Medellin Reports

Tom,

Isolated incidents guy, go back home if you think Medellin is so dangerous! Crime exists everywhere, but there are no stats or you don't here about foreigners being kidnapped or robbed in any kind of significant numbers! There are no stats for a negative, can't provide stats for isolated incidendts, that's why there aren't any! People don't provide stats for a negative, that's my whole point! There are stats. For 13 motorcycle accidents a day, 3, 000 a year! Do you understand? I think maybe you ought to stay nice and safe back home and avoid airport trips into Medellin, and maybe Medellin and Colombia all together.

Do you have a business in Costa Rica? That might explain your trashing of Medellin Paradise! I know you post in the Costa Rica Page, you spammed me there when I talked about Medellin Paradise! I'm assumming you're the same Tom33 on that web page! I've been told about all the crimes in Costa Rica and how even the police harrasses tourist, this doesn't happen in Medellin, only as an exception, police here protect the citizenry! In my business I deal with a lot of "foreigners" and to the last one they all fall in love with Medellin Paradise, no complaints of being afraid! A lot of them are short, small, thin, old, nerds, etc. And so far you are the only one I keep hearing from about the dangerouss, crippy, Medellin.

I think like so many others have told me who live here, you want to keep this Medellin Paradise to yourself and dont't want it trampled over by a bunch of "gingos" like in Costa Rica! I'm glad you love Medellin, but I wouldn't be misrepresenting a whole "people" and their tourist industry just so you can keep it for yourself or because you might have other business interest (? ) in Costa Rica! Take a break guy! Write something positive for once!

Frank Casio!

[QUOTE=Tom 33]Can you give me a link to those stats, Frank?

A friend of mine was kidnapped by a taxista and two guys on a moto with a gun while he was coming in from the international airport about 3 years ago. He is originally from California but had been living in Colombia for several years at the time.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Menteng]Was it by any chance Carmen? She's about 40 and has big boobs. If so, your experience is similar to that of another member of this forum (still in Texas, Jay?). Funny thing though is that I have excellent experiences with her.

If someone still feels tempted after reading Floyd's report, always, I repeat, always, ask for the cubicle downstairs. It's smaller, but there is no adjoining cubicle so the masseuse might allow you more touching etc.[/QUOTE]I remembered her name, and no it wasn't Carmen, it was Dora. But she sounds similarly built, and about the same age. Huh.

[QUOTE=Frank Casio]Tom,

Isolated incidents guy, go back home if you think Medellin is so dangerous! Crime exists everywhere, but there are no stats or you don't here about foreigners being kidnapped or robbed in any kind of significant numbers! There are no stats for a negative, can't provide stats for isolated incidendts, that's why there aren't any! People don't provide stats for a negative, that's my whole point! There are stats. For 13 motorcycle accidents a day, 3, 000 a year! Do you understand? I think maybe you ought to stay nice and safe back home and avoid airport trips into Medellin, and maybe Medellin and Colombia all together.

Do you have a business in Costa Rica? That might explain your trashing of Medellin Paradise! I know you post in the Costa Rica Page, you spammed me there when I talked about Medellin Paradise! I'm assumming you're the same Tom33 on that web page! I've been told about all the crimes in Costa Rica and how even the police harrasses tourist, this doesn't happen in Medellin, only as an exception, police here protect the citizenry! In my business I deal with a lot of "foreigners" and to the last one they all fall in love with Medellin Paradise, no complaints of being afraid! A lot of them are short, small, thin, old, nerds, etc. And so far you are the only one I keep hearing from about the dangerouss, crippy, Medellin.

I think like so many others have told me who live here, you want to keep this Medellin Paradise to yourself and dont't want it trampled over by a bunch of "gingos" like in Costa Rica! I'm glad you love Medellin, but I wouldn't be misrepresenting a whole "people" and their tourist industry just so you can keep it for yourself or because you might have other business interest (? ) in Costa Rica! Take a break guy! Write something positive for once!

