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Medellin.Medellin. First time

After a year of lurking here is my first post.

So I am finally heading to Medellin after years of talking about it. The few people that were going to go with me bailed so I may just end up going alone. Not a biggie. April 20th-29th. I know I am going to have a blast. I have a bunch of friend from colombia here in NJ. I practically live in a little colombian area ha! Lots of friends from Cali, and a few from Medellin. This trip is sorta last minute so I have been trying to get ahold of them to help me set stuff up.

I am a relatively young guy (28 yrs) so I plan on going out and sampling the bars/clubs/ beer :) I like active vacations and plan on doing alot. My spanish is decent but not quite conversational so I was thinking about taking a week of spanish lessons to refine it as long as I was down there, and maybe some salsa lessons too. I am thinking about just getting a local driver. I dont have more money then I know what to do with but it would be nice to have a local to take me around to the different areas and surrounding cities etc. (if I cant get ahold of one of my friends relatives) I am also thinking about just renting a furnished apartment/house for my time there so I can have more money for alcohol and sight seeing hehe!

If anyone thinks they can help me with any of this I would appreciate it. Or even which clubs/bars which nights etc. Hell, if anyone is bored and wants to show me around especially any pretty girls :) or has any ideas, drop me a line. Thanks for all the useful info I have already gleaned off this website.

By jeff8875 on Apr 10, 2006, 12:26 in Friendly Talkzone.

MacGringo says on Apr 10, 2006, 12:38:

You should check posts on here by Caslug, he knows a lot about Medellin.

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Simon says on Apr 10, 2006, 13:00:

I hope you have a great time in Medellin. Here are some pictures of that beautiful city:

http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=301412

BTW, Being 28 years old is not "relatively" young...IT IS YOUNG.

"DON'T FOK WITH COLOMBIA!!"-----Simon

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MacGringo says on Apr 10, 2006, 13:02:

What about 30 , is that young Simon?????hahaha

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Simon says on Apr 10, 2006, 13:29:

Yes, of course.

"DON'T FOK WITH COLOMBIA!!"-----Simon

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paisa29 says on Apr 10, 2006, 14:18:

GIB, cuando vas a decirte a visitar Medellín finalmente?

"Fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality" Conrad Hilton

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ColombiaBoard says on Apr 10, 2006, 20:23:

So... Man, why is it that people here usually don't answer the specific questions.

Ok, where to party in Medellin?

- Go to Parque Lleras in El Poblado
- Go to Las Palmas Avenue

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utopiacowboy says on Apr 11, 2006, 08:34:

You're right, GIB. I would never set foot in Parque Lleras.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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jeff8875 says on Apr 11, 2006, 09:38:

GIB thats what I like, going to local places, meeting local people. I try hard to stay away from touristy spots except to "been there done that" then they are off the list. You should make it down then I could have a tour guide and a translator for when the paisas start the speedy spanish hoping I wont understand. :) and I love the advice "approach the beauty of your choice" jejeje.

Simon ask my 17 yr old niece and I might as well have 1 foot in the grave, so I guess relativly young is relative!

Thanks for all the advice, even if it wasnt helpfull the banter is funny! if only I knew where all the models hung out..... hmmm park?

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ColombiaBoard says on Apr 11, 2006, 21:01:

Ok, You want the "models" then go to Parque Lleras, see, I was right in recommending that place.

Now, if you want the "local flavor" untainted by tourists then head to the main park of Envigado.

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jeff8875 says on Apr 12, 2006, 11:35:

I am probably going to cali now, as a good friend of mine is from there and last night I talked him into going with me.
"here's your ticket" it worked great. :)

Its going to get ugly with him though. I am mellow in comparison. Oh well, he still has a bunch of family there, a house, and a driver and his spanish is better than mine so I think I should be set. If you guys know any new or hot night life spots in Cali that he might not since he has been in the US for the past few years let me know.
We still might catch a quick flight to Medellin for a few days.

Thanks again for your advice I still might use some of it.
-Jeff

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victoria moreno says on Apr 15, 2006, 15:01:

hey my first time i medellin was fun ..my friend cousin who is a taxi driver =..drove me everywhere i want to go ..within side of medellin.he waited for me and took me to all the hang out spots ..maybe you can use this guy .his english is so what good to get you places u want to go ..if interested email me for arrangment to pick up from hotel ..vicki72574 at aol.com

cool

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drummer says on Apr 16, 2006, 10:16:

right on I went down 4 times last year. the first time, I stayed at a quality hotel...Poblado Plaza. the taxi drivers allowed to haul away the customers of the better hotels are screened and aknowledged by the hotel first. I was lucky to find a good driver in the couple of days of arrivel. I asked how much hire him by the day and quickly contracted him for driver/tour guide/confidant and soon to be,,,,friend. I later learned Medellin has a program to teach taxi drivers tourist points and places to avoid. if you nothing else....get a telephone # from the hotel or your taxi driver (used by the hotel) to call when you need transport. your overall experience will be much better!!

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JayMiami says on May 3, 2006, 12:48:

How'd You Do? Jeff,

Headed down to Medellin this Friday. Wanted to learn a little from your trip. Would like to know the coolest places you went to.....and even more importantly what to avoid. Went down one time before and went out to Mangos which was quite good.....but it seemed just a little too manufactured and snobbish for me. Would like to try some new places. Thanks in advance.

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dwmte says on May 4, 2006, 16:15:

really want a trip...one to remember? check out a place called 'acalare' downtown, by the metro. the funkiest place in medellin where the two headed cow tops the bar. then you can say you've been to medellin and done the scene.

dw

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