Cali questions

Lauthra says on Jan 25, 2005, 14:07:

Iguana It's a hostal in the north of Cali, our friend Joey's staying there and it's quite a goog hostal. Maybe someone else can give you the exact address. About the safety issue, there are plenty of old threads about that, do a little search and read away.

Nato ;)

Nato (='.'=)

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fzrdan says on Jan 25, 2005, 21:42:

Gomezman, where are you? I figured you would jump all over this poor guy.

Cali is not the safest city in Colombia. That should tell you something. You will hear plenty of folks on this board tell you that it is OK if you are smart and you will get some folks that will tell you not to go, ever! Simply too dangerous.

You probably will not be held up by guys with machine guns but you could be held up by some idiot with a pistol or knife. There are the pick pockets and scammers just like any other city as well. Just hang out at chipechape (spelling ???) during the day..you will be fine. Or do like my novia does, carry around a huge ass knife everywhere you go.

5'10" is very short? Uhh..where?

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calipro says on Jan 25, 2005, 22:46:

I went to diversity training today and they taught me that I shouldn't just assume that everybody is straight. Apparently you shouldn't be talking about your wife and kids and then ask the new guy in the office "So how's the wife been treating you?". From what I'm told it can cause gay guys undue stress and a stress free work place is a happy work place.

On the other hand you probably shouldn't assume that someone is gay just because they do or say something that makes you feel that they might be gay.

So after reading this: "ok first of all I'm not going to try to find a wife I'm not even going to try and get laid or anything so my reasons for going are nothing to do with women or drugs...",
I have to ask you, richj1011, Are you gay?

I mean most guys that have food, water and shelter are looking for a woman if they don't already have one then after they have a steady date they move on to writing philosophy or something. Maybe it's just me but if you are a single straight guy, I think you have your priorities screwed up.

If I was afraid to go out at night in Cali I wouldn't go. I personally feel safer in Cali than I do in Los Angeles but then again I only took a public bus in Cali once and I would never do it again. I caught it on the way back from the river and by the time we had gotten into Cali there were so many people on it they were hanging off. I thought the whole bus was going to tip over when we went around curves.

Anyway I'll be in Cali by the time you get there. So if you can think of something we might have in common I would be happy to show you around a little bit. If I were you I would find myself a nice caleña and have her show me around so if you haven't sworn off women, let me know and we can hang out sometime.

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Atrevido says on Jan 26, 2005, 03:22:

The Other backpacker hostel is:

Calidad House
Calle 17N #9AN-39
Barrio Granada
T: 6612338

a good choice as it's well located and within walking distance of most of what's of interest in Cali's north end.

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kernow62 says on Jan 26, 2005, 04:57:

Calipro it is just you.

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ixent says on Jan 26, 2005, 05:47:

age 24, been hitch-hiking in Mexico, sounds too young to be getting married just yet... Sound more like sbdy who wants to do a bit of independent travelling that's all... I certainly can't see how you construe that he might be gay, Calipro...

The other thing is that, based on my experience anyway, you meet the best people when you are not actively seeking. But maybe that's just me...

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ixent says on Jan 26, 2005, 05:50:

don't worry richj1011 You won't get stopped "every two hours by people with machine guns". If you've been hitch-hiking in Mexico without getting robbed, you'll survive Cali, just use common sense.

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Tinto (Moderator) says on Jan 26, 2005, 06:38:

Sensitivity training? Our tax dollars at work. Good grief!



During the Q&A session, did you show the class your T&A session? Did they think you were respectful of female sensitivities? ;-)

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calipro says on Jan 26, 2005, 06:57:

Absolutely.. I have never had a female co-work complain about me ever. I don't know what the T&A session is in reference to, maybe my albums?

I have given co-workers access to my albums if they are interested. I don't know how anybody could ask me for the password, go to my albums and then complain that they were offended. I think that would be a knew one.

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Tinto (Moderator) says on Jan 26, 2005, 07:06:

Yes, I was referring to the albums The mental image was rich: sitting through a sensitivity training session...women in various states of undress on your website...calling people femi-nazis...



Anyway, I was just kidding. We all have our inconsistencies between work life and private life.

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calipro says on Jan 26, 2005, 07:47:

Tinto I'm not trying to add crediblity to my claim but there is only one woman that I have ever called a femi-nazi.

