Medellin Reports

Use bing or google maps street view to search the addresses and look at the surrounding area. You can take a lot of mystery out of it by knowing what the location and surrounding buildings look like before you are in the neighborhood.

[QUOTE=IslandMonger;1824838]Greetings gents,

Thanks to many who contribute to this great forum. After mongering several other locations around the Caribbean and Central America, I am obsessed with making Medellin my next destination. I've RTFF, but curious about one aspect I have not seen mentioned.

Even though I'm planning my first trip, I wanted to bypass the Mansion / Colombia Jake route and rent an apartment, visit the Casa's and strip clubs and find that diamond in the rough by hitting some street action. My concern is that even with addresses and maps of Casa's provided on the forum, they are not "obvious" with signs or advertisements, so even with an address, how does the first time visitor locate it? I certainly don't want to be wondering the streets of Medellin with a map of smart phone in hand, unsure of where I'm going, perhaps standing right in front of my destination like a dumb ass and not know it. I've read many posts by first timers going solo their first trip without incident, but I'm a little worried about the navigation. Should I bite the bullet and stay a day or two at the Mansion just to partake in the Casa tours, or do you think I will be fine without it?

FYI, I usually travel with a wingman but will likely make this trip solo. I'm street smart enough to not act like an idiot but in reality, I am an obvious gringo at 6'1" 250 with brown hair and green eyes, so "blending in" is unlikely. I have basic Spanish skills and can hold light conversation, but too detailed or fast speaking and they loose me. Am I setting myself up to be a target by going solo?[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=IslandMonger;1824838] I've read many posts by first timers going solo their first trip without incident, but I'm a little worried about the navigation. Should I bite the bullet and stay a day or two at the Mansion just to partake in the Casa tours, or do you think I will be fine without it?
[/QUOTE]Went for my first time at the end of Nov; traveled with and without my wingman to a casa or two and never had a problem (the exception being Aiffe, where I'm still positive I was standing at the door next to it or something) finding places. Definitely +1-ing the Google Street recommendation; with it, places like the entrance to New Life and Ejecutiva were easier to find than they would've been without. Using Uber also helps, since you can set a destination and even opt for an English-speaking driver. As long as you're confident that you can remain aware of your surroundings, go for it.

[QUOTE=SushiLover69;1825025]Street and door numbers are written above the doors.[/QUOTE]IslandMonger may know this, but here is an explanation of the address numbers. Let's use New Life as an example. The address is Calle 56 #43-39. The numbers above the door are 43-39. First, you must get on Calle 56. The 43 indicates the cross street where the second numbers start incrementing. So the cross street is Carrera 43 and you will go towards Carrera 45 on Calle 56 until you get to number 39. Just like in the US, all the odd numbers are on one side of the street and the even numbers are on the other side.

Also IslandMonger, I think you will be okay in an apartment since you are familiar with Latin countries. I always travel solo. I have visited Medellin many times, but I have not wondered around downtown much. When I go downtown, I make a list of all the places I want to visit, with the address. Before leaving the apartment, I look at a map and get an idea where each place is located in relation to others. Then, I only need to pull a small piece of paper from my pocket to get the address of where I am going. I use the Metro to get downtown, get off at Parque Berrio, and walk from there. I have been told by various locals to not go to the Prado Metro station, may be a little dangerous. The first time I went downtown solo, I went to the Prado station, and nothing bad happened. Even the chica at New Life told me I should not go there, but that was after the fact.

[QUOTE=CharmCityDave;1824676]I spent the first 4 nights at Jakes and last for nights at the Mansion can give my point of view on the relative strengths and weaknesses of those two choices. At the Mansion, was fortunate to meet veteran ISG contributor Geolopes and his friends, who I call the four horsemen of the apussylips. They are longtime friends who monger together. I was appreciative and privileged that they included me in their circle. I hope to meet up with them

For most of my stay, only one other guest was in residence which perhaps led to a more private and peaceful experience. The apartment has a much lower profile then the Mansion and is in more of a residential than commercial area. It may be a little safer, less of a target. It is also walking distance to the Poblado Metro station which I took advantage of to explore the city.

A few other thoughts. Much has been written here of security and the armed robbery that occurred outside the Mansion while I was there. I felt a little safer than I did in Rio late 90's or so when I was robbed at gunpoint. Perhaps I was just lucky.

I don't think they have the roving wolf packs of kids that Rio

One final note, I found most of the food excellent, fresh and inexpensive. If you are downtown, be sure to visit Salon Versalles for an excellent Empanada. Much else to do in Medellin, but that has been well covered. Don't miss the cable cars. Yada Yada Yada.[/QUOTE]Very nice report thanks for sharing. That will help many decide about choosing either Jake or the Mansion and what they are getting into. I enjoy reading your report. I guess I stayed near Jakes place because the Pitstop hostel is in patio bonito near the Poblado metro stop and the exito supermarket. For the most part, it is a very safe area and for sure is safer than most areas in Rio which I plan to do a trip soon. I walked alone late at night all the time with no incidents (area is quite isolated late a night) and felt comfortable doing so and alone. I was cautious never complacent and alert thought and had my running sneakers on just in case prepared to run LOL. There are areas in Newark and Camden New Jersey I would not come alive if I walked as I did in that patio bonito area.

