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Medellin trip report

Just wanted to say thanks for all the suggestions.
Got back Friday after a quick 3 day trip to Medellin. Should have been back Thursday but problems with Aero Republica(breakdown)

Although all I heard were positive comments on Medellin before I left(from people who had actually been there)I was still a little concerned.

I came away quite impressed with the city, it was much more cosmopolitan than I expected. I stayed in Poblado, great area, traveled downtown(Centro) rode the Metro out to where the cable cars are and did a round trip on them, checked out apartments in Poblado and Laureles sections, had dinner in Parque Laures.

I didn't see any other Gringos, found out my Spanglish which gets me by in Panama does not cut it in Medellin, need to work on my Spanish skills.

Made the mistake of checking out Mangos Wednesday night at 10pm. Walked in to this giant room and it consisted of 5 waitresses, 3 waiters and two midgets all dressed in cowboy outfits. There was one passed out drunk at the bar, had a quick beer and got the hell out.

My recommendations from the trip:
The Affinity Hotel/Apartments are a great value- $94/night gets you a full one bedroom 2 bath apartment with free breakfast(they actually roll a cart to your room and two lovely ladies cook your breakfast). Was one the 21st floor with great views of the city and mountains

Diego- not sure of Diego's last name but he spent all Tuesday afternoon with me showing me aprtments in Poblado and Laureles. There were some great buys compared to Panama City. Newer buildings with views, 100sq meters, 2 baths for around $88k US. Not sure if these are great buys by Medellin standards but compared to the aprtments I have been looking at in Panama City they are about half the price. Diego speaks perfect english I would highly recommend him if you are looking to buy. His email is dicos28 at hotmail.com

Paula Mejia- she kept in touch with me about apartments also, but due to time constraints(I had some work problems I had to deal with) I wasn't able to get together with her this trip. Her email - paulamejia at hotmail.com

Weather was great, enjoyed the cool nights, people were very friendly, no problems at all.

With all the Americans buying up overpriced property in Panama I am a little surprised about the lack of foreign buyers in Medellin, maybe that is a good thing.
Medellin still suffers from it's past reputation, but I came away feeling the city is about as safe as any other large city, I felt much more at ease riding the metro in Medellin than I do riding the subway in Philly(live in FL but travel to PA a lot for work)
Thanks again.

By cdy on Dec 9, 2007, 17:39 in Friendly Talkzone.

Medellin Traveler says on Dec 9, 2007, 18:11:

cdy -

Good to hear you had a good trip.

All I can say is that I traveled twice to MDE before ever seeing a gringo out on the streets. And, unlike Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama you really need to learn Espanol to get the full benefits of traveling and/or living in Medellin.

I say let the gringos keep buying in Costa Rica and Panama and keep your discovery here on PHB, until you purchase property. If it's something you want to do. Medellin, truly is a beautiful city!

I too was pleasantly surprised by what I discovered upon my first trip. I am counting the days until I return to "the city of eternal spring."

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

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dwmte7 says on Dec 9, 2007, 20:52:

like medellin traveller, i'm glad, for all intents and purposes, you enjoyed your trip.

i don't know exactly what you seek in accomodations. but after being in and around medallo for 19 years, the city--medellin and envigado--are the last places i prefer. if you're open to suggestions, i'd recommend you check out llano grande and avoid the false charm of lleras and the likes. llano grande is a valley, about 45 minutes up the hill towards the airport. the people are not contaminated as are the residents of the city and are much more "colombian" and you'll get a feel for what colombia is REALLY like.

if i can assist you in the future, just ask. happy holydays........

d w martin

dwmte

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tejasmarcos says on Dec 10, 2007, 05:35:

cdy - there is no comparison between panama and medellin. panama has one of the most lackluster political environments i have ever seen. they have no idea how to be progressive nor handle even the simplest of city projects (outside of the canal). it's like the children have just been handed over the keys to mom and dad's new car - they have already dinged the car a few times and are destined to wreck it if not careful.

also - that city(panama city) is doomed to have one of the worst infrastructure problems in this entire region due to improper city planning and government investment. i could tell you some horror stories, as i almost bought there 2 years ago. a better reference would be sam taliafarros blog - he is the USA developer that basically created bouquette and most of the international attention the country has received regarding retirement and the purchase of second homes. google his name and you will find his blog.

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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Waterdawg says on Dec 10, 2007, 13:14:

Good Lord I haven't heard that name ( Sam Taliafarros ) in four years . Sam the " Man who Would King of Bouquette . lol ..

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