Impressions of Cali

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 12:29:

So Medellin is prettier and has nicer Christmas lights.

But people go to Cali for other reasons. Salsa. Spicy caleñas. To dance til dawn, and to find out most places only have bottle service, which encourages people to drink more.

All the caleños I met were incredibly hospitable. It was hard NOT to be offered a glass of aguardiente or whiskey wherever you went. Everyone would tell you the standard list of dangers in Cali, mucha mala gente aquí, insist Cali was not less safe than Medellin, would tell you not to accept a drink from strangers than offer you one within the next minute. (Me has dicho que no quieres beber demasiado por su seguridad? Bueno, pero sos amigo... Amigo gringo... No! No sos gringo, sos canadiense!) -- Okay, I didn't hear sos that much. But they do use vos a fair bit.

Unfortunately, I did not take my camera with me to many interesting places... a great outdoor Christmas concert where I danced among 20,000 people and met the mayor of Cali, the taclas -- makeshift bars with orchestras where people drink and dance (as they do at the discotecas and in the salsa district of Juanchito... I did not see what the big deal was with the tascas), nor did I take my camera to Chipichape mall (also overrated). I did not take a picture when I shared an elevator with Vico C, or Oscar d'Leon. I was too shy and hungover to take a picture of the prettiest colombiana I have ever seen at the airport in Bogota. And I don't necessarily believe in posting private pictures of people in a public forum without their consent, which limits what I would put here.

So you'll have to settle for pictures of the bullfights, some salsa concerts (with great salsero Jorge Celedon (jeje) as well as the Puertoriquenos Hermanos Lebron and Venezuelan Oscar d'Leon), some caleñas and PBHers I met, and perhaps pictures of me with more public figures like Miss Universe 2000, Miss Paraguay, Miss Cuba, yada yada yada.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 12:39:

Chipichape Mall is a mall in North Cali "famous" among PBHers and gringo tourists, so I had to see it. It's just a mall. Like any mall, it has young people who like to shop. Young women, and less-young women in Cali buy breast implants if they can afford them. So the mall has a certain popularity with people who like to see attractive women with big breasts. Frankly, most of the people staring at the young women were colombianos, who outnumbered gringos 2000:1. There were just not a lot of gringos there -- though the customer service is very good. Arthur Brode likes the place, and I was lucky to meet him and a number of other PBHers including La Campiña, Fugdis, BritAbroad and Morrongo. But a mall is a mall. It has a good Lenos y Carbon. I got some glasses made there at 1/3 the Canadian cost. You had to go there to get concert tickets for the Feria. But it is just a mall, which in my experience are usually filled with attractive young people anywhere. In Cali, you see more siliconas, but you see these anywhere in Cali -- and at the Intercontinental (I had a pizza dinner there straight out of a Russ Meyer movie) or at the bullfights or discotecas you saw more siliconas than at Chipichape. I wonder what the big deal is? You mention Chipichape to the taxista and they leered knowingly, which I found vaguely creepy. Creepy crappy mall...

A picture of La Merced at night, much prettier than by daylight.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 12:54:

I don't tend to do a lot of shopping in Colombia (Argentina is a better place for this). Cali has the cheapest prices I have seen in Colombia for bootleg videos, CDs and fake watches, and I bought lots of those. I also think Arturo Calle has some nice shirts and stuff. But forget the malls. People think of other things in Cali.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

podborski says on Jan 1, 2008, 12:57:

I vote for the one with the microphone!

or the one she's talking to, or...

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 13:04:

Though going to Cali December 20th, I did not have a place to stay the week before. Over the internet, hotels were unavailable or incredibly costly during the Feria ($265 at the Intercontinental according to their website). Arthur has some nice apartments, but I got lucky and found a very reasonably priced room at the Intercontinental after stumbling on this fine website, which I will likely use again: http://www.reservashoteleras.com.co/public/

One of the things I like about the Intercontinetal Cali is the nice view around the pool.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

podborski says on Jan 1, 2008, 13:06:

oh my god

podborski says on Jan 1, 2008, 13:07:

please let there be more pictures

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 13:13:

Turns out that I saw people setting up chairs when I was getting ready to go to the hotel gym. I threw a camera in my gym bag. And it turned out that they were holding the Miss Sugarcane swimsuit competition at my hotel. It cost me nothing, and they women were very accomodating when it came to taking a few pictures, which must really get old fast for them.

EDIT: The first picture -- Srtas. Venezuela, Argentina, Costa Rica, Paraguay y Cuba.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 13:17:

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 13:20:

Even Miss Universe 2000 pretended to be happy when some oaf in sweaty gym clothes asked for a picture. I got the slight sensation I was happier to see her than she was to see me.

