Back From Medellin - No More booze - sober at Home

mad_lion says on Nov 21, 2004, 11:53:

That is a very common except for Cali...sure the girls love Americans too, but if you are a decent looking guy, they are not as "cold" in getting to know you up front as Medallo girls. Calenas are just very friendly, happy women who love to meet any guy that seems is decent looking - American or not.

In Pereira, they did not care if I was American, I was still received with open arms even if I would have been a Colombiano, and having a blue passport was just a bonus after they had already liked me ;-)


I met a girl in Pereira who did not know I was a foreigner until the end of my trip when I told her I had to go back home, she thought I meant another city in Colombia...to her surprise, I live in Miami!! She was a wonderful host either way.

In medallo, if you don't have a copy of your passport stamped to your t-shirt - good luck in getting any girl to talk to you up front unless you are just an obviously rich Colombiano.

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elmodefoque says on Nov 21, 2004, 13:10:

Mitch, what’s up dude, I see you have experience what I been saying for months about Colombians and Colombian broads in general. I wish my gringo brothers could one day experience the real Colombia the one they seldom see because those Colombians are too damn poor for internet or too damn poor to hang out in those plastic pretentious clubs americans frequent. To meet them you have to get down and dirty, but once you do that you will never go back to places like La Zona Rosa en Bogotá, El Parque Lleras” en Medellin, or Frog Lleggs, in Barranquilla or any of those elitist hangout. Listen, I grew up in the states, and I have more than enough money to hang out where those peso rich Colombianos and their gringo chasing, blue passport searching, interesada colombianas hang out, but I don’t go there. They don’t interest me one bit. El Colombiano “bacana” or “chevere” is very much like me, “mama gallo” who sides with the underdog, the chusma, the poor, malpario miserable bastards of the world, because I was one, and I never forget. The places I frequent, colombianas (those that drops their panties for gringos in a heart beat) will never go, because is filled with crude un pretentious assholes like me, hey I was raised in NYC with costeno blood, a double whammy, I’m a lost case. In these places entre mas corroncho mejor (the more crude the better) broads there love guys like that and if you’re from NYC you’ll fit right in, but you gotta know how to dance and they’ll teach you. For those kind of broad panties come down only if you’re able to press your nuts/and…. against them almost penetrating them while keeping a beat. Is not that difficult..

I'll get there, when I get there!

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utopiacowboy says on Nov 21, 2004, 13:31:

You must not look like a gringo, Mad_Lion. Like Elmo says, if you are an obvious gringo like me, you get a much different reception. It can go to your head if you're not careful but then you come back down to earth when you realize it's not really YOU they're after but some image that they have. You take a woman like that back to the US and sooner or later she's going to wake up. If she's not in love with the real you, then that's when the trouble starts.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Nov 21, 2004, 13:42:

Well said Elm,in which part of the coast where u born elmo?

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Miguel says on Nov 21, 2004, 14:49:

Que tal Elmo You and the daughter watching Los Jets? I've been cooking up arepa, yuca con queso y arroz con coco (a la Cartagena)...I read in EL HERALDO last week that the crime rate through October 1 in Barranquilla was higher than NYC! Lots of displaced folks from Antioquia moving there, and higher than usual incidents of para and guerilla activity. They should head down to La Troja and chill, sabes?

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Skippy says on Nov 22, 2004, 06:36:

Oh yes.... I must agree about Medellin. The women here are very beautiful, but they are rich snobs who would normally not give your the time of day unless you look North American. I am a little dissa pointed with Medellin and I think Cali would be a nicer place to live as far as people go.

Yup

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Hunter says on Nov 22, 2004, 10:55:

Mitch1x & shane I would agree there are SOME rich snobs here, but not very many, if you hang out where they hang out, those are the type of people that you will meet.

Hunter

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elmodefoque says on Nov 23, 2004, 10:24:

Kat 1, I was born not too far from Rioacha, Northern Colombian coast, soon moved to Barranquilla and at 10, ended up in NYC with my brothers. I’m what most Colombians would describe as a real Indio corroncho. I started returning to Colombia in my early 20’s and been going back every single year since, sometimes up to 3 times a year. There was a gap of almost 4 years, in the mid eighties, when I could not return. The freaking warden kept denying my request to be release so I could attend "los carnavales de Barrranquilla" That sonamanbiche had no idea how much I suffered around Feb/March, knowing that all hell was breaking lose during the “carnavales" while I sat in that cell counting the hairs around my nuts.