Frank Casio![/QUOTE]You are the guy who said look at the statistics. Now you say that there are no statistics.

You are trying to promote a business by making absurd statements about safety. I will not let those statements go unchallenged.

I have no business interests in any countries other than the US and Colombia. I have lived in Colombia for better than 6 years now. I tell everyone what a wonderful country it is. But I will never tell anyone how safe it is because it isn't. Gringos, especially newbies, have no business anywhere near la Mayorista or any of the other iffy areas in Medellín including most of el Centro. Many of my Colombian friends won't go anywhere near la Mayorista except to shop during the day, and they were born and raised in Medellín. And I know people who work in la Mayorista.

Especially with the difficulties we face today with the gang war in Medellín, you are encouraging people to do unwise things so you can make a peso. Sure crime exists everywhere, but no experience in the US can prepare anyone for Colombia. This simply is not Kansas or even South Central LA.

Hi Tom,

I have more business than I can handle guy ! Never did it for money, that´s why I charge so little and give so much ! I love sharing what has brought me so much pleasure and relive it through my guests, otherwise I´d get board of so much pussy ! I'm retired, I live like a king in Medellin Paradise, have various properties ! My income from the USA alone is greater than many Doctors and Engineers here, but I´ll get board if I don´t do something!

So just relax Tom, you´ll be ok, enjoy your part of Medellin Paradise ! You can stay in El Poblado or wherever else you think is save, I´ll take care of my "hommies" in the "hood" ! Live us poor and middle class people enjoy what Medellin Paradise has to offer also! Take care guy!

Frank Casio!

Okay, so, I'm planning for my upcoming trip to Medellin--which includes the usual perusing of ISG: Reports, Lists, Reports of Distinction, Photos, etc. So, I've seen all the back and forth on the safety issues, what is/isn't a gringo, the origin of the word "gringo," what is/isn't a prostitute, why CasaMedellin is asking folks (repeatedly) not to visit his hotel, the BBQs that Medellin Language Institute has/had on Sundays, being a big spender vs a thrifty spender, Pablo's grave and more.

I also took a really close look at the maps and decided that I needed more. I figured if I had the right map, I could pull it up on my iPhone and navigate as necessary without issue (of course I'll be careful where I whip out my iPhone). I decided I would create maps that not only displayed casas/massage spots, but also discos / nightclubs, restaurants and casinos. In addition, I figured it would be prudent to add in a few hospitals, malls and nearby Exito supermarkets. Finally, I figured it would be beneficial to take a close in look at Parque Lleras to show what places are where in that area. Basically, I like to know where I'm going before I get there and not be at the mercy of a taxi driver or "somebody" I ask on the street.

So, using Google Maps, which also notes the Medellin Metro stops, I created the attached maps (and attached a Metro map) that will hopefully serve as the evolution of the wonderful maps already provided on this forum! Thanks to those who created them and the lists as they were all used in creating my products.

Of note, I was not able to find a location (though I may have had an address) for the following spots to plot on the map, any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Sorry, but, I didn't really get much north of el Centro or down in the Envigado/Itagui areas because there's only a few places down there, and I figured if you're in that area, you probably know your way around or are with someone, like Frank, who is watching out for you.

Anyway, enjoy, and feedback (dare I say) is welcome!

Rodeo

I'll guess I'll hope on the bag wagon to.

Two gringo's were robbed in Paque lleres early this week by gun point.

Aussie G.

QUOTE=Tom 33]You are the guy who said look at the statistics. Now you say that there are no statistics.

You are trying to promote a business by making absurd statements about safety. I will not let those statements go unchallenged.

I have no business interests in any countries other than the US and Colombia. I have lived in Colombia for better than 6 years now. I tell everyone what a wonderful country it is. But I will never tell anyone how safe it is because it isn't. Gringos, especially newbies, have no business anywhere near la Mayorista or any of the other iffy areas in Medellín including most of el Centro. Many of my Colombian friends won't go anywhere near la Mayorista except to shop during the day, and they were born and raised in Medellín. And I know people who work in la Mayorista.

