La Mayorista and San Diego
Continuing my update from time in Medellin last week. Both trips below were ones I initially thought were going to be disappointing but ended well so my advice to other newbies would be to stick around for a couple of beers rather than letting first impressions dictate your actions.
Went to Mayorista on Friday evening around 9. 30. Followed the advice to jump in a cab to get there (again for other newbies whose Spanish is bad / learned in Spain it is pronounced as if it is Majorista). Pretty crowded and plenty of girls (and local punters) but very few attractive ones in my opinion having wandered up and down the strip twice. Felt safe in that area but would not want to go walking too far from the strip (and does not seem any need to do that. Plenty of taxis lined up for when you want to head back). Sat down and had a couple of beers (cheap) and people watched to see if anything better would come along. Fine on your own but would be much more fun location if you went with 1 or 2 others. More likely to take your time. Spotted one negra that I liked and she was laughing around with some of the girls and having a good time. Got her over for a drink. Patricia, mid 20s, about 5'6, nice face and bod (undressed tits were not great but ok).
She seemed fun and wiling to tolerate my attempts to speak in Spanish so negotiated 100k for 2 hours (maybe too much but did not see much else I liked) and she suggested hotel just around the corner which was nicer than those on the strip. Bit nervous about that but it was just 20 metres around the corner and was decent. Hotel was 28k for 3 hours and booze, soft drinks and condoms were another 20k. We bought a lot of booze so this seemed very cheap. She was good fun in the room (CBJ which she said would be ok without next time. Did not get chance to check). Extended by an hour and would have repeated if she had not sounded so sick on the phone next day. Did not want to get ill.
On Saturday night (around 11pm) went to San Diego Grill. Entry was 45k including 4 drinks (not sure if new prices, Sat night prices or gullible tourist price). I was initially shocked by this but given London lap dancing clubs are equivalent to about 55k entry and another 55k for 4 beers at a minimum I got a sense of perspective and coughed up the money and went in. Initially very disappointed as although about 25 girls (similar number of customers) I thought the quality was poor. Again this would have been a better experience with a group having a nice evening togather and watching the (average) dances on stage until you decided to take aim. Having paid for 4 beers stuck around and guess there were 2 or 3 nice ones including one near me (think called Viviana). Very pretty face, long dark hair and enhanced front and back but otherwise slim (only annoying thing was chewing gum. Why do so many of them do that). She seemed like an archetypal local girl so I was keen to experience. She told me it was 150k in one of the on site rooms but that it would be "muy rico" and I believed her from way she talked and acted. As we walked to the room I saw the enhanced butt properly for the first time and whilst it is not what I would be into at all normally I was pleased to experince it at least once (would have been embarrassed taking this girl out to a nice restaurant, pretty as she was due to the unneccesary and over the top additions. But guess there is a market for it). Very good experience in the room with her. Worried she might have been clinical but it was passionate, fun and proficient. Would recommend. Did not feel rushed and was low on cash for taxi back so did not tip but did not get feeling there was expectation of one at this higher price point.
Sunday night went back to Mayorista and this was a bust. Sat down at a bar next to the Monterey hotel in the middle of the strip (not as busy as Friday but still a few around as there had been a local football game. BTW if I come back would be keen to see a game live if the passion of people just travelling to and from the games is anything to go by. I have followed my team in England all over Europe to games but this looked something else). Not much on offer that I was interested in apart from the sexy barmaid. She asked if she could join me for a drink and I said yes. After a couple of shots of aguardiente for her asked her if she wanted to go to a room but she said she had to wait until midnight when the bar closed. Should have been a red flag. Long story short, bought a few more drinks and some cigarettes for her but at 11. 45 when bar did close she said she had to go home with a friend. Felt a bit conned but total cost of drinks for both of us was only 33k so a cheap way to learn a lesson. The money did not matter but on Sunday the strip closed down at midnight so I did not have the opportunity to find an alternative and did not want to be stuck there when it was getting quiet so took taxi back to hotel feeling a little foolish but relieved that it had not been worse and also that's the only bad experience I have had to date.
