Medellin Reports

Wow! After reading these reports of robberies of tourists I, m double thinking about our 4month trip in sept.

I hope the cops and politicians can get a handle on this.

This is going to be very bad for Medillin tourista business.

Or maybe it is to keep us away so they can keep it to themselves?

Way to much drama here! Be smart anywhere one goes! Jeez! I have been to Medellin often and never had any problems. Period.

Once again. To much drama here! Be smart and realize one is in another culture! Jeez!

Medellin will never become a mongers destination, the locals will make sure of that.

Aussie G.

[QUOTE=Frank Casio]Hi guy,

own there! I gave my best intentions to these lower end paisas or Colombians, but my perception of them has really changed. It was always in question, but now I don't even want to look at them, they make me sick, sorry but that's how I feel!

Frank Casio![/QUOTE]Stop Frank, chill out. Sheesh you just got robbed, no one got hurt. The frustration and slight pain will pass.

Four young chinos are a moving target, everyone can see them, so it's no surprise to me. That's why I'm solo en Medellin. Groups of tourists are targets in any country.

Chau

Guys,

Please watch your back in these strip clubs in Centro. I've never had a problem there but a buddy swears he picked up a girl there, went to a hotel and he woke up with nothing, ATM card gone and money drawn out a grand gone. You'd be suprised what information you will divulge while being Scope'd. Such as your pin number. I know we hear this type of story all the time but it seems that someone always gets taken, carries their ATM card, excessive cash and what not. Crime and poverty are on the up and up here, unfortunately, and if you read the papers there is violence sprouting up in all types of safe places. It doesn't take much to bring a city to where it was a few years earlier. When you are here watch your back!

[QUOTE=Vandaddio]Wow! After reading these reports of robberies of tourists I, m double thinking about our 4month trip in sept.

I hope the cops and politicians can get a handle on this.

This is going to be very bad for Medillin tourista business.

Or maybe it is to keep us away so they can keep it to themselves?[/QUOTE]"This is going to be very bad for Medillin tourista business."

Medellin tourista business? Nobody here really cares about that all that much. Unless you are referring to local or national tourists? Medellín is not really a tourist city for international tourists - some back packers passing through and the usual pussy marauders, but no one spending lots of money or contributing greatly to the GDP.

Cartagena and Santa Marta and to some extent Bogotá have some int tourismo but nothing to write home about. Local tourists will still travel and spend the usual unless it gets REALLY out of hand. I don't see that happening.

Getting a handle on crime and violence is in the best interest of those who want to pass the TLC and need to preserve the more positive image Colombia has garnered in the recent past. I hope this can be possible. Colombia needs all the good press possible. I hope this recent surge will be short lived, squashed soon and out of the newspapers. But as far as tourism is concerned that is irrelevant in regards to Medellín, Cali, Bogotá... Cartagena and SM are a different story.

And stick with the high end girls.

[QUOTE=Jiggafiedjosh]I am planning a trip to Medellin, Colombia and had a few questions.

Which Airline would you recommend to fly there out of JFK?

Which hotel do you recommend?

What are the Chica prices for short term and all nighters?

Is it safe to walk around at night?

Thanks for your input.[/QUOTE]Just got back from Medellin for dental work. Used my air miles. American airlines in good. They pay the departure tax. Avaianca is good also. They do not pay departure tax.

A turn-key operation is el castillo. They will pick you up at the airport. Bring you right to the casa. And they totally speak english. You will be staying with like-minded individuals. So finding a buddy to pal around with is easy.

Depending on the time you have there. You want to maximize your efforts. You cannot go wrong with the crew & staff of el castillo. Located in the heart of poblado (very safe). Walking dist to oviendo mall. Excellent food courts. With excellent scenery of non-pros.

My 2 cents. But if time is important. You don't want to waste any trying to find out things for yourself.

I think Paul is there till the end of the month. Good spanish speaker from chicago with an italian accent. Kinda funny.

Of course it sucks that Frank and his clients were robbed. It always hits home harder when it is someone we know, especially when it is someone who lives in Mde and knows his way around. This was clearly not a cae of a rookie mistake, being somewhere he does not belong at the wrong time.

OTOH, I think it might be an over reation to cancle a trip based on this. Muggings in Mde are nothing new, as they wuold not be in Rio, San Jose or many other of our favoite destinations. The reality is tat we go to these spots because they are poor areas that make our hobby cheap and available.

For me this story reinforceses two things. One is to maintain vigilance and follow the rules of third world travel. Be mellow, don't stick out, don't wear jewelery and/or flashy clothing, carry as little money as possible and hand it over quickly if confronted, especially with weapons, limit use of cameras and camcorders in public as they can be magnets for trouble, don't get drunk in public.

Second is that we all need to come to grips with the fact that there is an element of danger in what we do. If you don't want to accept that level of risk then get out of the game!

