All I can say from my experience is dress well, but more importantly dress to the environment you are in and DON'T dress old!
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All I can say from my experience is dress well, but more importantly dress to the environment you are in and DON'T dress old!
Marino: VERY well put.
Mojo: Tranquilo compadre (cannot use the H word as it gets deleted because of another website using that name).
I DO agree with you in most respects, but antifreeze is NOT the problem. Living in Cali, he thinks in pesos, not dollars. ANYTIME somebody quotes me $$$ in Colombia I say "Somos en Colombia, no Estados Unidos, y la plata aca es pesos". I also agree that the less Americanos feos who come to Cali, the better for those of us who recognize what a special place it is. I am hesitant to even say good things about Cali on public boards like this because I would rather they ALL go to Cartagena!
Poobah: a 40 YO trying to dress like a sardino would look a bit silly, no? While the chicas LOVE the white pants, BLACK is in for men, wouldn't you agree? Not Johhny Cash black, but Armani, De la Renta, D&G type stuff is what the chicas like on guys too.
I've had the chance to meet Marino and I can say that he is a fine Ambassador for the US. It's great to meet good people. Sadly, we did not have a lot of time to exchange because of active life's duties, but I'm sure we'll meet again. Marino, give me a ring when you want...
As for the thread with Mojo, it all stated with a simple statement on my side: "Wherever you go, adapt to your destination, don't bring America with you in your suitcase". That statement was made to El Colorado following his trip down here. I've had the chance to private message with El Colorado afterwards and would look forward to meet him. His reception to what I felt was constructive criticism was excellent, and he's welcome to do whatever he wants with it (including nothing if he chooses).
But then, Mojo misread that post by interpreting it like "Cali is too expensive". Which is not a problem by itslef (although a distortion of the reality). But the post that followed his misreading was way too agressive for me not to react as boldly (A mistake over a mistake on his part).
First, Cali is not too expensive. Things are fine down here. I just wish Americans would know more on how to travel and wouldn't make it so easy for other people in other countries to build up some aversion towards them. Without refering to anyone in specific (other than the caricature of the ugly American), being noisy, abnoctuous, not respecting the money that a lot of those people lack by throwing it left and right can only be a negative for the US and for all of us.
I've lived here for a year now, and I've seen so many ugly Americans that I am almost at the point where I'll refuse to meet any of them anymore. Thanks to kdog, Marino, Surfer and others for shifting that balance of trust a bit more on the positive side, because without them I'd be totally out of the loop.
Cali is a great place, don't spoil it. And, Surfer, you're right. Let's be quiet about Cali a bit. Cartagena is now within the comfort zone of turism, they'll be looking to push that comfort zone a bit more soon, and Cali may be on their hit list.
surfer, it all depends how you can carry it off. i think if you're still in shape by all means you can do the 'tight shirt at the club' look. i have a few friends that still pull it off successfully in the states. but at the same time you are not going to wear abercrombie and fitch or try to dress like a stud playa (is that what a 'sardino' is?). i do wear a lot of black (yep, even j.c. black) and like it as a color. i don't wear white pants and don't wear speedos.
i'm bringing the polo shirts and the dress slacks and also bringing a few pairs of jeans this time. i do agree that wearing shorts (other than on the cartagena beach area) will make you stick out like a sore thumb.
poobah: maybe i spelled it wrong, but colombian slang for teenagers is sardinos. maybe mojo can clarify. since you don't wear speedos, you must not be european (laughing hysterically emoticon).
speaking of which: jackson, could we import emoticons (rather than just smiley faces here?)
Rufus: Don Jaime is less than 100K per night. There is a dumpy place across the street and a few blocks down the Sexta but I have never been inside. I do not know anybody personally who tries to go cheaper than Don Jaime, and DO BEWARE the location of the real cheap pensiones.
Mr antifreeze,
Firstable I, for sure, did not misread a thing by interpreting that Cali is too expensive, what are you talking about? why are you always trying to reflect yourself on others, transfering your situation to others. Didn't you write on this board that 50.000 pesos is too expensive( the equivalent to 20 US dollars) to pay a woman for having sex for an hour? It is written on this very board and anyone can check that out anytime they want, to prove you and the rest of the members on the WSG that I did not misread anything regarding what you mentioned in your last post. I guess It's hard to accept the thruth when someone tells it the way I did to you that you have to look for some kind of angle to justify your attitud, to justify your cheapness, you want to redeem yourself by making me look like as if I had misunderstood your whole point. You were plain in saying that they overpaid the price when they gave the girls 20 bucks. If I had the power to do it I'd throw your butt out of our country tomorrow.
Yes, Surfer you are right about that word in Spanish: "Sardinos for boys and Sardinas for girls" meaning teenagers, and don't give this guy too much credit unless, of course, you are the same way as him, don't justify him either by saying that since he lives now in Colombia (unfourtunally) he has to think in Pesos, I think in Pesos too (and I am not in any way rich so you can discard that). Like I said, if you can't afford living here in a cheap country, don't. Not everyone, Mr antifreeze, wants to live your same cheap lifestyle.