And I think my pictures would rate about a 2 on a scale from 1 to 10 on provoctivity. I mean there isn't so much as a nipple showing. Girls that lay on the beach and unlatch the back of their top so they don't get a tan line have less on than any woman in my photos. Does it really matter if they are wearing underwear instead of a bathing suit? They still all had their cookies covered.

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M.Clint says on Jan 26, 2005, 07:59:

Hey I have never seen anyone so blatanly going through a middle life crisis, Calipro, have you no shame nor self-esteem? Who are you waiting for to pat you in the back? The other americans going through the same pathetic crisis you are? Snap out of it!

Mike

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fzrdan says on Jan 26, 2005, 08:07:

caiplro You should do with these girls whatever you want. I have one question though. Do the girls know their pictures will be on the internet and you will show them as trophies to people? Pathetic

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calipro says on Jan 26, 2005, 08:22:

To my detractors: Do I think that the women whose photos I took believed that I wouldn't show the pictures to any and everybody I chose? NO

Have you ever taken a picture and never showed it to anybody else?
Well if you didn't it must have been quite a nasty little picture.

I personally have never taken a picture and never showed it to anybody but then again I don't take vulgar photos.

However the next time I post photos I'm going to make each and everyone who wants to see them ask me for the password themselves. That should cut down on the whining and crying around here. How could someone beg me for the password and then cry about the photos? Although it will probably happen.

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Albatross says on Jan 26, 2005, 09:02:

... He does have a point... nobody shows pictures to nobody...

“Democracy - a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance." - H.L. Mencken

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Harry says on Jan 26, 2005, 09:03:

From a Gringo who lives in Cali Rich,

I have visited Colombia on many occasions and now I live in Cali. I have lived here for oe year. I am about as gringo looking as you can get. I do speak some Spanish but by no means speak Spanish fluently.

I have never had any sort of problem with anyone while I have lived in Cali.

There is viloence in this city, the muder rate per capa in Cali is higher than what you would find in major US cities. But some of the other viloent crime stats are lower.

I have been close to a shooting on the street. What happen was that two persons on a motorcyle shot another person in a car stopped at a red light. This type of thing does happen in Cali but both parties involved are always criminals fighting among themselves.

I once lived in Chicago and for me there is not much difference between Cali and Chicago besides the weather.

Cali is a wonderfull city to visit and I am sure that you will have a very good time. Most of the people here are friendly and respectfull.

Have a good trip


Harry

Harry

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adela says on Jan 26, 2005, 09:08:

richj

I live in Cali, as all of you know. If you need some specific advices just let me know, or be in contact with YEP he is my prospect guest very soon(february). I know he has ideas for you too.

Aquí en Cali, a la orden!
(here in Cali, to your service)

Màs fe, màs abrazos, màs besos, màs disculpas, màs visitas a nuestros amigos antiguos nos haràn màs plenos cada vez.

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richj1011 says on Jan 26, 2005, 13:48:

No I am not gay.....ok Sorry Calipro I used a bad choice of words...I like women of course! :)...I'd love to meet some nice girls but my main reason for visiting Cali isn't just ALL about girls...I just want to meet some people (they don't have to be girls) who can show me around or just someone to hang out with/talk too...if the chemistry is there its there type of thing...So what I was trying to say is that I'm not on a mission too find a wife or to sleep with X amount of women and if it doesn't happen I won't be disappointed
I was in Mexico for about 2 months I slept with one girl and made friends with about 15 girls and a couple of guys and had an awesome time
I remember I met this American guy who was in his 30's and he had just been down in Colombia and had a girlfriend from Cali and he had like a showbox full of pictures of her it was really funny as he has recently gotten a new girlfriend who was mexican and wanted to hide the pics from her lol anyway I'm going way off topic here..

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richj1011 says on Jan 26, 2005, 13:56:

Ok thanks so much for your reply Harry...ok thats calmed my nerves considerably...I'll definately be very careful when I'm out and about
from info I've read on the board it sounds like its going to be easy to meet the locals so I shouldn't have too many problems *fingers crossed*...I don't think I'd be very worried if I had one or two people to do stuff with its just if I'm wandering around by myself not knowing where to go looking like a helpless tourist as at this stage I haven't even been able to get a decent map of the city (I'll probably buy one at the airport? if they are available there)
Thanks! I WILL HAVE A GOOD TRIP! I'm sure

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richj1011 says on Jan 26, 2005, 13:57:

ok thanks!!! I've gotten that address written down now!