Especially with the difficulties we face today with the gang war in Medellín, you are encouraging people to do unwise things so you can make a peso. Sure crime exists everywhere, but no experience in the US can prepare anyone for Colombia. This simply is not Kansas or even South Central LA.[/QUOTE]

Ok,

I have listened to this back and forth stuff about Colombia and safety. Now I think I must chime in here.

A little background. I monger in Mexico almost monthly, yes the cartel areas of the Texas border and have had only one in issue in 10 years and it was with the police robbing me and my friends. Also have been to Costa Rica and South East Asia about 5 time.

I just came back from Medellin Colombia and must say that this place is awsome. We stayed at the Laureless Penthouse and it was great.

My crew and I visited La Mayorista with no issues as well as the San Diego area.

We got caught several times after dark in el centro during a last minute new life run.

We pulled taxis at random where ever we were going and never had any issues, did not even have to ask them to use the meter like in most places.

We walked from the metro station in the middle of the night and had no issues.

We walked to our now favorite trout restauraunt and had no problems. This was a walk through a neighborhood as well as a bar area and no one even stared.

Frankly the most disappointing thing to me about Medellin is the fact that the chicas did not really stare or pay much attention. I have been told that I should chat them first and they will open up, who knows.

If you guys have any questions please ask and I will try and answer them.

I am not an experet, but I can't sit by and have you all thinking that Medellin is SOOOO dangerous.

I am sure that crime does happen but not to the degree that is being represented.

My .02's

Woodway

Yea I just got back from Cali. Yea they tried to rob me. Its not like I wasn't expecting it. I have going to Medellin since 1996 when you almost had to shoot your way in and out. Medellin and Cali aint for pussies leave your pantyhose at the Miami airport on your way down. If your scared; go to Cartagena. Greg is correct the last time I was at the Mansion actually staying in his room me and another guy were in El Centro together during the day and seen I guy get capped right on the sidewalk broad daylight in middle of a bunch of people. If your scared don't go. Or stay in Poblado or something. Colombia is twice as safe as it used to be 1999 era but still is no picnic. I still go and have fun but just know where you are. There is Alot of hot chics there so is it worth the risk ? Yea I am going back on June 4.

Hey Aussie,

It was the Medellin Mansion that got robbed at gun point, you were tied up and all your safes got robbed! Now you are saying two "gringos" got robbed at Parque Lleras at gun point! I'm sorry, I must be stupid, it doesn't register! And it's La Mayorista that's suppose to be dangerous, I'm very confused.! Oh, and by the way, you still owe me $28, 000cop from the last guy I referred to your place! I met up with El Castillo at the Penthouse Party and he reminded me about it, but stilll no payment! Oh gosh, it's just $28, 000cop, I'll tell you what, you can keep it!

Frank Casio!

[QUOTE=Aussie Greg]I'll guess I'll hope on the bag wagon to.

Two gringo's were robbed in Paque lleres early this week by gun point.

Aussie G.

QUOTE=Tom 33]You are the guy who said look at the statistics. Now you say that there are no statistics.

You are trying to promote a business by making absurd statements about safety. I will not let those statements go unchallenged.

I have no business interests in any countries other than the US and Colombia. I have lived in Colombia for better than 6 years now. I tell everyone what a wonderful country it is. But I will never tell anyone how safe it is because it isn't. Gringos, especially newbies, have no business anywhere near la Mayorista or any of the other iffy areas in Medellín including most of el Centro. Many of my Colombian friends won't go anywhere near la Mayorista except to shop during the day, and they were born and raised in Medellín. And I know people who work in la Mayorista.

Especially with the difficulties we face today with the gang war in Medellín, you are encouraging people to do unwise things so you can make a peso. Sure crime exists everywhere, but no experience in the US can prepare anyone for Colombia. This simply is not Kansas or even South Central LA.[/QUOTE][/QUOTE]

Tom speaks a lot of sense.

