Medellin Reports

[QUOTE=Client 9]With a $14 trillion economy, the USA Is the wealthiest nation in world history. By contrast, Colombia has a $400 billion economy (smaller than the USA Defense budget) and lacks the competence to end a civil war that has lasted more than four decades. Personally, it's difficult to view Colombia as a success story.

Why should Americans imitate Colombians? It seems to me Colombians should imitate Americans, not vice versa.

Why are Americans "ugly" for dressing in Colombia as they do in America? If Americans respect diversity in America, then aren't Colombians "ugly" for not respecting diversity in Colombia? [/QUOTE]Ugh. Right here in a nutshell is exactly why American tourists are broadly (all over the world) considered the "ugly american", but also well tolerated (the money and tipping better than folks from other rich countries). Repugnant would be a decent summary also.

Invariably "gringo" style tourists adhering to your point of view are the loudest, shallowest, least respectful, and most obnoxious bunch of travelers and easy to spot from far away. Real travelers try avoid them like the plague.

Personally, the idea that "they" (Colombians or others) should act more American is the worse possible idea for either traveler or monger.

I mean why the hell not stay in the States if you want an experience more American? Why go somewhere else for something different, complain about it being different (until it changes and you no longer want to go there and ruined it for everybody else too? Check out Cancun sometime for example.)

I suspect that there's little point in arguing this with folks whose minds are set on how great their way of life is; all the more pathetic for the reasons of broad exposure and education that you cite (as an American with those advantages you have no excuse for not understanding more broadly).

You are posting to the Colombia forums after all, and not the USA ones. So clearly the AmericanWayIsRight isn't something you believe in either despite the eloquent ignorance of your position, or you're trolling.

I also suspect that right now is not a great time to be pointing out the value of the US economic system, hardly something to emulate (if you don't get that, pay better attention).

Yes, I'm American, and my rule is to tread lightly and do my best to perpetuate the diversity that is the reason most of us travel.

I visit Colombia specifically because it is Colombia and also because it isn't the USA. If you can't appreciate that, you really shouldn't be in Colombia, and the rest of the world would also appreciate it if you stayed the hell home.

[QUOTE=Samy Dog]Is there public transport (metro or bus) from the airport to Laurles? Do taxis run on meter and is the center of action closer to Laurles.[/QUOTE]the metro train does not run out that far. Buses will take you to el centro. From there you would need to take a taxi. From laureles you can either walk or take a taxi to whatever club you want that are in that area. However, you might find that many are not walking distance. On another note, most casas are in el centro.

[QUOTE=Daves Pison]Fellas, is there a tax when you leave Medellin at the airport?

If there is one, do you paid in dollars or colombian pesos?[/QUOTE]Yes there is a tax, several actually. Many airlines include this in their tickets. I believe that you can pay in COP, USD or by credit card.

[QUOTE=Samy Dog]1) My bank has ridiculous ATM surcharges whenever I use the card outside US. Is it better to bring cash and convert it locally. Do you guys recommend this and if so where would you change money in Medellin?

2) Is there public transport from the airport (metro train or a bus) to Laureles?

3) Where can I get a street map and is it easy to follow for the spanish challenged? How do you go from Laureles to the center of action?

4) Do taxis scam ya or are they pretty much reliable means of transport?

5) The list is very large. What are the must-go places?

I did do a lot of reading and have asked these questions as I could not locate specific answers.

Thanks

SD[/QUOTE]If you think you ATM charges are high, wait until you see the scalping you take changing USD. There are many US banks that charge nothing for ATM withdrawals. CapitalOne is one.

A mini-bus runs from around 5 am to 8 pm from the airport to el Centro. It costs about 6K.

Try Google Earth for street maps. Click "roads. "

MDE is spread out. There is no center of the action although el Centro has the largest concentration of casas.

Taxis are generally good and metered. But you may not want to hail taxis from the street at night or when you are alone. Call for a cab.

[QUOTE=KC Questor]Thanks Frank, that's what I thought. In most Latin countries the locals really dress up when they go out, and I would rather not look like an ugly American.

Thanks Schwmmr, that's helpful. I've seen a guy get kicked out of a casino in Panama because he wanted to take off his tie to shoot some craps. I've seen a bar girl refuse to go with a guy because he was wearing cowboy boots. I've seen $10 streetwalkers making fun of a group of frat boys for dressing "like roosters" in Costa Rica (although I think that was their hair as much as their clothes). Next time you are in a Ukrainian disco wearing the same stuff you packed for Phuket you'll wish you asked. Or maybe I'm the only one who doesn't want to look like a gringo tourist. That shit's fine in Sosua but too bad if asking about dressing for the nightlife in Medellin offends you.[/QUOTE]Ok fine. I was out out of line. Sorry.

