Medellin Reports

Well, I don't know. This is my first post on this site (I found out about it from CasaMedellin), and have been to Medellin 4 times, and love the place. I've never been badly treated by a Colombian, (maybe it's cultural, but they are sure a helluva lot nicer than anyone where I live), met a lotta fun Paisa, (who of course likes my AND my money) and still managed to visit Energy, New LIfe, KamaSutra and Abydos.

All these places during the day for less than $50. Love Parque LLeras, particularly at night, just for the people watching. I've never been refused entry anywhere, in fact the opposite, I've been shilled by PL clubs, but don't go in because the music is far too loud, and not what I like. Babylon, Mangos, Las Palmitas, never a problem.

My Spanish is ok, not great, but improving, and that is the biggest help of anything. So, whoever doesn't have fun in Medellin probably isn't trying.

[QUOTE=Tom 33]I am 60 years old and live in Medellín. I have never met one 60-year-old in Medellín who was loud and obnoxious at any time. Loud and obnoxious is for the younger guys. Of course I do not live anywhere near Poblado.[/quote]

Also a good post, but from what I've read, you've done very well staying below the radar. My post was about those that don't. And to be fair, I was speaking about Poblado. Perhaps this next trip I'll see some other areas and get a more fair and balanced perspective.

[QUOTE=Tom 33]Generally us old-timers have no need to flaunt anything to anyone. The last thing I would want to do with an 18-year-old prepago is take her to dinner.[/quote]Every night in Parque Lleras and it's not limited to party spots, I've seen families out for dinner with horrified expressions on their face, usually sitting next to a visitor with a table full of prepagos drawing attention to themselves.

There's something wrong with making broad judgements on a goup of people that I'm not part of and for that I apologize to those of you that maintain respect and courtesy. I did however agree a little with Runner Up's post about these elder statesmen acting like they had game, when they just had cash.

It's my goal to keep enjoying Colombia, and not just Medellin. My first trip I spent way too much money and didn't do much in my short time there. If each trip my Spanish gets better, I spend less money, I see more of the country and I make more friends both pro and non-pro then I will consider myself a very lucky man.

This person is a Troll. I have not talked to a newbie gringo in months. I also would not associate with anyone who uses words such as "lotta" or "helluva". And I certainly do not know people who go to New Life or the other places. Good grief.

[QUOTE=Furysys]Well, I don't know. This is my first post on this site (I found out about it from CasaMedellin), and have been to Medellin 4 times, and love the place. I've never been badly treated by a Colombian, (maybe it's cultural, but they are sure a helluva lot nicer than anyone where I live), met a lotta fun Paisa, (who of course likes my AND my money) and still managed to visit Energy, New LIfe, KamaSutra and Abydos.

All these places during the day for less than $50. Love Parque LLeras, particularly at night, just for the people watching. I've never been refused entry anywhere, in fact the opposite, I've been shilled by PL clubs, but don't go in because the music is far too loud, and not what I like. Babylon, Mangos, Las Palmitas, never a problem.

My Spanish is ok, not great, but improving, and that is the biggest help of anything. So, whoever doesn't have fun in Medellin probably isn't trying.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Tom 33]I am 60 years old and live in Medellín. I have never met one 60-year-old in Medellín who was loud and obnoxious at any time. Loud and obnoxious is for the younger guys. Of course I do not live anywhere near Poblado.

Generally us old-timers have no need to flaunt anything to anyone. The last thing I would want to do with an 18-year-old prepago is take her to dinner.

As long as I am on a roll here, the most loud and obnoxious people I have seen in Colombia are Colombians on vacation in Cartagena. And that is one of the reasons that I left Cartagena.

I'm not big on loud and obnoxious period.

