Medellin Reports

[Member #3435]

I have been traveling to Medellin for years without incident. I guess that 1- that my size can be intimidating, 2- I was a cop, so I am keep aware of my surroundings most of the time, 3- I am very fluent in Spanish, and 4- have friends in the city have helped to steer me away from trouble. However, this time was different.

Since I know that pick pocketing is very prevalent in most countries in Latin America, I will forward a few suggestions that some of you might find useful. 1- carrry your wallet in a front pocket with minimal documentation and a small amount of money. 2- This last suggestion is in case you are mugged, and have no other recourse but to surrender your wallet, it is best to have something to give. That could avoid you getting hurt just because you dont have money. Finally, 3- hide money around, (socks, underwear, other pockets, etc). That way, even in the worst case scenario, chance are the bad guys don't get it all.

Anyway, adding to the story, here was my last week's trip experience. I have not seen mentioned here a place called "La Gran Manzana" (The Big Apple). The place is an after hours dancing bar. Many of the girls that work all around the city go there after the bars close. You will have to buy a 1/2 in order to stay (42,000 pesos). However, it was really cool. I met a gal there and we hit off really good. After getting all hot an heavy we decided to take it to a hotel so we took off to Eros. This is the nice one near where the streetwalkers in De Greiff hand out. For those that know El Raudal, you know the area I am referring. It is not the best or safest area, but due to that, police presence is prevalent. As I said before, I have never had an incident there or anywhere else until now. Here comes the kicker. After a while, the gal passes out. Thank goodness I have not paid her yet. After attempting to get it on with her for a while, I decided to leave. There were still 5 hours left of the time I paid for, so I got ready to leave and figured that the hotel personnel could wake her up once she had slept off some of the drink out of her. While I was walking out, the guy in the front gate detained me, and told me I COULD NOT LEAVE. He was radioed from the front desk and he asked me to please return to the room since it was hotel rules that I could not leave until I was GIVEN AUTHORIZATION by my companion. I explained the situation, I went back to the room with a hotel staff lady and attempted to wake her up. She was OUT. I told her that I was not going to wait 5 hours until she got out of it, that she had evidence that the girl was alive and well, and that I was leaving. As I started to walk out, the gate guy tried to lock me in. I rushed the gate and he stood in front of me. Big mistake for him. Did I mention my size? I tackled him out of my way and left to take a taxi. Once I am out on the street, two guys approach me and tell me that I had to go back. I answered that they did not have any right to detain me for whatever reason since they were not the police and I was not under arrest. At that moment, one of the guys spot the cops and called them over. They gave their version, I gave mine, and the cop sided with me. A taxi was looking at the situation, and as soon as the group broke off he picked me up. He drove like a bat out of hell, and we were both kept looking over our backs for the same reason hot rod went through. We were both thinking, what if they follow us?

Wanted to share this word of warning with all of you to avoid this Eros place. I can not imagine what would have happened if I was not been able to talk to the cops when they showed up.

Keep safe.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here for more information.

Lb,

Wow, that's a new one. For me anyway.

Reminds me of something a security guard at an upscale apartment complex I was staying at told me: "Aqui en Colombia hay muchos trucos. " I was chatting with him as I was waiting in the foyer for a taxi one night. He was telling me to be careful and his message translates as: "In Colombia, there are lots of tricks".

Agree with everything you mention in your second paragraph regarding personal security precautions and since this is the second time it's been mention in recent days I'd like to add the following tip:

Don't carry a wallet.

I haven't carried a wallet abroad or at home since the the first time I went to LA about 30 years ago. At that time we rode city buses 80% of the time and it was obvious that if you carried a wallet in the back pocket it would be picked in about 0. 5 seconds. Instead carry your money & ID in your front pants pocket and dump the wallet. A thin billfold is very useful and I use it exclusively as well as the multiple stash technique. Fossil and others market these bill folds. They are a money clip and leather case for ID, a few cards, business cards, etc, etc, and fit comfortably in the front pocket.

Lesson to all: This guy is no greenhorn, is doing everything right, and they still throw this shit at him. Normally, they would choose an easier target.

All the best, happy Easter, Schwmm

[Rebel Monger]

...So, I have taken it upon myself to design a money pouch that looks like a condom large enough to hold your wallet, passport, all of your valuable documents and money then for safe keeping tucked securely up your rectum. This, I think was the only place I wasnt I wasnt searched in onle 10 minutes on the street in madellin.

