Medellin Reports

[Bobsthrobbinknob]

To be honest, in the evenings, I rarely venture outside Poblado. Everything I would want in the evenings is there, and there is no reason to take risks just for the sake of taking risks. I know some guys love Mayorista, but I've never gone

You owe it to yourself to go to Mayorista. You'll be SURPRISED when you see it first hand. It's another venue, and a different experience, just like CENTRO, Poblado, all offer something different. You can't match that in any other mongering trip I know of.

[Black Page]

El Centro en Medellin is walkable, yet with all the problems recalled in the latest posts.
El Bronx, near Plaza de Los Martires, in Bogota, is NOT. Access streets to the block are even closed by barriers.

Have a look with Google Street view (no, no Google cars there, but a few photos taken by some hero).
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ex...-8&sa=N&tab=wl.
1 block NW of the Centro de Reclutamiento y Control de Reservias of the Police (yes!).
See the pix in CL 9A.
Some background info:
http://www.eltiempo.com/archivo/documento/CMS-4677822

I passed in front of it at night, by taxi (a driver is my friend now and he takes me for night rides sometimes) , and believe me it looks really bad. The center of Medellin looks a safe haven.

[Bowerboy]

Went round a few casa's today.

Most casa's have at least a couple of "8's" and some have the odd "9" here and there.

$18 for half an hour with a South American Beauty! $18! I am going to say it again, $18 for half an hour with a South American Beauty! And scores of these casa's all over the central area!

Was at Mayorista last night and had a great time too.

For quality and price this is a rare place indeed for the monger. Its far enough off the beaten track not to be spolied in my opinion.

Off to Bogota tomorrow : (

Medellin Absolutely Rocks. Over and out

[Unlimited]

For first timers, Frank Casio's "My Place" would be better. Upon second time, you will consider which you will like, Frank's aperment setting or a private room in a hotel.

Thank you. The Place looks perfect.

I have one more stupid question. Because I love sport and mountainbiking. Its possible to rent a good bike somewhere and do daytrips in the mountains around or thats not recommended because of safety?

[Furysys]

Just got back from el centro about an hour ago (well, precisely Prado, but basically the same place) , and I.

Go down there by metrolinea virtually every day to check out different casas. Sometimes I just go to the place.

On the flyer that gets shoved into my hand while I am walking along av Junin (the pedestrian street that ends at.

The church). I have never seen anything, and there are so many people during the day, that as long as one doesn't look like an idiot, it is almost impossible not to blend in. Nobody notices you, everybody is too busy trying to make a peso or two. Never been in el centro at night, and see no reason to go.

Tried out Shannon's kind of sucked. Then went over to Barcelona, which is in Prado on Calle 59, and was great. The lady at the front remembered me, which was a bit of a surprise because it has been about 5 months since I was there. But I don't think they get too many gringos in the place. Tried it out with Mary Ella, black girl, lots of fun, she.

Comes off a little business like, but relaxes after a few minutes.

To be honest, in the evenings, I rarely venture outside Poblado. Everything I would want in the evenings is there, and there is no reason to take risks just for the sake of taking risks. I know some guys love Mayorista, but I've never gone, and am happy enough with the action and prices in el centro during the day.

[Voyajer1]

If I'm not mistaken, you used to run tours from time to time from your home base at CB1. I think you would get a lot more attention and participation if, when you felt like running a tour, you advertised it to the masses here on the board on a first come, first served basis, or any system you see fit, a few of us would enjoy participating in some of these adventures. Some of the pictures of some of those tours were quite interesting and impressive. Are you up to running these tours again? Just wondering.

If you have a spare couple of days then this is a great tour.

Medellin to Hacienda Napoles (Pablos Escobars large farm that has been turned into a tourist village type Disneyland) 4 hours drive from Medellin on the Medellin. Bogota highway, just past Doradal.

Spend about 3-4 hours there and then drive to Puerto Berrio on the Rio Magnalena, famous old river town, spend the night there and next day drive back to Medellin.

Leave Medellin at 6 in the morning, miss the traffic.

I've done it about 20 times over the eight years I've been here.

Aussie Greg.

[Bobsthrobbinknob]

We don't need any negative press because some un informed tourist wandered into the wrong area and got xyz. This is not the type of publicity anyone wants or needs.

