Printable View
[QUOTE=Turgid;2198725]What fruit did they allow you? Once I was bringing in some bananas and apples. US customs took the bananas and allowed the apples.[/QUOTE]You were lucky because the fine in the USA for trying to bring in fruit is $500 for each piece.
[QUOTE=Turgid;2198725]What fruit did they allow you? Once I was bringing in some bananas and apples. US customs took the bananas and allowed the apples.[/QUOTE]The Donald did not sign a [I]banana ban[/I] yet, maybe.
When I fly back to my country in Europe from Batam Indonesia (via Singapore), Malaysia, Colombia, I am used to go to the market on my last day to buy what I cannot find at home. Some weeks ago, from Medellin to Europe I brought back 2 papayas, mangos, pitahaya, tomates de arbol. Depending on seasonal availability, I am used to bring from Batam mangoes, manggis (a.k.a. mangosteen), rambutan. Some years ago even a durian in a backpack from Batam to Europe via Singapore, Changi, and CDG (if you don't know what a durian is, you will not undersand why I specify I did that).
[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2198756]You were lucky because the fine in the USA for trying to bring in fruit is $500 for each piece.[/QUOTE]I thought Singapore was even stricter, but I never had problems there.
I leave Batam from Harbour Bay, I cross Indonesia emigration with X-ray luggage check, then 45 minutes ferry, then immigration at Singapore Harbour Front, again X-rays, then 1 hour MRT train to Changi, check-in of all luggage to my final destination.
At Indonesia and Singapore borders they check luggage with X-rays because they search for alcohol and tobacco. They ignore the rest.
By the way, the time I carried a durian I risked. The fine to bring a durian in the MRT is about 1000 SGD.
There has been an exception, several years ago, on my return to my town from Accra (via CDG). The customs officers stopped me and requested to check my luggage. Imagine the curiosity when they found the fruits. They started to examine all them, but looking for possible drugs concealed. The highest-grade officer ordered others to cut one of my mangoes and also screened my papaya with X-rays. I remember the papaya slowly moving on the belt towards its destiny...
No problems. I am not a drug smuggler. Finally the told me bye and good appetite.
(Why some JPG files are rendered with preview thumbnails, but others like mine below NOT??)
Is Medellin recommended for non-Spanish speaking guy travelling solo? I expect everyone will try to rip you off if you don't speak native language from cab driver to girls but I know how to say no. Would I have problem getting around town with English / google translator and connecting with girls outside the casas? What about prepagos / incall girls from internet, only text in Spanish?
Of course I did RTFF the thread about casas, fb girls, mansion and know a lot already thanks to you guys. I did prepare some short phrases in Spanish but obviously not enough to have a conversation. I have experience from the other side of the world (Europe, Dubai, Morocco etc). Similarly most Moroccan girls speak no English but good thing was I felt pretty safe to use my "flashy"smart phone there as translator without worrying it may get snatched and getting around alone evening time or night was safe.
So I wonder if I could do same thing in Medellin solo.
You will be fine. Just be prepared to pay gorngo prices
[QUOTE=Jayson01;2198978]Is Medellin recommended for non-Spanish speaking guy travelling solo? I expect everyone will try to rip you off if you don't speak native language from cab driver to girls but I know how to say no. Would I have problem getting around town with English / google translator and connecting with girls outside the casas? What about prepagos / incall girls from internet, only text in Spanish?
Of course I did RTFF the thread about casas, fb girls, mansion and know a lot already thanks to you guys. I did prepare some short phrases in Spanish but obviously not enough to have a conversation. I have experience from the other side of the world (Europe, Dubai, Morocco etc). Similarly most Moroccan girls speak no English but good thing was I felt pretty safe to use my "flashy"smart phone there as translator without worrying it may get snatched and getting around alone evening time or night was safe.
So I wonder if I could do same thing in Medellin solo.[/QUOTE].
[QUOTE=Jayson01;2198978]Is Medellin recommended for non-Spanish speaking guy travelling solo? I expect everyone will try to rip you off if you don't speak native language from cab driver to girls but I know how to say no. Would I have problem getting around town with English / google translator and connecting with girls outside the casas? What about prepagos / incall girls from internet, only text in Spanish?