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richj1011 says on Jan 26, 2005, 14:02:

Yes I'm very much the independent type when it comes to travelling...so if you see some rather bohemian looking gringo wandering around the street of Cali in March April its probably me lol
I'm certainly not the five star hotel gucci loafer wearing tourist!
Hell I don't even own a camera!!!!
:)
I strongly agree with you on the `meet people when not actively seeking' definately been my experience too in fact I agree so much with you that perhaps I'll not bother to try to organise to meet anyone and just wait till I arrive to mingle so to speak

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richj1011 says on Jan 26, 2005, 14:05:

Ok thanks adela...thats very kind of you! I'll will contact you closer to the time then?
Thanks appreciate it!

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richj1011 says on Jan 26, 2005, 14:11:

ok point taken...ok I've written down `chipechape' (I'm sure someone will be able to tell me where exactly that is)
You serious about the knife part?
I always take two knifes with me anyway when I travel abroad a pocket knife and another pocket knife if something happens to pocket knife number one! then I have a backup knife!
You think I should carry it with me on the street? *a slightly shocked expression on his face*

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fzrdan says on Jan 26, 2005, 15:00:

richj, I am not saying you should carry a knife with you. I am just telling what my novia does. If you get stopped by the police, they may not like it. Also, if you do get 'attacked' the idiot may just stab you with your own knife.

Chipechape is a shopping mall in the north part of the city. I can't tell you exactly where.

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Lionheart says on Jan 26, 2005, 15:11:

a pocket knife? Remember Crocodile Dundee - That's a Knife!

Best keep the pocket knife at home, in your room, or give it as a present. Using it for self-defense is a joke.

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adela says on Jan 26, 2005, 15:22:

south Cali

I wish to recommend the South part of Cali. Zones around Unicentro, Holguines, Hotel Pacifico Royal and la guadalupe are great and very safe. Any gringo could walk in those areas for having fun and finding the best of Cali without look helpless tourist. Ok, it is better to have a company but I understand (and hope) that not anybody is looking for a girl here.

I live near those areas and sometimes I leave my door open ...nothing happened until now.

Màs fe, màs abrazos, màs besos, màs disculpas, màs visitas a nuestros amigos antiguos nos haràn màs plenos cada vez.

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richj1011 says on Jan 26, 2005, 15:57:

Ok thanks again! I'll just be cautious anytime when I'm out and about by myself....and hopefully the idiots will leave me alone..I'm going to make up some small bundles of low denomination notes and if I must give them that but I'm still not going to be happy about giving away my hard earned cash to some little thieving shit! lol
Oh well I guess its desperation that drives people to do these things so perhaps its understandable *shrugs shoulders*

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richj1011 says on Jan 26, 2005, 16:12:

LOL! Crocodile Dundee hmmm not sure about whether I totally agree with a knife not being a good form of self defense against a gun yeah its stupid...I'm not trying to be a dick or anything but all I know is that I met a couple a few years ago who had backpacked through Colombia--Peru--Ecuador and they only ever had one problem they were in Colombia Bogota to be exact they were asked by some little kid (a young teenager) with a pocket knife for there wallets they said no and then the guy (who was about 25 at the time) took a swiss army knife out of his pocket and pretended to lunge at the kids while shouting at him and they ran off...(the kids that is)
All I'm saying is unless a bunch of guys with assault rifles surround me I would but not give for some little punk kid who thinks he can get a free lunch off me...I gave away lots of money too homeless people in Mexico...if someone wants a few bucks I'll nearly always give it to them if they come and ask nicely...but if they think they can steal it then thats a different story altogether

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richj1011 says on Jan 26, 2005, 16:17:

Ok Adela I'll write that down also...at the moment when you guys talk about the areas the only thing that is in my head is just an area on a lonely planets very vague map!...
Its not so much that I wouldn't stay in a more expensive hotel its just that the bigger hotels always seem more impersonal I'm not a businessman or anything so the hostel/backpackers type places are better for me because then I can meet other travellers...who could be a bit like me...thanks for your suggestions

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Lionheart says on Jan 26, 2005, 16:23:

maps Here are 2 links for good maps online. First is good for scouting the area, the second is good for the cities:

MultiMap

MapOrama

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richj1011 says on Jan 26, 2005, 16:34:

Lionheart far-out thanks! I'm going to go print some of these out now fantastic!