Hi All,

Was thinking of doing a trip to Medellin but wanted to get some more info. I have read most of the reports and wanted to get some more info about the place.

1 - At MM are the ladies there all the time or only in the evening.

2- MM is it located in a decent area and how safe is it walking about to casa's.

3 - As a photographer I want to get phosts of the non chica variety and how safe it would be to bring my camera.

4 - My spanish is zilch will it be a problem.

5 - Anyone have infor on flights from Toronto Canada.

If someone who has info can Private message me I would greatly appreciated.

Kozak

The problem seems to be your damned if you and damned if you don't.

You read, don't go out alone it's unsafe, followed by go alone because two guys draw a crowd and that's not safe

You read go the casas mid-day followed by the casas are busy mid-day with locals and they resent you being there

You read to not fuck the girls onsite at Fase Dos or San Diego because bad things can happen, followed by don't invite those girls to where you're staying because they'll tell their friends about your stuff

I'm no expert and anyone that's met me can attest to that, but at the end of the day, shit happens. While I feel bad that Frank no longer feels invincible, no one got hurt and I suspect the guys were relieved off cash onhand.

So why doesn't it just make sense to only carry the cash you need (leave the credit cards in a safe), don't broadcast your plans (Yeah, I mean me) in advance and try and stick within a small group that you trust? I suspect one day I'll get robbed or worse, twice there have been attempts in SJO (both times cops) and I'm quite aware that one day I may get beat from asshole to breakfast simply because it's my turn.

I don't get drunk in MDE. I don't flash cash to impress people. I'm neither loud nor arrogant and my head is on a swivel at all times. My only hope is that should I get attacked that the worse thing that happens is I become temporarily cash poor. But I'm not going to stop going to MDE because of this.

Yes, I can also read between the lines of all the fear mongering. But I wanted to post my thoughts, and I have.

[QUOTE=LuckyEddie]"This is going to be very bad for Medillin tourista business."

Medellin tourista business? Nobody here really cares about that all that much. Unless you are referring to local or national tourists? Medellín is not really a tourist city for international tourists. Some back packers passing through and the usual pussy marauders, but no one spending lots of money or contributing greatly to the GDP.

Cartagena and Santa Marta and to some extent Bogotá have some int tourismo but nothing to write home about. Local tourists will still travel and spend the usual unless it gets REALLY out of hand. I don't see that happening.

Getting a handle on crime and violence is in the best interest of those who want to pass the TLC and need to preserve the more positive image Colombia has garnered in the recent past. I hope this can be possible. Colombia needs all the good press possible. I hope this recent surge will be short lived, squashed soon and out of the newspapers. But as far as tourism is concerned that is irrelevant in regards to Medellín, Cali, Bogotá. Cartagena and SM are a different story.[/QUOTE]Good Evening Gentlemen,

Please read my previous post regarding a briefing that I received from a Operation Security Analyst within the Intelligence Community (4 months ago). What nobody has mentioned is that funding within the local government (Medellin) is decreasing (decrease in Colombian trade and revenue). Therefore, they have to cautiously watch their expenditures. This is occurring across the globe. The new mayor of Medellin is dealing with the effects of the recession. Constantly keeping police at numerous posts around Medellin is costly. Also, with the unemployment rate rising, out of desperation, many will commit small crimes to provide for their family. Also, one of the biggest drug lords in Medellin was recently extradited. Therefore, drug gangs in Medellin are fighting for majority control. These two difficulties are nothing compared to what could prospectively happen within the next few months. Uribe's Presidential term is ending. If he runs for a third term, it is likely that peace will be somewhat restored. If he decides not to run for a third term, paramilitary groups and guerrillas will most likely test the new President and his/her administration. In general, my point is that the social climate in Colombia has changed for the worst and could continue to significantly change (based on the results of the 2010 election and the global recession). Telling everyone to just use common sense is good intention, but will not prevent personal attacks. Based on naivety, many foreign travelers believe that blending in with locals will reduce being considered a target. In most cases this is true, but many Colombians can distinguish an international tourist from a Colombian citizen, regardless of the person's clothing (mostly features and height). If you travel to Medellin, here are a few tips to prevent personal attacks:

. Travel in pairs (novices: with someone who is very familiar with the city).

. Ensure that your hotel or apartment building has legitimate security.

. When traveling within the city, only carry one credit or debit card. Keep this card within an undisclosed area (inside a shoe, etc.).

. Travel with no more than 150, 000 pesos at a time. If you remove more than 150, 000 pesos from an ATM, instantly return the money to your hotel room or apartment.

. Keep all monetary funds and cards in a secure and safe place (Usually a safe). Do not keep funds and cards in the same secure place. Keep the least important cards in the safe (robbers will most likely look for funds and credit/debit cards in a safe), and the most important cards (credit, debit, and passport) in a secret compartment (you can locate luggage with secret compartments on amazon).

