Medellin Reports

[Knowledge]

No harm, no foul in Shanghai. The touts there are world class. Many an experienced monger has found himself in sideways situations with street vendors, touts, bars / clip joints, etc.

JJBee said, "Don't pull out your expensive anything in public. ".

Expensive is a relative term. The rule my father taught me is too never carry anything that you cannot afford to lose. Many people in South America have smartphones and I have been carrying smartphones for years now. I use the Nexus. Maybe the Iphone is perceived as being more valuable. I never wear a watch or jewelry.

I never had a problem in South America. I did get in over my head in Shanghai once and it cost me $300. I do admit to being a lower profile guy than most of the guys I have met from the Board.

[Combo]

I am heading to Medellin, Colombia and I have no knowledge what so ever of the Spanish language so I better download my app of google translator. (scene) I see this girl in Bar Fahrenheit I want to talk to, man I better bring out my Iphone and type in the translator "you are beautiful can I buy you a drink?" then tap the girl on the shoulder and hand her the Iphone so she can read the message. It is almost like I have to act like I am a deaf mute because I do not understand a word she says back to me, so I have to point to the translator so she can enter her response.

Wow this sure is a good time when my communication has to be through a cell phone app. Next thing I know I am leaving the bar and get robbed as someone saw me bring out my Iphone which obviously made me a mark to the thieves.

You're talking non-pros? A short-time visitor isn't going to have much luck with non-pros regardless of language ability (unless he's George Clooney good-looking). A short-term visitor is going to be heading to the Casas, the Mansion, Fase 2, etc where he'll get by just fine with little / no Spanish. Would being conversant in Spanish improve his experience? Of course, but not likely worth the time and energy involved in getting there.

[Rodeo9112]

Furthermore, most putas can't spell well enough in Spanish for the average translator to figure out what the hell they are saying. What's the translator going to do with 'lo ciento,' for example?

I certainly found this to be true, though the translators usually do enough good to give you the gist.

I've found that those first few basic sentences can give you an idea of whether she's interested or not (I mean if she's interested enough to help muddle through broken conversation, she might be interested enough in making the deal happen and in making you happy:

-Hola, como estas?

-Bien y tu?

-Muy bien gracias.

-Como te llamaS? Or Cual es tu nombre?

-Me llamo xxx.

-Ahhh (insert her name), bonito nombre para una mujer hermosa!

-Gracias!

-De nada. De donde eres?

-Soy de Bogota.

-Ahh Bogota.

-Soy de (insert where you're from).

-She'll say some Spanish gibberish, then you say.

-Mira, mira tranquilo por favor. Despacio. Mi espanol no es bueno. Hablas ingles?

-Aye no Papi, I no ingles.

-Claro, no problema. Soy su maestro de ingles y tu eres mi maestra de amor. Entiendes?

-Claro mi amor. Que te gusta?

-Tu!

-Jajajaja! Donde es su hotel?

Bingo you're in! Figure it out from there. I remember that shit after 6 years of not speaking Spanish! It may be a little off, but the point is (and what I did on my first trip) was to script out (in translated form) what I might need to say in that initial conversation. I didn't need it, but going over a core set of phrases for different situations makes a big difference in your confidence. And if there's one thing women love, it's a confident man. If you no what to say, you can focus on your non verbals and other cues that will help you close the deal. Now, if you know nothing but the word, Cuanto, and your numbers, you can get a girl, but the quality of the experience might not be as great as it could have been. All girls want to be woo'd, even if you're going to be paying them. But if you can make them feel like regular girls and make the transaction (negocios) an afterthought, you might be surprised at the impact your efforts have on your final price. Negocios versus amigos!

[Big Boss Man]

JJBee said, "Don't pull out your expensive anything in public. ".

Expensive is a relative term. The rule my father taught me is too never carry anything that you cannot afford to lose. Many people in South America have smartphones and I have been carrying smartphones for years now. I use the Nexus. Maybe the Iphone is perceived as being more valuable. I never wear a watch or jewelry.

I never had a problem in South America. I did get in over my head in Shanghai once and it cost me $300. I do admit to being a lower profile guy than most of the guys I have met from the Board.