[QUOTE=Quagmire1974;1824720]Excellent trip report. Thank you for taking the time to share what you experienced. And about this:

[B]"First off, Jakes fee is just an introduction fee and you are still expected to pay the girls (Jake recommends 300 k)"[/B]

Yeah, that's called PIMPING.[/QUOTE]Semantics aside, both the Mansion and Jake are doing the same thing, the fee is included in the room charge. Also, the high end escort agencies get a cut or some kind of fee from the escorts as well as the casas, etc. No free rides, LOL.

Naturally if a guy has the experience / skills to deal with independents without getting eaten alive, drugged or worse, he doesn't need either. But for guys like me who aren't there yet, it's a great option, and just think of it as a sort of trip insurance.

Now back to the latest string of helpful posts.

[QUOTE=CharmCityDave;1824676] Got a sim card for my unlocked old AT&T Samsung galaxy S3 in the Verano shop on the 2nd floor of the airport across from the ATMs. Was 41 K for 40 minutes of talk and 600 GB of data. I didn't run out of either on the trip. Was glad I had the phone loaded as the Taxi driver had a hard time finding Jakes place and having the phone helped quite a bit. I learned that the Medellin address system leaves much to be desired and having a phone with GPS is IMOP indispensable..[/QUOTE]In my office I had 3 telephones, a fax, a cellphone, a Motorola, and usually was "on call", ALL of which I was glad to get away from upon retiring. I am ignorant with regard to smart phones and have been using a $20 flip up disposable for years. I need an inexpensive phone that I can put google translate on, and use mapping, etc. Guessing that the unlocked galaxy G3 (see them for $119 up) mentioned would fit the bill?

I just figure the easiest way to get what I need is to copy what works for someone else. Unless there is a better choice, opinions?

[QUOTE=MrAdventure;1825513]In my office I had 3 telephones, a fax, a cellphone, a Motorola, and usually was "on call", ALL of which I was glad to get away from upon retiring. I am ignorant with regard to smart phones and have been using a $20 flip up disposable for years. I need an inexpensive phone that I can put google translate on, and use mapping, etc. Guessing that the unlocked galaxy G3 (see them for $119 up) mentioned would fit the bill?

I just figure the easiest way to get what I need is to copy what works for someone else. Unless there is a better choice, opinions?[/QUOTE]Yes, if the battery does not hold a charge well, you can get a generic one on Amazon for like $10.

Whereas pimping is illegal in Colombia, I have been wondering what the technical / legal definition of pimping is in Colombia. As other member said, casas and clubs take cut, and it appears to be no problem. I wonder if anybody know, not guess, about it.

[QUOTE=MattPsyche;1825545]Whereas pimping is illegal in Colombia, I have been wondering what the technical / legal definition of pimping is in Colombia. As other member said, casas and clubs take cut, and it appears to be no problem. I wonder if anybody know, not guess, about it.[/QUOTE]'

''El que con nimo de lucrarse o para satisfacer los deseos de otro, constria a cualquier persona al comercio carnal o a la prostitucion"

Article 214.

[URL]http://perso.unifr.ch/derechopenal/assets/files/legislacion/l_20130808_01.pdf[/URL]

[QUOTE=MrAdventure;1825513]I need an inexpensive phone that I can put google translate on, and use mapping, etc. Guessing that the unlocked galaxy G3 (see them for $119 up) mentioned would fit the bill?

I just figure the easiest way to get what I need is to copy what works for someone else. Unless there is a better choice, opinions?[/QUOTE]Just be careful because you are talking about buying antiquated technology. It is like pens and pencils came out but you want to buy a mallet and chisel whose operating system may no longer support the present version of the application called paper. You couldn't cheap out and put caveman era stone slabs that you got at a discount because they were outdated into the modern fax machine you had in your office. You needed a more modern application called paper that was compatible with it. Your device may physically last forever, but each day they make the applications more advanced, which soon outdate your phone rendering it obsolete and useless.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;1825659]Just be careful because you are talking about buying antiquated technology. It is like pens and pencils came out but you want to buy a mallet and chisel whose operating system may no longer support the present version of the application called paper. You couldn't cheap out and put caveman era stone slabs that you had laying around into the fax machine you had in your office. You needed a more modern application called paper that was compatible with it..[/QUOTE]Seems the S3's I saw were the minis, but have found several s4's under $200. Also found a comparo on youtube between s3,4 5. Since I'm starting from scratch, think the s4 will be a better choice, and hopefully modern enough, without being something I would hesitate to give up if being robbed.

