Medellin Living.. Well Moved into my 1st Apartment Viva Medellin

coffee beaner says on Jan 30, 2007, 17:48:

Damnnnnnnnn Well I actually bought an apt in Medellin in December and I am planning to move to medallo april of 2008, I cant blame you for loving it... I hadn't been in Medellin for 9 years and went back last year and fell in love with the place, lucky you! but eventually I'll get my butt down there... have fun and enjoy the city. Avianca does suck by the way!

mvefwd says on Jan 30, 2007, 21:27:

Castropol Pan,

I stayed there last February... The security is top notch. Enjoy! Hope to see there in a few months.

Viva Colombia
---E

No matter where you go... You are who you are...

RUV says on Jan 31, 2007, 01:19:

Where is Castropol Poblado?

Did you go through an agency for your apartment?

Thanks for the info and keep us up to date.

panthdave says on Jan 31, 2007, 05:13:

Castropol Poblado This section is in between Parque Llares and Oviedo Poblado..The best thing is that this section has no contruction on El Poblado Avenue like Oviedo has.
Castropol is on Calle 17 on El Poblado Avenue..Before Sur Streets start.

Yes I did go thru an agency on Poblado Avenue...

Very happy with this section..Closer to Parque Llares and Centro and very quiet.

Apartment is on the same street as Hotel Belfort..


panthdave Miami

panthdave Miami

panthdave says on Jan 31, 2007, 05:16:

Medellin February 15th for the Weekend Will be in Medellin February 15th for the weekend..

Note:Right now to everybody American just put a special fare out for 299.00 plus taxes Miami to Medellin for the weekend of February 7th to the 12th..www.aa.com

panthdave Miami

panthdave Miami

Swinn88 says on Jan 31, 2007, 08:36:

Ill be leaving for medellin for in Mrch or April I'm still not sure yet. lets meet up and have drinks

panthdave says on Jan 31, 2007, 10:36:

Swinn In Medellin the following dates March 8th to March 12th
March 29th to April 2nd
April 19th to April 23rd..

Great no problem lets go have drinks. Usually in Parque Llares having beers with my girlfriend and friends..

panthdave Miami

panthdave Miami

PaisaAmericano says on Jan 31, 2007, 10:59:

Count me In Hey fellas count me in!! Would love to meet you guys have some drinks and bullshit.

Peter Miami says on Jan 31, 2007, 11:39:

Medellin!!! I liked Medellin a lot when I have been there. I have been there about three times. I stayed in El Poblado's Intercontinental Hotel and some friend’s house another time. I loved “Parque Llares�.

Let me ask to any of you guys that know because I have not been to Medellin in about two years or so. Is "El Tesoro" still there? Because I loved that shopping mall and a couple of days after I left I heard it was burned or bombed. Hopefully I will go to Medellin this summer while I am in Colombia.

Regards,

Peter Miami

cali373 says on Jan 31, 2007, 11:48:

Damn, I cannot make it to Medellin in April to have drinks, but if you people (or anyone else) want to have drinks in August, I am there.

Smile if you are a thinker!

miamimike says on Jan 31, 2007, 11:51:

Panthdave--Nice to see you made it one piece on Avianca that has been my experience with this airline also. After twp trips on this Airline I also now fly AA and the trips go off uneventfully like they should! AA Leaves on time, arrives on time, employs Courteous Flight attendents and has in flight service as one would expect ect.Good Luck,,,

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

coffee beaner says on Jan 31, 2007, 11:55:

Peter Miami "El Tesoro" is still there, its a beautiful shopping mall in El Poblado

Peter Miami says on Jan 31, 2007, 11:55:

Agree I agree with MiamiMike also, I only travel on AA. Much better service and people.

Peter Miami

Peter Miami says on Jan 31, 2007, 11:58:

Coffee Beaner,

Thanks a lot, it was beautiful before it burned or what ever happen. So I guess it should even look better if that is possible.

Did they re-build it the same? Or did they change anything?