[Old Parr]

The point I have been trying to make is if you are going to a visit a country that you cannot communicate at all in, learn some basic communication before you go. Learn about the culture, learn the basics of the language so you can at least verbally communicate with the people, or find a country to go to that allows you to communicate in your language and be understood. What fun is it if you have to totally rely on a translation app to communicate with the people? There are enough language apps, classes, books, videos, tapes out there that can provide you an opportunity to learn how to say good morning, good afternoon, good night and simple phrases to help you make it through your day. Believe me, your efforts to communicate will be appreciated. A language app is only to be used when you need for instance to find a word or learn the meaning of one. It is not intended to be used as a tool to be used for your laziness in not taking the time to learn basic words and phrases. Also as Dickhead pointed out, a translator can also fuck you up by providing you meanings of words that are incorrect, and it does not translate "slang" which is always used in a conversation especially here in Colombia.

If you do not want to learn simple words or phrases so you can communicate with the people in the country you are visiting then keep your ass at home, or find a place to visit that you can communicate in. Your other option is to find a community that caters to your language and hangout there.

[JjBee62]

I am heading to Medellin, Colombia and I have no knowledge what so ever of the Spanish language so I better download my app of google translator. (scene) I see this girl in Bar Fahrenheit I want to talk to, man I better bring out my Iphone and type in the translator "you are beautiful can I buy you a drink?" then tap the girl on the shoulder and hand her the Iphone so she can read the message. It is almost like I have to act like I am a deaf mute because I do not understand a word she says back to me, so I have to point to the translator so she can enter her response.

Wow this sure is a good time when my communication has to be through a cell phone app. Next thing I know I am leaving the bar and get robbed as someone saw me bring out my Iphone which obviously made me a mark to the thieves.

That's one way to do it. Are you going to feel sorry for the guy who didn't bother to do enough research to know:

A. Your iPhone probably won't work. Buy a cheap phone and get a sim card after you land.

Be. Don't pull out your expensive anything in public.

See. How to say "Eres muy hermosa. Puedo comprar una bebida para ti?" along with a couple of more phrases appropriate for the situations they are likely to find themselves in.

I know enough Spanish to stumble through a simple conversation and to read a menu. Google Translate is there to fill in the gaps back in the room. It's also handy when pronunciation gets in the way of comprehension. For instance, when my Colombian friend was showing some pictures of her friends, I couldn't understand that "cha bee air" was Xavier, because I pronounce it either "zā vee your" or "ha vee air. " All she had to type was "Xav" and I understood.

If you're interested in communicating, you'll find a way. If not, maybe losing your iPhone and wallet will convince you to stay home.

[Dickhead]

It's certainly true that I don't use a translator. I'll give two humorous examples of the dangers of translation programs. #1, a gringo wanted to give his favorita a 'promise ring.' While this is innately stupid, the situation was greatly exacerbated by the fact that the word for 'promise' and 'get engaged' are the same. So, he thought he was giving her a promise ring but she was certain she had received an engagement ring. Ha ha. #2, an escort posted an ad stating that she was looking for 'ready horsemen.' Hmmm.

Well, 'listo' when used with the verb 'estar' means 'ready.' But 'listo' when used with the verb 'ser' means 'smart' or 'clever.' Then the word for 'gentlemen' translates as 'caballero,' which literally means 'horseman' since in medieval Spain, only the landed gentry could own and ride horses. So, she was looking for smart gentlemen, which is a bit different than ready horsemen.

Furthermore, most putas can't spell well enough in Spanish for the average translator to figure out what the hell they are saying. What's the translator going to do with 'lo ciento,' for example?

[Old Parr]

I am heading to Medellin, Colombia and I have no knowledge what so ever of the Spanish language so I better download my app of google translator. (scene) I see this girl in Bar Fahrenheit I want to talk to, man I better bring out my Iphone and type in the translator "you are beautiful can I buy you a drink?" then tap the girl on the shoulder and hand her the Iphone so she can read the message. It is almost like I have to act like I am a deaf mute because I do not understand a word she says back to me, so I have to point to the translator so she can enter her response.

Wow this sure is a good time when my communication has to be through a cell phone app. Next thing I know I am leaving the bar and get robbed as someone saw me bring out my Iphone which obviously made me a mark to the thieves.