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Lauthra says on Jan 26, 2005, 19:55:

Iguana Hostal Address HOSTAL IGUANA
Cl 21 9-22
Teléfono: 6613522
If your bohemian this is your place. Its a very quiet neighbourhood, with lots of wind, and the house it's very nice. Up to a couple of beds per room, not clumped bunk beds... It's 14.000 pesos a night, about 10 Australian Dollars.

Nato ;)

Nato (='.'=)

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richj1011 says on Jan 26, 2005, 20:10:

THANKS now I have a couple of places lined up where I can stay wooo-hoo!
thank-you to everyone

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Lauthra says on Jan 26, 2005, 22:53:

You could... Go to the Zoo.
Walk all the way up to San Antonio.
Have a Cholado en la Novena.
Go to Pance for a swim.
Have pandebonos, chontaduro and mango viche con sal.
Walk along el Rio Cali...
Can't think of anything else at the mo.
Nato ;)

Nato (='.'=)

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jan 27, 2005, 11:12:

good list, nato I'd just add:

eat empanadas atthe Obelisco by the river...main entertainment watching the waiters run across the busy street dodging cars with trays laden with empanadas and beer bottles. They're good!

Eat chontaduros (palm fruit) from a street vendor anywhere in Cali.

Go to Tierra Mestiza in San Fernando to have a couple of cold ones, listen to live Colombian/South American/Nueva Trova music with a friend or two.

Cheers,
Desi

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jan 27, 2005, 11:14:

ohhhh and one more.. attend the Clasico (America versus Cali soccer match) in the Pascual...
Cheers,
Desi

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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ShazCas says on Jan 27, 2005, 11:32:

The Iguana I just wanted to say that I thought the Iguana hostal was fantastic, I agree with Lauthra on recommending it. The rooms are large, airy and very clean, and it's a pretty house with lots of character, information, and free coffee in the morning. Book ahead.

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heat says on Jan 27, 2005, 11:46:

desi, haven't been here for awhile. what's the status of your B&B in Cali?

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jan 27, 2005, 11:53:

heat, still non-existant, depending on if I get my sabbatical granted from June on. In that case I could be opening the doors sometime in July or August this year.

Cheers,
Desi

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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Neonovo says on Jan 27, 2005, 12:41:

I posted my "Tardes Caleñas" pics elsewhere... And at the risk of boring some of U..."Tardes Caleñas" is where I partied in Cali last Sept. I'm the guy in the yellow shirt surrounded by beauties; I also planned to scale the "3-cross mountain" -el cerro de las tres cruces- which I understand is a fave climb for early morning joggers, but just didn't have the time. There is also Cristo Rey's mountain. If you look a little further you'll even see me shaking the hand of Cali's mayor. Yes sir, I met him in person.

Neonovo

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heat says on Jan 27, 2005, 13:09:

calipro just my opinion, but if someone i was intimate with took sexy photos of me in various stages of undress i would not expect him to show them to anyone and everyone let alone post them on the internet. i would definitely expect them to be for his private eyes only. if he took a picture of me in yosemite, in front of a waterfall, well then yes i wouldn't expect him not to share those but not something more personal such as a photo in lingerie.

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adela says on Jan 27, 2005, 14:00:

Yes, Lauthra yes
_____Go to the Zoo.
Walk all the way up to San Antonio.
Have a Cholado en la Novena.
Go to Pance for a swim.
Have pandebonos, chontaduro and mango viche con sal.
Walk along el Rio Cali...


and you too Desi.. do you remember some song of Nueva Trova Cubana? Maybe? Pablo Milanés, Silvio? What about some salsa, Desi?

Màs fe, màs abrazos, màs besos, màs disculpas, màs visitas a nuestros amigos antiguos nos haràn màs plenos cada vez.

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Lauthra says on Jan 27, 2005, 15:01:

I forgot Visit Cristoy Rey, El Cerro de las Tres Cruces, and La Hacienda La Maria, no in Cali, but pretty close!
Nato ;)

Nato (='.'=)

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richj1011 says on Jan 27, 2005, 18:15:

Tinto It was a Wenger! (no I don't know) :P

Ok I never usually eat at chain restaurants...probably I'll just eat at roadside type places....I almost never eat at sit down type restaurants anyway...I'll buy food from the supermarket and cook some of my own stuff!! thank-you!!!!!!!!!!

