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Cali Questions

Hey everybody, this is my first post, although I've been reading PBH time to time for several months now.

I'm finally doing it. I'm going to visit Cali, Colombia! :-) Why Cali for a newbie like me? I've always wanted to visit the "other" salsa capital of the world as I live in NYC and am somewhat of a salsa aficionado.

First and foremost are the security concerns.

I understand Cali is potentially hairier than some of the other Colombian cities. If anyone has any numbers of any drivers/guides I can trust as well as areas I should steer clear from, I would be very grateful. I will most likely be staying at the Windsor Plaza Hotel.

Second is of course the salsa/club scene:

any clubs and/or bands that I must definitely check out will be much appreciated. Also, are there dance instructors over there like the way we have here in NYC? Nowadays, there's a gazilion teachers out in all boroughs (even Staten Island!) offering salsa classes "on two" I know the sense of timing and style is different in Colombia so I'd like to try to adjust so I can at least have a few dances in by the end of my stay. I've pretty much been brainwashed and doggy-trained to dance "on two" and I'm actually quite good at that. But obviously, that style will not be of much use for me in Cali. Hopefully, this old dog can still learn a trick or two!

FWIW, I speak Spanish very well. Pues si prefieres escribirme en español, está bien, lo puedo entender perfectamente. My mom's from PR and my dad is from Spain; clearly, I do not have a Colombian "accent" so I assume they'll confirm I'm a foreigner as soon as I open my mouth if they haven't figured it out from my look. . . :))

By droble77 on Nov 13, 2006, 11:34 in Friendly Talkzone.

GregYohn says on Nov 13, 2006, 17:35:

Cali Salsa My GF just told me a few moments ago that they have live music next to the Carrefour, Club Campestre. I will be there this weekend, so I can tell you about it soon!

Its my third trip in 3 months to Cali!

Greg

2.5 cent Calls to Colombia & most to most of the rest of the world!
http://www.voipstunt.com/en/index.html

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

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droble77 says on Nov 13, 2006, 18:00:

Thanks for the tip, I'll be there this weekend too. :-)) Maybe I'll run into you!

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GregYohn says on Nov 13, 2006, 18:29:

Housing! Too bad you have not been to Cali before!

You are getting overcharged for a fancy hotel. I stayed at one for $45 a night and $18. The next one will cost $25. No need for a swimming pool for me, since my friend's have one of their own!

LOL! The $45 hotel included a red sheer nightie!

Greg

Free Calls to Colombia & most of the rest of the world!
http://www.voipstunt.com/en/index.html

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

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johnarizona says on Nov 13, 2006, 18:50:

Cali Plaza a bit more pricey than the places Greg seems to know, but safe, decent location and helpful American owner.

Located near Calle 15 and Avenida Sexta.

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ja122375 says on Nov 13, 2006, 19:02:

Me too! I'll be in cali from nov 15 and then leaving to medellin on the 20th! maybe we can all meet up before going to see that live music next to club campestre?? If ya'll want, you can send your contact info directly to me at ja122375 at yahoo.com

I was just there recently and i know of a great affordable place to stay in an excellent location. see ya'll in cali!

--Jason

--Jason

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GregYohn says on Nov 13, 2006, 20:04:

Cali....1:30 PM Thurs! Hola!

Will be in Cali 1:30 PM Thurs 11/16! Leave 11/19 Sunday night after 9 PM!

Trying to get a group to meet me and my GF at a place near Carrefour with her friends this weekend. Guess, we can add a few more to our group!

Greg

Almost Free Calls to Colombia & Free to most of the rest of the world!
http://www.voipstunt.com/en/index.html

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

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droble77 says on Nov 13, 2006, 21:04:

Thanks again. I'll be there from Nov. 16 to 26. Possibly with a side trip to Medellin or Cartagena, haven't made any definites yet.

GregY, I won't make it to Cali till later that evening on Thurs. but maybe Friday I'll be free. I appreciate the invite. Even if I don't run into any of you, I wish you all a fantastic time in advance. :)

As for lodging, as long as it's less than $100/night, it's not a problem for me. I had to pay way more in other places I've been this year, like Italy. Costa Rica also averaged about $100/night for me. So anything less than that looks good by comparison although obviously, I would like to avoid paying "gringo prices" when possible! Cali Plaza looks like a good deal.

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