Thank you to the board.
I arrived in Medellin and the weather was perfect. After "Arrivals" I moved through a crowd of taxi signs and family members. I made my way to the second floor of the airport. The exchanged rate was 1750 to the dollar. After exchanging, I went back to the first floor and added minutes to my Colombian mobile and grabbed an empanada.
Tired as an Eskimo in India, I boarded the local mini bus for 7, 500 pesos ($4+) , and 60+ minutes later I'm located in El Central by the Nutibara Hotel and Plaza Botero. If you're a 1st timer, stay at the Mansion. Colombia is the Major Leagues. If you don't know at least intermediate Spanish. You're kind of fucked. Unless you stay at the Mansion, hang with the students (150k negotiable) , and have Fernando (30k hr) take you on disco trips (He's awesome). Listen to me, open up your bank account and leave safely with a smile. (I did before and will again).
I decided to stay in El Central on this particular visit. One, it's conveniently located near all the casas. Secondly, I wanted to mixed it up and try something different. Lastly, I could benefit on savings with taxis (or I thought). A lot of posters state "El Central" as a dangerous location, which I can attest is true at night. However, during the day and afternoon, I felt fine and had no problems. As other posters have written, please use common sense and respect. Medellin is a more reserved and conservative environment. Certain things are left behind closed doors, unlike parts of Asia or the Caribbean.
My thoughts: I checked into Gran Hotel located within a 2 – 6 block radius from all the casas, even the famed 'New Life. ' The Gran Hotel is very large and contains 16 floors. The personnel were very professional, kind, and a few front desk people even spoke English. They charged $60usd per night, which included a hot breakfast, mini bar, solid wifi, and was also chica friendly. If you enjoy casa runs, this hotel is a fantastic alternative. The location is close to Exito super market, several bank atms, pharmacies, and local restaurants. However, there are plenty of cheaper accommodation's located in El Central as well. Gran Hotel is dated. The place has charm though and I felt secure the entire time. Ask for a balcony room with a view of the mountains.
I dropped my luggage and I'm off to New Life. Damn, I'm excited like a Panda Bear in Rome. At 6pm, there were about 12 chicas. Still really good quality. However, I wasn't impressed with the lineup. But wait, I do see a light skinned sexy chica from my last trip. She has 'natural' small C's, slim waist, jet black hair, and the biggest fake ass at New Life. Can you name her. I bet you can. OOOO She remembers me. Okay, let's do it. 38k for the ½.52k for the 1hr. (Where can you beat these prices?) The session can't compare to the last, but it was solid.
Off to the Gran Casino near the Oviedo Mall and McDonalds. Exchange 100usd and tried my luck at roulette. There were three older Colombian ladies gambling hard. Talk about gamblers. I played steady and low. One of the lady's hits large, then all the other people begin placing bets. I'm ordering ron and coke. Playing slow and watching the scene. The 2nd woman starts playing Black Jack and Roulette at the same time, moving back and forth between the tables. After the 3rd. 4th, and 5th watered downed drink; I start hitting black, black, and black. After 1hr, I won 250k. This is 'Chica Money. ' Thank you.
Time for Hooter's in Parque Lleras. It's early in the week and the restaurant was a bit slow. The women are beautiful, amazing, and do a group dance every 25+ mins. The prices are American. Total cost 60k. Damn, where is my empanada.
After the flight, bus, New Life, Casino, and Hooters. I planned for the Mayo. But I crashed and fell asleep.
Part 2: Central casa, Energy, Mall, Mayo, Disco Strip clubs in el central, San Diego Strip Club, and back to the Casino.