Spot on. There are times here when it appears a group wants everyone scared to even go to Medellin. Most EVERYWHERE I went it was tranquilo. Muy tranquilo!

Even CENTRO as you mention is fairly and mostly safe during the day. Act like a responsible blend in person and likely no one will even notice you. My first trip I was scared to go anywhere, especially Mayorista, then a buddy I met down there took me. Now, I have a new home. It fit me perfectly. Poblado. Ouch. Too "fru fru" for me, I like the blue collar feel of Mayorista and the "dirty girl" feeling I get there. Then again, you look around and find some really sweet cute lady like girl that sweeps you off your feet.

In all, no one there really wants to start any trouble. Just do your thing and act responsibly.

[LuckyEddie]

spent a great deal of time in centro. i'm a pretty "aware" kind of guy. i took the public transit there, walked everywhere, alone. i found a cool bar, don't remember the name but "america" was in it. i loved the place, felt at home. was like one of those really seedy tampa strip clubs with table dances for $5. i visited all of the casas on the "list", and the ones where someone handed me cards.

all of this, i looked around, saw the glue sniffers, the beggars, and the riff raff, but no one bothered me. i loved the huge number of casas and paisas there. until.

a couple days later, i got my driver to take me back to the "americana" bar and when he pulled in front and saw the name, he peeled out and got out of there. he told me never to go back in there and how dangerous it is, how lucky i am to escape, being american and alone. he then drove the path i walked before and showed me everything i missed when i was being "aware". it was downright frighteneing.

the bottom line here is. don't do it alone. being aware is not enough, it is commonplace for them to put a "mickey" in your drink and haul you off i am told.

however, i will say, in all of my walking and mongering in centro, i never really felt unsafe and i thought i was aware. but after dark, no way in hell i'd go there.

agree with everything especially the last line there. i am an advocate of "medellin is safe" and has its pockets of crime just like any other large city, come on down, the city needs your $$.

fri night dec 17th. 10:00pmish, there were shots fired out on the crowded street in front of hotel nutibara, near the metro station. which is on and near 53 de greif strip clubs (conejitas) and the 53 a block up (ejecutiva, maracaibo, las americas). stray bullets. hit the deck. no one was hit and the shooter was nutibara security. still.

my strong strong advice is in total agreement with everything posted here: do not go to centro at night, anywhere in centro. period. you speak with an accent to the waiter or bartender you are or could be marked. all it takes is one phone call or a point of a finger to a desperate drugged up street thug.

ditto parque periodista / centro casa neighborhood (at night) which could be more dangerous. because el pinal, el salvador and niquitao are right around the freaking corner. 3-5 mins on moto, in and out really fast.

as noted all over the place the centro casas by day are awesome (they advertise that they close at 7pm, but a lot of the girls start leaving a wee bit earlier).

la mayorista at night is very, very safe, lots of police and very inexpensive. other great night spots are the higher end clubs like luna lunera, san diego and fase ii. awesome, safe although a bit more expensive. (super budget mongers will always balk at table minimum of the 2nd two spots, want to bring their own water. fuk 'them. if you can't drink usd$10 table minimum by yourself or between you and a wingman or you and one of the dancers you should not leave the house cheapskate!). again la mayorista drinks are cheap, no minimum and so are the girls, right on par with the centro casas.

stay at franks or casablanca i or ii. you can't go wrong!

will you get mugged, killed, acosted, entering, in, or leaving a centro strip club at 10pm? no, chances are low. but those chances are triple if not more compared to the safer night time spots listed above. even moreso if you look like a foreigner or wear a watch, jewelry, etc.

i am half latino, fluent, grew up in brooklyn and have lived here in medellíand for almost 10 years, this my second time. nobody has any idea of my gringo-ness. but like everyone else at 6pm i rep001ter away from centro as fast as possible. all that is left are crazy drugged up street people.

we don't need any negative press because some un informed tourist wandered into the wrong area and got xyz. this is not the type of publicity anyone wants or needs.

[Aussie Greg]

If you have a spare couple of days then this is a great tour.