[QUOTE=MrAdventure;1825662]Seems the S3's I saw were the minis, but have found several s4's under $200. Also found a comparo on youtube between s3,4 5. Since I'm starting from scratch, think the s4 will be a better choice, and hopefully modern enough, without being something I would hesitate to give up if being robbed.[/QUOTE]See I had the original S which I had no problems with it working but over time became very slow and would no longer support some apps. I was finally forced to buy the new S5 in April 2014 because of that. I kept my S to use as an mp3 player and overaeas phone but it could only support up to a 32 gb SD card (newer phones can support 128gb cards).

A few months ago I bought a J1 for my mp3 player and overseas phone and gave the S to my 7 year old nephew as a starter phone. That reminds me that you should search other models of Samsung besides the S. I paid $100 for a new J1 in Thailand and came back to the States and saw the same phone for $149 at Microcenter computer store. (Looks like you can get them for as cheap as $89 now.) So you could actually buy a brand new J or A model for less than buying a used S3 or S4 model.

Thank you. The term applies to casas, clubs, and escorts as well.

[QUOTE=Questner;1825570]'

''El que con nimo de lucrarse o para satisfacer los deseos de otro, constria a cualquier persona al comercio carnal o a la prostitucion"

Article 214.

[URL]http://perso.unifr.ch/derechopenal/assets/files/legislacion/l_20130808_01.pdf[/URL][/QUOTE].

[QUOTE=MrAdventure;1825662]Swithout being something I would hesitate to give up if being robbed.[/QUOTE]The point is that, in some contexts, what is not attractive for us could be very attractive for others who do not have our income.

My feeling is that you could bring your S6 in the same places where you are safe to bring an S3, e.g., LLeras or most places on the higher end, because an S3 is already a stellar device for desperate ones. I had no problems in bringing my S5 (MY main precious phone) to Luna Lunera, for example. But no way I would display it at night in any bar of Centro, or even at day time I would never go around the streets using Google Maps on a smartphone.

I am trying to say that, in my perspective, rather than reducing the damage IF I am robbed, more broadly I aim at simply reducing the risk to be robbed (which is a nuisance in any case).

When I travel to countries where there could be problems, I bring my S5, to be used in all normal contexts, and a poor plain old GSM phone which should not be attractive for almost anyone. This phone below was with me in many dingy places in Bangladesh, India, Ghana, Uganda, Indonesia, Malesia... (for USA and South America I must use another one, similar to this, working on the other GSM band)

P.S. : this kind of phones is often called "flecha" in Colombia. Guess why? Because they say that it is the phone used by indios in the jungle.

Think of me as a humble, respectful friend who you know in Medellin!

I am grateful for the many new friends I have already made this way. Some of whom have even chosen to stay with me on their return visits.

If it is only for an afternoon, I am an efficient communicator in English as well as Spanish and I can give you an intelligent lay of the land and help you form a feasible game plan!

I will save you a lot of time with up to date info about girls and activities going on in the city, what is old news, point out places for a good local style meal, the best days and nights for particular clubs, casas and bars as well as knowledge of safe barrios where the regular girls still think foreigners are exotic. (If you are serious about finding a true diamond in the rough you have to dig a little.).

I understand the excitement and satisfaction of venturing out alone. Yet I also know from years of experience, the time spent with someone who knows the city is priceless simply by making efficient use of time, getting pointed in the right direction and avoiding common mistakes. PM me if interested. I also have a direct line to the US and many other kinds of useful contacts and information I am happy to share.

[QUOTE=IslandMonger;1824838]Greetings gents,

Thanks to many who contribute to this great forum. After mongering several other locations around the Caribbean and Central America, I am obsessed with making Medellin my next destination. I've RTFF, but curious about one aspect I have not seen mentioned.

Even though I'm planning my first trip, I wanted to bypass the Mansion / Colombia Jake route and rent an apartment, visit the Casa's and strip clubs and find that diamond in the rough by hitting some street action. My concern is that even with addresses and maps of Casa's provided on the forum, they are not "obvious" with signs or advertisements, so even with an address, how does the first time visitor locate it? I certainly don't want to be wondering the streets of Medellin with a map of smart phone in hand, unsure of where I'm going, perhaps standing right in front of my destination like a dumb ass and not know it. I've read many posts by first timers going solo their first trip without incident, but I'm a little worried about the navigation. Should I bite the bullet and stay a day or two at the Mansion just to partake in the Casa tours, or do you think I will be fine without it?

FYI, I usually travel with a wingman but will likely make this trip solo. I'm street smart enough to not act like an idiot but in reality, I am an obvious gringo at 6'1" 250 with brown hair and green eyes, so "blending in" is unlikely. I have basic Spanish skills and can hold light conversation, but too detailed or fast speaking and they loose me. Am I setting myself up to be a target by going solo?[/QUOTE]