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 13:24:

Miss Panama won, but Miss Paraguay was an absolute sweetie. Reporters kept going up to her and asking if she was Miss Dominican Republic. She said she was from Paraguay. I heard this happen with four different reporters. And when the newspaper came out the next day, they still called her Miss DR. People from Paraguay just don't get no respect.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

podborski says on Jan 1, 2008, 13:30:

very cheeky photos man t, and they say sugar is bad for you!

after careful reflection I think my choice would be the one in the middle in the photo with the 5 girls

I'm betting you liked the dark haired beauty, can't fault you there.

And you passed them all my business card right???

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 13:33:

But you grow tired of seeing pictures of a beauty show. And the videos are hardly worth seeing. So let me talk about the bullfight. César Rincón is a famous colombiano matador who fought his last lucha on December 28th. I was there, with a shy date who asked me not to post a picture. The crowd went nuts over the six bulls killed. It is not my place to judge other cultures but I do not like bullfights much myself, though the ceremony of the thing is pretty.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 13:37:

But I'm a lover, not a fighter.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 13:46:

Cali is also a world capital of salsa (the world capital outside of Cuba, perhaps). The bright stars belong to gentlemen like Oscar d'Leon (pictures taken in tough light when hammered, disculpeme), he was nice when I shook his hand in an elevator.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

goin_south says on Jan 1, 2008, 13:46:

To Die.....Like This!
Thanks, Man T.... taking me quickly back to Cali
Glad you survived all that... and found a nice room in the Intercontinental.
Great Pizza! eh.
I thought La_Campina would let you float in the pool, under that stars... on a raft... jaj.
But, he'd have been throwing firecrackers at you at 10 am... to make sure you're alive.

Has your heart recovered from being around all that 'chuchas Caleñas'?
I doubt they tired of having their photos taken.. that's what it's all about for them.

Still in Colombia?
or.... home otra vez,.. with feet on the ground?

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 13:51:

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

Desideria (Moderator) says on Jan 1, 2008, 13:53:

This is a chucha caleña.
Or armpit B.O.

In Cali the slang word for female genitalia is 'chocha'. the same as in Spain. Not the costeño corruptionof the word.

Cheers,
Desi

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

goin_south says on Jan 1, 2008, 13:56:

and, surely Man T, you found a person carrying their 'pet sloth'... cute critters...
Now, that seems a nice pet.

did someone say: chucha?

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 13:58:

Jorge Celedon and Los Hermanos Lebron also played to the delight of fans.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

CatGirl says on Jan 1, 2008, 14:08:

Nice pics...thanks for sharing.

ooops! ....Did I say that?

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 14:18:

Morrongo and his cool friends made the scene too.



I drank a little to much at the concert. Darn them giving you a bottle of vodka. Darn them!

And with La Campiña and Fugdis too.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 14:22:

So an excellent vacation all in all.





But why would you go to Colombia for fun, when you could go to St. Maarten or the Dominican Republic? Hmmm, I'll think of an answer to that after next years feria?

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

Desideria (Moderator) says on Jan 1, 2008, 14:22:

Cool pics, Tequila.
So, you got to meet all the local PBHers?
Fugdis looks like he's taking a little nap.....

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

CatGirl says on Jan 1, 2008, 14:24:

.

ooops! ....Did I say that?

goin_south says on Jan 1, 2008, 14:24:

I think the blonde likes you!

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 14:33:

If Miss Paraguay likes me than I am moving to Asunción tomorrow. She's just a nice kid.
I should probably blur more pictures here, not just my date. She did not want her pictures published on the Web, probably has a jealous boyfriend? I didn't ask why.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

Desideria (Moderator) says on Jan 1, 2008, 14:35:

Man Tequila, have you asked the other PBH'ers if it's ok that you publish their pics?

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

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 14:40:

Yes. Frankly, though, I was slightly nervous when HoustonGal published MINE when I was in Cali.

(Naturally, I, or any moderator should remove them on request, once folks realize what a crappy photographer I turned out to be.)

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 14:41:

I may or may not have a picture of GringoInBogota, that he may have asked me not to put on PBH. Fugdis was awake and full of beans -- you must take into account that I cannot take pictures to save my life.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 14:50:

Wasn't that Chavez in the HUGO shirt? Some Colombians are a little preoccupied with status. There are the ones who wear the Polo shirts in Chipichape where the little horse is fifty times the original size. In case you might have missed it. That always made me chuckle, but so does the fact that when buying a fake watch they steer me away from the fake Cartier towards the more prestigious fake Puma watch.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

Desideria (Moderator) says on Jan 1, 2008, 15:01:

Haha...your pics are fine, Tequila. I was just wondering if the people in them knew that they were going to b published. I had seen your pic before and one or two of the others, but not everybody.