Last day went to Energy and OM Spa. Will write those up later today or tomorrow when I get a chance.
March Trip Report: Cheat Sheet
Special thanks go to the entire board and all its members. I found posts created by Ricker, WiltTheStilt, Matt Psyche, MiamiHeatLuver, Manizales911, John Gault, Mr. Gogo, Aussie Greg, Ezyngo, Frank Casio, World Travel 69, Hioctane, Cubanut and the rest of the contributing board very helpful.
This trip report comes from a 2nd time traveler to Medellin, Colombia. I will proceed to give detailed and valid information on my entire trip in hopes to assist other 'first timers / newbie's' with their decision to Medellin, Colombia.
A 2nd trip to paradise, Medellin, Colombia. The weather felt good as I exited the taxi and landed at Casa Blanca 1. I was greeted with smiles from the staff, as check-in was relatively effortless. My accommodations were cozy and the room had everything expected. I unpacked my belongings, and went off to the Oviedo Mall for supplies.
March Exchange rate (1. 00usd to 1, 810 pesos)
Where to exchange money:
1. Holiday Inn Hotel ATM – The hotel has a private ATM withdrawal area located to the left lobby area of the Burger King and directly before the entry way into the hotel's front desk. The atm area permits you to 'close and lock' the door for secured privacy. Total amount allowed to withdraw is 400, 000 pesos (200+USD). (Located on the main traffic avenue. 1 block in front of CB1) (Great for nighttime use 24hrs)
2. Citi Bank ATM – Located across the street and ½ block right from the Holiday Inn Hotel (approx 4 min walk from CB1)
• Permits up to 1, 000, 000 pesos per transaction or roughly $500. 00+ USD.
• Great use for large withdrawals, but after the fee's it comes out to roughly 1, 650-1, 700 pesos per dollar.
3. Cambio Exchange- Several cash money exchange places are located in the Oviedo Mall. I exchanged money at the far left outside portion of the mall area for $1 USD to 1, 810 pesos (March rates). Make sure to bring a copy of your passport, because some exchange places now require a photo I'd and additionally the teller may ask to scan a fingerprint. This is due to the increasing risk of fake bills being passed. Not all require, but some may. Good time to go is after 11AM.
Overall, I would recommend bringing a mixture of cash and credit. I would use more cash as the exchange rate currently through the ATMs can truly diminish your purchasing power over a week's vacation. During my last trip a few months ago the exchange rate was $1USD to 1, 850 pesos. I noticed the dollar weakening to the peso, while prices remained consistent or in some cases rose higher.
In addition, I also heard from others that Charles Schwab, Federal Credit Unions, and Navy Credit Unions are good options to avoid additional foreign bank fees. Big reminder, always contact your bank when traveling abroad. This is to avoid your bank believing your card has been stolen when it doesn't recognize your destination in another country. (Bring extra cash with you be / see "shit happens)". Dollars are King.
Pharmacy:
1. Located directly across the main avenue (down hill) , when leaving CB1. To the left of Office Depot and the Juan Valdez Coffee shop. I believe they're open until 8-9pm.
2. Located directly next to the outside Cambio Exchange places at the Oviedo Mall.
Both of these pharmacies are convenient to guests staying at CB1 and 2.
*Cialis works like a champion. The average cost during my trip was 31k or $17 bucks for 20MG (1) pill. Take the pill about 20-30 minutes prior and your good to go.
* I had terrible results with Sildenafil 'NP' 50 MG. It's the generic form of Viagra and packed with 2 pills. The cost is 5, 400 pesos or 3 bucks. (Leave these alone, as they're sugar pills in my opinion).
*I had better luck with Sildenafil 'MK' 50 MG on a previous trip, cost is 5, 700. (2 pills included, with better results). I didn't discover the pharmacies provided different 'Sildenafil's' until my last day. I thought all were the same, until a closer look at the labels.