Peter Miami

Lostgringo says on Jan 31, 2007, 12:07:

DonGringo
I thought you would never leave Bogota. I live in Medellin with absolutely "no security" in a nice suburb of Medellin. I rent a 3 bedroom apartment complete with large balcony and two bathrooms. My rent is $470,000 a month. But I think Medellin would be too "tame" for you. No? Besides you must be used to the cold and rainy weather by now. lol. I live here kind of "Colombian Style" right amongst the people. Everyone else I know around here live in apartments. I may go that route myself but right now things are going along fine.


welovebogota.com "Luxury Apartment and rooms at reasonable prices"

Your Home Away from Home:http://www.welovebogota.com http://www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartment and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy!

Swinn88 says on Jan 31, 2007, 12:09:

there a great place to eat called la Doctora. there is one in poblado but the better restaurant is in Sabaneta. Now that my friends would be a great place to eat and drink and get to know each other!

mvefwd says on Jan 31, 2007, 12:19:

Size Yeah, Dave.. what size apt did you rent. 2bed/3beds? baths?
Let me know...
Viva Colombia
---E

No matter where you go... You are who you are...

jorgeemir says on Jan 31, 2007, 13:45:

Avianca is horrible!! True Avianca is horrible!!. Just wondering if you don't mind mw asking; how are you guys making a living in Medellin?

2montoyk says on Jan 31, 2007, 15:14:

cali373 count me in to have drinks in August!!! c u !!!
q viva la feria.

Marinero223 says on Jan 31, 2007, 17:31:

Avianca bashing? Wow! Lots of Avianca-haters here! I, for one I guess, think Avianca is great and have had great flights with them. The airline has completely turned around in the last 2 years what with new ownership and expansion plans - whole new fleet is planned soon.

Maybe, apart from panthdave, you Avianca-haters haven't flown them recently or just have had bad luck?

AA can suck just as much as any airline, by the way...

Back to topic: congrats on the move - I hope to do the same soon... very encouraging to hear more postive comments

panthdave says on Jan 31, 2007, 19:08:

Work In Miami and 2nd Home Medellin Basically I have been putting a system together for me to work in Miami and have 2nd Home in Medellin.. The money is too good in Miami well would have to say much better than Medellin. With it only being a three hour flight to Medellin I will be spending many weekends in Medellin during tourist season in Miami and the offseason in Miami spending months at time in Medellin. I am starting now getting established in Medellin which I have patience and know it is a slow process but things have been coming together for as long as I take it slow..One piece at a time..One day will completely living in Medellin but I am working class right now so its still good how it is right now. Wish I could say I was one of those guys that did not have to work and be very liquid..I have found many ways to be economic even in Miami now like MIAMI MIKE which I still can't beat him out in Miami cutting out expenses..

Anyways Meeting for drinks sounds like fun..

Well be in Medellin every two and half weeks for long weekends.

Note: Can be done if you live and work in Miami even though if your young and still working I think its a good idea to establish yourself now in Colombia if that is your goal to be there.Very easy from Miami..with the direct flights only being three hours away.. Just be economic





panthdave Miami

panthdave Miami

panthdave says on Jan 31, 2007, 19:21:

Avianca Do not assist in anyway Scam Airline You should of seen the mess they had Monday at Medellin airport.. I the only American and about 7 other Colombians trying to get on the flight to Miami with tickets..Was so funny the American Airline employees next door were laughing. They just automatically bumped us off the flight and gave our seats to standby list passengers..An Avianca employee even pulled to me the side and said you should complain because they closed the flight five minutes earlier they were suppose too.. Avianca would not do anything. I slammed my ticket in the admin office along with other Colombians complaining like crazy in Spanish. I went over to American and bought a one way ticket for the next morning. Avianca would not assist in any way except offered me a flight out three days later. They are a scam airline. American never would do that.. I even did not have any check in bags only a carryone Crazy.. I will not give any money more to Avianca I don't care.. In Country flights will be using Aero Republica only which I heard anyways there trying to get a Miami route going..

panthdave Miami

panthdave Miami

Cindster says on Jan 31, 2007, 19:24:

Medellin is AWESOME ;] Hello ! I too live in Miami ;] & even though i was born here in miami my both parents are colombian from medellin. who knows what they did to me or what did medellin do to me because i honestly LOVE it with all my life, i too have dreams of living there but want to study something here & use it over there. My dad is planning on buying an apartment over there after selling the one we have here & i actally checked some out on my last trip over there (in december) & i feel in love with like 10! Good luck with your new apartment & it is an advantage NO HOTELS. ive never gone to a hotel in medellin since my whole mothers side of the family lives in colombia.