I'll get there, when I get there!

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Nov 23, 2004, 11:12:

Elmo I ask because I'm costena too I'm from monteria and my family is all from the coast(planeta rica,barranquilla etc) but my parents took me to Bogota when I was 7 or 8, and I lived there until I got married,and move to the UK but hopefully one day I will go back and live in Colombia again.funny enough my nickname when I was little was india cos my hair was very straight and black, and still is.

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elmodefoque says on Nov 23, 2004, 11:40:

Kat, my hair used to be so damn black it was almost deep space blue, but man, has that changed. Is funny about most costeños, we almost never change no matter where we live or how long we been away from home. The only person that has rejected her true blood line is my wife. Her family is originally from Monteria but she was born and raised in Medellin. She’s all cachaca.

I'll get there, when I get there!

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utopiacowboy says on Nov 23, 2004, 11:52:

Kat1, have you been back to Monteria? My wife's mother is from Monteria and she and my wife's brothers still live there. Even though it's hotter than hell, I kind of like it because you don't have to worry about anything happening to you. We drive out to the finca in the country and ride the bus to the coast and sit out on the sidewalk at night. It's great - Monteria is really a very bustling little city - the downtown is jam packed with people and cars and there is dust and music everywhere. Lots of very hot women! My wife has long straight jet-black hair and sometimes I call her my little Indian.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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elmodefoque says on Nov 23, 2004, 11:58:

utopia, i never been to monteria, but my wife tells me that i will love it, is hot, dusty, and noisy. she's dying to take me to coveñas.

I'll get there, when I get there!

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Nov 23, 2004, 12:01:

What a surprise what's the surname of your wife, I haven't been back there for about 5 years is because every time I go to Colombia I go and see my mum in Villavo, but I still got quite a Lot of family there.

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utopiacowboy says on Nov 23, 2004, 12:40:

You would love it, Elmo! Lots of little dives down by the Sinú River with music and dancing that sems to go on all night. I really prefer it to Medellin. Medellin's all about making money and working hard - Monteria's about enjoying life. Kat1, her mother's name is Bertha Cordero. One of my wife's brothers, Antony Olarte Cordero (known as "El Pollo"), ran for the city council last year but lost. They claimed it was a result of vote fraud but who knows?

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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go2pr says on Nov 25, 2004, 07:02:

Agree I've been also quite disappointed by Medellin, which is IMO largely over-rated. I expected a buzzy nightlife with non-stop parties, but the city is almost dead Sun-Wed, things going better on Fri-Sat, but nothing to rave about. In fact I found Medellin reasonnably nice and quite boring. Maybe I was expecting too much from my first trip in Colombia, but a good and busy everyday nightscene is in my book essential for some nice vacations (I like to go out till late !!), and I've been disappointed to realise that it was not what I will find in Medellin.

Chicas are also IMO over-rated, many being too short for my taste. Nothing to rave about for someone who is used to brasileiras.

I will hit Cali in January, and REALLY hope to find there a better party atmosphere and prettiest chicas.

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caslug says on Nov 25, 2004, 09:35:

Go2pr.. Thanks for the info on MED, i just got back from BOG and found the same thing. Weeknights are dead! the clubs, bars, restaurant close around 9 or 10 PM. So as a tourist who is looking for something to do on the weeknights after 10 pm, you are outta luck. Cali is even worse than MED&BOG, i was there for 2 weeks in June, regarding night lift on the week nights.

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Hunter says on Nov 25, 2004, 10:56:

Its the same everywhere Unless the place you are visiting is a popular tourist area, this is normal everywhere in the world.

Med, Bog and Cali are not tourist destinations, so there are normally only good places to go on weekends. Between Thursday-Sunday nights in Medellin there are places to go, not many though on the Thursday and Sunday nights.

Sometimes I do wonder what people expect from Colombia.