Where to purchase a phone to keep in contact with chicas:
1. I prefer 'Tigo' located on the 2nd floor above the food court in the Oviedo Mall. Ask any security guard for exact directions. I bought a normal $20. 00usd mobile and it came with minutes as well. The associates are pleasant and patient. They even use the computer to translate Spanish to English to make sure everything is understood. Again bring a copy of your passport. To dial the USA from Colombia the code is 004141, then the area code and USA.
Supplies and Groceries:
1. Located on the basement floor on the Oviedo Mall. It's a Walgreens size area where mostly everything can be found. From Mixers, plastic cups, red bull, chips, bottled water, soaps etc.
You're better off purchasing your liquor from the duty free shop in the USA, not in Colombia. Favorites I saw with the chicas are: Jose Cuervo, Absolute, and Bailey's. Normally I buy one bottle for the chica's to share, and one bottled for me.
Taxis:
I had no problem with daytime or nighttime travel throughout the entire city. All taxis drivers were nice and pleasant. However, I do recommend using a 'hired taxi' if this is your first trip to Medellin, Colombia.
Casa Blanca has a person by the name of Fernando who is great. His rates are a bit pricey, but he knows the city, the chicas, and the establishments. He's a great tour guide for nighttime activities and possesses a nice 4x4 reliable vehicle, which can hold a 7-8 people. My suggestions: get 3-5 guys together, hire Fernando through the front desk, and spilt the cost for 3-4 hours of entertainment. The service is well worth it and you won't regret your 1st night in Medellin.
Yellow Taxi's start at 2, 400 pesos. An average trip to central casas / discos / San Diego / Mayo will run 7k. 10k ($4-7 dollars each way) from CB1 area.
Airport Transportation:
Taxi: Casa Blanca can arrange this service at a fee of around $40. 00 USD each way, paid to the taxi driver. The hired airport taxis are very comfortable. It takes roughly 40-45 minutes to arrive in Medellin. If it's a clear afternoon, you'll be amazed by the view arriving into the city. If you're traveling at night, you'll probably be scared shitless, if this is your first trip and believe the American media. LOL. No worries though. The Casa Blanca location is very safe and secure, as you will be located in the wealthiest areas of Medellin. Just utilize common sense and leave the gold jewelry, watches, and earrings at home.
Street Taxi: Check the "current rates" in the taxi windshield. It's located on the left passenger side. It's 55k standard one way to the airport. You can negotiate anything. I took the taxi for 50k.
Airport Buses: 'Combuses' are white buses located outside of the arrivals, at the airport. Just ask any agent. They're small 20 person buses. They will take you from the airport to Central Medellin and drop you off at the backside of the Hotel Nutibara, which is in close proximity to the famous Parque Botero.
The buses run from 6:00AM-10:00PM. The cost is 7, 500 pesos ($4 bucks). The transit time is about 60-80 minutes as it takes you through North Medellin. I would not use this service when landing at night. Central Medellin can be a rough area, and a foreigner carrying bags is an easy mark. This option is recommended during the day, without hesitation, for the adventurer. The buses don't run on a timely basis. You must wait until the bus is 85%+ full, and then it will leave. The buses are comfortable and the people riding from the airport were nice and pleasant. No issues and a great savings if taken advantage of. Not recommended if you're in a rush.
2 photos
Cialis, silicone butts, and Exchange rate also what did you do and with whom?
Cialis, That is a ridiculous price to pay. The generic is much much cheaper. Try to get Kamagra, liquid Viagra 7 packets in a box. Instant hard on.
Many girls actually have liquid silicone injected in their butts, especially from Cali. It is illegal in most countries and can cause serious side effects, but it makes for a spectacular butt which is soft. Please see attached front and back photos.
If you get a gold account at CitiBank, in the atm you receive the interbank exchange rate and no atm fees. Please check your exchange rate. I do not think it was near 1. 81. Probably closer to 1. 75-1. 77.
With respect to cell phones if you have yours unlocked you can buy a local chip wherever you travel both Movistar and Comcel are good.
Nice tourist info, but who and what did you do? As in where is the mongering nitty gritty?
Mel