Most of the May-December couples that I see are both Colombian.[/QUOTE]I have to agree with this assesment. In the dozen or so times I have visited Colombia I have witnessed only once a gringo being obnoxious and that was in a disco (LDV) in Cartagena where most of the men were either Americans or Italianos. I too have seen the Colombians being rude but the Italians are a common sight in the loud and obnoxious category. IMHO it bothers some members here more than the locals. After years of bombs, FARC and paramilitaries I doubt seeing an older man with a prepago is that disturbing.

Fellow deviants:

I am considering going to Medellin soon, only my second trip. I'd like to rent an apartment versus doing the hotel thing. I'd like to stay near/in Centro to be within walking distance of the massage places/casas as well as other night life. Any suggestions on which neighborhoods I should look for in my apartment search that would keep me from having to catch the metro or taxis?

Thanks,

Rodeo

[QUOTE=Casa Medellin]I also would not associate with anyone who uses words such as "lotta" or "helluva". [/QUOTE]May I ask, then why are you spending your time on this site? Most of the guys here would use those expressions.

Lately you seem to spend a lot of time criticizing, especially adversely of other people. A critical comment or judgment of others, only serves to highlight your negatively to others. Perhaps a little self examination may be in order.

Recently, you have insulted alot of people and places. If you are trying to make yourself or your hotel look good, sadly it is having the opposite effect.

[QUOTE=Mule69]I have to agree with this assesment. In the dozen or so times I have visited Colombia I have witnessed only once a gringo being obnoxious and that was in a disco (LDV) in Cartagena where most of the men were either Americans or Italianos. I too have seen the Colombians being rude but the Italians are a common sight in the loud and obnoxious category. IMHO it bothers some members here more than the locals. After years of bombs, FARC and paramilitaries I doubt seeing an older man with a prepago is that disturbing.[/QUOTE]The bodies in the Rio Medellín only a few years ago may have been just a tad more horrifying. ¿Quien sabe?

What horrifies the ricos in Poblado is anyone not from Poblado invading their turf. They wouldn't care if the prepagos were with guys 75 or 25. And I have seen some of those ricos in Cartagena acting like asses. But they would never act that way in Poblado.

Another example of the brain power to be found in Medellin. If you go back and read, my only reason to start posting was because someone posted a link to my hotel and I wanted to make it clear that I did not want any of the mongers here showing up at my door as they will not be allowed in. So your allegation I am trying to make my hotel look good (to this audience) is ridiculous since I do not want people like you any where close to my place.

Anyway, if people will stop responding to my posts I will be more than happy to stop posting here.

[QUOTE=Fla Fun]May I ask, then why are you spending your time on this site? Most of the guys here would use those expressions.

Lately you seem to spend a lot of time criticizing, especially adversely of other people. A critical comment or judgment of others, only serves to highlight your negatively to others. Perhaps a little self examination may be in order.

Recently, you have insulted alot of people and places. If you are trying to make yourself or your hotel look good, sadly it is having the opposite effect.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Tweeners] Every night in Parque Lleras...I've seen families out for dinner with horrified expressions on their face, usually sitting next to a visitor with a table full of prepagos drawing attention to themselves. [/QUOTE]In the last 2 1/2 years I've eaten in Parque Lleras restaurants 20+ times and have NEVER seen any "families" there.

I have seen maybe a dozen "older men with prepagos" but most of them were either me or friends of mine. I would guess 95% of the customers in Parque Lleras are under 35-year-old Colombians and Colombianas.

I did have an online chat with a 46-yr old lady who lives in Laureles last week (she wants to meet me). She said she doesn't go to Parque Lleras too often. When I asked her why she said she didn't like the "older men with young prepagos".

Rather than responding with "I resemble that remark" I just said, "Really? I've never noticed them before. But then I'm there for the atmosphere and the food. I really don't pay any attention to what the other people are doing. "

Good advice for her and some of guys here.

[QUOTE=Rodeo9112]Fellow deviants:

I am considering going to Medellin soon, only my second trip. I'd like to rent an apartment versus doing the hotel thing. I'd like to stay near/in Centro to be within walking distance of the massage places/casas as well as other night life. Any suggestions on which neighborhoods I should look for in my apartment search that would keep me from having to catch the metro or taxis?

