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First time in Cali

So having been to medellin twice in 2008 and having wanted to explore a bit more and having not done it, I've decided I'll be going to Cali first and hopefully soon. I've read about some differences in weather, density, transportation and crime rates. But I'm wondering from the experts here that have been to, or lived in both what majors differences exist. I've definitely read crime is a bit higher but is it anything other than keeping your wits about you and not being too gringo? Being close to Buenaventura does that have an effect? Is it much harder to get around on their busses rather than the medellin metro?

What might some of you suggest I really research hard?

Thanks

By drvannostren on Jan 30, 2009, 16:51 in Friendly Talkzone.

turnmeon (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jan 30, 2009, 17:15:

bump

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drvannostren says on Jan 30, 2009, 18:08:

I definetly enjoy trying to get in with the "real" colombians, like in medellin I don't like hanging out in poblado I prefer estadio or San javier.

How about seeing a football game in Cali both times in medellin they've had posters all around and been easy to get into. Does the season go all year round? If not it sure seems like it.

No matter where you go, the Korean tour bus isn't far behind.

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corporalgator (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jan 30, 2009, 18:52:

Like any city in Latin America, until you learn which buses go where, it can be a pain figuring out which one to take. There is also a lot of construction in the north as they construct the metros that is causing a lot of back-up.

Crime - just be aware as always. If the area looks shady, then you probably shouldn't be walking there alone especially at night.

Cali is the Salsa capital of the world. You might want to take lessons here and you'll definitely want to visit Jaun Chitos: a barrio just outside of the city to the north that isn't restricted to closing early and thus has clubs open all night.

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corporalgator (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jan 30, 2009, 19:05:

Yes, it is currently the off-season.

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billyb says on Jan 31, 2009, 00:01:

"I definetly enjoy trying to get in with the "real" colombians, like in medellin I don't like hanging out in poblado I prefer estadio or San javier"

I think you should be very careful how you demonstrate your empathy for the "real colombians" in Cali. If you are giving papaya, Caleños might feel obligated to take advantage and would not give a shit about your "noble' intentions. And I am saying this as somebody who loves Cali no matter what.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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drvannostren says on Jan 31, 2009, 03:23:

When I said that I didn't mean to say I go out randomly buying things and handing out cash. I just mean, I'd rather spend time with colombian friends or something rather than just being another white guy in the touristy area. I realize the people in Poblado are colombians, and paisas, they were friendly, but more reserved and definetly the whole area feels alot more sterile. I liked the fact walking into San Javier there were cracks in the road, random kids playing in the streets and all that kinda stuff. Despite being an outsider, it really felt like home, and people go out of their way to be nice to you, and I do the same in return, but I'm not a money tree or anything.

No matter where you go, the Korean tour bus isn't far behind.

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corporalgator (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jan 31, 2009, 07:09:

No matter where you go in Cali, you're not going to be seeing a lot of other "white guys." There's no area in Cali like Poblado. The north is definitely where more of tourists go, but I live in the north near Granada and can go several days without seeing another gringo.

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tannedincali (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jan 31, 2009, 08:04:

I live in Cali (born here too) , about the crime issues I' would suggest you avoid dark streets at night and just be careful if you go downtown , keep an eye on your wallet, the only reason a go there is to buy music and game cds (pirates of course). I like malls to hang out you can go to Unicentro, Palmetto and Jardin Plaza in the southern part of Cali, in all of them you can find small sort of small bars to have some beers and do some people watching. In the north you can go to chipichape and Centenario malls.

For a night of rumba you must go to the north, I prefer the discos near yumbo rather than Juanchito, my favorite one is Praga http://www.clubpraga.net/ . All the bars and discos in Cali must close at 2:00am but there is no restriction in this place.

The local tournament hasn't started yet , but If you want to watch the best soccer team of Colombia: America, the Copa Libertadores will start in a few days.

Take the red pill and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes

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bopenyan (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jan 31, 2009, 10:49:

The only impact being the first major city that one encounters leaving Buenaventura is that many of the desplecados flee to Cali. There are a number of shanty towns, on the highway to Buenaventura that regularly get torn down by the military. The situation of the desplezados is one of abject poverty, but the beggars you see on the streets are about the only significant impact one sees of Buenaventura in Cali.

