Other Areas

[Tiny 12]

Good points Tom 33. And applicable to a lot more than sharing unknown mongering spots on the web. For example, criticizing people for paying $25 for a piece of ass when $15 would have sufficed. That $10 might do some good in the girl's family or the local economy. (Admittedly, she might spend it on crack too.) Or, stretching it, like when the Sierra Club prevented electric lines from being strung across the Texas border to a small Mexican town, to protect some nesting birds. So the estadounidenses get to enjoy the birds, and the Mexicans live without electricity. Sometimes our own selfishness prevents the greater good. And I'm as guilty of this as anyone. If I find something good, I'm often not inclined to share it.

[Ricker]

It's true that more guys are visiting Medellin and Cartagena and other cities in Colombia ... Surfer's correct that the internet and sites like this one, that spread info, are bringing more guys to Colombia.

It's also true that Aussie Greg and his Mansion service have attracted many more visitors.

Really though, you have to congratulate Aussie for his and his partner Bob's accomplishments in Medellin.
They've done a first rate job in Medellin and now more places are opening up to emulate them ... a pat on the back for them but now more competition.

Like someone else recently stated ... and which I witnessed true on my recent visit to Medellin and the Mansion ... the vast majority of guys that visit Medellin and the Mansion, keep very close to the Mansion, el Poblado and it's surroundings.
The majority of guys I met are nice dudes looking to relax and have a little fun with the "Mansion chicas" that come by frequently.
Most guys are very "espanol limited" and don't dare venture to far from Poblado and the visits to the "usual places".
That's all great.
Aussie and his Mansion service are fantastic for that service and they have many repeat customers for that reason.
Guys enjoy the relaxing and safe atmosphere of the Mansion.

There are still many places in Medellin / Colombia / S.America to explore and enjoy for the more adventurous that don't have the gringo crowds.
The crowds are going to visit the convenient and organized places ... like the Medellin Mansion.

As far as the Clemson Tiger wanting to open a place of his own, like the Mansion ... I'd choose a location that is convenient for travelers to visit, like direct international flights ... most guys aren't going to want to travel 3 hours or more on a bus to and from the international airport to relax.

I guess the best way to open a succesfull new place is to copy the strengths of the place that's already there.
Convenience, nice location, lots of chicas and great customer service.

Suerte!

[Scooby1]

Surfer

I understand what you are saying about to many gringo's screw up a place. Look at some of the once little towns along the Mexican Rivera. They were once quaint little hamlets where you could go and really get away from it all. But because of the influx of us americans they are mostly tourist traps now. Yet, if you walk a few blocks away from the beach and the tourist areas there is still squalar and poverty. The only ones it really helped was the crooked politicians and big developers. Sure the hotels employs a lot of locals, but I'm not sure if it would have been better to leave them alone and allow them to live there simple existance.

Now on the other hand I have only been to Medellin in Colombia so that is the only city I can comment on. I think a city like Medellin is plenty big enough for other b&b's without ever interfering with each others business.

Yet once again I have heard that Rio has become so impacted with tourists that its becomming cost prohibitive for some of us to even visit.

[Tom 33]

I, for one, am happy to have any new businesses and tourists in Colombia. It is just possible that these dollars may improve the lives of some Colombianos.

People who come to Laguito to frequent the LDV and conclude that the area has been ruined by extranjeros ought to try some other activities. The building boom in Cartagena has provided many jobs for many locals including the father of a novia. Increased tourism brings change. Some change is good. Some is not.

I live in Laguito and am happy to report that I don't feel that it has been ruined by posts on the Internet. In fact I see great improvement.

CT-Medellin is big enough for more B&Bs. You could look at Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Armenia or Manizales. Damn, I hope I haven't ruined four more cities.

[Q Bert]

No offense to Clemson Tiger, but his post is a paradigm of what I have been saying about the dangers of overhyping destinations on public websites. How many other guys are also contemplating copying the Mansion in other Colombian cities BECAUSE of reading the ISG? How many have bought condos in Laguito BECAUSE of the hype on ISG?

The major cities have been exposed, but if you find a smaller city that lacks hordes of gringos, please think twice before posting about how great it is on ANY public access board (ISG is NOT the only example). Keeping "secret spots" has been going on among surfers for decades, but until the advent of the internet, sharing secret mongering locations did not lead to overcrowding. That is no longer the case.

Thanks for THINKING before telling the World how great the mongering is in Barrancabermeja (just an example). And you cannot unring the bell: once Pandora's box is opened (e.g. Laguito, Poblado), you cannot put the genie back in the bottle.

Not quite the reception I had hoped Surfer but you are making a lot of assumptions.

1.) I have been to Medellin (even I have been outside the Oviedo MacDonald's).

2.) Just business that's all.

Thanks though!

CT

[Slumlord]

No offense to Clemson Tiger, but his post is a paradigm of what I have been saying about the dangers of overhyping destinations on public websites. How many other guys are also contemplating copying the Mansion in other Colombian cities BECAUSE of reading the ISG? How many have bought condos in Laguito BECAUSE of the hype on ISG?