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richj1011 says on Jan 27, 2005, 18:20:

Neonovo thanks for your post quite interesting...I took a look at some of the pictures too
so thanks for posting them very cool indeed!

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Neonovo says on Jan 27, 2005, 18:46:

richj1011, my pleasure; furthermore... I don't know where the idea that Cali, "La sucursal del cielo" (heavens' subsidiary) is a dangerous place. The idea seemed so preposterous, I didn't even bother to comment it.

Just the thought that such a concept has reared it's ugly head, is enough to gimmy a bad case of La Chiripiorca"

Paz

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Chevere33 says on Jan 27, 2005, 21:24:

knives, Richj While I chuckled about your friend that shooed off the knife-wielding kid by producing his own knife, I did want to caution anyone that might think about doing this. We knew this huge guy Francisco (about 6'3, 250 lbs or so) that had lived in New York and felt himself to be a tough guy. He would wear his thick gold necklace on the street, pretty much daring anyone to try taking it. Well, some street kid came to him with a knife, wanting the necklace, and "Franqui" laughed and shoved him away. WIthin a few moments, another gamin showed up and they started fighting him, but still no problem. Even when the third one showed up, he was holding his own. But they kept coming and I think when there were like five of them, they ended up getting the best of him and hit his face into the sidewalk and everything. When we saw him a few days afterwards, he had scars, bruises, and a little less bravado.

This was in 1981--don't know if it's better or worse now, but I would just give up the necklace, personally---better yet not wear them.


Constancia

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calipro says on Jan 27, 2005, 23:16:

Heat I'm trying hard to appreciate your's and some other members prudishness when it comes to my photos considering I have seen more revealing photos in a Victoria Secrets cataloge.

I would honestly like to believe that my detractors are sincerely worried about the privacy concerns of the women in the photos even though none were mentioned (by the ladies) and nobody here actually knows who they are (except for me of course).

I can tell that there is definately more at play here than the privacy concerns of the women.

I understand Dezi's motivation. She doesn't agree with older gringos dating and or marrying younger colombianas especially if they don't have equal financial status. If Dezi had her way there would be usury laws to stop these kinds of relationships because that is exactly what she thinks of them. Maybe she'll deny this and that's OK. But, I have had the opportunity to read her rantings on other boards and it wasn't pretty. Anyway it could be she is trying to change, or maybe she is just pulling all are legs for a good laugh. Or may as she puts it "they were just off hand remarks" and we really have no idea what she really thinks.

I don't know what your motivation is Heat. But, your post strikes me as a little naive. I don't know what you look like but if you look good in lingerie and your boy friend took a picture of you in it, Do you really believe he would never show it to anybody?

I mean a picture of a beautiful woman is like a work of art. It is to be appreciated.

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jan 28, 2005, 09:19:

adela, Yes, I like listening to Nueva Trova, Pablo Milanes and Silvio Rodriguez. Favorites? Just to mention a few: "Yolanda", "Te doy una canción". "La maza", "El tiempo pasa", "Madre" and "El breve espacio".
I am not that much of a salsa fan, but I like Ruben Blades and Grupo Niche.
Cheers,
Desi

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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TiaKatia says on Jan 28, 2005, 12:53:

Jeeeeezzzz! "how dangerous will it be for me if I don't go out at night don't go outside the city limits only travel on public buses etc"

Gosh!!! Where do you think you are going??? Cali is a pretty civilized city, although it does have a good chunk of usual city crime. Not much more than Washington, DC, where I've lived for the past years, I assure you. I strongly suggest that you DO go out at night (take a Chivas ride!!!), go outside the city (try Parque del Cafe near Armenia). Don't know about public busses, never tried. Just be smart about it. Since you seem to be used to traveling in Mexico it shouldn't be a problem.

"I don't have any flashy cameras or watches and dress extremely casually"

Of course, don't waive cameras, watches and green bills is people's faces. That would be true in any big city, no?

Ease up! And have fun in Cali. It's a great city.

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richj1011 says on Jan 28, 2005, 13:09:

Ok finally thanks everyone for your comments
cheers!!
I'm looking forward to my trip in 6 weeks times now!

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