Hunter

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go2pr says on Nov 25, 2004, 11:19:

hunter Not to be controvertial, but spend some time in non-touristics cities like Sao Paulo, Curitiba, Porto Alegre or even Buenos Aires and you'll find countless clubs open EVERYDAY of the week till dawn, and EVERYDAY packed to the walls. You can hit a different club, bar or disco everyday of the week during one month without even BEGIN to touch the Sao Paulo's nightscene.

As per your question, I personnaly expected from Colombia what I expect from any other place where I spend my vacations and where I'd like to have the extreme pleasure to go out till LATE without worrying about waking-up on the next day : a decent nightscene and not a deadly boring city after 10pm on weekdays ; I've been disappointed with this so-called "awesome" nightlife in Colombian cities.

I easily imagine that many people don't visit this country only to party ; but maybe better not promoting a false vision of Colombia for people like me who could be surprised with this very limited nightlife.

Cheers anyway.

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go2pr says on Nov 25, 2004, 11:45:

Caslug Thanks for your info about Cali and Bogota.

Cheers

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Hunter says on Nov 25, 2004, 11:54:

I would never recomend to anybody who wants to go to nightclubs 7 nights a week to go to Colombia, apart from at Christmas and New year in Ctg, I have heard Cali is the same then as well.

I have been to many Cities over the globe and the only oridinary nightlife I saw 7 nights a week was in poplar tourist locations, even those had less clubs open on Sunday to Thursday nights.

What sort of clubs are you talking about though go2pr.

Medellin is a great City to LIVE in, but I wouldn't recomend it just for its nightlife.

Hunter

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utopiacowboy says on Nov 25, 2004, 12:07:

Medellin is a working city - the people are known as hard workers. It's probably one of the last places I would go just to have a good time partying. I don't think you are going to be any happier with Cali. As for the chicas, I have seen them all and the paisas are the best in every way.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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go2pr says on Nov 25, 2004, 12:08:

Hunter I'm talking about "regular" nightlife, not strip clubs or others flesh-trade spots.

About Medellin, I've been liking the city however ....... I just expected from Colombia more "party atmosphere", but this involves only me and my own views about what are some "good vacations".

I'd really like to go to Cali but this lack of nightlife make me think twice about it.

Cheers.

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ShazCas says on Nov 25, 2004, 12:41:

Lack of nightlife I think you're right that there's less nightlife in Colombian cities than in may other cities in the world. Here are some of the reasons why I think it is so:

Most other big cities in the world ARE tourist spots and have people from all over the world there, tourists and businesspeople, who will eat out any night of the week and party. Colombia does not have all that many tourists or businesspeople visiting, due to its internal conflict.

Lunch is the main meal of the day in Colombia, people don't eat out as much as in many other places in the world.

People often get up at 5 or 6am in the big cities, they get up with the sun and go to bed earlier too.

Married couples generally tend to stay in more when they have kids and "settle down". It's not typical to go on partying with mates.

People can be scared to be out and about at night. Students often can't afford the taxi home and can't afford their own flat (or aren't allowed one) to live in.

It's a more traditional society than many others - you don't see bars full of over 40s and there aren't the droves of young career women partying with friends.

A lot of people simply don't have the money to go out and party.

If you're only interested in Colombia for partying, do think twice. I'm sure no-one will miss you.

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Hunter says on Nov 25, 2004, 13:09:

go2pr I think Medellin is better than Cali for nightlife, if the nightlife is just part of your holiday, no problem. But solely I would forget Cali, except around New Year, in fact forget Colombia.

There are several hundred good discos in Medellin, but its just Friday and Saturday nights for them to be full.

In Cali there are probably the same amount of nightclubs, but when I went out there, even many of the good clubs (away from Aveneda sexta) were only about 75% full, where as in Medellin, nearly all the good clubs are packed in Fridays and Saturdays all over the City.

I would suspect that is down to one of he reasons that ShazCas points out, I think there is more money in Medellin than Cali at the moment.