You must be paying back bad karma. I just came back from a six day trip to Medellin. I was at El Centro and Mayorista and never had any problem. Could it be that you did something that made you a target? You don't need to carry wallet, passport and valuable documents around in Colombia. Probably being Latino gave me an edge but a guy I met there (Vic) goes anywhere and so far, no incidents.

[Zeba8888]

Hey Frank,

I've seen you post and was coming down next week on April 8th...I will be staying with a friend but need someone who does casa/girl tours and was wondering if you guided those tours.

Change of plans.

I will be staying at the Castillo after all.

All roads lead to the Mansion.

[Da Kine Kid]

Wow, quite a story!

Parque Berrio is full of thieves and sketchy people, even in the daytime. I remember on my first trip to Medellin, I was walking out of the Hotel Nutibara to the plaza around 2 PM and noticed a large pool of fresh blood on the sidewalk around the area to the metro entrance. On both trips I noticed big piles of shit on the sidewalks and park areas and chalked it up to people walking their dogs. That was until I saw one of the homeless people there drop their pants in public with hundreds of people around and squat to take a shit right there. One of the cops with the neon green blazers and nightsticks ran up to him brandishing his night stick and almost beat his head in. He made him pick up the shit with his bare hands and put it in the garbage. Most of those cops look really young, barely 18 and I don't think they really give a shit about anything there.

My guess would be they let the thief go for a little briB.

That's a scary take on the situation regarding the sicarios. My last trip I was dating a regular girl from Bello and she told me that hitmen charge 200-400K.

Day 2 in madellin I'm walking down a wide street near the park that has all the fat statues. I was out of the cab maybe 3 min when I felt a nudge on way back near my wallet. I grabbed my wallet as I turned around and the street was very crowded and nothing. Within a few minutes another nudge on my backside and I'm thinking maybee I'm just a little paranoid. As I waited for the green light at the next corner I felt a hand in my front pocket I grabed the hand and twisted the fellow to the ground and my money flew out to the sidewalk. Grabbed the money and while holding him with a death grip I started screaming thief thief police police. Within an instant a crowd of at least 30 people surrounded us with several kicking and punching the bandido. They led me and him across the street to a police post were we presented him to the cops. After 15 min of them trying to calm me down and assuring me this guy was going to the callabous and no there was nothing for me to sign and it wasnt even necessary to leave my name. They said they knew this guy and he was off to jail.

Well I left feeling pretty good but in need of a beer. Several of people that witnessed the whole thing marched me maybe 30 feet to a small bar I bought a beer as they explained to the bartender my involvement in all the comotion on the street. I was almost finished with my beer when who walks in but EL BANDIDO. He sits at a table across from were I stood at the bar and orderes himself a pepsi. One of the oldtimers that came to the bar with me looking a little flabbergasted says isn't that the bad guy I said yea. The oldtimer explaines this to the bartender who surveyes the situation an in a position that only I could see raises his shirt to show me the pistol tucked in his pants. NO ONE COULD MAKE THIS SHIT UP. Two guys walk in and say something to the bad guy who without ever taking a drink of the soda he just paid for and all 3 leave. I'm thinking this ashole just pointed me out to paid assasins. I won't boor you with the rest of the story were I spent the next 2 hours first at the auxilery police station were everyone suddenly forgot how to speak english or at the main police station were I had taken a cab to.

So, I have taken it upon myself to design a money pouch that looks like a condom large enough to hold your wallet, passport, all of your valuable documents and money then for safe keeping tucked securely up your rectum. This, I think was the only place I wasnt I wasnt searched in onle 10 minutes on the street in madellin.

[Bonhead]

Within a few minutes another nudge on my backside and I'm thinking maybee I'm just a little paranoid.

Picture of yourself please (so everyone knows how NOT to look when in medallo)? You must look like an obvious victim. I've never heard of anyone who had three attempted muggings against them so quickly one after another.

My sympathies but please stay in the safe confines of poblado and the mansion and don't venture out alone anymore.

[Artisttyp]

Hello gentlemen,

Thank you- Hioctane, Schwmmr, Manizales911,DrWoo, Mr. GoGo. Good and accurate information. So, I did begin a search utilizing the popular travel search engines, expedia etc. Additionally, I visited Copa and Avianca websites, you are all correct I can avoid the MIA leg of a trip to SDQ; however the price is more than I willing to pay, over $450USD. Specifically, my group and I plan to travel inside CO for the week or so that we are in country, via Avianca, I don’t want to hard earned mongering $$$ on airfare (that was a funny gentlemen). Alternatively, I have discovered a delectable price$$ for airfare to Peru that I might be willing to undertake.