But even now considering the question with a clear head, I'd consider it a valid question only if it's your first trip ever to Latin America.

All the best,

Schwmm

[QUOTE=Tom 33]If you think you ATM charges are high, wait until you see the scalping you take changing USD. There are many US banks that charge nothing for ATM withdrawals. CapitalOne is one.[/quote]Hey guys,

If you open an account with Compass Bank in Florida, there are no ATM fees whatsoever anywhere in the World ! I´ve had it for 4 years ! My Wachovia account shows the ATM fees, none with Compass Bank ! I think you can open an account on line!

Frank Casio!

[QUOTE=Rumpus]Ugh. Right here in a nutshell is exactly why American tourists are broadly (all over the world) considered the "ugly american", but also well tolerated (the money and tipping better than folks from other rich countries). Repugnant would be a decent summary also.

Invariably "gringo" style tourists adhering to your point of view are the loudest, shallowest, least respectful, and most obnoxious bunch of travelers and easy to spot from far away. Real travelers try avoid them like the plague.

Personally, the idea that "they" (Colombians or others) should act more American is the worse possible idea for either traveler or monger.

I mean why the hell not stay in the States if you want an experience more American? Why go somewhere else for something different, complain about it being different (until it changes and you no longer want to go there and ruined it for everybody else too? Check out Cancun sometime for example.)

I suspect that there's little point in arguing this with folks whose minds are set on how great their way of life is; all the more pathetic for the reasons of broad exposure and education that you cite (as an American with those advantages you have no excuse for not understanding more broadly).

You are posting to the Colombia forums after all, and not the USA ones. So clearly the AmericanWayIsRight isn't something you believe in either despite the eloquent ignorance of your position, or you're trolling.

I also suspect that right now is not a great time to be pointing out the value of the US economic system, hardly something to emulate (if you don't get that, pay better attention).

Yes, I'm American, and my rule is to tread lightly and do my best to perpetuate the diversity that is the reason most of us travel.

I visit Colombia specifically because it is Colombia and also because it isn't the USA. If you can't appreciate that, you really shouldn't be in Colombia, and the rest of the world would also appreciate it if you stayed the hell home.[/QUOTE]I think the other guy has a point.

Colombians come to our country and us as Americans are more receptive and welcoming than any other country. We allow/appreciate Foreigners to dress and come as they please without any negative bias towards them. Other countries should at least do the same when Americans go to their country.

[QUOTE=Rumpus]Personally, the idea that "they" (Colombians or others) should act more American is the worse possible idea for either traveler or monger.
...
I visit Colombia specifically because it is Colombia and also because it isn't the USA. If you can't appreciate that, you really shouldn't be in Colombia, and the rest of the world would also appreciate it if you stayed the hell home.[/QUOTE]100% agree. Once a taxi driver in Medellin complained that he was kinda upset with some gringo tourists who don't know a word in spanish, but would expect that everybody would understand them and kiss their ass. On the other hand, he was very glad that other tourists are trying to learn the language and speak spanish.

[QUOTE=Rumpus]I also suspect that right now is not a great time to be pointing out the value of the US economic system, hardly something to emulate (if you don't get that, pay better attention).[/QUOTE]Yup the American system sucks. The only thing worse is what every other country in the world has. Did you ever wonder why the US dollar has drastically increased in value against world currencies?

Contrary to popular opinion, the rudest travelers I have seen in Colombia are the Colombians themselves. Cachacos on vacation in Cartagena take the cake. They are a main reason that I moved to Medellín 2 years ago.

[QUOTE=Rumpus]Ugh. Right here in a nutshell is exactly why American tourists are broadly (all over the world) considered the "ugly american", but also well tolerated (the money and tipping better than folks from other rich countries). Repugnant would be a decent summary also.

Invariably "gringo" style tourists adhering to your point of view are the loudest, shallowest, least respectful, and most obnoxious bunch of travelers and easy to spot from far away. Real travelers try avoid them like the plague.

Personally, the idea that "they" (Colombians or others) should act more American is the worse possible idea for either traveler or monger.

I mean why the hell not stay in the States if you want an experience more American? Why go somewhere else for something different, complain about it being different (until it changes and you no longer want to go there and ruined it for everybody else too? Check out Cancun sometime for example.)

I suspect that there's little point in arguing this with folks whose minds are set on how great their way of life is; all the more pathetic for the reasons of broad exposure and education that you cite (as an American with those advantages you have no excuse for not understanding more broadly).