Hunter

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caslug says on Nov 25, 2004, 13:59:

in agreement... I was a little disappooint in the lack of nighlife(bars or coffee shops) in Bogota. Shaz, totally agree w/ you on the reason people don't go out late on weeknights, safety, work next morning, etc.,
I expected a small city like Cali not to have it, but was a little suprise that Bogota(big city) shuts down so earlier. Go2Pr, Cali is a fun and friendly city, just try to plan your trip to be there friday/sat night. Guess this is good advice with any other city.

For people living in COL, the lack of nightlife during the weekday is no big deal, you just wait till the weekend. Just like I do here in my City in the USA. But as a tourist like go2pr and myself, we want to maximize our time, so wrapping up the day at 10PM is a little too early. That's like having a tourist come to NYC/LA/SF/London/Paris and doing all the tourist thing during the day, enjoying good dinner the evening, not having to worry about work the next morning, BUT have to sleep early because everything is close around 10 PM.

Yes, COL is not a tourist destination for everyone(except maybe CTG).

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litost says on Nov 25, 2004, 14:59:

"I was a little disappooint in the lack of nighlife(bars or coffee shops) in Bogota"

Are you sure you're in Bogota??? Who's showing you around???

There are tons of bars and coffee shops, not only in the Zona Rosa (calle 82 & T area) and Parque de la 93. Have you gone to the countless little bars and cafes in the Candelaria? How about the restaurants and trendy bars in Usaquen? Have you walked around Chapinero (Avenida 7) and seen the hoardes of college students pouring into bars and discos? Have you hoped on a car/taxi and gone to La Calera or the northern environs Chia and Cajica? Have you noticed the OMA coffee shops all over the city? Tried Juan Valdez?

And all this, is only talking about the upper strata nightlife...

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caslug says on Nov 25, 2004, 15:26:

I've been to all those places... But my comment was about after 10pm on a weeknight. When most places close because people have to goto work the next morning. I'm complaining about the nightlife on the friday/sat, they're great, very fun indeed. Also, for a foreign tourist, it's generally not a good ideal to wander around certain parts of bogota late at night without knowing what area is safe or not. Is Chapinero(i've been there during the day), safe at night? Are the bars/coffee shops open late night? 10-12PM?

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Hunter says on Nov 25, 2004, 15:48:

One question caslug I am a bit lost on this 10pm going home thing.

I have been out with friends up until 12 - 1am on a Sunday to Wednesdays in Medellin half a dozen times. Not at a club, but a restaurant/bar. We wern't at a party or anything, just went out for a drink and something to eat.

There are many places open after 10pm every day of the week in Medellin, I can't comment on Bogota though. But I agree with your comments on night clubs.

Hunter

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litost says on Nov 25, 2004, 16:03:

10pm doesn't sound right to me either. Maybe some of the cafes... but not the bars and restaurants, which for the most part should be open until at least midnight Sun-Wed. Many nightclubs should be open until that time too, though very likely you won't have a lot of company. Thursdays are a big day for going out, the famous "Juernes", but mostly to bars and restaurants, not so much nightclubs although they do start picking up that day. I guess until Colombia doesn't get back on the international tourism and business map, you all will have to settle for this...

However, there are certain chances in Colombia for a more non-stop partying atmosphere... you gotta try the coastal cities in the months of december,january and july, as well as the coffee region which has a big affluence of visitors. Feria de las Flores in Medellin in september, Feria de Cali in december, Feria de Manizales in january, Festival de Barranquilla in late january (or is it february, not sure), etc... not to mention all the other Fiestas in smaller cities and towns.

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caslug says on Nov 25, 2004, 16:13:

That's the kinda of info i need... OK, the 10 pm is a little bit exergration. Here's where i'm coming from. I live in Orange County, CA(typical suburbia in the USA), where most things shut down early, because it's a family community. BUT if you want to party there places you can go that open till 2 AM AND there will be hoards of people there, of course not as much as weekend. Now if you live in LA/NYC/SF, then even weeknights are party nights! I guess I was thought Bogota, being the capital would have places that stay open and is safe. I don't mean, going to some neighbor bar in central or south zone. Maybe that's Ok for locals but tourist is probably not advisable. If a tourist comes to LA/NYC/SF and want to stay out late to hit some bars they can, knowing that it's pretty safe. I was having dinner at crepes & waffle in zona rosa from 9-10pm and saw lots of people still around, but after dinner most went home. Then I walked around the club strip of Zona rosa and most of places were closed by 11pm, including the bars/clubs, the only thing open was the casinos.