Medellin to Hacienda Napoles (Pablos Escobars large farm that has been turned into a tourist village type Disneyland) 4 hours drive from Medellin on the Medellin - Bogota highway, just past Doradal.
Spend about 3-4 hours there and then drive to Puerto Berrio on the Rio Magnalena, famous old river town, spend the night there and next day drive back to Medellin.
Leave Medellin at 6 in the morning, miss the traffic.

I've done it about 20 times over the eight years I've been here.

Aussie Greg.

MDE is a great place for relaxing and have good time, besides working in a relaxed but efficient environment (if you have friends working in some company there you know what I mean). I hope nobody goes to MDE only to hit casas! Let me highlight a few items that I would not miss.

IF YOU HAVE ONLY ONE DAY.

- Museo de Antioquia (many works by Master Botero) , the Center and the main churches in the area. Lunch on the 70.

IF YOU HAVE MORE DAYS.

Avoid the Pueblito Paisa.

- Stroll more in the Center, explore more squares and calles (Cisneros, Berrio, Botero, Carabobo.)

- Parque Arvi (take the metrocable, it's a nice ride and 100% safe)

- Sabaneta (once upon a time a paisa community, now integrated in the city)

- rent a car or better find a friend to GO OUT the city and visit the wonderful green Antioquia (e. G. Santa Fe, but there are plenty of other sites that will surprise you) ; if you don't want to drive and are alone, visit a tourism office and ask for bus tours.

[Black Page]

As far as where to stay, I think Matt Psyche has given you some good ideas.
What to do in MDE in the day time? Well there are plenty of places to shoot pool. For one day you could go to the zoo. I guess for me in the day time it is walking around Centro and hitting the Casa there.
What to do is a problem in MDE as for me the only thing to really do is to hunt for that diamond in the rough. (A noble task indeed.)

MDE is a great place for relaxing and have good time, besides working in a relaxed but efficient environment (if you have friends working in some company there you know what I mean). I hope nobody goes to MDE only to hit casas! Let me highlight a few items that I would not miss.

IF YOU HAVE ONLY ONE DAY.
- Museo de Antioquia (many works by Master Botero) , the Center and the main churches in the area. Lunch on the 70.

IF YOU HAVE MORE DAYS.
Avoid the Pueblito Paisa.
- Stroll more in the Center, explore more squares and calles (Cisneros, Berrio, Botero, Carabobo,.)
- Parque Arvi (take the metrocable, it's a nice ride and 100% safe)
- Sabaneta (once upon a time a paisa community, now integrated in the city)
- rent a car or better find a friend to GO OUT the city and visit the wonderful green Antioquia (e. G. Santa Fe, but there are plenty of other sites that will surprise you) ; if you don't want to drive and are alone, visit a tourism office and ask for bus tours.

[John Gault]

Sound like a nice aerea for me. I would be intrested as you said John to stay in a nice hotel there. Walking distance to take the girls in the roomand not use this louse hourly hotels.

Can you recomend anything to stay there. Girlfriendly. Clean. What would be the price?

What do do in the Medellin during the day. I like sport or pool as well. Any good recommendations?

Thank you

As far as where to stay, I think Matt Psyche has given you some good ideas.

What to do in MDE in the day time? Well there are plenty of places to shoot pool. For one day you could go to the zoo. I guess for me in the day time it is walking around Centro and hitting the Casa there.

What to do is a problem in MDE as for me the only thing to really do is to hunt for that diamond in the rough. (A noble task indeed.)

[Dcfan77]

I'm planning a trip in Jan. To Medellin. How has the rains effected the city. I here a lot reports around the area 'about floods and landslides.

Is the city and roads to the airport safe?

Thanks

[Rodeo9112]

Hey Devil Dawg (chica luv) , just to add. 02 cents to the conversation. My understanding is that Colombia and Argentine Spanish (but, especially Colombian) are probably the closest to the original Spanish spoken in Spain (formal). Dominican Spanish, I've heard is very informal, and you may be looked down upon if speaking that particular dialect in other, more formal speaking Spanish countries. Not sure if that degree of difference is even important to you, but, I thought I'd mention it as I've seen that discussed by more than a few mongers on this and other boards. As a disclaimer, I only speak the pick up Spanish I've learned in Miami and during multiple trips to Latin America. So, to me, it doesn't matter, though I will be taking formal instruction soon (in the US). I hope to go back and surprise some of my favorite chicas with semi fluent Spanish. Rosetta Stone is also great to get you to a basic level!

