arriving to cali in the next couple of days anything i should be aware of??!!

scotty says on Jul 30, 2007, 17:33:

yea watch out for neck strain from turning your head every 3 minutes to check out a beautiful Calena. I recommend daily neck massage followed by jacuzzi to keep in top viewing shape.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

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Puddin says on Jul 30, 2007, 17:34:

thanks ill keep that in mind

NOT AS HAPPY AS BEFORE BUT GETTING THERE... Liz 0.o

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expatriate says on Jul 30, 2007, 17:38:

Cali appears much more destroyed, due to government theft and neglect, plus work on the MIO. Believe it or not, the citizens elected a blind mayor. Uribe finally kicked him out, and now Cali has a new mayor. Not much has changed since then, except I think that less money is being stolen now.

Think of visiting Baghdad six and a half years ago, and visiting Baghdad now.

At least the parks and road medians are starting to be trimmed by guys with weed whackers, since lawnmowers seem to be illegal in Colombia. I have never seen one.

The good thing is that Cali is safer than it was before.

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wendell13 says on Jul 30, 2007, 17:40:

You are exactly right. I always tell people when they come to visit me here is that the reason there are so many potholes here is that the mayor is blind.
And I do mean blind.

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chester says on Jul 30, 2007, 17:43:

there are at least half a dozen more gringos than 6 years ago.

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billyb says on Jul 30, 2007, 17:52:

I was back there in December and again ealier this month and noticed the slightest up tick in how the public spaces were looking. Not so much garbage strewn about, the MIO work seems to be coming along and they have removed the scammers from the median strips of La Quinta. The economy is all humming along and the restaurants in Granada, along the river and in El Parque del Perro were all full at night. All in all not too bad, have a good time.

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goin_south says on Jul 30, 2007, 17:58:

ya got a tinglin sensation, Pudddin? I think someone is already blowin that scopolamin atcha. If those are all your pics.... only thing I'm thinkin is you better have a body-guard or two comin witcha, dear. I'm volunteerin now; do I have to pay my own expenses???

Ciao! Gustav. Bienvenitos, Ike.

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Puddin says on Jul 30, 2007, 18:07:

HAHAHAHA FUNNY YA!!
I C U DOIN THE GHETTO THING NOW..

NOT AS HAPPY AS BEFORE BUT GETTING THERE... Liz 0.o

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chester says on Jul 30, 2007, 18:07:

where you going to stay? cuidad jardin? I'll be there in about 10 days, but in more spartan quarters.

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goin_south says on Jul 30, 2007, 18:10:

Frank???
Are you chummin, yet???

Ciao! Gustav. Bienvenitos, Ike.

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chester says on Jul 30, 2007, 18:26:

here is the link for the best school for you in Cali.

http://www.cois.org/directory/Directory_Page.asp?School_ID=COLCOL

about 5K a year, plus extra for transportation.

it is in the south.

best school for english speakers in Cali.

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Puddin says on Jul 30, 2007, 18:41:

thanks, thats something it will really help right now..

NOT AS HAPPY AS BEFORE BUT GETTING THERE... Liz 0.o

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chester says on Jul 30, 2007, 19:01:

still haven't said where you're staying. bet a gazzillion dollars it is cuidad jardin.

I bet you also have tons of friends/family there.

listen to them.

you'll be fine.

and don't put your papaya out on the street.

so, don't tell me/us where you're staying.

You are over 18 aren't you?

here in the US, I drive a nasty old car. I am above average in appearance and have a flat stomach.

I date lots and lots of homely women here. If they have the money for expensive meals at Burger King and WalMart shopping sprees, then I am all theirs.

In Colombia, the homely girls get me for even less, a hot Arepa in the morning for breakfast (400 pesos with 100 pesos extra for cheese) and a 3000 peso shopping spree in the central market district.

hot Arepa = chester

see? I'm cheap and easy.

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arthur brode says on Jul 30, 2007, 19:25:

yeah,you should be aware that iam in town,jeje

http://www.calirentals.net/

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njtea5 says on Jul 30, 2007, 20:06:

Cali is a great city just be careful of getting hit my a taxi driver... Mucho Taco in Cali..

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arthur brode says on Jul 30, 2007, 20:11:

yeah,the most dangerous thing you can do in Cali is cross the street and breathe the air.

http://www.calirentals.net/

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Atrevido says on Jul 30, 2007, 20:18:

I am in Colombia and I have a lawnmower AND a guadaña.