Thanks,

Rodeo[/QUOTE]Rodeo,

To be quite honest with you, I have yet to find any furnished apartments in Centro available for short-term rentals. Sounds like a niche market some of the enterprising folks here should look into. I'm not saying it doesn't exist, but I can say near certainty that they are not widely advertised online nor via the major subletters of furnished apartments.

All that being said, I have recently been staying in Laureles and enjoy the area a lot. It is worth staying here and getting away from Centro after the fun has been had. Plus it's only a 5-6mil taxi ride there.

[QUOTE=Casa Medellin]Another example of the brain power to be found in Medellin. If you go back and read, my only reason to start posting was because someone posted a link to my hotel and I wanted to make it clear that I did not want any of the mongers here showing up at my door as they will not be allowed in. So your allegation I am trying to make my hotel look good (to this audience) is ridiculous since I do not want people like you any where close to my place.

Anyway, if people will stop responding to my posts I will be more than happy to stop posting here.[/QUOTE]Actually, I enjoy your posts.

With most of the hotel proprietors touting their establishments and competing for attention, it's entertaining to read your posts telling guys NOT to show up at your place.

Quite entertaining really, and the arrogant tone of the posts make them even more amusing, though I don't believe that's your intention.

Thank you and good luck with your hotel and upscale clientele.

[QUOTE=Rodeo9112]Fellow deviants:

I am considering going to Medellin soon, only my second trip. I'd like to rent an apartment versus doing the hotel thing. I'd like to stay near/in Centro to be within walking distance of the massage places/casas as well as other night life. Any suggestions on which neighborhoods I should look for in my apartment search that would keep me from having to catch the metro or taxis?

Thanks,

Rodeo[/QUOTE]Centro is not a good or safe place to stay especially if you don't know the area well. Many areas are not even very safe during the day.

Laureles Estadio is just across the river from Centro and is fairly safe for the most part. Also, nearly any bus in this area will take you into Centro near Exito. Just remember the number of the bus and where you got off for the return trip.

[QUOTE=Casa Medellin]Another example of the brain power to be found in Medellin. If you go back and read, my only reason to start posting was because someone posted a link to my hotel and I wanted to make it clear that I did not want any of the mongers here showing up at my door as they will not be allowed in. So your allegation I am trying to make my hotel look good (to this audience) is ridiculous since I do not want people like you any where close to my place.

Anyway, if people will stop responding to my posts I will be more than happy to stop posting here.[/QUOTE]How will you know to turn me away when I show up at your door? I'll show up there with a reservation and you will welcome me with open arms. I'm not a shit starter, but that was a silly statement to make!

Rodeo

I will be in Colombia from March 05 to March 25, 2009; will you tell me what your rates will be. Keep in mind I am not there to "monger" but spend time with my children 3 and 7 years of age.

I am no saint and when I am not with them I will either be alone or with one of my lady friends who are from Floresta and 12 de Octubre (and other locations in Medellin and Bello).

let me know what the rates are for this time period.

Thanks

Mike

[QUOTE=Casa Medellin]Another example of the brain power to be found in Medellin. If you go back and read, my only reason to start posting was because someone posted a link to my hotel and I wanted to make it clear that I did not want any of the mongers here showing up at my door as they will not be allowed in. So your allegation I am trying to make my hotel look good (to this audience) is ridiculous since I do not want people like you any where close to my place.

Anyway, if people will stop responding to my posts I will be more than happy to stop posting here.[/QUOTE]

A "friend" has invited me to stay with him and his family in Bello during my next visit to Colombia. I am hesitant to do so because it will limit my freedom to entering the house at certain hours and only be able to go out when accompanied by the friend.

He recommended to me "hotel laureles 70" claiming it is near Estadio; anyond have information about this hotel? A web address or phoen number?

Thanks