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[QUOTE=MrEnternational;1929929] But she said it stemmed from US military being in Central and South America with their green uniforms and the people shouting "Green Go" at them because they wanted them out of their countries. [/QUOTE]I have heard that too, but it's bullshit. How do we know it's bullshit? Because the military wore blue and not green at the time of their little misadventures in Latin America. The word 'gringo' was well established before they ever wore green.
[QUOTE=Dickhead;1929965]I have heard that too, but it's bullshit. How do we know it's bullshit? Because the military wore blue and not green at the time of their little misadventures in Latin America. The word 'gringo' was well established before they ever wore green.[/QUOTE]I remember Paul Harvey explaining the origin of the word "Gringo" during one of his "Rest of the Story" segments years ago. According to Harvey, the line of a popular song that cowboys used to sing back in the day on the prairies was "Green grows the wild grass all covered with dew. " From a distance, "green grows" sounded like "gringo" to Hispanics who heard it. Is it true? Meh, who knows.
I gave Jade Place a go. It very well located, just a few minutes easy walk from where I'm staying. Got there around lunch, was shown three girls. None were really what I normally look for. All three choices were dark and thick. Made a choice, had a really nice massage, that was the highlight. On the flip tried a few positions. But wasn't really into it so finished quick.
[QUOTE=Dickhead;1929965]I have heard that too, but it's bullshit. How do we know it's bullshit? Because the military wore blue and not green at the time of their little misadventures in Latin America. The word 'gringo' was well established before they ever wore green.[/QUOTE]Here is an interesting discussion. Reportedly the word is found in print from late 1700's to early 1800's Spain which would rebut the green uniform association. The exact origin appears to be unknown but some theorize it derived from the Spanish word "griego" used in the Middle Ages to denote Greeks. The word gringo also appears to carry different shades of meaning depending on where it is used.
[URL]http://spanish.stackexchange.com/questions/1323/meaning-and-connotations-of-gringo[/URL]
Back in 2009, the park was a sleepy plaza surrounded by high end restaurants catering to the top 5% of local society, and those who could afford a fancy Sunday family meal asa treat. A crowd might be 100, maybe 200, people, and there would only be a couple cops patrolling the area.
A half dozen gringos drew a few curious stares, while the occassional middle aged gringo squiring a paisita half his age might get a "tsk tsk" and a momentary glare.
Fast forward to today. Crowds of 2,000 revelers on a weekend, 38-45 cops. A hundred ISG members would get lost among the sea of backpackers, faux Rastafarians, and "Sandal-istas". The Sandalistas don't stay in the expensive hotels, eat in the expensive hotels, or pay to drink in the better bars. They also seem adverse to soap and water, but the cloud of marijuana smoke seems to either cover up the BO, or dull their own sense of smell.
Many locals bought there town homes 5-20 years ago when it was the old Parque Lleras: quiet, clean, trendy, posh, safe. Three blocks away was enough to have peace and quiet. They are aghast that the park is like an aroused octopus, spreading its tentacles into the surrounding neighborhoods, 3, 5, and even 10 blocks away. Some homeowners are probably selling at a loss, as townhouse after town house is converted into a bar, a bistro, or a hostel.
The realization that Medellin was safe brought us down here, The decriminalization of marijuana laws, the perception that it was trendy and hip, and the crackdown in Amsterdam, brought the back packers here.
I think that the monger is being scapegoated. The middleaged monger spends a lot more a day than the sandalista.
[QUOTE=Dickhead;1929965]I have heard that too, but it's bullshit. How do we know it's bullshit? Because the military wore blue and not green at the time of their little misadventures in Latin America. The word 'gringo' was well established before they ever wore green.[/QUOTE]Yeah, thought this word came about around the of Teddy Roosevelt and the Spanish-American War in 1896?