[Combo]

It really blows my mind when people are too chicken shit to go to a country where they can't speak the language. I've been to 49 countries and I sure as hell don't speak 49 languages. I've gotten by. He could show up with a phrase book plus some of the sex slang from this forum and have a good time. That's if he has any balls.

You make a very good point. I speak Spanish and English, but my hobbying has extended way beyond destinations with those two languages. I've had an incredible time in some locales where I could hardly communicate at all.

I do think it's beneficial to learn a few key words and phrases (basic numbers for sure). But for the guy that travels a couple weeks a year, anything beyond that is likely not worth the time spent learning.

OTOH I know some fellow hobbyists who spend months at a time in Colombia, DR, etc, and speak next to no Spanish. IMO that's a bit embarrassing.

[LapPad]

Thanks Esteban. We ended up booking apartment today.

If you are resourceful and can wing it in a Latin American country, you can do an apartment. No one speaks English in Medellin. Otherwise, you might try the Mansion for a few days. The real value the Mansion provides is helping you get oriented, introducing you to some girls and casa tours.

[Old Parr]

It really blows my mind when people are too chicken shit to go to a country where they can't speak the language. I've been to 49 countries and I sure as hell don't speak 49 languages. I've gotten by. He could show up with a phrase book plus some of the sex slang from this forum and have a good time. That's if he has any balls.

What are you speaking about as it is obvious you do not speak 49 languages, but you can communicate in most of the countries you have been to I can assure you that with you Spanish and English skills, as well as the other languages that you have some knowledge of. You most certainly are not clueless like so many on the ISG, and as much as you have traveled you have learned to communicate with the people in some manner, and I am sure the Dickhead is not bringing out a google translator.

[Old Parr]

If someone isn't willing to make some effort to communicate, they should just stay home.

Thank you as you definitely get it!

[JjBee62]

It really blows my mind when people are too chicken shit to go to a country where they can't speak the language. I've been to 49 countries and I sure as hell don't speak 49 languages. I've gotten by. He could show up with a phrase book plus some of the sex slang from this forum and have a good time. That's if he has any balls.

I think both of you have a point. You don't need to master the language to enjoy the country. Just put Google Translate on your phone and try to pick up a few of the basics and you can get by.

However, there are plenty (especially my fellow Americans) who act offended when the people in a foreign country don't understand English. As if the whole country should learn another language to accommodate one tourist.

If someone isn't willing to make some effort to communicate, they should just stay home.

[Surfer500]

Best way to minimize problems with the Policia is to not do anything illegal or might even appear to be illegal at first glance. As far as your passport in your room, it doesn't matter if you have all your luggage and your pet carrying a bag of fruit, sorry officer "my passport is guarded at my hotel" . If they want to arrest you for something or suspicion of something, they will. Furthermore, the department has incentives to make captures by rewarding officers with a day off.

The question raised had to do about identity, of course a gringo would be stupid to do anything illegal or act stupid which is the obvious. I'm not aware of what the law is regarding visitors to Colombia and what kind of ID is required to be in their possession, but have seen the police checking ID's of locals which are called "cedulas" and actually checking their in Country database of people.

Therefore it would be wise for visitors to carry ID with them at all times as the Police might consider this to be "illegal" and problematic just as it would be for the locals. The police are also aware that there are a lot of pickpockets and thieves in Medellin that not only target gringos but Paisas as well and would understand why a visitor would not want to carry their original Passport on them.

[Hasideas Tao]

Best way to minimize problems with the Policia is to not do anything illegal or might even appear to be illegal at first glance. As far as your passport in your room, it doesn't matter if you have all your luggage and your pet carrying a bag of fruit, sorry officer "my passport is guarded at my hotel" . If they want to arrest you for something or suspicion of something, they will. Furthermore, the department has incentives to make captures by rewarding officers with a day off.

The best way to minimize problems with the policia is to carry a color copy of your passport along with a photocopy of your entry stamp into the country with you at all times. If they ask where the original is tell them it is in your safe deposit box in your hotel because you don't want it stolen. Then offer them to go with you to your hotel and you will show them the original. This is what I did the only time I got stopped at 2 in the morning and they said OK no problem.