Peace,

Bootyluvr

How many people are in your group?

[Latin Bound]

I have been traveling to Medellin for years without incident. I guess that 1- that my size can be intimidating, 2- I was a cop, so I am keep aware of my surroundings most of the time, 3- I am very fluent in Spanish, and 4- have friends in the city have helped to steer me away from trouble. However, this time was different.

Since I know that pick pocketing is very prevalent in most countries in Latin America, I will forward a few suggestions that some of you might find useful. 1- carrry your wallet in a front pocket with minimal documentation and a small amount of money. 2- This last suggestion is in case you are mugged, and have no other recourse but to surrender your wallet, it is best to have something to give. That could avoid you getting hurt just because you dont have money. Finally, 3- hide money around, (socks, underwear, other pockets, etc). That way, even in the worst case scenario, chance are the bad guys don't get it all.

Anyway, adding to the story, here was my last week's trip experience. I have not seen mentioned here a place called "La Gran Manzana" (The Big Apple). The place is an after hours dancing bar. Many of the girls that work all around the city go there after the bars close. You will have to buy a 1/2 in order to stay (42,000 pesos). However, it was really cool. I met a gal there and we hit off really good. After getting all hot an heavy we decided to take it to a hotel so we took off to Eros. This is the nice one near where the streetwalkers in De Greiff hand out. For those that know El Raudal, you know the area I am referring. It is not the best or safest area, but due to that, police presence is prevalent. As I said before, I have never had an incident there or anywhere else until now. Here comes the kicker. After a while, the gal passes out. Thank goodness I have not paid her yet. After attempting to get it on with her for a while, I decided to leave. There were still 5 hours left of the time I paid for, so I got ready to leave and figured that the hotel personnel could wake her up once she had slept off some of the drink out of her. While I was walking out, the guy in the front gate detained me, and told me I COULD NOT LEAVE. He was radioed from the front desk and he asked me to please return to the room since it was hotel rules that I could not leave until I was GIVEN AUTHORIZATION by my companion. I explained the situation, I went back to the room with a hotel staff lady and attempted to wake her up. She was OUT. I told her that I was not going to wait 5 hours until she got out of it, that she had evidence that the girl was alive and well, and that I was leaving. As I started to walk out, the gate guy tried to lock me in. I rushed the gate and he stood in front of me. Big mistake for him. Did I mention my size? I tackled him out of my way and left to take a taxi. Once I am out on the street, two guys approach me and tell me that I had to go back. I answered that they did not have any right to detain me for whatever reason since they were not the police and I was not under arrest. At that moment, one of the guys spot the cops and called them over. They gave their version, I gave mine, and the cop sided with me. A taxi was looking at the situation, and as soon as the group broke off he picked me up. He drove like a bat out of hell, and we were both kept looking over our backs for the same reason hot rod went through. We were both thinking, what if they follow us?

Wanted to share this word of warning with all of you to avoid this Eros place. I can not imagine what would have happened if I was not been able to talk to the cops when they showed up.

Keep safe.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here for more information.

[Vikingss]

Hi guy's, Brazilian monger here, been reading a lot of your experience in Colombia and I must say am impressed.

Thinking about going to Medellin, and lately I been seeing a few webcam girls from Medellin online, don't know if am allowed to post a link to that cam site, but my question are, anyone of you had experience with any of them and if you do, any info? This girls are gorgeous.

Thanks

[Blk Big Bootyluv]

Hello gentlemen,

Thank you- Hioctane, Schwmmr, Manizales911,DrWoo, Mr. GoGo. Good and accurate information. So, I did begin a search utilizing the popular travel search engines, expedia etc. Additionally, I visited Copa and Avianca websites, you are all correct I can avoid the MIA leg of a trip to SDQ; however the price is more than I willing to pay, over $450USD. Specifically, my group and I plan to travel inside CO for the week or so that we are in country, via Avianca, I don’t want to hard earned mongering $$$ on airfare (that was a funny gentlemen). Alternatively, I have discovered a delectable price$$ for airfare to Peru that I might be willing to undertake.

Peace,

Bootyluvr

Try Avianca via Bogota or COPA via Panama City.