[QUOTE=SavePros321;1930030]Yeah, thought this word came about around the of Teddy Roosevelt and the Spanish-American War in 1896?[/QUOTE]The oldest known use in literature is mid-18th century and it was in use in both the Old and New Worlds well before the Méxican War. What I was taught in my customs and cultures course was that it is an incorrect rendering or corruption of 'griego', which is used in Spain to describe incomprehensible speakers: [I]hablan en griego[/i], similar to how an English speaker might say, 'It's all Greek to me.'
Spanish-American War was 1898.
I was with you all the way until you suggested residents would sell at a loss to someone who turns the property into a bar or hotel. That doesn't add up. It's absolutely true the volume of revelers has seen explosive growth. That is why I have a hard time understanding how a property owner could lose money on a sale.
Agree 100% with your octopus analogy. See Provenza for proof positive. As for hostility toward May-December commercial couples, I think people who can't abide it avoid the area. It's a question of degrees really. There are certain pairings that even a low life like me would give a second look. But those are extreme tits out pros parading with cargo shorts and varicose vein loudmouths. Maybe it says more about me than it does about the punter / paisa pairs.
[QUOTE=IguanaSix;1930009]Back in 2009, the park was a sleepy plaza surrounded by high end restaurants catering to the top 5% of local society, and those who could afford a fancy Sunday family meal asa treat. A crowd might be 100, maybe 200, people, and there would only be a couple cops patrolling the area.
A half dozen gringos drew a few curious stares, while the occassional middle aged gringo squiring a paisita half his age might get a "tsk tsk" and a momentary glare.
Fast forward to today. Crowds of 2,000 revelers on a weekend, 38-45 cops. A hundred ISG members would get lost among the sea of backpackers, faux Rastafarians, and "Sandal-istas". The Sandalistas don't stay in the expensive hotels, eat in the expensive hotels, or pay to drink in the better bars. They also seem adverse to soap and water, but the cloud of marijuana smoke seems to either cover up the BO, or dull their own sense of smell.
Many locals bought there town homes 5-20 years ago when it was the old Parque Lleras: quiet, clean, trendy, posh, safe..[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=IguanaSix;1930009]Back in 2009, the park was a sleepy plaza surrounded by high end restaurants catering to the top 5% of local society, and those who could afford a fancy Sunday family meal asa treat. A crowd might be 100, maybe 200, people, and there would only be a couple cops patrolling the area.
A half dozen gringos drew a few curious stares, while the occassional middle aged gringo squiring a paisita half his age might get a "tsk tsk" and a momentary glare.
Fast forward to today. Crowds of 2,000 revelers on a weekend, 38-45 cops. A hundred ISG members would get lost among the sea of backpackers, faux Rastafarians, and "Sandal-istas". The Sandalistas don't stay in the expensive hotels, eat in the expensive hotels, or pay to drink in the better bars. They also seem adverse to soap and water, but the cloud of marijuana smoke seems to either cover up the BO, or dull their own sense of smell. .[/QUOTE]I knew there was a reason I hated backpackers as far back as was old enough to be one of them (late 70's). But, I can't cry too much because during my visit to Medellin I never made it down to Poblado or Lleras Park. I was too busy scoping out working girls in Centro. And I can't say that I regret it. If people want to think everything outside of Poblado is "Centro" and dangerous, then let them do so. I was happy not seeing any other tourists, or hearing English. If they are too scared to get out of their enclave for hipsters and tourists, I will be happy with that. The erroneous perception of danger has always been beneficial to the savvy.
[QUOTE=Eszpresszo;1930058]I knew there was a reason I hated backpackers as far back as was old enough to be one of them (late 70's). But, I can't cry too much because during my visit to Medellin I never made it down to Poblado or Lleras Park. I was too busy scoping out working girls in Centro. And I can't say that I regret it. If people want to think everything outside of Poblado is "Centro" and dangerous, then let them do so. I was happy not seeing any other tourists, or hearing English. If they are too scared to get out of their enclave for hipsters and tourists, I will be happy with that. The erroneous perception of danger has always been beneficial to the savvy.[/QUOTE]I wouldn't say the perception of danger in Centro is erroneous. It's not a particularly safe area, especially after dark. I hit Centro a couple times every visit, and my head is always on a swivel if it's after 7 PM. FWIW I speak Spanish and I've lived my whole life in a US City known for violent crime.