If you used http://www.imageshack.us/ you could resize the pics to suit the page.
www.ImageShack.us" />

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

Desideria (Moderator) says on Jan 1, 2008, 15:04:

www.ImageShack.us" />

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

Desideria (Moderator) says on Jan 1, 2008, 15:06:

Or www.ImageShack.us" />

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

CatGirl says on Jan 1, 2008, 15:10:

.

ooops! ....Did I say that?

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 15:32:

Near El Hueco there are a ton of them (wander from the Botero museum to nearby parks on the map). DVDs were 5000 pesos and CDs 2000 pesos or a three disc box for 5000 pesos. You could get an even lower price if you bargained harder. Lowest I got was 3 for 10 mil. Though I do not like being overcharged or screwed over, I do not always aggressively try to get the very lowest price, and will settle on something mutually fair.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

fugdis says on Jan 1, 2008, 16:21:

ha ha Desi.......nearly every photo of me seems to be with my eyes shut,mid yawn or looking like I'm practicing gurning.

Atrevido says on Jan 1, 2008, 17:15:

Man you need to sign up for the next photoshop tutorial!

gringoloid says on Jan 1, 2008, 17:34:

Oh, am I sorry I didn't make the trip with you!

podborski says on Jan 1, 2008, 18:13:

I love that second last photo! So that's miss paraguay? I'm pretty close to Paraguay...

MitchAlvarez says on Jan 1, 2008, 18:23:

looks like you had a lot of fun. but did you say you would prefer to go to dominican republic? you should pass by medellin during august.

Tengale miedo a una huelga de mujeres o a una escasez de aguardiente. :)

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 18:40:

No. While I was in Cali there was a thread questioning why anyone would go to Colombia for fun.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

droble77 says on Jan 1, 2008, 18:50:

LOL, love that chit-eating grin on your face in the pic with you between 2 of the Señorita Caña contestants. :0))

Yep, Chipi-Chape is pretty much a regular mall. It does have a few kiosks that are like bars/lounges, that's the only main difference between this mall and most of the others I've seen in Colombia. That's why there's a bit of a "social scene" there. And yep, I became a fan of Leños y Carbon, pretty much ate there every other day in my trip last year.

I also liked Arturo Calle, bought some items in both MDE and Cali. To me the prices seemed comparable to the states although I suppose that would make it expensive for the average colombian. What's crazy to me is how popular foreign brands like Hilfiger are even more expensive in Colombia than in the states, I assume the import duties have something to do with that? I would NEVER buy a foreign name brand in Colombia, it's a ripoff, but locals buy it I guess for the cachet it gives them. . .

arthur brode says on Jan 1, 2008, 19:58:

MT,nice to see you made it back without getting kidnapped by any Caleñas:)
You think that was something.Try to make it back in Sept. for the Cali Expo Show

droble77,i agree.the only clothes i buy in Colombia are the microfiber briefs lol

http://www.calirentals.net/

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 20:21:

I will definitely be back to Cali. Frankly, I'm sorry to be back in Canada.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

manINred says on Jan 1, 2008, 21:01:

Boy do I know that feeling! Nice pics, makes me wanna check out Cali a bit more thoroughly

goin_south says on Jan 1, 2008, 21:17:

More about the Cali Expo Show? A.B.?
What's that about?

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

arthur brode says on Jan 1, 2008, 21:19:

MT even made it on www.caliescali.com LOL

http://www.calirentals.net/

goin_south says on Jan 1, 2008, 21:23:

The Doc..... has them all smiling.
'rrrr.. they all have him smiling...
MT... en caliescali... oh! oh... now.. a marked man!

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

arthur brode says on Jan 1, 2008, 21:23:

GS
its about Chicas y MUCHAS
www.caliexposhow.com

http://www.calirentals.net/

arthur brode says on Jan 1, 2008, 21:31:

Demasiado!

http://www.calirentals.net/

Man Tequila says on Jan 1, 2008, 23:08:

Caliescali! Had no idea, that's so funny Arthur.

Unfortunately, I am there for placing in the "la peor cola del Valle" event.

I will be back in Cali. You should go too, I regret putting it off this long. I've never had so much fun. I hear there is a Valle as well? Things got a little crazy, next time I hope to see Popoyán and get on the tourist train.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

Desideria (Moderator) says on Jan 2, 2008, 00:29:

"I hear there is a Valle as well? Things got a little crazy, next time I hope to see Popoyán and get on the tourist train."