It works like this: If you walked blindfold across 42nd street and didn't get hit by a car, would you conclude that that was a safe activity? What if I told you I'd done that many times without a problem and everyone who said it was dangerous was talking out their arse: would that change your opinion?

So you go to Colombia/Mexico/DC/wherever, which everyone says is *so* fucking dangerous and live to tell the tale. Does that make it intrinsically *less* dangerous? Just like walking across 42nd street, you *know* it doesn't. *Not* everyone who goes to (wherever) gets killed/mugged/looses a kidney/whetever. Does this mean we should stop saying to people that Colombia ain't Kansas? That's all's rosy and safe? Just stick that big wad o' cash in your back pocket and go party?

I wouldn't say that to any customer of mine, because I want them to ENJOY their time in Colombia, tell everyone else that they didn't have any problems, and COME BACK. The best way of achieving that: BE HONEST.

[QUOTE=Woodway]Ok,

I have listened to this back and forth stuff about Colombia and safety. Now I think I must chime in here.

A little background. I monger in Mexico almost monthly, yes the cartel areas of the Texas border and have had only one in issue in 10 years and it was with the police robbing me and my friends. Also have been to Costa Rica and South East Asia about 5 time.

I just came back from Medellin Colombia and must say that this place is awsome. We stayed at the Laureless Penthouse and it was great.

My crew and I visited La Mayorista with no issues as well as the San Diego area.

We got caught several times after dark in el centro during a last minute new life run.

We pulled taxis at random where ever we were going and never had any issues, did not even have to ask them to use the meter like in most places.

We walked from the metro station in the middle of the night and had no issues.

We walked to our now favorite trout restauraunt and had no problems. This was a walk through a neighborhood as well as a bar area and no one even stared.

Frankly the most disappointing thing to me about Medellin is the fact that the chicas did not really stare or pay much attention. I have been told that I should chat them first and they will open up, who knows.

If you guys have any questions please ask and I will try and answer them.

I am not an experet, but I can't sit by and have you all thinking that Medellin is SOOOO dangerous.

I am sure that crime does happen but not to the degree that is being represented.

My .02's

Woodway[/QUOTE]You guys that think that Colombia is safe because you went there and didn't get your throat slit are making a big mistake,it is a dangerous place make no mistake about it.

That being said, I love Colombia and am in the process of preparing to move there to live within the next 6 months. In the last 4 months all three of my novia's brothers have been robbed at knifepoint,two of them robbed twice during this time and the other was stabbed in the back and almost died.

I just returned from 3 weeks visiting (and mongering) and had a knife pulled on me outside a pool hall,fortunately the f**ker was drunk as a skunk,stumbled and fell which gave me time to take off. Believe me,I wanted to use his head as a soccer ball while he was on the ground but there were other Colombianos in sight and knew it was best to leave before getting hurt.

All of this happened in the city of Manizales which is considered one of the safer places in Colombia so if you think any of the cities in Colombia are as safe or safer than all but the worst areas of the U.S. you are dead wrong and if you travel to Colombia frequently it is just a matter of time before you witness or are part of an unpleasant experience unless you are extremely vigilant and even that doesn't guarantee your safety.

Enjoy Colombia and the beautiful women but watch your back,front and sides and know that there are a lot of desperately poor people in this wonderful country and this leads a number of them to do desperate things which puts YOUR personal safety in harms way.

I have lived in Medellin for nearly 5 years and until recently have always felt safe and have never been attacked or threatened. Now with demobilization of the paras who have moved back to the city and formed gangs known as combos the situation has changed.

The combos have carried out numerous indiscriminate attacks of violence, robbery, torture and killings. The murder rate in Medellin is already 49% higher compared to last year as a result of these gangs.

This afternoon at 2pm a Colombian friend was robbed of his cell phone and 150,000 pesos by three men with guns and knives on Calle 10 close to Parque Lleras in Poblado. This is one of the most popular and fashionable areas in Medellin with security on every corner.