Rodeo

I recently send SEVERAL PM's to members of this board asking for their help and shared experience. The response was GREAT. Thanks you all.

Along with all the great responses, several asked that I share the information I've gathered. I've taken out anything names or other information that I thought would specifly I'd those who replied. Well here it is.

Originally Posted by Chica Luv.

-Thanks for all your great post. If you have a moment, I could use some of your hard earn insight.

-I plan on moving to and attending college somewhere in latin america. My goal is to learn spanish in a formal school setting, and put it into daily practice among the natives.

-I'm not new to the game or life. 55 years old, a retired Marine (USMC, not merchant) , and already have a degree.

-All that being said; I love fucking hot horny latin women. I already speak what I call 'stripper spanish'. Enough spanish to get into trouble, but not enough to talk my way out.

-Any way, I want to live and study spanish somewhere in latin america. WHERE, is the question?

-I really don't like a lot of humidity, and I llike my women with dark eyes & dark hair, but not too negrito.

-Thought about Columbia. The danger factor doesn't really bother me. I've already been shot at too many times to care.

-Where would you recommend I go to find; horny, dark haired / eyed women, low humidity and a large city with a college?

-Also, if you ever find yourself in southern Arizona give me a call@xxx-xxx-xxxx and I'll introduce you to a few ladies in Nogales Sonora-Thanks, Chica Luv.

MANY GREAT REPLIES:

1) Hi Chica luv,

-Wow. Must be nice to go back to school with those hot Latina babes!

-Medellin would be a very nice spot to learn Spanish. Search the internet for those live-in home offers with immersive Spanish programs in Medellin.

-You don't need to go to college for language training. Any immersive program where you can practice Spanish a few hours would do

-You can go to school in the day time then practice what you learn with the chica at night. What a perfect combination. I envy you.

-I do know there are many immersive Spanish programs offered in Buenos Aires. You can live.

With a family as you go to school for very low costs. Bs As is a big city so there are many entertainment venues and art shows etc.

-Will definitely contact you when I am in Southern AZ. OTOH if you come to Tijuana make sure you let nme know. I am there just about every weekend and will buy you a few drinsk.

-Semper fi!

2) Chica Hello. Colombia is the spot. The women are beautiful with lady like attitudes. The Dr is hot hot hot. Colombia is more comfortable. Are you looking to live where you study or is the stay temporary?

3) To begin with, I have not been anywhere in Latin Amercia except for Mexico. So I can't comment too much on the rest of Latin America. If I was going to do what you are planning, I would take a long hard look at Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. A city of 6 million people with several great universities. As well as some of the most beautiful women in the world.

-Guadalajara is where the French landed. For this, the population are a mixture of Indian and French blood instead of Indian and Spanish blood like most of Mexico.

-You still find the "morenas" (dark skinned women) but not too negrito. There are also several with blue and green eyes. Pure beauty to me is dark skin, dark hair and blue eyes.

-I also agree about the hot horny latin women. They are hot and passionate. They are not like the gringas who are cold and don't know anything at all about passion. I blame the Victorian influence that permeated throught the United States for this. Mothers always telling daughters that sex is a bad thing just leads to a lack of passion.

-I would like to know Nogales someday. I have made several trips to Caborca where I have a lot of friends, but have never been to Nogales.

-I am a $$ year old gringo that lived in Mexicali for 6 years and still go there as often as I can. I learned to speak fluent Spanish in the streets of Mexicali. It did help that I was stationed in Naples, Italy for 2 years in the XXs when I was in the Navy. I learned to speak fluent Italian there through courses from the University of Maryland and in the streets of Naples. That made Spanish fairly easy to learn for me. I did take 3 years of Spanish in high school but did not learn a damn thing.

-When will you be in Mexicali? Maybe we can plan a trip to meet each other there.

4) Chica Luv If you know you're way around danger, come to Monterrey.

As close as a city can be compared to the US. Ok, I mentioned danger.

It has been hyped by the media, but still I like it here and I don't plan in moving away.

-College wise, we have the ITESM, leading institute of Mexico.