La Colombianita ; Cindy

miamimike says on Jan 31, 2007, 20:14:

Panthdave, Avianca Here In Miami Where I Live IS a Disaster They personify the Epitome of Lousy Service. I see by your recent experience they have not improved. They are truly the worst airline in my flying years since 1964, anywhere in the world. I would not fly my Dog with them. Last time I used them they were 90 minutes late out of Miami and on departure from Bogota, they departed over an Hour late again.They Abandoned(left) 10-15 Elderly Colombians behind saying they had no seats available in the plane even though these folks, like me, called 24 hours ahead to confirm the flight and their seats. They tried to cancel me out also but I persisted and they finally boarded me. When I entered the plane I counted 64 vacant seats on the plane.No Seats they stated ,,,When I arrived at Miami, my luggage was Missing In Action and it arrived 2 days later, . I believe this was in retaliation for my complaining to be boarded. I was going to the Avianca Ticket counter to complain but by the time I got there there was a Mob Mentality at Avianca--all those passengers who were late and the all the Reletives of those left behind in Bogota were at the desk turning the Air Blue with Cussing, yelling it was a spectacle.One other thing, one of those Colombians left behind charged past Security and entered the Plane and he went ballistic when he saw all those empty available seats yelling why he could not get on when there were all those empty seats. Last time for me on this make believe airline,,,I would not fly Avianca
if they offered me FREE TICKET. No way Jose! My Dog won't fly them either,,,,If I can't afford to pay the extra few dollars ($50-$100 maybe)to fly on a REAL Airline, I probably can't afford to go on Vacation in the first place,,,

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

manINred says on Jan 31, 2007, 21:55:

To be honest... It's sad that American Airlines is the 'best' airlines in the states. They really are mediocre at best. British Airways exemplifies customer service and class, in my opinion. Too bad they don't fly to Medellin.

I have never had trouble with Avianca before. They helped me out when I needed it, and their flight was enjoyable and I found it more pleasant than AA. That's just my experience, but perhaps they'll change my mind next time i fly with them!

Swinn88 says on Feb 1, 2007, 05:57:

Airlines usually provide some sort of compensation if they have to bump you, no?

I have been bumped from Avianca and have had to argue to convince them to put me in 1st class as compensation for being bumped.

AA usually gives you a flight Voucher to use another date.

I believe this is how it's supposed to work, no?

southern151 says on Feb 1, 2007, 06:19:

Worried now... Flew to Medillin with Avianca and, had no trouble. I am now preparing to fly home with them and hope that there is no trouble. I have the worst luck with airlines! I'll let everyone know how it goes.

Marinero223 says on Feb 1, 2007, 06:44:

Sorry for starting an argument about Avianca! All I can say is that if you asked enough passengers from around the world, you would find at least one who hates a certain airline and one who loves that same airline. Every airline has problems - I worked in the industry for 7 years when I was younger (in fact, with American), and I can tell you of MANY days when AA absolutely abused passengers and those passengers vowed "never to fly American again!", and "American is the worst!" The next day you have passengers saying "American is the best!. It all depends on the particular day and flight.

Now, some airlines are BETTER then others in terms of service and all that, and I can tell you that Avianca is much BETTER than many airlines. Remember Air Madrid? Were they better than Avianca on flights from Bogota to Madrid?

So, my frequent experiences with Avianca - international and national - over the last 3 years have been great. Maybe I'm lucky...

Check out www.airlinequality.com/Forum/seats.htm for fun... read about Avianca. And also read about American. See if you can find good and bad for each!

Last thing: I think it's a good thing to support the national carrier as it's employing 1000s of Colombians, carries the image of Colombia to other countries, and the money it earns is more likely to remain in Colombia. Maybe it sounds too noble, but it's what I think.