[Hotrod10]

Day 2 in madellin I'm walking down a wide street near the park that has all the fat statues. I was out of the cab maybe 3 min when I felt a nudge on way back near my wallet. I grabbed my wallet as I turned around and the street was very crowded and nothing. Within a few minutes another nudge on my backside and I'm thinking maybee I'm just a little paranoid. As I waited for the green light at the next corner I felt a hand in my front pocket I grabed the hand and twisted the fellow to the ground and my money flew out to the sidewalk. Grabbed the money and while holding him with a death grip I started screaming thief thief police police. Within an instant a crowd of at least 30 people surrounded us with several kicking and punching the bandido. They led me and him across the street to a police post were we presented him to the cops. After 15 min of them trying to calm me down and assuring me this guy was going to the callabous and no there was nothing for me to sign and it wasnt even necessary to leave my name. They said they knew this guy and he was off to jail.

Well I left feeling pretty good but in need of a beer. Several of people that witnessed the whole thing marched me maybe 30 feet to a small bar I bought a beer as they explained to the bartender my involvement in all the comotion on the street. I was almost finished with my beer when who walks in but EL BANDIDO. He sits at a table across from were I stood at the bar and orderes himself a pepsi. One of the oldtimers that came to the bar with me looking a little flabbergasted says isn't that the bad guy I said yea. The oldtimer explaines this to the bartender who surveyes the situation an in a position that only I could see raises his shirt to show me the pistol tucked in his pants. NO ONE COULD MAKE THIS SHIT UP. Two guys walk in and say something to the bad guy who without ever taking a drink of the soda he just paid for and all 3 leave. I'm thinking this ashole just pointed me out to paid assasins. I won't boor you with the rest of the story were I spent the next 2 hours first at the auxilery police station were everyone suddenly forgot how to speak english or at the main police station were I had taken a cab to.

So, I have taken it upon myself to design a money pouch that looks like a condom large enough to hold your wallet, passport, all of your valuable documents and money then for safe keeping tucked securely up your rectum. This, I think was the only place I wasnt I wasnt searched in onle 10 minutes on the street in madellin.

[Zeba8888]

Hey Frank,

I've seen you post and was coming down next week on April 8th...I will be staying with a friend but need someone who does casa/girl tours and was wondering if you guided those tours.

[Ratman1]

Just returned to my hotel from la amistad in la mayorista. The local boys and I do mean boys were trying to get one of the fat hos to go with them for 5mil for 1 to 2 hours. (I was sitting with a semi good looking ho and my taxi driver, we had been drinking together for a few hours on me of course) I looked over at the ho sitting next to me and said 5mil like I was shocked. Told her I was looking to pay 4mil, that the locals were over paying. She got a kick out of it. Just thought you should know how cheap the azz can be had. I mean these boys were wet behind the ears. Pretty slow night because today and tomorrow are easter holidays, as I was leaving it looked like the fat girl was going to do the whole pack of them. Maybe she gave them the group rate. She was really vile though so I don't think she had too many options.

[DrWoo]

Try Avianca as they go to both SDQ and MDE. I tried to do it online for you but the website was down. Their toll free # is 800-284-2622.

Try Avianca via Bogota or COPA via Panama City.

[Que Rico]

I saw that too.

Another example of questionable info expressed in the national media.

In their defense, that was an opinion by that contributor. Not a news story.

All the best,

Schwmm

After the recent release of the Colombian Soldier the news agency reported: There are Under 100 people being help captive my paramilitarys, less optimistic people say like 125. How many are gringo sex tourists? Zero!

I'm sure there is some kinda of unreported underground stuff going on so add a few more to that, still you stand a better chance of being kidnapped in Cancun at senor frogs drinking a 2 foot tall beer wearing a sombrero then in Parque Lleras drinking Rum with a 18 yr old Hooker. But stay home and get hookers from craigs list but you may be kidnapped by the Police for an overnight stay at headquarters.

This is just the opinion of me The contributor.

[Frank Casio]

Sorry guys, scrap that. Must be just another example of questionable info. expressed in the National Media. We're going to have to ask Mr. Schwmmr to confirm that, he´s our new media watchdog. Since he already set us straight on the commentator in Americas´Newsroom having just pulled out of his head that 18,000 murders occurred in Mexico last year and that "violent crimes, home invasions and kidnappings plumetted in Colombia in the last 5 years, making Colombia one of the safest countries in theWestern Hemisphere".

Nevermind, the commentator must have just made all that up, no stats to back it up. I'm sure Mr. Schwmmr has his own stats. Maybe it was just 18 murders which occurred in Mexico last year. Thank you Mr. Schwmmr for keeping us up to date on Americas´Newsrooms misinformation. We´re going to have to name you El Prezzidente2, he´s our other expert.

Frank Casio

I saw that too.

Another example of questionable info expressed in the national media.

In their defense, that was an opinion by that contributor. Not a news story.

All the best,

Schwmm