Check out what they offer: itesm. Edu (They have an English protal)

-Is this what you might be intrested in? Ask your questions, no problem on my side.

5) Hello. I guess you are writing to many and you will average out replies.

-First comment: don't think that Colombia (NOT Columbia!) is so dangerous. You don't need to be a SEAL to survive. It's actually a pleasant place. Of course, there are dangerous places, but the same happens in Washington or LA. It depends where you. If your mental attitude when you go there for the first time is like going to Afghanistan, then you are wrong.

-Said this, my suggestion for you is to spend some weeks to travel around and experience yourself before moving for an extended period. I love Colombia, but I am sure that others would tell you good things also about Peru or Equador.

-Among places I visited in Colombia, I would recommend MEdellin to work, provided that you avoid spending your time with American sex tourists, like the frequent contributors of the Medellin forum on ISG. The key would be to succeed to have good local friends there, without letting them to know that you like P4P.

6) Hello, Chica Luv .I would recommend Costa Rica. I don't think it's the best these days compared to it's more former reputation with respect to mongering. But, its still got to be better than the USA. It does have a large number of immersion Spanish Schools. I would recommend you consider IPED. A Gringo runs the school. It's located a ways outside of downtown San Jose, maybe a half hour up toward the foothills and the mountains, but not too far up in them, just a little ways. It's a good school, good people. There are a number of others of them too that are just as good in San Jose. The thing about Costa Rica is that it's safe. It would be less dangerous than Colombia can be. CR is close to the US. I think the airfare is probably as reasonable as you can expect for a Latin American country. The website for the IPED School is.

-I have no affiliation whatsoever with the school, but I have attended the school for about a week several years ago. I only attended the classroom instruction, but they also have a full immersion program. The school is not large, and it's in a relatively simple little building. But, the classes are small, maybe only about 6 or 7 pupils at a time. My problem is I attended the school prior to actually being ready with respect to my own skill level, and frankly, I was more focused on other activities at the time. So, I could have gotten a lot more out of it than I did at the time. At that time, my skill level was very basic. Now, at my present skill level, I think their program could probably bring me to fluency. They do give homework every night, so you will have to take some time out of your evening activities to complete the homework. If you visit the website, you'll see a photo of the staff. The Gringo that runs the school has white hair and he's standing in the back row, second in from the right. I don't recall his name. Paul or John comes to mind, but I don't remember for sure. With regard to the climate, I think it's pretty decent most of the year. With regard to the girls, they are mostly Latina, but not the negrita type you describe, which is what you would mostly find if you traveled to Cartegena, Colombia for example. So, if you mix a little academics with pleasure, you'll be in the right place, although there are a number of girls there from the DR (negritas) in San Jose. I actually spent a lot of time with a couple of girls, and one of them was from the DR. She was a good companion. Like you, she was not my choice with respect to ethnicity, but she was a good girl. On the other hand, I also spent a lot of time with a girl from Nicaragua. She was a stripper in one of the high end bars, and she was about as perfect as you can get. She was a great companion too, a little expensive, but well worth it. I remember paying her by buying her a color TV from one of the electronics box stores there, only a couple of hundred bucks, and I think she spent almost three days with me that time. She was thrilled with the color TV. The first trip I was there, I bought her a bunch of clothes. I actually hooked up with her a couple of times, and we were becoming pretty inseparable. But, I eventually lost track of her. Too bad. Funny, I wonder what percentage of girls actually remember us to the same extent we remember them. I also attended a school in Cartegena, and it was also quite advanced for my level in Spanish. And, again, at the time, I was too focused on other activities. But, the Cartegena School was good as well, part of the University system in Cartegena. I don't remember the particulars, about that school. If I find a file on it somewhere in my office, I'll forward the information to you if you're interested. The school was part of the University, and just north of the beach area about 20 minutes by taxi. Cartegena at the time was pretty safe as well, but not as safe as Costa Rica in my opinion. I don't know where it stands these days as I haven't been back there lately. With regard to their Spanish Language program, nobody speaks English in Cartegena, so you have to have some degree of proficiency to get along, as compared to Costa Rica, where if you stay at El Presidente Hotel in downtown San Jose, Costa Rica, the staff speaks English, as does the staff at IPED. So, my preference would be San Jose. You'll find that the language pronunciation in San Jose is purer than you will find in Colombia as well. And, perhaps that will aid in your actually learning the language more easily. In Cartegena they clip off a lot of the ends of the words, and it's a little harder to understand their Spanish pronunciation there. Hope that helps! And, thank you for the encouragement about my posting on ISG.