The major cities have been exposed, but if you find a smaller city that lacks hordes of gringos, please think twice before posting about how great it is on ANY public access board (ISG is NOT the only example). Keeping "secret spots" has been going on among surfers for decades, but until the advent of the internet, sharing secret mongering locations did not lead to overcrowding. That is no longer the case.

Thanks for THINKING before telling the World how great the mongering is in Barrancabermeja (just an example). And you cannot unring the bell: once Pandora's box is opened (e.g. Laguito, Poblado), you cannot put the genie back in the bottle.

I agree with you to a certain point - but the thing is Medellin is a very big, sprawling city. There is so much beyond Poblado - but most guys will never see that because they'll come into town for the quick shot and do the Mango's, Loutron, Fase Dos trifecta and think they hit the jackpot. And compared to the US, those spots are like hitting the jackpot.

I do hesitate to post some findings - for example, it's widely reported that the only club open on Sunday is Deja Vu (a toilet, IMHO). I've been to two other clubs on Sundays, so there's more open than Deja Vu. And those clubs were slamming. I'll give you a hint where they are: not in Poblado.

It's just like any other big city. I live in NYC and I go to places where there are nary a tourist. Even in a place like NYC where EVERY place has a press agent and EVERYTHING gets written up, there will ALWAYS be hidden gems. I think the same holds true for every other city.

I say more power to the mansion. Greg made a market where there was none - many of the guys who go to the mansion would have never gone to Medellin if there wasn't any. Do you think these guys are gonna venture outside of Poblado? Be real - they're all hanging out at the Oviedo MacDonald's. And there's nothing wrong with that.

The world is a big place - plenty of room for everyone.

[Surfer]

No offense to Clemson Tiger, but his post is a paradigm of what I have been saying about the dangers of overhyping destinations on public websites. How many other guys are also contemplating copying the Mansion in other Colombian cities BECAUSE of reading the ISG? How many have bought condos in Laguito BECAUSE of the hype on ISG?

The major cities have been exposed, but if you find a smaller city that lacks hordes of gringos, please think twice before posting about how great it is on ANY public access board (ISG is NOT the only example). Keeping "secret spots" has been going on among surfers for decades, but until the advent of the internet, sharing secret mongering locations did not lead to overcrowding. That is no longer the case.

Thanks for THINKING before telling the World how great the mongering is in Barrancabermeja (just an example). And you cannot unring the bell: once Pandora's box is opened (e.g. Laguito, Poblado), you cannot put the genie back in the bottle.

[Q Bert]

For some of your who have more knowledge then I of Colombia:

My investment partner and I are looking to open up a "bed and breakfast" similiar to Aussie Greg's Mansion but trying to decide on a city besides Medellin.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Any input would be much appreciated!

CT

[Australiano Greg]

Freeze,

Long time no hear mate !!!

I was at Frescas last Tuesday night in Pereira, wasnt much happening and the quality was no good, just one that I would bang with Medellin Bob´s money, maybe it was early in the week.
Also went to another club out in the Zona Rosa, also agian the quality was no good and as I said it was a Tuesday night.

But then again I compare every thing with Medellin.

I guess its my turn to come to Cali !! mate, regards.

Greg

OK, I sacrificed myself this weekend and went to grab asses and addresses in Pereira.

Overall, I'd say that Pereira is pretty good. Contrary to my initial thoughts some places are open during the day, but most of the fun is at night. Girls are of better quality than what I've seen in Cali, but mongering is also more expensive than Cali (that is the big surprise).

Here it goes.

Top place for quality and choice of women plus ambiance:

- Flores Frescas (in Pereira). About 25 girls when I've been there (6 to 9 for their looks). The place is clean, good music, etc... The downside: as soon as you get in, you are seated and are "ordered" to order a dring. Cheapest drink available is about $40 000 (pretty steep) - no beer available. Calle 26 No 6-15, phone 336-8082 or 333-2125. Getting a girl upstairs will cost you a minimum of 80 000 for the half hour and I got mine for 110 000 for the hour. Adding the dring over that will mean a pretty expensive night in town...

- Star club. Comparable to the San-Diego strip club from Medellin. Could be a good place to hang out with a buddy and sip an inexpensive beer to get started during the night. Cra 13 #19-48 (frente del parque Olaya). Phone 335-6499.

- Amstel discoteca. This is a discotheque with plenty of working girls. Good quality of women. Cra 35 #10-11. Phone 326-4554.

- La whiskeria. This place is downtown. Also pretty good quality. Service is 40 000 + 20 000 for the room. It's open from 8PM to 2AM. Avenida del ferrocarril #13-43. Phone 334-6812.

- La barra. This is a pub with girls serving in bikini. Whoever you like you can get a show from or go to the room for the deed. Good concept. Cra 10 #20-21. Phone 335-3881.