. When returning to your hotel or apartment, vary your path home (deter stalking robbers). This should be done daily.

. Always carry duplicate copies of your passport.

. Keep the phone numbers of all of your credit/debit card companies in your smart phone or on a notepad.

. If held at gunpoint, do not be a hero. Give the robber your funds and credit/debit cards. If you follow the guidelines listed above, you will only lose a limited amount of money. If your credit/debit card is stolen (gunpoint or unknowingly) instantly close your credit/debit card account (over the phone).

. Do not flaunt large amounts of money in the open. This type of action shows your enemy that you are an easy and wealthy target.

. When walking, travel in a populated or busy area.

My recommendations are to stay at the Medellin Mansion. It is a secure place with unlimited pleasures and staff who will properly assist you. Most importantly have fun.

[QUOTE=LuckyEddie]Guys,

Please watch your back in these strip clubs in Centro. I've never had a problem there but a buddy swears he picked up a girl there, went to a hotel and he woke up with nothing, ATM card gone and money drawn out a grand gone. You'd be suprised what information you will divulge while being Scope'd. Such as your pin number. I know we hear this type of story all the time but it seems that someone always gets taken, carries their ATM card, excessive cash and what not. Crime and poverty are on the up and up here, unfortunately, and if you read the papers there is violence sprouting up in all types of safe places. It doesn't take much to bring a city to where it was a few years earlier. When you are here watch your back![/QUOTE]Sounds like case related to devil's breath. [url]http://www.vbs.tv/watch/vbs-news/colombian-devil-s-breath-2-of-2[/url] watch this clip to find out what it is. Basically it is a drug use to control people to do things.

[QUOTE=Aussie Greg]Medellin will never become a mongers destination, the locals will make sure of that.

Aussie G.[/QUOTE]Greg is spot on about this. Though many of us here on this board have been to and may travel to Medellin on a regular basis we are a small number of people going to that city. Before Medellin would EVER get to be on the level of CR or DR the locals that "control" Medellin will make life a living hell for mongers in their city make no mistake about it.

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 2:13 pm Post subject:

CRIME IS UP IN MEDELLIN!

A gringo and his son got robbed at gunpoint right in front of Hotel Dann Carlton in broad daylight yesterday. They knocked him to the ground after a small scuffle. The guy was okay, but his son seemed very shook up.

Anther gringo was robbed up Calle 10 from Parque Lleras as well.

Two guys killed up the block from Frank Casio's "My Place" yesterday.

And. I have been advised by my paisa friends to not risk venturing up into the hillside barrios unannounced. They recommend I call ahead of time to have someone meet me at another location if I want to visit.

This is probably the first trip I have made in three years were you can feel the tension in the air. The streets may be calm but you have to be very wary about what lurks in the shadows.

I may have to cut my trip short because I am not having as much fun moving about freely like I have done in the past.

Keep alert at all times.


Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 8:53 pm Post subject:

It is open season on gringos in Medellin.

I had a talk with several locals this afternoon who all basically say the same thing, it is not just the economy and high unemployement rate that has caused the spike in robberies, but it probably has more to do with the fact that several mafia bosses were extradited to the USA leaving behind a power vacuum and many foot soldiers without direction and more importantly no source of revenue. The unofficial rule that gringos are untouchable is no longer in affect.

Also, many Colombians I have talked to have been very outspoken about the increase in gringo sex tourist invading their city. This is the first time I have had heard this topic being discussed by the locals and they do not like it.

Great advice by *******, hire yourself a driver when making the rounds around town. A driver I spoke to today told me he was in Fase II with a gringo and became very suspicious about this one particular girl who was trying to convince the gringo to take her back to his hotel room, well the driver confronted her and basically threatened her life if she was considering scop'ing him. She quickly changed her tune. This guy's threat was not to be taken lightly and she knew it.

I walked out of San Diego Show and a few guys wanted me to jump into a pirated cab, to which I told them to go Phuck off as I walked down the block to wave down a cab. I would also suggest passing up on groups of taxistas who are hanging out waiting for customers, those guys may have nothing better to do but plan criminal activities in a group. It has also been reported that there has been an increase in "paseo millenario" throughout city. So there is much to worry about. I am leaving all my valuables in my room, including my wallet and credit cards, only keeping taxi money in my front pocket and my spending cash tucked away someplace.

Spent half a day in Envigado and Sabaneta yesterday. It was quiet in Envigado but Sabaneta was jumping. Today my friends recommended I stay away from Sabenta and Envigado because those two areas have seen a drastic increase in crime largely due to the fact that there are a few gangs headquarted in those districts.

My wingman and I had dinner at Mondongos in Laureles tonight talking about the current situation and he basically admitted the same thing as I, something does not feel right about this trip. We ain't feelin' it.

All in all, be careful out there and remember, it is now open season on any and all gringos.

Keep your head down, talk softly, and keep an eye out on one another.