7) ex-military enlistee? Then Nicaragua / Guatemala / Costa Rica probably fits you best.

8) Chica: Didn't we meet in Buenos Aires, Argentina?

-That would be my choice. I live in the S. F. Bay Area and do not like Hot and Humid. But B. A. Has three months of that. December-February.

-But you could stay in Mendoza for those months, or in Mar de Plata at the beach.

-There are lots of us retired there. Jackson is around your age. I am older. He could help you if and when you get there. Safety is good. There are good schools and I could recomend my teacher.

-Medellin or Bogota would be my next choice. My only reason, why I would not stay in those two cities is that they are too small and would run out of things to see and do. I can't fuck all day or night long anymore or do I want to. B. A. Has so much more to see and do. I walk 5-6 hours a day there.

Anymore questions just ask.

9) The girls in Colombia are cuter than in Peru. Might be more GFE here. The climate in Medellin might be better than in Lima. However Lima climate is probably better than in Cali or Bogota. Cost of living in Medellin and Miraflores is probably about the same. Diferent language programs are available here, I don't know how they compare to those in Medellin. You'll have to Google. Miraflores is definitely safer, calmer than Medellin. In general no risk taking a taxi or going to an ATM. Its a toss up. You might want to hop down here and stay in an apt. For a week, then take a flight (direct on LAN) to Medellin and do the same.

-Let me know if you have any other questions.

10) Hi Chica, Pereira or Armenia, why? Weather, larger cities with the population you require without being like the Bogota / Medellin / Cartagena tourist traps. If I had to live somewhere else in Colombia other than MDE, I'd pick Armenia, regards.

11) Chica, Low humidity and nice weather make it a no-brainer decision for Medellin, Colombia. Don't let the reports of incessant rain this year deter you. This year is an anamoly. Almost all of Colombia is experiencing abnormal heavy rainfall. I think it's El Niño / La Niña related.

-The only slight downside according to your criteria is the proponderance of lighter skinned and blonder haired women in MDE but I wouldn't let that deter you either. Here's why: (1) While there are more of the lighter skinned variety in MDE there are still plenty of the dark haired, olive skinned classic latina type too. And, (2) IMO, a hot chick is a hot chick. While I too prefer the classic latina look I find it really doesn't matter much when face to face with a hot sexy chic willing to fuck you. Regardless of her skin tone, eye color, hair color.

-Bogotá might be a good choice except that the weather is much rainier and colder but the availability of language institutes and chicas would be even greater than MDE due to sheer size. Bogotá is a capital city of about 7 million people (maybe too big) while MDE has about 2. 1 million inhabitants.

-Other than those two the only other places I can think of you might consider are:

-Quito, Ecuador but the overall quality of the women is in no way as good as almost anywhere in Colombia or, Buenos Aires, Argentina although if you are there in the middle of summer (Nov to Feb or March) the weather is hot and very humid. Huge city. 10 million inhabitants. Great women. More or less on par with Colombia allthough with their own characteristics that I don't have time to go into.

-Anywhere on the Caribbean coast or Cali is out due to high temps and humidity.

-sorry I don't have any recommendations regarding language institutes allthough one way I can think of for you to get great advice and guidance, besides doing your own online research, is to go stay at the Casa Blanca (formerly Medellin Mansion) complex for a week or so and use them to direct you. You'll get a good feel for MDE and it's women that way too. A lot of guys say there isn't enough to do in MDE outside of chasing women but I say that's nonsense. Among other things, I occupy my time going to gyms, pools, jogging, and in general staying fit. If you're not into fitness, your school / study routine should keep you busy enough.

12) I will take you up on that offer if I get to AZ. For Colombia it would be a dream for the women but if you cannot stand the heat. Check out Peru, Chile, Quito, Ecuado or the lower part of the continent like southern Brazil. Thats what I would think.

13) Hi, contact Zing. He went to spanish school in Colombia a few months ago.