You are posting to the Colombia forums after all, and not the USA ones. So clearly the AmericanWayIsRight isn't something you believe in either despite the eloquent ignorance of your position, or you're trolling.

I also suspect that right now is not a great time to be pointing out the value of the US economic system, hardly something to emulate (if you don't get that, pay better attention).

Yes, I'm American, and my rule is to tread lightly and do my best to perpetuate the diversity that is the reason most of us travel.

I visit Colombia specifically because it is Colombia and also because it isn't the USA. If you can't appreciate that, you really shouldn't be in Colombia, and the rest of the world would also appreciate it if you stayed the hell home.[/QUOTE]Hi Rumpus, thanks for your input. However, I disagree.

I live in Orlando. The suburb adjacent to my suburb is predominantly Latino. They speak loudly and obnoxiously in Spanish. In fact, many refuse to learn English and demand that they have access to Spanish-speaking employees everywhere. They drive loud and obnoxious cars. They drive in an obnoxious and reckless manner. They engage in obnoxious and disrespectful behavior in restaurants, stores, etc. They wear loud and obnoxious clothing. They make zero effort to assimilate. They show absolutely no respect whatsoever for this country or its culture. Of course, the ultimate form of disrespect is that many are here illegally. Not surprisingly, the crime rate has skyrocketed as well.

If Americans can adapt to Latinos, why can't Colombians adapt to Americans?

If Latinos refuse to adapt in America, then why should Americans adapt in Colombia?

The USA is probably the most diverse country in the entire world. The education establishment and media establishment in the USA endlessly preach the supposed value of diversity. Americans are expected to respect diverse cultures, diverse opinions, diverse lifestyles, diverse dress, etc.

If Americans can respect diversity, then why can't Colombians overcome their ignorance and respect diversity in Colombia?

When I meet a Colombian woman that is so ignorant that she cannot respect and adapt to foreign cultures, I dump her. I don't waste my money and limited vacation time on such women. There are another 20 million women in Colombia, and most are very eager to meet foreign men.

Rumpus, you claim there are economic problems in the USA. However, there are economic problems everywhere in the world right now. And the USA still has the largest single-nation economy in world history despite the economic problems.

Rumpus, you suggest that I shouldn't travel abroad. If you are so ashamed of being American, maybe you should move abroad. By the way, why are Americans the only people in the world who are not allowed to be proud of their country?

I travel to Colombia for the beautiful women there. Other than that, I see no reason to travel to Colombia. And I'll continue traveling to Colombia despite your disapproval, Rumpus. See you in Colombia.

[QUOTE=Frank Casio]Hey guys,

I might be oppenning a My Place ll in Laureles or El Prado-Las Casas ! Can´t make up my mind ! Any suggestions?

Frank Casio ![/QUOTE]Hi Frank,

You certainly seem like an enthusiastic guy. It would be interesting to meet you someday.

Since you asked for suggestions, I have one for you. Why not open a place in the city of Pereira? Almost every Gringo I know wants to visit Pereira, and almost none of them have visited Pereira.

If you look around this forum, you will see that Gringos on top of Gringos are opening locations around Medellin. As the saying goes, I've seen this movie before.

When I first started visiting Colombia, Cartagena was the popular destination on these forums. Then "Cali Mania" began. Gringos on top of Gringos started opening so-called "marriage agencies" and other locations in Cali. Eventually, it was a bloodbath because there was so much competition. They all went bust.

Now, Medellin is the flavor-of-the-month. My suggestion is to leave Medellin before history repeats itself. Carve out a niche in Pereira where you will have it all to yourself. If you do, maybe you can convince Jackson to add a Pereira forum.

Good luck

Well I see no problem with wearing shorts during the day time in Medellin. I have yet to see a women who would not talk to me or my friend who wore shorts. Secondly during the day time, true mongers, and not lovers or sight seers are usually going to casas. So no need to worry about dressing to pay a hoe for pleasure.

Night time now thats a different story. Sure pants, jeans, kakhis, and a decent shirt is always the way to go.

Client 9 you are the exact thing that you despise of the latinos in Orlando. See my parents came to the US in the fifties and adapted to the US. Since they did that they have become very very successful. The latinos that we both are not fond of are the ones that come here and try to change the US to their culture instead of vice versa.

Without realizing it, in Colombia you are exactly what you have come to hate about foreigners in your country. By your comments it sounds as if you are there to just suck the life out of the chicas then leave instead of learning the culture and having a very very good time, everytime you go.