"Valle" is the name of the departamento where Cali is situated. Valle del Cauca is a province or departamento.

Whether you're A Catholic or not, go to Popayán on Semana Santa, the Holy Week (Easter) to see the magnificent processions.

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

Man Tequila says on Jan 2, 2008, 00:36:

I was kidding. I had really hoped to go to various places around Cali, but found travel agencies were often closed for Christmas or the fair. I got so busy so quickly that in the end I had little chance to go to Popayan, etc. as I had originally planned. No complaints.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

podborski says on Jan 2, 2008, 04:19:

man t on caliescali! too funny! I have to go check out the site to see if there is a caption reading something like "damn # at $%6& lucky gringo!"

Tinto (Moderator) says on Jan 2, 2008, 05:31:

Nice to hear and see that you had a good time, met some PBHers and saw some pretty girls. But that belt, that WHITE belt!? I don't think that would go over too well in Canada, in winter or any other season.

;-)

morphus says on Jan 2, 2008, 05:43:

The girl in the blue bikini is who? I'd like to get some of that.

arthur brode says on Jan 2, 2008, 07:52:

http://www.calirentals.net/

arthur brode says on Jan 2, 2008, 07:54:

http://www.calirentals.net/

arthur brode says on Jan 2, 2008, 07:58:

http://www.calirentals.net/

arthur brode says on Jan 2, 2008, 08:02:

http://www.calirentals.net/

arthur brode says on Jan 2, 2008, 08:12:

http://www.calirentals.net/

Man Tequila says on Jan 2, 2008, 08:40:

The cabilgada (horse parade) was indeed cancelled by the mayor since "mala gente" were getting drunk and killing the horses. This obviously does not speak well of Cali. Apart from accepting a few free drinks (and I more often declined them), I did not let my guard down while out in public.

There are a million events as part of the feria and I did not make it to most of them. In general, I am not a huge fan of parades. Pictures of many of these events, as Arthur notes, can be found elsewhere on the web.

The girl in the blue bikini is Miss Costa Rica. Some Internet sites say Miss Ecuador won the overall event. Miss Paraguay won "Miss Elegencia". Miss Colombia was vice queen and Miss Cuba (?) first princess.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

Man Tequila says on Jan 2, 2008, 08:46:

Bubblehead wannabe models may be airheads, but they are low in calories and don't take up too much space in one's luggage. I like smart and hip women who know their poetry and culture.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

morphus says on Jan 2, 2008, 08:51:

I have to go back to Costa Rica. Ticas are just as hot as Colombianas. There just is'nt as many.

Man Tequila says on Jan 2, 2008, 09:01:

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

podborski says on Jan 2, 2008, 09:46:

Peter this thread has been hijacked by someone posting giant sideways photos of hot chicas being acosted by a canadian wearing a white belt

Simon says on Jan 2, 2008, 11:13:

"did I take my camera to Chipichape mall (also overrated)."


Chipichape Mall is awesome!! I've never seen more beautiful women in any other mall.

"You want to talk to God? Let's go see him together, I've got nothing better to do."---Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)

goin_south says on Jan 2, 2008, 12:35:

then go to Bogota's Santa Fe Mall

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

pdrury5 says on Jan 2, 2008, 19:11:

MT, Great pics!! And to just stumble on that Hotel!! What Luck! Anything you recomend beyond the obvious as a safety tip? I plan to do a S. America trip this summer! Including a stop in Cali.

Man Tequila says on Jan 3, 2008, 15:02:

I think the standard safety advice is good enough, just follow those.*

Simon, we can agree that Chipichape and other malls in Cali have many beautiful women. And it has many convenient stores to buy things, including two Arturo Calles, four music stores, some high end tiendas, many excellent restaurants and some lively watering holes. It was not that the women of Chipichape were not great, just that they were great everywhere else I went in Cali too.

*Only carry a very small wallet in a front pocket. Carry a photocopy of your passport. Leave debit and credit cards in the hotel if not needed, and have a photocopy of these and who to call if they vanish. Carry only the money you may need, distributed in various pockets, sometimes I used my shoes and the little "pocket watch" jean pocket. Dress down (or else you will be overcharged, guaranteed). Wear a money belt if you have credit cards or going to the ATM. Keep eyes open on the street, never look scared or as if you don't know where you are going. Do not brag or talk about what you own. Do not bring stuff in the first place that you would greatly miss if it got lost.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

Man Tequila says on Jan 3, 2008, 15:03:

Siliconas get my attention, but it is usually just too much. I think Andino Mall in Bogota gives Chipichape some stiff competition.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)