14) Don't know too much about other countries, but if you're considering Colombia, I think the main choice is either between Bogota and Medellin. Medellin has warmer weather; Bogota is cooler and has more precipitation, although Medellin has its rainy seasons. There's plenty of colleges and opportunities to learn Spanish in either city. Also both cities have small groups of expats you can make contact with. NEITHER city is cheap nowadays, especially the capitol. Bogota is more cosmopolitan, more stuff to do there if that's your thing. But with today's lousy exchange rate, Bogota in particular can be costly to live.

-You can also look into the secondary cities in the "Coffee Zone" like Pereira, Armenia, Manizales. They all have colleges but they're smaller cities, less to do, less selection of women, probably not as many spanish-learning options. But cost of living is lower there.

-Then there's Cali. Cali can get hot and humid during the day although the nights are wonderful. Still, I don't think the city is good for newbies or people with weak Spanish. Not too many expats in Cali. There's a tendency for the women there to be a bit thicker and darker, although there's all types. Heck, I dated a girl there that was as light-skinned and as skinny as you can possibly get! Cost of living is a bit lower in Cali, Cali is poorer and has more social problems than MDE and BOG. I actually like Cali, but you might want to wait and get your bearings before checking it out.

-Cartagena and the other big cities on the north coast (Baranquilla, Santa Marta) are hot and humid as hell. I didn't really like Cartagena, and from what you're saying, I don't think you will either. Still, Cartagena is the main touristic city of the country and is worth a brief visit. By the way, the beaches near Santa Marta are way nicer than in CTG. Baranquilla has hotties, but it's not an expat friendly city. Add the weather and crime issues, it's not a viable option for foreigners with no Spanish.

-If you have the savings and time, I'd recommend that you do a "south american" odyssey. You can stay at youth hostels in almost any Colombian city; and in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, etc. There are hostels as well.

-Try to explore before you settle. It'll give you a better idea what you're really looking for and how the the different cities (and countries) compare to each other. You'll probably feel that you won't fit in with the other backpackers; just tell the kids jokingly you're sick and tired of the states and you want to do what you missed out on in your youth before you get too old. There's a few middle-aged boho type backpackers out there so it's not like you'll be a completely unique thing.

-Look up "Frugal Traveler" in the nytimes. Com web site for ideas on traveling on the cheap in south america. Then there's the "couch surfing" and other similar services where you rent a room or bed in someone's apt. Again, this stuff is youth oriented but I think with the right attitude / approach, it shouldn't be a problem for you to get into these things and save yourself some money.

-As for safety, I don't think you'll have to worry about violent crime (unless you're staying in a bad part of town). But be careful with all kinds of scams, especially as your Spanish is going to be weak at first. In Bogota, watch out for scopalomine ("Burundanga") scams. Trust me, even a marine can get their drink or food spiked / poisoned. You really don't want to be a victim, it's a scary thing; you won't remember who did it to you or how it exactly happened but it can scar some people for life, and not just psychologically, some folks end up with neurological damage!

-You can also check out poorbuthappy. Com, it has a Colombia forum although it's closed now. But you can ready the archives, a lot of useful info from expats, not all of it is out of date. Also check out colombianblog. Com or put "Colombia" and "forum" or "blog" as search terms in Google for more info.

-Well, that's all I can think of for now. Hope some of this was helpful. Good luck.

15) Chica, I am sure you sent this message a few seniors. I would love to see a summary of the answers you get.

-BTW, your preference in women and places to live is identical to mine. Lear Spanish chilling out with light skinned flacas in a town with cool breezes.

-For me, outside of Mexico, it would be #1) Medellin, #2 Buenos Aires, #3) Bogota, #4) Lima #5) Quito.

-Panama is too humid and San Jose CR is a dump and so is Nicaragua. Guatemala, Honduras and Belize has no lookers, same as Bolivia. Chile is expensive with fewer P4P options. I have not been to Venezuela and no Spanish in Brazil.

16) Chica, I haven't been to mexico in years and only to Baja, so you will have to make up your own mind on mexico.

-dark hair, dark eyes. I also have a weakness for that combination. You find lots of girls with dark hair and dark eyes all over south america.