Also, when I went to college, the bars around the colleges were always openned late at night, even on weeknights. Is chapinero like that at late night? and is it safe for foreign tourist?

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go2pr says on Nov 26, 2004, 03:02:

Take any mid-sized Brasilan city, like Ribeiro Preto, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, Campinas or Porto Alegre, or wherever even poorer in Brasil like Belem, Manaus, Campo Grande, Porto Velho, Gioania, ect, (and I'm not talkin about touristics coastal cities) which are more or less the same size than Cali or Medellin, and you'll find a buzzy nightlife till late everyday of the week.

And to compare Bogota to others south american capitals, Buenos Aires is rocking every night, and Sao Paulo has the buzziest nightlife on the planet. I heard Lima was good almost everyday too.

The lack of nightscene in Colombia is in my eyes an "exception" in south america.

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go2pr says on Nov 26, 2004, 03:18:

Shazcas "If you're only interested in Colombia for partying, do think twice. I'm sure no-one will miss you."

Thanks for your kindness.

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Nov 26, 2004, 04:36:

go2pr
The thing is Colombia is no yet a big tourist destination, so practically if you go out Friday and sat you will find the bars, discos etc full of Colombians, now Sunday to wed this Colombians have to go to work and there is no much money to spent around partying all the time. If I were the owner of a Bar I'll know that weekdays I would not make much money so why stay open until 2 example. If Colombia were a big tourist destination like Brazil, London etc that tourism is Big bussiness, the Tourist will make up for the locals and it will be worth to have the place open. But for a few pesos I rather go home. Hopefully in the future Colombia become as tourist as Spain them you can go partying until next day.

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kernow62 says on Nov 26, 2004, 05:38:

I would much rather see other businesses in Colombia than tourism. Tourism can ruin a place fast. Witness Spain, sure it brings in money but it is usually the provider of ver low paying jobs. Get enough tourists from one place and it will end up like Spain, pubs and fish & chip shops.

Colombia does have one nice advantage RE: tourism, they don't have real seasons, in Cornwall where I come from it is packed in the Summer, tourists outnumber locals 100 to 1 or more then in the other months it is a ghost town, no income, empty holiday homes while the locals can no longer afford a home because incommers from richer areas of the UK have bought up all the property. Same happened in France, parts of Spain.

No... leave Colombia alone. Let it be our secret. We don't need another Costa Rica.

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Skippy says on Nov 26, 2004, 06:45:

I agree If you try to compare any country on the planet to Brazil you will have a hard time. Brazil has a magical affect on people. It is the ultimate party any time of the week. The women are enchanting and lovely. they are very sexually confident and do not have the Catholic chruch on their backs like in Colombia.

Here is the secret to partying in Colombia. Go to the bars on Thrusday, Friday and Saturday. I am sure you can meet a little Colombia or two. Then for the week go out on some dates and have a little lovin. It is a simple formula that has worked for me. I like Colombia. Sometimes I dream about going back to Brazil, but I don't know if I could keep up. I am going to be 36 yrs old in January Brazil would probably kill me.

Brazil = Too much sun,too many beautiful beaches, too much drinking, too many beautiful women, too much sex, too many good times with your friends. NO MONEY !!!!!! My lifestyle is better here in Colombia than in Brazil, but I was always happy in Brazil. I hated Sao Paulo though. It was an experience. Maybe I will go back to Brazil. Who knows??????

Yup

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Nov 26, 2004, 07:01:

I think is a bit selfish to kernow to think like that.Imaging how many people will benefit from the tourist trade. You lucky that you leave abroad, maybe have a nice job and can travel.but imaging the poor people unemployed in Colombia. Tourism brings jobs for everyone professionals and non-profesionals.there would be more demand for staff in hotels,bars you name it. more shops and there would be more investment in other areas etc. I don't want Colombia to be a secret Garden I want everybody to know what a wonderful country it is and everybody is welcome.I am colombian 100% And I don't want to sound like boasting but I have been in so many places in the world and I believe Colombia have so much to offer and it no only will change the country but the way other countries think about Colombia and its people.