So I wonder if I could do same thing in Medellin solo.[/QUOTE]Went there for three nights and didn't encounter any of the problems you mentioned. The general population are actually pretty nice people in regards to tourists. This is not a Mexican border town, you know. I knew very little Spanish, but got around well enough and got laid with little hassle. Never even thought of using Google translator, (though I did benefit from hooking up with a Canadian backpacker chick who spoke Spanish the first day). If anything, its too easy though I didn't deal with any women outside the casas which are abundant and cheap. I guess you would have more problems with the language barrier trying to hook up with a prepago who didn't speak English. Its one reason I am learning to speak Spanish now, before I head onto Bogota, which is a huge city with more challenges. But, if you are a "good traveler", it would be the same as if you were in a part of Thailand or the Dominican Republic where few people spoke English. Some of us are good at traveling to offbeat destinations. Are you?
[QUOTE=Dcfan77;2199091]You will be fine. Just be prepared to pay gorngo prices.[/QUOTE]I don't have any issues in Medellin. My Spanish is awful. I use google translate without issue. Yes, I may pay a little more, but no other issues. I typically set girls up prior to my trip. Usually Colombian cupid, but this trip facebook as well. I will be back in Medellin next week.
Go and have fun.
I'm half way through my trip and I am hesitatingly writing a bit of a report. I hesitate because I doubt most of the membership here will relate and I'm probably leaving myself open to unwanted criticism. My motivations and goals in visiting Medellin are seemingly different. But not entirely. Different, not better or worse.
Let me briefly explain. My priority when I vacation is to sightsee, have adventure and get to know the culture. Women are not the priority, but I like to indulge. I also like an emotional connection, not just a wam bang thank you ma'am. I would never go to a house or the Mansion or anything like that. To each his own, and that's just not me. I think these things set me apart from most others here, though perhaps some of you can relate.
The original plan was to stay a week. I extended that to 2 more weeks. I'm here 8 days now. The first 5 days were spent at an Airbnb in Poblado, Soul Lifestyle Apartments. I don't recommend it. The apartment wasn't totally up to snuff and the host, or should I say super host, was less than accommodating. The building itself is nice and management there is very helpful. It's basically an 80 apartment building geared to being a hotel with a few independent owners, like the one I had. I'm not here to write an apartment review but I'll be happy to answer any questions. I also wrote a review on the Airbnb site.
I moved to Hotel Inntu in Laureles. It is what I consider a 4 star hotel and I got a junior suite for a little more than I was paying at Soul. It's a wonderful place in the heart of Laureles. The only drawback is that there's a hefty fee for bring in guests.
Back to Poblado. If I never set foot in that part of town, it will be too soon, haha. When I travel, I don't want to see hordes of Americans and fast food restaurants and, in general, American culture. Parque Lleras was a disaster. It was teeming with drunken Americans, restaurants that served hamburgers and pizza and blasted ear-deafening reggaton music. I lasted 10 minutes and practically ran away. Laurales is a nice change of pace so far.
Women are always on my mind like everyone here. I have never come across such gorgeous young women that are readily available. I found more than what I was looking for on Seeking Arrangements. While the site is available anywhere in the world, motivations in Colombia seem different than in America for the women. There's only a minority of what I would term strictly prostitutes. Most are college students, 18-26, looking for tuition money, or so they say. I think many try to rationalize not being a prostitute by wanting an emotional connection. And I guess there is a difference. I found 3 regulars all of whom are incredible. I have a good time with them as well as great sex. In my opinion, the prices are extremely reasonable. Dinner and up to 400.000 COP for multiple hours or the night.
There are also women on there that treat the site like [URL]match.com[/URL] and are looking for a serious relationship. I fell for one of those, stupid me. She came from Cali at her own expense to meet me. Never asked for a dime, though I insisted on giving her money for the trip. A 20 something year old law student.
And that's where I'm at. I'm still getting to know the city, but I love it so far and may retire here. The people are incredibly friendly and prices are reasonable. And you can't beat the weather.
If there's any interest, I'll do a part 2 when the trip ends.
[QUOTE=Jooks;2199107]
Back to Poblado. If I never set foot in that part of town, it will be too soon, haha. When I travel, I don't want to see hordes of Americans and fast food restaurants and, in general, American culture. Parque Lleras was a disaster. It was teeming with drunken Americans, restaurants that served hamburgers and pizza and blasted ear-deafening reggaton music. I lasted 10 minutes and practically ran away. Laurales is a nice change of pace so far.
And that's where I'm at. I'm still getting to know the city, but I love it so far and may retire here. The people are incredibly friendly and prices are reasonable. And you can't beat the weather.
If there's any interest, I'll do a part 2 when the trip ends.[/QUOTE]Cool and honest report!
Thanks!
Not a big fan of el Poblado or Parque Lleras myself.
Enjoy!