AND! In the end, the REASON we fly to to get somewhere. If you must have a great meal, a big leather seat, an incredible choice of movies and music, and cheerful people around you... then go to a great restaurant, afterwards go home and sit in your leather recliner, pop in a DVD/CD on your home theater/stereo, and surround yourself with friends!

jorgeemir says on Feb 1, 2007, 09:28:

Thanks Panthdave Panthdave,
I really appreciate all your comments regarding living in Miami and having a place in Medellin. It was encouraging to read how you are planning things one day at the time. Very smart!! I will definately follow that example. Best of luck to you and God bless!!

southern151 says on Feb 1, 2007, 12:26:

In Miami now... Flew in with Avianca. I must have a horse shoe hung in my ass because I never have that much luck! No problem at all for a guy who could get a private jet to give him problems! LOL

roquero says on Feb 1, 2007, 21:10:

Avianca I too will avoid Avianca in the future.
I go to Medallo maybe once a month, usually with American or Copa from Miami.
By the way, Copa is pretty good, even though you have to change planes in Panama- the layover is only an hour, and it barely takes an hour from Panama to Medellin.
Plus Copa has much better service and food than American [I'm a vegetarian and American does not offer food options from MIA to MDE, Copa does]
Copa has cheap flights on their web site if you book in advance [plus they interline with Aerorepublica]
Now, let me explain my recent surreal and horrific experience with Avianca.
New Years day, I took their evening flight to Miami from Medellin.
I arrived at the airport 4 hours early.
Believe it or not, it took me 3 hours just to get to the counter, pay the tax, and get past immigration and the first security check, where they made me take out my computer, turn it on and off, and thoroughly went through all my carry-on items.
That was the normal security procedure. I'm used to it from so many flights to Medallo.
But wait, there's more!
Once at the Avianca gate, a lady in a Avianca uniform subjected me to another security search.
For the second time, she made me take out my computer, turn it on and off, and then she took out the battery and ran both the computer and the battery through the xray.
She asked me what I used the computer for, which I thought was a stupid question.
But I answered her politely- I use it to communicate, to work, to do research, etc.
I thought that was it, but just before boarding the plane, yet ANOTHER Avianca nazi lady thoroughly searched me and patted me down, and yet AGAIN made me take out my laptop, turn it on, turn it off, take out the battery, run it throught the xray, etc.
OK, this was getting irritating.
But I held in whatever anger was brewing!
As I got on the plane, buckled my seat belt, and waited for takeoff I thought the nightmare was over.
BUT NOOOO, as the late Sam Kinison used to say, they weren't through with me yet.
No sooner did everyone board, and I was snug and secure in my seat with my seatbelt, than I hear Avianca page me over the intercom, asking me to take all my items and deplane with them.
I was made to take the computer out ONE MORE TIME, turn it on, turn it off, take out the battery etc.
And here's the topper-
After they ran it throught the xray for the umpteenth time, out comes a soldier with a dog, and the dog starts sniffing the computer.
At this point, I was about ready to just hand them the friggin' computer just so I could get the heck out of there.
Then it went from absurd to surreal.
They made me take the batteries out of my mp3 player and digital camera.
According to the Avianca nazi, all batteries have to be removed from electronic equipment during the flight.
I never heard of this silly rule, and no one bothered to enforce it upon the rest of the passengers on my flight, many of whom were listening to their mp3 players, working on their laptops, or watching DVDs on their portable players during the flight.
At this point, my latin temper got the best of me.
I speak perfect Spanish, i spoke it before I EVER spoke English, and I let them know what I thought about their stupid "security" procedures.
I also told them I would not book any more flights with Avianca, to which the Avianca nazi curtly responded "that's your decision to make"
Luckily, I refrained from any dirty words or insults, or I might have got booted off the flight for sure, but when I got back to my seat, I was seething.
The flight left almost an hour and a half late, and as we were taxiing the stewardess announced over the intercom that Avianca was sorry for the late departure, which were due to "security measures".
All the people beyond the initial checkpoint who searched me wore Avianca uniforms [save for the soldier with the dog], and I have NEVER had to go through anything like this the dozens of times I had to fly with American or Copa from Medellin to Miami.
I say f**k Avianca, it almost made me never want to return to Medellin again, and I will only use them as a last resort.
Beware!