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go2pr says on Nov 26, 2004, 08:29:

Kat1, I second what you say at 100 %.

This "let's keep this hidden secret garden undervisited" attitude is ridiculous and egoist.

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ColombianoX says on Nov 26, 2004, 08:35:

I agree with Kat, Colombia has a lot to offer the world and it's about time everyone found out. I mean sure, Brasil is nice and I just love their lovely pacific and carribean coasts, oops that's right. I for one am glad that the people in Colombia aren't partying so much anymore, according to you guys. It's about time they started to take life more seriously and stopped thinking that life is just one big party. Before it seemed to me like all many people in Colombia cared about was partying, I hope they concentrate on more important things like working to get the country back on its feet.

"I expected a small city like Cali"

Small city??? Cali has over two million people! That's about the same as Miami.

Tinto,

"Sticking with that comparison, the GDP of Pittsburgh, PA is larger than the Republic of Colombia"

I believe you but please explain to me how this is possible.


ColombianoX

ColombianoX 'Defensor de la Colombianidad'

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Mr. Hollywood says on Nov 26, 2004, 08:36:

It's actually very simple Until the security situation in Colombia improves vastly throughout the whole country, people will stay away in droves. Once that changes and you can safely travel ANYWHERE in Colombia, there will be no stopping it as a tourist destination. Luckily, unlike small countries like Costa Rica or Belize, Colombia has a large population and a robust economy that will never be ruled by tourism alone.

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Hunter says on Nov 26, 2004, 08:56:

Tourism and Business Both would be better and there is little doubt that both will happen.

As to tourism spoiling a place, I won't disagree, some places in Colombia will be spoiled, but I would be happy to see that, because the tourist dollars will help out Colombia directly and there will be more people spreading positive news about Colombia.

As to richer tourists buying up the real estate, like in the British West Country, that is pure market forces, if the locals don't want to move to a cheaper area, thats life.
I do believe that the goverment in the English case should build more subsidised housing for them.
I don't really see that of much of a problem for Colombia though, because there is a lot of available land around potential tourist Cities, the tourists will take the prime site land, but I can't see the other areas prices been affected directly by this, because the tourists wouldn't want to live there.
Although indirectly they will affect the areas, because more people will be making a good living off tourism.
As to the tourism industry not paying that well, I would say that is true in developed Countries, but not in developing Countries, people connected to tourism in developing Countries tend to earn far more than the average wage for that Country.

The tourist areas in France or Spain are in a very small percentage of the area of those two Countries, 99% of the Country is largely tourist free, much like what will happen in Colombia. Colombia can't be compared to Costa Rica, because Costa Rica is a very small Country, so a large amount of tourists there have a larger impact. Colombia will be like France and Spain, 99.9% will be largely tourist free, but some places like Ctg and Santa Marta will become like other popular tourist areas around the world, spoiled.

Hunter

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ShazCas says on Nov 26, 2004, 09:49:

Partying, tourism etc.. go2pr, sorry if I seemed unkind, I didn't mean to offend - I'm just a bit tired of people who are only interested in Colombia and Latin America in general for its parties. I don't think Colombia should be criticised for not having a 24hr lifestyle like so many other places - I see it as an asset.

As for the tourism debate, well, it's a very difficult one. As has already been said, tourism brings so much money to a country, but it also destroys the environment and affects the culture. I would never go near the parts of the south coast of Spain that are practically British, and it's been terrible for the environment there, but it has worked wonders for the economy. After all, tourism is the biggest industry in the world.

I would like to see a peaceful Colombia where visitors could come and admire its beauty (but of course I would complain about the annoying tourists!) - but not if they're going to destroy the environment - so as long as the best effort is made to protect the environment, bring on the money and business opportunities!!

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caslug says on Nov 26, 2004, 11:19:

accidental tourist... Any legal endeavors that brings jobs/money into a developing country is always beneficials. I live in S. California, and even w/ a huge influx of tourists, as a local we can choose to go to areas with tourist or not. Even in CTG, a city well known for tourism, most tourist just stay in a small area and never really venture out of those areas.

go2pr, so Lima's is happenning on weekdays? I'm glad to hear that because that's my trip. I'm not asking for a major partying scene on the weekdays, just a little area that locals w/ time/money go and hang out for a drink and that is safe.