The erroneous perception might be that Parque Lleras is safe. Obvious Gringos staggering around drunk make easy targets.
[QUOTE=CincyVirgo;1929987]I gave Jade Place a go. It very well located, just a few minutes easy walk from where I'm staying. Got there around lunch, was shown three girls. None were really what I normally look for. All three choices were dark and thick. Made a choice, had a really nice massage, that was the highlight. On the flip tried a few positions. But wasn't really into it so finished quick.[/QUOTE]Can you share a little bit more about this place? Is it a casa, massage place, both. How much did it cost and for how long. And what is the address and cross streets.
Thanks.
[QUOTE=Eszpresszo;1930058]I knew there was a reason I hated backpackers as far back as was old enough to be one of them (late 70's). But, I can't cry too much because during my visit to Medellin I never made it down to Poblado or Lleras Park. I was too busy scoping out working girls in Centro. And I can't say that I regret it. If people want to think everything outside of Poblado is "Centro" and dangerous, then let them do so. I was happy not seeing any other tourists, or hearing English. If they are too scared to get out of their enclave for hipsters and tourists, I will be happy with that. The erroneous perception of danger has always been beneficial to the savvy.[/QUOTE]El Centro is a dangerous place for the obvious gringo (blond hair / blue eyes) especially after dark and is not user friendly for someone with no Spanish speaking skills. Most mongers stay away from El Centro which is fine with me as I am happy as well not seeing tourists or other obvious gringos there. There are lots of diamonds in the rough available there and is my favorite place to meet girls in Medellin.
[QUOTE=EstebanH;1929940]I tried Thai Spa. Its tucked away in a residential area and is clean and nice. The selection was kinda small. I lucked out and pulled a girl who was there on her first day. She did everything I asked. I totally enjoyed her. Its priced more like Energy but does not have the same talent. Its worth a try, but you may be out cab fare if you don't see something you like.[/QUOTE]I agree with your assessment. The place is very good- and "high end", for Medellin.
Where else can you actually get a "nuru massage"? Serious question. If there were cheaper options I would try them.
It's worth going if you are going for the "nuru"-thing. My 2 centavos.
[QUOTE=Combo;1930092]I wouldn't say the perception of danger in Centro is erroneous. It's not a particularly safe area, especially after dark. I hit Centro a couple times every visit, and my head is always on a swivel if it's after 7 PM. FWIW I speak Spanish and I've lived my whole life in a US City known for violent crime.
The erroneous perception might be that Parque Lleras is safe. Obvious Gringos staggering around drunk make easy targets.[/QUOTE]100% correct. Centro is dangerous indeed.
Of course, that is not a reason to stay away of it (eheh), if one is conscious of the risk, is always with antennas on and is somehow "street-smart". All this does not make danger negligible, just reduces it, but one may deliberately decide to take a risk in change of some experience one could not get elsewhere.
I am personally happy that most of the regular tourists, especially from USA, are scared or not able to go around there alone. This makes it still pristine and definitely enjoyable for me.
[QUOTE=Lmarcone;1930108]I agree with your assessment. The place is very good- and "high end", for Medellin.
Where else can you actually get a "nuru massage"? Serious question. If there were cheaper options I would try them.
It's worth going if you are going for the "nuru"-thing. My 2 centavos.[/QUOTE]A "Thai Spa" with "nuru" massage in Colombia?? :eek: Ok, globalization is rampant, but there must be limits.
I remember once in Singapore I've seen a gym at ground floor with glass windows to let people from the street to see what's going on inside. There was a group of Chinese girls of all sizes and shapes, trying to dance some salsa or bachata under the guidance of a true Latin instructor (he looked Caraibic). His challenge was tough. I think that dancing bachata with a Chinese girl in Singapore is like trying to get a nuru massage in Colombia.
P.S.: I deliberately wrote " :eek: " knowing that here the smilies are disabled. But WHY the smilies must be disabled in the Colombia forums??