-the best city is buenos aires. Fantastic, beautfiul, fun, lots of woman that meet your criteria. The place is one continuous fiesta. Great for a visitor, can be very frustrating for a resident, more so than any other place in south america. Hot and humid in summer.

-Lima Peru. Foggy and damp like san francisco lots of the time.

-santiago chile. Boring. Expensive.

-Medellin. Can be a bit humid and rainy at times, but usually the weather is very nice lots of girls that meet your criteria, plus blondes, but not too many negritas.

-Cali, Cartagena, barranquilla. Hot humid.

-Bogota. Can be chilly, very high, no humidity, girls from all over Colombia, mostly dark hair / eyes. Lots of things to do.

-Panama city. Hot humid.

-san jose Costa rica. Possible. Haven't been there in 15 years.

-santo domingo, hot humid negritas.

-overall, either san jose or Medellin are your best bets, posssily Bogota. Other cities are too small to over english in a classroom environment.

17) think about six months ago you wrote to me with similar request. My response was "I have no idea". The response still stands.

-I don't know what makes you think that I am an authority on expat living in Latin America. It cannot be further from the truth. I visit may be two to three weeks at a time some SA countries. That's about it. That does not make me an expert.

-I think, there are much bigger issues going on here. You seem very restless and you really don't have any clear idea about what you want. Is learning Spanish a primary or secondary goal? Don't mix it up with chicas. That confuses the issue. About chicas- are you looking for totally regular girls or P4P? Do you want to settle in a beach town or mountain area? I would suggest that you compartmentalize your thoughts, assign priorities to your goals and concentrate on two to three countries at the most. Make sure, being an expat, you cannot ignore the political situation in that country also.

-I am a little older than you and work in a hospital in XXXX. When I teach a class and the students have similar problems regarding other issues, I gave them the same advice- break down the problem and address each component separately. I hope you don't mind my frank talk.

-I will strongly recommend that you post your question on every South and Central American board in ISG and see what kind of response you get. You may contact some of the posters in Expat section of the board.

-When I was in Medellin, Colombia this year, I met a guy in the Mansion who was taking Spanish class everyday in the university. This was his 50th trip to Medellin. Although, he is not living there, but you could tell he loves that place.

-I love Medellin too. There is only one season. Nice temperature all year, like San Diego. The girls look very pretty, although pure Negras are minority (you need to go to Sousa, DM for that). But there are enough available pretty girls with little darker skin, black hair, black eyes- that you will be very happy with. This will be my current recommendation.

-Lima, Peru, also has a nice university town and world famous Spanish schools. I had wonderful time in Lima and I went there many times. It is much easier to get regular girls there and they provide true GFE. But, because of their native Indian heritage, the girls may not be that pretty as compared to Colombian girls. But if learning Spanish is your primary goal, I would definitely recommend Lima. However, it can get a little chilly during August, Sept. Oct. Nonetheless, as opposed to Medellin, there are beaches in Lima.

-I am sorry; I could not be of much help, beyond this. Good luck with your search!

Thanks again to ALL. I will follow as the plan develops. Chica Luv

[Member #4394]

For first timers, Frank Casio's "My Place" would be better. Upon second time, you will consider which you will like, Frank's aperment setting or a private room in a hotel.

Sound like a nice aerea for me. I would be intrested as you said John to stay in a nice hotel there. Walking distance to take the girls in the roomand not use this louse hourly hotels.

Can you recomend anything to stay there. Girlfriendly. Clean. What would be the price?

What do do in the Medellin during the day. I like sport or pool as well. Any good recommendations?

Thank you

[Justafool]

Due to the still working status of my marriage, when I go to MDE, I live in El Centro. Before we got back I did not worry about anything and nothing happended to me.

Now, I have more concerns but I am still staying in the same area and my biggest concern is my wife finding me hitting one of the locals.

I am not saying it is dangerous but me, not being a middle linebacker, has felt OK all the time. I do not make the midnight walks I used to and even my wife gets nervous about going to ATMs but I guess I have been lucky (and I hope this pattern will continue).

Be save and be careful but remember this, even the locals are worried now so do not get yourself into anything you might not be able to get out of. Consider not drinking too much and keep alert of your area at all times.

[QUOTE=Bobsthrobbinknob; 1104872]Spent a great deal of time in CENTRO.