Heck the only thing that is like that in COL are ironically the casinos(which take money from locals). You find lots of people there at all hours of the night. It just that I didn't want to pass my nights in the casinos, like I did my previous trip to Cali. I'm not passing judgement on BOG, just an observation.

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go2pr says on Nov 27, 2004, 01:51:

Lima Caslug, I just wait a report from a good friend, who just spent two weeks in Lima, this only to "study" :) ALL the nightlife options. I'll post here here for you or sent it to you by PM ..... could you post about your fav spots in Cali ?

Cheers

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Nov 27, 2004, 02:53:

I'm split on this issue too I kind of hate the idea that some people would consider Colombia only as a party scene or playground for rich gringos/europeans where everything can be bought for little money, then disgarded and move on to places where there's more fun, more liberties, less control.
I think my commitment with Colombia runs too deep to feel comfortable with that. I'm all for planned and well-managed tourism in Colombia, but as others have stated here before, I wouldn't want to see Colombia converted to another Costa Rica, Dominican Republic invaded by Germans, or the pre-Castro Havanna....
Tourism that respects the environment and local customs and lifestyles would indeed be a source of income for many people in Colombia. I'm thinking of ecotourism, for example.
Cheers,
Desi

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Nov 27, 2004, 03:26:

oh, I forgot to add that I feel really sorry for you gringos who can't find a sizzling party scene every week night in Colombia, because the poor Colombians have to work too, and often have other worries besides how to amuse or entertain tourists...move on, please.
Cheers,
Desi

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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ShazCas says on Nov 27, 2004, 04:33:

I agree totally Desi, especially regarding ecotourism, and I hear what Caslug's saying about tourists just sticking to a small area of the city, like in Quito as I've seen.

go2pr, what I was saying about Colombians not missing you wasn't meant to be an insult at all - what I meant was that if you don't bring anything more valuable as a visitor to the country than your dollars for spending in the bars/casinos, then that's why you won't be missed. What a shame not to learn about Colombia's history, the indigenous peoples who owned the land before, its beautiful landscapes, and its peoples' way of life. There are so many more positive things you could bring to Colombia as a visitor than to just stay in the fancier bars designed specially for gringos bars spending money. That's all I meant, so please don't take offence - the last thing I want to do is start a silly fight. Debate is what it's all about!

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caslug says on Nov 27, 2004, 10:18:

colombia tourism... COL is to big a country (40 mil people) to "hurt" by tourism. Look at CTG, most of the tourist their during the holidays are...Colombians, foreign tourist make up a very small part of COL tourism, now and in the future. BUT foriegn tourist tend to stay longer and so put more money into the economy. Good tourism can be more than eco-tourism, ie, walking around nature. Take BOG for example, big cities with many historic places and fine mueseums, nice/affordable accomadations, safe, good/diverse dinning scene, decent shopping, excellent nightlife on the weekend.

"I kind of hate the idea that some people would consider Colombia only as a party scene or playground for rich gringos/europeans where everything can be bought for little money, then disgarded and move on to places where there's more fun, more liberties, less control."-desi

I agree that there are a few foreign tourist that do those things, but the vast majority do not. Actually, it's the upper class/wealthy COL that view COL as their private party scene, much more than foreign tourist. Because there simply not that many of us in COL. When I went partying, who did I see drunk, dancing wildly, pumping into other people, had to be helped into a cab? Local COL not gringo/euro party animals.

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caslug says on Nov 27, 2004, 10:26:

go2pr.. Cali main party scene is avenida sexta on fri/sat it's hopping. You can walk from one club to another all night long. On sunday i did go to this big salsa place (Tienda vieja or vieaj tienda or something - help me out here cali locals..) in the centro or south cali. It was very fun and lively, saw some excellent dancers. Definitely like the info on Lima when you get it...