I am american and travel extensively since I do international sales (90% travel time). When I leave the US I have noticed that I hate americans too. The gringo becomes a complete moron when he passes through foreign immigration lines. They are morons! I say they and not me because I am not a dumb gringo, I am american, very big difference! One thing is to have a strong economy and all that and another [blue][Political Commentary Deleted by Admin][/blue]. That does not fly with any culture just like when england tried to do it to the US before the war of independance, it did not fly then.

[blue][Political Commentary Deleted by Admin][/blue]. Please do not be one of the people that adds to that stigma that will take decades to fix. When in Rome do as the romans and sleep with the romanas.

Just a point of view from a fellow american, not a dumb gringo, a fellow american.

JC

[size=-2][b][u]EDITOR'S NOTE[/u]:[/b] [blue]This report was edited in accordance with the Forum's Zero Tolerance policy regarding reports containing any [u]personal attacks or derogatory comments[/u] directed towards another Forum Member or the Forum Membership in general.[/blue][/size]

[QUOTE=Client 9]Hi Rumpus, thanks for your input. However, I disagree.

I live in Orlando. The suburb adjacent to my suburb is predominantly Latino. They speak loudly and obnoxiously in Spanish. In fact, many refuse to learn English and demand that they have access to Spanish-speaking employees everywhere. They drive loud and obnoxious cars. They drive in an obnoxious and reckless manner. They engage in obnoxious and disrespectful behavior in restaurants, stores, etc. They wear loud and obnoxious clothing. They make zero effort to assimilate. They show absolutely no respect whatsoever for this country or its culture. Of course, the ultimate form of disrespect is that many are here illegally. Not surprisingly, the crime rate has skyrocketed as well.

If Americans can adapt to Latinos, why can't Colombians adapt to Americans?

If Latinos refuse to adapt in America, then why should Americans adapt in Colombia?

The USA is probably the most diverse country in the entire world. The education establishment and media establishment in the USA endlessly preach the supposed value of diversity. Americans are expected to respect diverse cultures, diverse opinions, diverse lifestyles, diverse dress, etc.

If Americans can respect diversity, then why can't Colombians overcome their ignorance and respect diversity in Colombia?

When I meet a Colombian woman that is so ignorant that she cannot respect and adapt to foreign cultures, I dump her. I don't waste my money and limited vacation time on such women. There are another 20 million women in Colombia, and most are very eager to meet foreign men.

Rumpus, you claim there are economic problems in the USA. However, there are economic problems everywhere in the world right now. And the USA still has the largest single-nation economy in world history despite the economic problems.

Rumpus, you suggest that I shouldn't travel abroad. If you are so ashamed of being American, maybe you should move abroad. By the way, why are Americans the only people in the world who are not allowed to be proud of their country?

I travel to Colombia for the beautiful women there. Other than that, I see no reason to travel to Colombia. And I'll continue traveling to Colombia despite your disapproval, Rumpus. See you in Colombia.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Goga Fung]100% agree. Once a taxi driver in Medellin complained that he was kinda upset with some gringo tourists who don't know a word in spanish, but would expect that everybody would understand them and kiss their ass. On the other hand, he was very glad that other tourists are trying to learn the language and speak spanish.[/QUOTE]I have spoken fluent Spanish for almost 15 years.

In Orlando, there are countless Latinos living here that refuse to learn English and demand access to Spanish-speaking employees in stores, restaurants, etc. They demand schools teach classes in Spanish. They demand landlords put all documents in Spanish. And so on and so forth.

If you think Colombian customers do not expect to have their asses kissed in Colombia, then you have never been to Colombia.

And when Colombian taxi drivers stop ripping off Gringos, I might start to give a rat's ass about what they think.

I've been walking the gritty streets of downtown Medellin the last few days checking out the ¨merchandise'. Mainly the 2 streetwalker areas: one by the El Faro bar and the other a few blocks away on Calle 51-52.

I know you oldtimers are going to tell me how dangerous it is, but I haven¨t had any problems so far. I do my business from morning to early evening.

Basically I like the selection of dozens and dozens of chicas in each location, white, latina and black. Tall ones, short ones, older-younger, skinny-chunky, its all here. They¨re dressed in tight, short skirts and sexy high-heels. I personally like the older ones, a little chunky with big tits and bubble asses.

Most of these women are charging 15-20, 000 COP, that¨s cheap enough for me to have 2fers and 3fers everyday. Its funny, but I don't see that many mongers. I guess these guys do a quick hit and run. I like to hang out a little on the streets. Maybe thats bad, I don't know. I¨m actually getting to know some of the women by name: Rosa, Maria, Monica etc. Chao