Last week President Uribe moved Colombia’s chief of police together with 50 DINIC agents (FBI equivalent) to Medellin to try to bring an end to these problems.

I no longer feel that it is safe to live here even if you take reasonable precautions

[quote=woodway]i have listened to this back and forth stuff about colombia and safety. now i think i must chime in here ...

... my crew and i visited la mayorista with no issues as well as the san diego area.

we got caught several times after dark in el centro during a last minute new life run.

if you guys have any questions please ask and i will try and answer them.

i am not an experet, but i can't sit by and have you all thinking that medellin is soooo dangerous.

i am sure that crime does happen but not to the degree that is being represented.[/quote]seems like every few months the topic of safety in medellin comes up.

a few guys that live there and know the city, caution that though it`s not crazy dangerous, danger does linger and to be on guard.

then a couple guys who visited for a week and weren´t accosted, mugged, raped or killed, etc chime in and tell us that since they had no problems in their weeks visit, and didn´t see the danger, that the city is not soooo dangerous.

this cycle of posts reappears every so often.

the truth of the matter is, and it ain´t rocket science really, that you are visiting colombia.

yep, for sure you can also get robbed in toledo-ohio, ocala-florida, peoria-il, etc, etc, but when you´re in colombia, you´re in a totally different environment.

most of my fellow gringos that i`ve met traveling to medellin speak no or very little spanish.

many guys have very little travel experience, and some with very little street smarts.

you stick out in colombia. you´re generally a naive visitor and may become a target.

just like the myth that you`ll land in colombia and be hounded by beautiful women at every turn just because you`re a gringo, it`s also a myth that you´ll surely be killed or kidnapped your first day in country.

chances are good that you`ll visit medellin, have a weeks worth of fun and return with no bad incidents. you too can then report that it´s not sooo dangerous.

the best advice is that from the guys with experience.
have fun, keep your guard up -- always, don´t get into fights, and don´t be stupid and become an easy target.

heck, even i´ve had a few scares in medellin over the years and i´m one of the smartest and coolest cats out there. :)

I have "always" paid in advance or laid the money on the table under my lighter to show that I will pay- not throw her out without money, something that happens to chicas in Latin America all the time.

This has meant that I have got a relaxed chica, since her greatest worry is to be robbed. She might get focused on limiting services an demand more for "extras". Usually this goes for ugly girls whose only way to get money is to fool a drunken extranjero. Good looking chicas knows that their customers will come back by themselves.

The good ones you repeat with. The ultimate example is Romina in Bs As. Beautiful, sexy, horney. She was very picky with hygiene and washed me and herself intensly before having sex- she would be the standard for all chicas. Set a price, demand a 100% clean customer, and then give your best service!

[QUOTE=Aussie Greg]I'll guess I'll hope on the bag wagon to.

Two gringo's were robbed in Paque lleres early this week by gun point.

Aussie G.

QUOTE=Tom 33]You are the guy who said look at the statistics. Now you say that there are no statistics.

You are trying to promote a business by making absurd statements about safety. I will not let those statements go unchallenged.

I have no business interests in any countries other than the US and Colombia. I have lived in Colombia for better than 6 years now. I tell everyone what a wonderful country it is. But I will never tell anyone how safe it is because it isn't. Gringos, especially newbies, have no business anywhere near la Mayorista or any of the other iffy areas in Medellín including most of el Centro. Many of my Colombian friends won't go anywhere near la Mayorista except to shop during the day, and they were born and raised in Medellín. And I know people who work in la Mayorista.

Especially with the difficulties we face today with the gang war in Medellín, you are encouraging people to do unwise things so you can make a peso. Sure crime exists everywhere, but no experience in the US can prepare anyone for Colombia. This simply is not Kansas or even South Central LA.[/QUOTE][/QUOTE]Of course, and I think this will be a much more common occurrence im afraid. The ladrones know where the money lies, the're for the most part stupid but are very quick learners, unless it is a well thought out hit which they usually carry out to precision.