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Frank Rizzo says on Jul 30, 2007, 21:34:

What's up G_S...???? Write me on my old email...ask arthru b..if you need....Arthur helps me in cali and is a great asset and he may move into and take care of one of the places........The place in Cali is still a dust pit but you can stay there if you'd like..(i'll send som new pics.., it's been a few weeks).......we just got some land at Km 18 ...(90 acres) that we're going to start on in December (it's land only...)....you'll like it i'm sure...with a stream feeding 2 huge ponds, frutales, horses, great views and a fantastic climate.... Don't give up on the Valle.....mas te vale...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Puddin says on Jul 30, 2007, 22:34:

can i come out with nice sneakers, gold earing, bracelates, necklace etc..during the day??
would i get my hand chop off?

NOT AS HAPPY AS BEFORE BUT GETTING THERE... Liz 0.o

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Man Tequila says on Jul 30, 2007, 22:42:

Lots of Colombians wear nice stuff, but only in certain places and with people they trust.

You'll learn the ropes quickly. But when first arriving you should realize it's going to be a while before you understand how things work. During this time you need to be more careful. Listen to advice from local people you trust. No one will chop off you hands, but maybe start off slowly with jewellery and shoes that aren't too expensive and that you could live without. Once you understand things better, you will know when and wear you can wear nice things.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

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chester says on Jul 31, 2007, 06:09:

hold off on the necklaces and bracelets for now, until you get used to your surroundings.

but, you can wear them in the early morning hours when you are picking up my hot Arepas (with cheese) and copy of El Pais.

thanks in advance.

also, I want you to go to the gym everyday.

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sweet160 says on Jul 31, 2007, 07:46:

Beee Weeaary of the Devils' Breath my friend, very weary !!!

" its a dog eat dog world, and I will eat your dog! "

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LA_MONA says on Jul 31, 2007, 07:56:

Yes you should be aware of all the papitos there are in Cali jejejeje

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

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NataliaV says on Jul 31, 2007, 08:31:

I was in Cali in May for a few weeks and everything was fine. About the jewerly, I didn't wear any especially when shopping in el centro but my cousins did. I think a little is okay but I wouldn't go all out. As far as sneakers - I think you'll be fine. As far as fitting in though, I never seen any women there wear sneakers out. I always take a pair with me, but never wear them. My tia told us not to carry purses in certain areas so we would hold everything in our pockets. (but she is older and definitely more paranoid with her american family visiting). My cousins carried purses everywhere, but held on tight when walking around lots of people. And like njtea said watch out for the taxis!

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droble77 says on Jul 31, 2007, 13:03:

I was there last Nov. and the streets were a mess. Hopefully, it's slowly getting better. Post an update for us when you can.

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goin_south says on Jul 31, 2007, 15:38:

Mona said: 'Yes you should be aware of all the papitos', pero....
...but, if you see a 'patito'... then, you should of course take it home with ya and take good care ;)

Happy for you.... because you are.....Goin_South!

Ciao! Gustav. Bienvenitos, Ike.

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Puddin says on Jul 31, 2007, 16:16:

i most say i will not have time for "papitos" but i love to..lol
n by the way, whose the devils' breath?
..
well guys this it for me. im frekkin scary but sure ill survive. and of course wish me luck and envy me..lol..not the last part though.
ill post something as soon as i have a chance..
Liz.

NOT AS HAPPY AS BEFORE BUT GETTING THERE... Liz 0.o

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sweet160 says on Jul 31, 2007, 20:16:

this Devils Breath/...

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/colombian-devils-breath/

" its a dog eat dog world, and I will eat your dog! "

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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 31, 2007, 22:01:

if a tall Caleño walks up to you and introduces himself as Billybbbbbbbbbbb.....RUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!! ahahaha,.,.,,

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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goin_south says on Jul 31, 2007, 22:45:

And, When in Cali, remember, jus because it looks like a duck and walks like a Duck....in reality, it might be... Goin_south :)

Ciao! Gustav. Bienvenitos, Ike.

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Puddin says on Aug 3, 2007, 13:26:

hhaahaa....

NOT AS HAPPY AS BEFORE BUT GETTING THERE... Liz 0.o

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dbgal says on Aug 9, 2007, 04:22:

We have a group of American Parents going to Cali in the next few days for the Speed Skating World Championships. Any advice? Some are staying with "host" families and others are staying in hotels. Places to eat? Good Shopping? Things to do when we are not at the track watching our kids skate?

Thanks

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