Mr Mojo Rasing,
Greetings and your post has some excellent points. However I think you are misinterpretting Mr Antifrezze points. I think the issue is about relativity. Everything is relative. A good pair of pants in Cali is x number of pesoes and the same pants in the US is x dollars the same pants in Zimababwe is x Zim Dollars. So when in Rome be like the Romans pay in Roman dollars. I do not think its about being cheap its just about not spoiling the market for pants shoes etc because eventually we will have to pay more for these items and we are not earning US Dollars. As Rodney King would say can't we all get along. Peace.
HappyC
I just love this forum. How do I donate some money to this forum to keep up this excellent work.
HappyC
[blue]www.wsgcharity.com[/blue]
Mojo,
You wouldn't be able to pull your own head out of your ass without the help of all 'jaws of life' available in America (even less in Colombia).
First, you say that we are expected to pay the Gringo price (because we're just cheap if we don't). That is, Americans are rich, they had it all easy so they should share their wealth with people that are not as fortunate like Colombians, or they are just cheap. Well, we've worked hard for our money and we have the right to spend it the way we want (that's the kind of liberty that comes with having your own money). If I don't want to pay 3 times as high for any girl, that's my choice. The only thing that I did here was to expose that choice.
While I have been busy exposing the facts on this board, you've been as busy exposing your own stupidity. Keep on feeling like a victim all your life because of your own incapacity to understand the world, but, do us all a favor, just go away... I am sure there are plenty of other boards that are looking to get your valuable information somewhere.
Hasta luego compadre!
Freeze
Senor Mojo ... you sir, need to relax on this price issue ...
I personally pay whatever the going rate is and tip the chica accordingly.
The same goes for taking a taxi or eating at a restaurant. We don't expect anyone ... chicas, taxis, etc to raise prices just because we're not Colombians ... and most don't raise prices.
What I've experienced in many, many cases in Colombia, Venezuela and many other countries, is that in the service oriented businesses, such as masajes (chicas), taxis, restaurants, etc, etc ... the locals know that the 'Gringo' will tip nicely if treated well and therefore, they make their extra money through good work.
By the way, I've tipped many a chica for nice service and often time it's the first tip they've ever received because as the chicas tell me "the locals generally don't tip".
I have many Colombian friends. Men and women. Very good and warm people in general. I have found most Colombianos to like Americans or other Westerners.
Yes, there are some bad apples out there for sure, but PLEASE, Senor Mojo, relax with all the nasty and negative talk.
Let's get on with the purpose of this forum ... I'm sure being a local, you could add some great insite.
If you have a difference of opinion with someone, simply explain your thoughts and try to give guidance rather than make accusations against people you really do not know ... just like real life.
Thank you.
This issue is getting too old and it's clear that some people here did not understand my point. If you decide to pay less or more for a girl, that's your problem Mr freeze, so don't tell anyone then that they are messing things up for you if they do decide to pay more just because you wouldn't. I don't know what kind of girls you get for less than 10 bucks anyway but that's your problem, like you say. Usually people would pay more if they think the girl is worth it. I never suggested a gringo price, go back and read well what I wrote.
I apologize with the other members of this board for sticking with this issue, but I felt the right to express my feelings on this subject, however let's move on to something else regarding information about Cali Colombia and others cities from this country if you will. Feel free to ask me anything, I'll be glad to provide you with information about anything you want.
Thank you.
I went to Frescas last night and want to correct some previous info I posted. The show times seem somewhat random (not necessarily at 11:00pm and 1:00am as posted previously). Last night the shows were at 9:30pm and midnight. Also, Monday night is great at Frescas. There were 17 women (most were beautiful) and only about 10 men. On Sat night I was disappointed to see 7 below average women when I arrived at 11:30pm (all the good ones must have been occupied). I assume the same might happen on Fri night. Get there early on those nights so you can get someone decent. Once the girl you want goes with some guy to the room, you likely will not them again that night.
Surfer, you truly make me laugh. First, I spend 9 months of the year in Miami and 3 months in Cali (where I am right now). I think I know a little more than you about both places. This quote from you is hillarious "And the ones that CAN get visas are RICH!". So you think there's a bunch of rich Colombians running around Miami, right? And you've been to Miami! OPEN YOUR EYES next time you're there. Also from you "I do not believe Colombians are even eligible for "the lottery". And you are the one that told me to learn what I'm talking about! Why do you feel it's necessary to pick a fight with me by hurling insults like "American hick". You are the one that started all this. I'm curious to see if you have the guts to call me that to my face.
Cali Trip:
I just returned from Cali yesterday. What a great time I had there. It was my first trip but I will return as soon as possible. First, I'd like to thank Antifreeze and Kdog for giving me some great suggestions and info prior to arrival. We met in Cali, and had lunch and then they showed me the world of "Casa's". We had a great time there too. Lots of beautiful chicas to choose from and all very friendly.