The transportation system is still messed up from the MIO project. While the infrastructure for this TransMillenio type transport system has largely been built, the system itself has barely started. I was in Cali for three weeks in Dec/Jan and saw only one functioning MIO bus.

As for crime, observe the same rules as you would in Medellin. The centro is definetely deserted and scary appearing at night. A lot of tourists, including Colombians, appear to prefer staying in hotels in the Granada, Normandia and Versalles barrios. I don't mind staying at the Hotel Imperial, but it does face a street at nightime is full of hookers, some of whom barely appear female and probably are not.

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romy says on Jan 31, 2009, 11:45:

Copa Libertadores matches are your best bet to catching some good football. The must watch match will be be March 6 when America takes on Sao Paulo FC, these are two of the most storied clubs in south america.
Watching Deportivo Cali is not really worth it, they are no better than Deportivo Aguablanca (second division).

Also, there's some good spots at Parque del Perro for nightlife.

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drvannostren says on Jan 31, 2009, 14:48:

Great advice from everyone this is exactly the kinda stuff I was looking for. I enjoyed staying near El Estadio i think en la 50 about a block and a half from estadio in Medellin, lil crap hotel, but had a private bathroom and was cheaper than staying at the hostel. Plus it was closer to everything. I suppose I could've prefaced my comments on soccer that aside from playing for basically a decade as a kid, I know very little about soccer, and I usually only watch worldly football matches, world cup, euro cup etc. I don't think we get much if any coverage on any channels I get of copa libertadores. I cheered for antiquia nacional in both games i went to but had no allegiance aside from the fact that i wanted to make sure i bought the right jersey to fit in haha. So be it deportivo cali or america de cali (who i did see play nacional once) wouldn't really matter so long as I can still buy a jersey outside the stadium and look a little less out of play.

As a side note, i think i read at this time they both play out of the same stadium but that a brand new one is being built very close by for deportivo I think? Any ideas when that new one might be in use, and also i guess with all the diffrerent cups and whatnot there are realistically games being played all year round? Thats why i asked previously, Id like to make sure I make myself available to see another match, its so fun. So i guess if anyone knows the actually months in which the Colombian league plays, that'd be much appreciated as well, thanks to all who've responded.

No matter where you go, the Korean tour bus isn't far behind.

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romy says on Jan 31, 2009, 21:13:

copa libertadores is the south american version of the champions league in europe, where the top teams in the continent play. America is one of Colombia's representatives this year having won the last local (copa mustang) championship.
Outside pascual guerrero stadium you are sure to find people selling the 'appropriate' jersey for the match, deportivo cali green, or America red.
deportivo cali has built a stadium in palmira (rozo), though it's not fully ready, two matches have been played already and a large concert during feria. deportivo should be playing all their home matches at the new stadium come the second half of the year. The local season starts next weekend, be sure to check www.golgolgol.net for a schedule.
btw, in Calgary I catch Colombian soccer league action on goltv

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babygirl says on Feb 1, 2009, 20:20:

Trust me you're not going to run in to a lot of tourists dude. I found that I had every teen ALL over me if he/she heard me utter a word of English too. They all seem to LOVE TO practice English with me. Cute.

Just a thought... "There is great need for a sarcasm font." Canadian Girls Kick Ass!

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drvannostren says on Feb 1, 2009, 20:46:

That's cool, I really didn't run into much Ingles at all in Medellin, cabbies would throw a little bit out, or tiny bits and pieces here and there, but people didn't seem to interested in it either, maybe I should broadcast a little more :). Btw, my entire home is furnished by the good swedes at IKEA so I resent your comment!

No matter where you go, the Korean tour bus isn't far behind.

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rinaldi says on Feb 13, 2009, 11:55:

Fellow PBH ppl,

This is my very first post. Thanks for all of the great info on Coloumbia and Cali, I am here for a few weeks, anyone in the area wanna hang out, grab a drink on me ?

I have had had the pleasure of meeting a great 22 yr old lady friend however, she does a great job of keeping be away from the action,,,

i really want to meet some more local talent ..

john

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