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Cali and Palmira

I've been thinking about a trip to Cali to explore Colombia. I understand it's reasonably safe now. I have been chatting on line with a young lady from Palmira, who I'm thinking of visiting. She lives in barrio olimpico.

I'm wondering if anyone can give me some insight into how long it takes to get from Cali to Palmira? Is there regular public transport that a non Spanish speaker would find navigable? Does anyone know anything about this Barrio?

I understand that salsa, and dancing are big in Cali. Also that there is a school or two which offers TEFOL classes. Does anyone know anything about that certification? Also I'd like to improve my spanish. Are there places in Cali that offer Spanish Immersion classes?

Any help or assistance would be appreciated.

Tony

By altohombre on Jun 14, 2008, 18:51 in Friendly Talkzone.

la campiña says on Jun 14, 2008, 19:05:

I live in cali and can answer all your questions, Palmira is 30 minutes from cali, you need to take a bus from the terminal in cali of which there are many almost every 15 minutes but realy palmira has nothing to offer ( except the young lady) Cali is the home of salsa and I know very good teachers, also I rent rooms to travelers short term and long term,regards to spanish classes yes they exist here,also I have information about TEFL courses ( I have a certificate) my place is a big friendly house with pool close to all the action if needed, english teachers stay here; mail me on dragonflycali at gmail.com, cheers paul

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bopenyan says on Jun 15, 2008, 16:28:

If you fly in to Cali, the airport is closer to Palmira than it is to Cali. Campina is right in saying that there is not a whole lot going on in Palmira. For a decent restaurant to take your girlfriend in Palmira, there is one across the street from the bombero in downtown Palmira. I forgot its name but it is set in what appears to be an old one storey hacienda type house.

For a structured Spanish lessons environment, Univalle has a comprehensive programme (or so it appears from their website). Univalle is in the centre westerly part of Cali, a few minutes walk from Calle 5, one of the main roads through Cali.

If you're going to be in Cali for a while, taking up campina's suggestion of staying at his place would be a good idea. He knows his stuff about Cali.

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Morrongo says on Jun 15, 2008, 19:02:

All good advise. Listen to camps...if your Spanish is not up to it yet..you could do no better than stay at his place..he'll point you in the right direction,with good candid advice.all free(well the advice).and only a short hop to the terminal.
Don't go wandering into a Barrio you have no idea of...if she is worth her salt,she will suggest to meet you in Cali or Palmira terminal

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GregYohn says on Jun 15, 2008, 21:52:

Hola!

Expect what my CALI GF did the first time!

She will take a bus to the airport and then she surprises you with a COLD Club Colombia beer. Then, she makes sure you find a place SHE approves or else she says is it's too expensive or too dangerous a place to her!

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

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roloenNJ says on Jun 16, 2008, 10:11:

Palmira is a safe town, but dont call attention to your self given that it is small town and people will know you are not from around there? El olimpico is a good side of town as well as las mercedes.

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robi666 says on Jun 16, 2008, 11:01:

"Palmira is a safe town"

Palmira was the 2nd for murders (only Buenaventura was worse) and the 3rd for kidnapping (after only Popayan and Ibague) and extorsion among Colombian cities.
http://www.seguridadydemocracia.org/docs/pdf/seguridadUrbana/seguridad...
"Buenaventura, Palmira, Pereira, Cali y Cúcuta son sin duda las ciudades más violentas de Colombia"

Getting better in 2008, but indeed a nice small safe place... :-)

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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pedro says on Jun 16, 2008, 11:28:

There's a regular bus service to Palmira from the Cali terminal. About half an hour.

Palmira is in the middle of some beautiful landscapes. The town itself is not much to look at. Pretty basic.

que nota!

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Morrongo says on Jun 16, 2008, 14:30:

Palmira is getting safer and you could be fooled into thinking its safe ,but there is still an underbelly of problems there.Things are generally quieter including Buenaventura, a bit of common sense and planning is highly recommended to enjoy your trip safely.

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roloenNJ says on Jun 17, 2008, 03:44:

For me is safe, I go to palmira almost every year and I never have gone into any trouble over there since I blend with the people. I dont go to Palmira to flash how much money I have bc I know I would not make it out there. I am also around 2 o 3 friends anytime we go to the mall or a club at night. Is a small town so you could get bored pretty quick, and if you do go be wary of the cabs and tried to always be around with a person that knows palmira and can take out out on the town.

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aztec says on Jun 17, 2008, 14:32:

Been there twice. Both times I was advised by natives to be careful and hold on to your wallet!

I believe if you have a native looking after you your trip will be nice. I met a professor there who had his masters from Michigan State. His daughter was beautiful and her parents were very protective. He was involved in the Agricultural college.

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