I'm just sorry we didn't have the opportunity to hang out more. As it worked out, I met a stunningly beautiful girl in Cali and fell in loveˇ. So we ended up getting side tracked and standing Antifreeze and Kdog up for dinner and drinks one night. For which by the way I canˇ¦t apologize enough. But I'm sure we'll get together next time.
I had intended to hook up with Simple Man, Frijole, El Colorado and Surfer, but I was so busy this trip I just didn't have to time to get back with you guys, sorry. I hope next trip to have more time but I'm sure you all had a great time anyway.
So now a brief report, I arrived Wednesday night about 9:30p. The Hotel had a driver waiting for me as I exited the airport. As luck would have it, he turned out to be a great guy also and I hired him to drive me around for the week. I immediately check in to the Hotel and off to Flores Frescas.
I arrived by 11:00p just in time for the lezbo show. So I order a bottle of ˇ§Premiumˇ¨ rum poured myself and the driver a tall one and sit back to enjoy the show. What a treat. These two awesome chicas are on stage going at it for about 10 min or so until completion. Let me tell you, by the time the show was over I was sporting a dangerous weapon in my 501's. So of course I had to take a run at one of the chicas in the show. She was absolutely phenomenal looking IMHO. So I start talking to her and set up a ˇ§dateˇ¨ for about 30 min later so she could scrub up and such. I start thinking; she's so hot if I'm not careful this could end up a 2 or 3 stroker. I definitely wasnˇ¦t going to let that happen. So while she's scrubbing up I hook up with another snappy dish just to "unload the chamber". After all, I wouldn't want my "Starlet" to think I wasn't a gentleman. So right on queue, with perfect timing I wrap it up with my "warm up catcher", step back into the club area and hook up with my new "Starlet". (Round 1)
We sat and had a drink or two until nature called. Then we were off to her Suite for our romantic liaison. Being a gentleman I wasn't about to dispense with the foreplay. So of course, we started with a CBJ. I'm real cautious about the bbbj, but that's just me. Anyway, I'll skip with all the details; I wouldn't want this to get too mushy. We'll leave it at she didn't say no to any request and we were in no hurry at all. All in all, two great encounters, so far. (Round 2)
By this time my driver/buddy is beginning to wonder if he'll ever see me again. But just then I'm back on the club floor pouring rum again. And wouldn't you know it, perfect timing once again; I'm just in time for the next lezbo show. Well, if it has to be, it has to be. Just in the knick of time I notice something is amiss, my bottle of rum is almost empty and that just won't do. This is a veritable emergency with the show about to start and me with no rum. Not to worry, the waiter recognizing the urgency of the situation rushed a fresh bottle of "Premium" rum to our table, cracked it open, turned it upside down and had my glass filled to the brim before the first nipple was licked. That was a close one. I'll have to be better prepared next time.
So on with the show, just when I thought it couldn't get any better, the second pair of lovebirds set a new standard of courtship. They obviously cared deeply for each other. You would have to be blind not to have seen they were indeed nature's perfect match. 10 min or so later both immensely satisfied, the loving couple departed the stage, for more intimate surroundings I would guess.
By this time however, having been the fortunate voyeur of yet another romantic interlude I was feeling a bit randy myself. The only problem was that the club was closing. But fate intervened once again on my behalf. Just when I thought all hope was lost what do I see, but an irresistibly beautiful young maiden in need of an exit strategy. Well I don't mind telling you the gallant side of me came to the surface and I immediately offered her the services of my chauffer and coach for a ride home. I know what you're thinking, what kind of a gentleman would I be if I sent this young jewel home hungry at 2:00a. Not to worry, of course I offered to share a meal together. We ended up a fine eatery specializing in fried chicken to be partaken on the side of the road just out of the path of the passing motor vehicles. Nothing quite so romantic as standing on the side of the road, dodging the drunk drivers which are inevitably on the road at 2:30a, inhaling the intoxicating bouquet of exhaust fumes with chicken grease dripping down you face, all the while making passionate suggestive conversation with the object of your desire. Well it must have worked; because we ended up back at my hotel for a night of sordid passion including acts that I understand are illegal in some states.
With the sunrise began another day with my young jewel still in my arms. As I'm sure many of you will attest, nothing starts the day like a fresh shower, a hot cup of coffee and a BJ. But as all good things must come to an end the time had come to bid farewell to my little jewel. We exchanged longing glances, wondering if it were meant to be and would we share another moment together some other time, some other place. (Rounds 3 and 4)
Well that just about wraps up my first 5 hours in Cali. I'm out of time for now. If I get a chance I'll post more about the rest of my week in Cali and maybe some of the details of the enchanting temptress that has captivated my heart.
CM
IMO, it's not about overpaying, underpaying, being cheap, or being a good tipper.
No one likes an "ugly American". (I'm using this as a term - not always a literal as in citizen of the USA.) An ugly American has no respect for local customs and traditions.
When one goes to another country, and doesn't follow their ways, you're being an ugly American. This includes paying your American prices, your American currency, and using your American attitudes.
Gentlemen, let's be good foreigners - follow local custom. Overpaying is as much a trait of the ugly American as are the other more common stereotypes.