Cartagena Reports

Thanks again fellas. I added that Jaun Ventura link to my favorites. I think the dates of June 2nd to the 9th will do for CTG. The price is still reasonable from NY..only $568. Do you guys think I should secure rooms now or is it ok to just wait till I'm there since and shop around a bit since it's not peak season?..Winner, those rooms you mentioned for 30-35k pesos sounds sweet to me...also, I'm thinking if I should also bring along my laptop...or is it better to use an internet cafe there?

Sky

The dates you mention are not during high season which starts around June 20. You will get the best deal by shopping around. However, you will only be here for a week. Why waste time shopping? Remember you get what you pay for. That 30-35K pesos will not get you air conditioning which I need even though I live here 8 months a year. You will also not get any hot water. But, in this climate, you can live without hot water. I just like hot showers.

I wouldn't bother with the laptop for a week. There are a ton of Internet cafes. And it may be difficult to connect the laptop to the Internet although some of Juan's apartments have Internet connections.

Hey Tom I met Skyjuice in the DR, he is a great guy.

Hey Beavis..how are you man?..we met years ago at Sosua Palace, right?
seems like we still got that fever for the chicas..haha.
Tom, thanks again about the rooms. Anyone down there from June 2nd - June 9/10th..give me a holla.

Sky

Doing great man. I married a Colombiana a year and a half ago and it is just wonderful. Hopefully Tom will be there when you are. He is the man in Cartagena, the gringo Mayor. Get him to show you his picture collection. His personal collection can blow away all of the sites put together.

[QUOTE=Beavis]Doing great man. I married a Colombiana a year and a half ago and it is just wonderful. Hopefully Tom will be there when you are. He is the man in Cartagena, the gringo Mayor. Get him to show you his picture collection. His personal collection can blow away all of the sites put together.[/QUOTE]

Tom is to CTG as Jimmy is to Sousa?

Guys,

All input much appreciated.

I am heading down to Cartagena for about 8 weeks starting next month. How much should I expect to pay for an apartment (say, per month).

Also, how much for decent Spanish classes (small groups or solo). Nueva Lengua seem to be the marketing kings - they are all over the web. But at over $10 an hour, they seem pricey. What is a fair price and any recommendations for school / teachers?

Many thanks in advance.

[QUOTE=mugsey]Guys,

All input much appreciated.

I am heading down to Cartagena for about 8 weeks starting next month. How much should I expect to pay for an apartment (say, per month).

Also, how much for decent Spanish classes (small groups or solo). Nueva Lengua seem to be the marketing kings - they are all over the web. But at over $10 an hour, they seem pricey. What is a fair price and any recommendations for school / teachers?

Many thanks in advance.[/QUOTE]
Pimselur and Rosetta Stone are two on cds that work well.... put them in the car or onto an IPod

Please, I really need some advice. Had a trip scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, not knowing it was Ley Seca. Would arrive on Thursday, so I guess one day at the clubs. Also, have some local chicas I can hang out with, but I hear the atomosphere is just not the same.

Are the casinos still open? Where are the people partying? House parties? Am I better off changing itineraries? Maybe Santo Domingo? When is the actual start and end of Ley Seca?

Tom33, I know you're a resident. Please help!

Thanks!

The election is Sunday, May 28. I believe that one day on each side of the election is dry. That means from midnight Friday to midnight Monday. I have seen beer served at restaurants on Monday evenings. The bars in CTG especially LDV will open at midnight on Monday. They may not bother opening in MDE on Monday night.

I am not a night person and don't drink. So I am not aware of any alternatives. I am perfectly happy going to bed early. Things in general seem very quiet during elections. If you don't like quiet, I suggest that you change your plans.

[QUOTE=Tom 33]The election is Sunday, May 28. I believe that one day on each side of the election is dry. That means from midnight Friday to midnight Monday. I have seen beer served at restaurants on Monday evenings. The bars in CTG especially LDV will open at midnight on Monday. They may not bother opening in MDE on Monday night.

I am not a night person and don't drink. So I am not aware of any alternatives. I am perfectly happy going to bed early. Things in general seem very quiet during elections. If you don't like quiet, I suggest that you change your plans.[/QUOTE]Tom,

Thanks very much for the response. I certainly will take your recommendations into account. I may wind up still going, as tickets and hotels are already booked. I know some locals, so hopefully I may wind up at some house parties, and will probably rent a boat for a day. Plus, I believe casinos are still open.

[QUOTE=Tom 33]The election is Sunday, May 28. I believe that one day on each side of the election is dry. That means from midnight Friday to midnight Monday. I have seen beer served at restaurants on Monday evenings. The bars in CTG especially LDV will open at midnight on Monday. They may not bother opening in MDE on Monday night.

I am not a night person and don't drink. So I am not aware of any alternatives. I am perfectly happy going to bed early. Things in general seem very quiet during elections. If you don't like quiet, I suggest that you change your plans.[/QUOTE]

So grab a chica and keep her from Friday midnight to midnight Monday... given everything is closed I would think the chicas may love a hook up like that and give you a rate.... have them invite a friend after the first night... buy some meals and have your own party... get the fridge stocked if you have one....

Well I finally booked my first trip to Colombia. And decided on Cartagena since its my first time and I'm going solo. If any of you guys are gonna be around lets hook up. I'll buy first round at LDV

Wapo..When are you going to be in CTG? I'm supposed to be there on June2nd/3rd , staying for a week. Tom..I hope we can link up also when I'm there.

I leave CTG for MDE on June 9. Then it's back to the US on June 14 for about a 4-month break. The old equipment needs the R & R.