around 8 before.

It's too dark. Seriously Soo many beauties up.

There.

[Member #4394]

First of all it is your money. Spend your money as you like.

Secondly, it is true that 100 k peso equals to $30 ACCORDING TO cURRENCY MARKET RATE.

But this rate is based on the the price at which people want to sell and buy pesos.

If you apply the income ratio, 100 k peso is about 3-4 day income for blue collar workers.

Roughly speaking, the value of 100 k peso to Colombians is like a value of $2-300 to the westerners.

John Gault,

Your advice is much appreciated.

Just to clarify, tipping was not expected, and in no way hinted at, neither by her, nor by Jake. And yes, TLN can be had cheaper.

In this one particular case, I was just blown away by her fantastic attitude, for 12 hours. I figured that 100 k (today about $35) was something I just wanted to give.

.

[BeersTerry]

So if I took the metro to the last stop (Niquia? Could I then walk to Puerta del Norte mall? Is it far? Is it safe? Or better to take a cab? I'm talking about going during the day to scout some chicas.

Dunno about the metro. The few times that I have been there was by cab. Chico hanging around opening your cab door for tips.

It is like any mall you would see inside. Nicely air conditioned given the heat these days.

[Surfer500]

That's true. My observance of the (moderate) trend of Paisa / Colombian men wearing shorts is limited to Poblado. In other areas, it's still pretty much unheard of.

Of course, as Manizales pointed out, you're likely to be identified as a tourist / Gringo regardless of what of you wear.

I'm fortunate as I can pass for a Colombian looks wise so I dress like the locals and nobody gives me a second look unless I start talking of course!

[Combo]

I am totally confused about the psychology of the short pants debate. It seems it will never die and that's not very surprising. The part that confuses and fascinates me at the same time is the rationalizing, the climate comparisons between the destination and wherever guys come from, the twisted logic that you are a gringo so it doesn't matter what you wear (the idea that being the one person on the street in short pants does not make you stand out is bizarre to me), the suggestion there is a growing trend of Colombians walking around Centro in shorts and sandals, it's all interesting. I sincerely hope guys do what makes them feel comfortable. As long as no one is being misled that it won't make a difference. I personally would not consider dressing that way. The temperature in Medellin may hit the high 80's Fahrenheit on rare days but there are much hotter places where I would not wear shorts. Like Time Square in August for example. Anyway, look at videos like the youtube video someone posted here, then decide for yourself. Good luck.

There is definitively NOT a trend of Colombians walking around Centro in shorts. You increasingly do see it in Poblado, however.

Indeed, high 80's Fahrenheit is quite rare in MDE. Almost always a very comfortable high of around 80 degrees.

[King Of Crunk]

I will be in both Bogota and Medellin, have read this thread and followed for several years but never posted anything since I never went. My question would be pertaining to a threesome. Would the experience be better via escort agency or at a brothel. Does anyone have any insight regarding cost and experience.

Thanks

[Surfer500]

I am totally confused about the psychology of the short pants debate. It seems it will never die and that's not very surprising. The part that confuses and fascinates me at the same time is the rationalizing, the climate comparisons between the destination and wherever guys come from, the twisted logic that you are a gringo so it doesn't matter what you wear (the idea that being the one person on the street in short pants does not make you stand out is bizarre to me), the suggestion there is a growing trend of Colombians walking around Centro in shorts and sandals, it's all interesting. I sincerely hope guys do what makes them feel comfortable. As long as no one is being misled that it won't make a difference. I personally would not consider dressing that way. The temperature in Medellin may hit the high 80's Fahrenheit on rare days but there are much hotter places where I would not wear shorts. Like Time Square in August for example. Anyway, look at videos like the youtube video someone posted here, then decide for yourself. Good luck.

It really boils down to making yourself less of a target in Medellin. If I was a Colombian thief looking for tourists to rip off, I would as an example stand on the stairs going up to the Parque Berrio Metro Station and if I noticed someone wearing shorts in El Centro I would immediately know they were a tourist, even if I could not discern whether there a gringo.

[Hioctane]

5-6 years ago, I would have said don't wear shorts, period. But in recent years, I have seen more and more Paisa men wearing shorts (at least during the daytime). Nighttime definitely jeans / slacks.

It rarely gets real hot in MDE so you won't be uncomfortable wearing jeans. Highs don't vary much from about 80 degrees F.

I agree. I noticed this as well over the years (shorts in the daytime). It rarely gets hot but I do recall some scorching hot days.