PBH / colombia (travelguide, pictures) / post

My opinion of Colombia. I just returned home from my first trip.

My title should be "my opinion of Medellin" because I stayed in Medellin and never visited any other parts of Colombia, but I'll leave it. I left NY for Medellin last Wednesday and returned home late last night. I was only there for 5 days, but it was enough time for me to see the flower festival. I went to the car parade on Saturday and the Flower parade on Sunday.

First, I want to say that the people I met from PBH were great people and they really made me feel comfortable. I went to the meeting on August 4th set up by Piasa29 and I met some very nice people there. It was great meeting all; including Caslug, Paisa29, Colombia Board, and others. You were all great.

My trip to Medellin surpassed my expectations in many ways. The people were very friendly and the city was beautiful (most of it). I primarily stayed in Pablado but also visited Belen, Laureles, San Antonio, and Estadio. Pablado reminded me very much of any nice area in the U.S. The people there were even very caucasion looking. I liked Pablado, but I think I liked the other areas better. If I travel to Colombia, then I want to feel like I'm in Colombia; Pablado felt too much like home in my opinion. I liked the other areas a little bit more for a true "Colombian feel."

I felt very safe the whole time. The only incident I had was at the Flower Parade. Someone took my small digital camera out of my back pocket without me realizing until later. This could have happened in any city anywhere, so I didn't let it bother me too much. What bothered me more was some of the pictures I had taken in the days prior were on the disk. Oh yeah, the cab drivers made me a little nervous too, especially going to and from the airport.

Gladly, everything went well overall and I'll definitely go back, but next time I'll check out more of the country. It was nice to see how Colombians celebrate and it was nice to see that most of the people I met seemed to be happy people even in the less wealthy areas. The people seemed less friendly in Pablado than in the other areas. I guess a little more 'stand-offish' would be a better way to put it. So I give the whole experience a thumbs up!!!!!!

By Andy-NY on Aug 9, 2005, 11:53 in Friendly Talkzone.

Andy-NY says on Aug 9, 2005, 12:02:

Clarifying the cab drivers................ I meant to say that the cab drivers made me nervous because they drove too fast. Not nervous in a threatening way. Just want to make this point clear.

Andrew-NY

Andrew-NY

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Peter Miami says on Aug 9, 2005, 12:10:

I am glad you had a good trip, I have been to Medellin three times and I have had a very good time also. I stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel in el Pablado, where did you stay? Did you go to "Parque Llera"?

Peter Miami

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Peter Miami says on Aug 9, 2005, 12:12:

Cali I think you definitely have to go to Cali but try to go longer than 5 days. Try if you can 10 day (weekend, week, and weekend).

Peter Miami

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Andy-NY says on Aug 9, 2005, 12:19:

Hotel I ended up staying at Dann Carlton hotel, which was very nice. Next time, I'll stay in a different part of town.

Yes, I did go to Parque Llera and it was very nice there.

Andrew-NY

Andrew-NY

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BAQ says on Aug 9, 2005, 12:54:

Taxi's yea the taxi's are the same all over colombia, they only have two speeds, "Fast" and "Haul ass"

Semper Fidelis !

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utopiacowboy says on Aug 9, 2005, 13:10:

Good report, Andy! Rare is the person who doesn't have a good time in Colombia. I agree with your comments about Poblado. It's very nice but it feels less "Colombian" than other parts of town and the people don't seem to be as warm and friendly.

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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kernow62 says on Aug 9, 2005, 13:47:

I think the taxis on the coast, specifically Cartagena drive at a more normal rate of speed, at least the few I rode with did. Heck even the buses wait while you get on the bus; in Bogotá they barely give you a chance.

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YANI-34 says on Aug 9, 2005, 18:13:

Medellin you sound like your experince was nice. I like to see more people visit and have good time as well. soory about the camera.

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Rubiazo says on Aug 9, 2005, 19:58:

Taxis in Bogota I've never been anywhere near as scared bungy jumping or getting on a roller coaster the day after somebody snuffed on it.
Rio taxi rides at night were pretty fucking scary too. But the good thin g about it is you get where you're going, and FAST!

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pedro antonio says on Aug 10, 2005, 12:01:

Visiting Medellin I went to Medellin last year and found it a very interesting place.The people were so friendly and I tried to checkout not only Poblado where my hotel was located.Park 10.A great establishment may I say.I visited Sabanetta,Itagui,Envigardo,Pueblito Paisa,Heuco,and even up the metro cable to Communa 12.I am an English guy and only found friendlieness and warmth.For a european prices were so low and I believe that Medellin could be the next great location for adventurous weekenders.Parca lleras and Bar Rojo was full every night.It was great.I hope to be back one day.

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