- Pirineos Club. Good casa (next to the DTK "casa D" piedra). Service goes for around 80 000 for the hour. When I've been there, there was about 12 women (7 to 9). Calle 35 #5B-12. Phone 336-5128, cel: 316-420-4424. They also do domicilios (girl comes to your place).

- DTK "casa D" piedra (next to Pirineos club). Service goes for about the same price (80 000 for the hour). Also good choice. About 15 women when I've been there. Cra 5Bis No 35B - 10. Domicilio (24 horas). Phone 326-6738 or 311-301-7392.

Guides to Pereira:

Fernando (taxi driver): he knows lots of places to go to. 312-768-7735.

Jose works at Flores Fresca and told me he can get girls cheaper during the day: 310-460-5509.

Enjoy!

Antifreeze
Pereira, Colombia

[Ricker]

Thanks FREEZE ... for the report de Pereira and for the help the other day when I called you from Cali.

Went to Medellin with mi novia ... saw "W" and his buddies there.

Hope things are well ... see ya soon.

[Surfer]

The cheapest drink is 40,000P at Flores Frescas? That is US$17 and MUST be a misprint. I HATE the pressure to buy overpriced drinks kind of places.

Also, you paid for a FULL HOUR? That would be a FIRST in the 3 years I have known you!

[Antifreeze]

OK, I sacrificed myself this weekend and went to grab asses and addresses in Pereira.

Overall, I'd say that Pereira is pretty good. Contrary to my initial thoughts some places are open during the day, but most of the fun is at night. Girls are of better quality than what I've seen in Cali, but mongering is also more expensive than Cali (that is the big surprise).

Here it goes.

Top place for quality and choice of women plus ambiance:

- Flores Frescas (in Pereira). About 25 girls when I've been there (6 to 9 for their looks). The place is clean, good music, etc... The downside: as soon as you get in, you are seated and are "ordered" to order a dring. Cheapest drink available is about $40 000 (pretty steep) - no beer available. Calle 26 No 6-15, phone 336-8082 or 333-2125. Getting a girl upstairs will cost you a minimum of 80 000 for the half hour and I got mine for 110 000 for the hour. Adding the dring over that will mean a pretty expensive night in town...

- Star club. Comparable to the San-Diego strip club from Medellin. Could be a good place to hang out with a buddy and sip an inexpensive beer to get started during the night. Cra 13 #19-48 (frente del parque Olaya). Phone 335-6499.

- Amstel discoteca. This is a discotheque with plenty of working girls. Good quality of women. Cra 35 #10-11. Phone 326-4554.

- La whiskeria. This place is downtown. Also pretty good quality. Service is 40 000 + 20 000 for the room. It's open from 8PM to 2AM. Avenida del ferrocarril #13-43. Phone 334-6812.

- La barra. This is a pub with girls serving in bikini. Whoever you like you can get a show from or go to the room for the deed. Good concept. Cra 10 #20-21. Phone 335-3881.

- Pirineos Club. Good casa (next to the DTK "casa D" piedra). Service goes for around 80 000 for the hour. When I've been there, there was about 12 women (7 to 9). Calle 35 #5B-12. Phone 336-5128, cel: 316-420-4424. They also do domicilios (girl comes to your place).

- DTK "casa D" piedra (next to Pirineos club). Service goes for about the same price (80 000 for the hour). Also good choice. About 15 women when I've been there. Cra 5Bis No 35B - 10. Domicilio (24 horas). Phone 326-6738 or 311-301-7392.

Guides to Pereira:

Fernando (taxi driver): he knows lots of places to go to. 312-768-7735.

Jose works at Flores Fresca and told me he can get girls cheaper during the day: 310-460-5509.

Enjoy!

Antifreeze
Pereira, Colombia

[FoxesHunter]

Lost In Paradise,

I need to send you a private message.
Can I do it, please? I don't see this opportunity.
Why?
Thanks

[Surfer]

except for Barrancabermeja or Florencia or something in Putumayo or Caqueta.

It is OUTSIDE town that trouble lurks. The paras generally do not want to mess with Americans (unlike FARC/ELN). If they disbanded, the FARC will likely return and soon (that is the pattern because FARC refuses to demobilize in response to disintegration of the AUC).

Did you hit any vallenato bars?

[Salsero Loco]

I was recently in Valledupar and there is absolutely nothing to do there for the tourist/monger. Talked to some cabbies about casas (I think there are 2-3 well known ones) and went to visit one late-ish and there were only two 6's there and they didn't have onsite facilities. I can't remember the price but pretty sure it was cheap. The town in general is very inexpensive.

That all said, there are some hot girls walking down the streets here and if you spent some time here and speak spanish I imagine you could do extremely well.

As for safety, the paramilitaries in the region recently demobilized, but I am not sure if that is good or not. Could mean that the guerillas move back in. The people were very friendly though, and I felt pretty safe walking all over town.

SL