[QUOTE=Jooks;2199107]I have a good time with them as well as great sex. In my opinion, the prices are extremely reasonable. Dinner and up to 400.000 COP for multiple hours or the night.[/QUOTE]400K only seems reasonable because you are a rich foreigner. If you can imagine the amount being reasonable to an average local then it is reasonable. But trust, unless it is some big time drug dealers ain't no Colombians considering 400K as being reasonable for some pussy. In 100 countries I have never needed pussy so bad as to pay 400K for it. I do not consider that remotely reasonable, especially for Colombia. And feeding a bih in addition to that? Or are you saying that she made dinner for you included in the 400K?
To put things into perspective, my girlfriend works a normal job at an energy company in Bogota and makes 800K/MONTH. So imagine being back home and giving someone 1 month's salary for 2 nights of being with you. Would you consider that reasonable?
Great report! I would advise you to lower your gift amount though to not encourage these chicas. I am very selective myself. Out of 100 chicas I wrote, I only met up with 15 and slept with 3. I usually offer 150-200 k if we end up in intimacy and 300 k if it's all day and night.
[QUOTE=Jooks;2199107]I'm half way through my trip and I am hesitatingly writing a bit of a report. I hesitate because I doubt most of the membership here will relate and I'm probably leaving myself open to unwanted criticism. My motivations and goals in visiting Medellin are seemingly different. But not entirely. Different, not better or worse.
Let me briefly explain. My priority when I vacation is to sightsee, have adventure and get to know the culture. Women are not the priority, but I like to indulge. I also like an emotional connection, not just a wam bang thank you ma'am. I would never go to a house or the Mansion or anything like that. To each his own, and that's just not me. I think these things set me apart from most others here, though perhaps some of you can relate.
The original plan was to stay a week. I extended that to 2 more weeks. I'm here 8 days now. The first 5 days were spent at an Airbnb in Poblado, Soul Lifestyle Apartments. I don't recommend it. The apartment wasn't totally up to snuff and the host, or should I say super host, was less than accommodating. The building itself is nice and management there is very helpful. It's basically an 80 apartment building geared to being a hotel with a few independent owners, like the one I had. I'm not here to write an apartment review but I'll be happy to answer any questions. I also wrote a review on the Airbnb site..[/QUOTE]Nice report. A lot of people in California where I live talk about how annoying Cabo San Lucas is in Mexico because it's so "Americanized". Too many places set up just like the resorts & restaurants in the US, and too many Americans there speaking English.
Honestly, I couldn't care less what you think.
[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2199113]400K only seems reasonable because you are a rich foreigner. If you can imagine the amount being reasonable to an average local then it is reasonable. But trust, unless it is some big time drug dealers ain't no Colombians considering 400K as being reasonable for some pussy. In 100 countries I have never needed pussy so bad as to pay 400K for it. I do not consider that remotely reasonable, especially for Colombia. And feeding a bih in addition to that? Or are you saying that she made dinner for you included in the 400K?
To put things into perspective, my girlfriend works a normal job at an energy company in Bogota and makes 800K/MONTH. So imagine being back home and giving someone 1 month's salary for 2 nights of being with you. Would you consider that reasonable?[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Jooks;2199138]Honestly, I couldn't care less what you think.[/QUOTE]Go on ignoring the reality around you, and you will have a long way of fun ahead.
400 k in Medellin is out of the market. In short, not only you overpaid (you may not care of wasting money, as you have plenty), but also most likely your experience was below the standard, as girls who overcharge a foreigner do not feel [I]sympathy[/I] but [I]greediness[/I].
I've been a long time member. I don't contribute much because I don't agree with the mainstream philosophy and self-rigtheousness often found. Many members are intolerant that other members think differently. I am not a professional monger nor do I want to be. There is no judgment intended in that remark. To each his own. I started my post with stating that I was posting hesitatingly. I knew there would be criticism. In the future, I'll just lurk. This is my last negative remark, it's not worth it. I am enjoying myself and spending my kajillions of dollars (I wish!) and the rest of the world be damned, haha.
[QUOTE=BlackPage;2199139]Go on ignoring the reality around you, and you will have a long way of fun ahead.
400 k in Medellin is out of the market. In short, not only you overpaid (you may not care of wasting money, as you have plenty), but also most likely your experience was below the standard, as girls who overcharge a foreigner do not feel [I]sympathy[/I] but [I]greediness[/I].[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Jooks;2199107]I'm half way through my trip and I am hesitatingly writing a bit of a report. I hesitate because I doubt most of the membership here will relate and I'm probably leaving myself open to unwanted criticism. My motivations and goals in visiting Medellin are seemingly different. But not entirely. Different, not better or worse.
If there's any interest, I'll do a part 2 when the trip ends.[/QUOTE]Nice report, thanks man! Part 2 please.