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utopiacowboy says on Nov 27, 2004, 11:42:

I don't know why you say that gringos have a bad name in Colombia. I have been to Colombia numerous times and I have never had the experiences that you describe in the airport, Mitch1x. Were you doing a lot of sniffling?

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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utopiacowboy says on Nov 27, 2004, 20:21:

Geez, Mitch, you've done it again! I made 5 trips in less than a year all through Miami. They never said a word to me and I never got a second look going through customs. The last time my wife and the kids had 10 bags among them and they didn't take a peek. Do you look like a guy who deserves a ball-busting?

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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gabriel says on Nov 28, 2004, 01:34:

Juanchito Hey guy what about JUANCHITO in cali, has anybody ever been,I've had some of my very best times rumbiando in juanchito. Just wondering because nobody seems to mention this place....and yes I know JUANCHITO is not for the faint of heart, but if you go in a group you should be alright. The last time I was in Cali there was a "ley zanahoria", so after 11 or 12 I think alot caleños went to party in JUANCHITO.

Yerba mala nunca muere....

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Dan says on Nov 28, 2004, 02:07:

Maybe it all depends on who's working at the Miami airport for the "busting". Some people I work with recently (about 10 people) returned to the US from Colombia. One guy said that he and another white guy was pulled off to the side while their coworkers of hispanic origen kept on walking. The guy said that the two of them were questioned for 3 hours as to why they went to Colombia, why such a short trip (I think it was for a week) and the whole Time, he said he is showing them an Official Passport/Visa, Travel Orders, and what ever other documents saying that they were on Official Buisness. They ended up missing their connecting flight while their buddies where on their way home.

Personally, I had one guy get at me in Atlanta once. It wasn't much but to me it was a little wierd. I had traveled to Colombia to visit my girlfriend. As soon as I got off the plane there were two people checking passports. The guy that checked mine asked if I brought back anything I shouldn't have and if I work for the Airlines... No and No... I went into the airport and waited in line for getting my passport stamped. When I got to the booth, the guy asked me what I was doing in Colombia, I mentioned something about visiting my girlfriend and around the baggage claim area, the guy that checked by the plane stopped me, checked my passport again and asked about visiting my girlfriend. I thought that was the wierd part, I never mentioned it to him, only the guy in the booth. The one that stopped me asked if I was military and asked to see some ID. and then let me go on my way. It wasn't anything big, but I thought it was strange that the one guy was asking me something I never even mentioned in the first place. I'm a little interested in seeing what my experience is like when I have to come back to Colombia to get married.

God Bless America!

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Hunter says on Nov 28, 2004, 05:25:

caslug I know the club you are on about I think its caled TIENDA VIAJO, its in the Southern part of Cali, about 15 mins from the Intercontinental hotel in normal traffic conditions.

jeanpier, JUANCHITO is supposed to be very good dancing scene, I never got around to going, but thats what my friends told me at the dance school, I was going to in Cali. Its about 45 mins out of town though, thats the reason I never went, just couldn't be bothered to travel that far and back again.

Hunter

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utopiacowboy says on Nov 28, 2004, 12:22:

Wow, you guys must fit the profile. When my daughters came back from Colombia after my wedding, they were given the third degree and thoroughly examined. They got to talking with the customs officers afterwards and they said that the reason for the search was they fit the profile. They were shocked and then the offciers told them, don't be, we've got two young girls just like you chained to toilets right now! They would not tell them much about the profile but they said their age, their race (white), short trip to Colombia, and little luggage were what separated them out. I must have an honest face or I am way out of the profile - they just say, "Welcome back, dude!".

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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Dan says on Nov 28, 2004, 12:55:

Utopia I've seen your pic... You look like you could be more buissness oriented, in a Computer geek type of way. not trying to be insulting or anything, just an opinion.

I guess I would fit "The profile". mid 20's, Tall skinny white guy... I wonder how that right there can be enough to hassle someone for who know's how long just because of a couple facts... Stuff like that really annoy's me.

God Bless America!

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utopiacowboy says on Nov 28, 2004, 19:05:

I had to laugh at your comment, Dan. Actually I am a web developer so yes, I am a computer geek. On the other hand, I also cowboyed for a long time, maybe I should post another picture of me on my horse.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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