Lisa Zee says on Feb 1, 2007, 22:58:

VIVA MEDELLIN! Medellin and the country side is where I will be living sooner than later. I bought an apartment last year from my brother that is a builder. I like USA but I want to be with my family and and eat arepas con frisoles y chicharron, chocolate o cafe con leche, con pandebono y empanadas. I don`t want heaters or A/C. I want to wake up and look at the mountains, and travel and see my beautiful country. VIVA MEDELLIN!!!

miamimike says on Feb 2, 2007, 01:42:

Roquero, My Sentiments exactly On Avianca,,, Wow, You had even worse treatment then I had and I thought mine couldn't be topped! LOL

Never heard about the battery removal from the Digital camera, computers ect prior to a flight. Thats a new one! They held my folding Metal Luggage Cart for 2 days in Colombia and the reason was "It was suspicous Looking" LOL. Like I say, the last time I used them, the Avianca Ticket counter was mobbed with Unhappy customers yelling and threatening with their arms. BTW, most of those complaining were Colombians, not Americans,,,

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

panthdave says on Feb 2, 2007, 04:49:

Lisa Zee Yes Viva Medellin I slept in my apartment for the first time last Sunday and just looking at the view of the city on the 18th Floor from my balcony was amazing.Was funny didn't even care I slept on the floor because just wanted to be in my own place instead of somebodies house or hotel Balcony facing Centro to the left Mountians and to the right the whole city airport and mountains.. The amazing fresh air was awesome. Woke up in the morning and was again amazing..Happy today because more furniture is being delivered today.. I am in Miami working but can't wait to see the apartment fully furnished on February 15th and that weekend will do so more things to the apartment. Bringing down more clothes,labtop, misc. items from Miami to keep in the apartment.

Yes I did buy my little arepa cooker/cage heater for the oven at Carrefour. Damn slowly turning into a colombian/gringo Spanglish dude.
Can't wait to call some friends and hang out at the pool and drink some Brava's....


panthdave Miami

panthdave Miami

Lisa Zee says on Feb 2, 2007, 09:43:

Panthdave Otro Paisa mas Congratulations!. You have an easy commute form Miami to Medallo, I have a long way to go from L.A. to Medallin, it is awful! and Yes Avianca sucks!. Hey Panthdave, can you please write to my e-mail, I would like to ask you some questions. Gracias

cali373 says on Feb 2, 2007, 12:21:

southern151, I find that flying back on Avianca is where most people have issues. It's the only time I ever had issues with Avianca. However I did get a free round trip ticket out of it.

Smile if you are a thinker!

cali373 says on Feb 2, 2007, 12:28:

roquero, that is a harsh story but welcome to the post 911 world. While frustrating, I am glad to see that kind of security to board a flight. I am sure that the family members of the Avianca flight that Pablo Escobar bombed, wish the victims were provided with that kind of security.

Smile if you are a thinker!

roquero says on Feb 2, 2007, 15:48:

security? that's not security- that's a locura! Cali, I'm all for security, but checking the same piece of equipment FOUR times in the space of a half hour, while delaying a flight almost 90 minutes, is not security- it's just stupidity!
I fly over a dozen times a year, and I never get singled out- TSA agents even pull over grannys in wheelchairs before they stop me to do a second search!
The post 911 world has nothing to do with it, as I said it's just stupidity, and lack of communication- all the Avianca agents who made me go through the same routine over and over should have communicated amongst themselves.
Once again, F**K Avianca!

panthdave says on Feb 2, 2007, 16:23:

Avianca Has No Common Sense Nor Management Avianca employees have no common sense nor I think there is good management.. but don't want to bash anymore.. Flying American anyways because of the timing of there flights..
American caters to business travel and Avicanca caters to Tourist Travel or try to..

Again will not stop me to making my dream come true to be in Medellin perminantely in 10 years.I have my apartment to go back and forth while I am in my working years..I am lucky to have a okay job in Miami and able to cut my expenses. Funny my expenses dropped since my divorce..Not trying to live the American Dream anymore. Living with Common Sense is my logo and what makes me happy..

Again Viva Medellin

panthdave Miami

panthdave Miami