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My trip to Cali.

I won’t give complete details but give you a basic rundown of my time. Summary: It was great and I was sad to leave.

Saturday:
Waiting for my flight in Miami meet another guy (gringo) going to Cali. We chatted until the flight and chatted most of the flight there. We exchanged numbers and said maybe we would get together if one of us was bored (not likely on my part).

Arrive in Cali 8:30 and it only took me about 20 minutes to get out of the airport. No problems at all. I walk out of the door to see all those people waiting for their loved ones. Where is Hanny? Ah, there is my beautiful woman. It was VERY good to hug and kiss her. Her tio drove us to the hotel. We had a nice suite at the ApartaHotel del Rio. The room had a huge Jacuzzi tub. They laid a path of rose petals to the bed and had rose petals on the bed in the shape of a heart. Very nice. The room in general was very nice with nice furniture and good decoration. Too bad there was no hot water for the Jacuzzi! A Jacuzzi in cold water? What? I wasn’t too happy about that. The hot water just plain didn’t work. The room was supposed to have it but for some reason didn’t work. Oh and the noise from the street was bad. I am a pretty light sleeper and I didn’t sleep at all that night. They gave us a free $2.00 breakfast and $10.00 bottle of champagne for the hot water issue.

Sunday:
We didn’t leave the hotel around 1PM. I am sure you all know why. We stayed in the same hotel but changed rooms. Very similar to the suite just a little smaller and no Jacuzzi tub. We had dinner with hanny’s family. It was nice at a place in Yumbo (where she lives) with a swimming pool and disco. Can’t remember the name.

That night I found the new room had the same problem with street noise. Also, the bed was a bit hard. Good for some people but not me. Hey, at least we had hot water! Yeah.

Monday
Apparently the guy I met in Miami airport was bored. He called me and asked us to hang out at the pool with him to drink some beers. He was staying at the InterContinental. We decided to go for a bit. We went to his room to make a call and I must say I wasn’t too impressed with the rooms. The rooms at our hotel were much nicer and for less money. I am sure he never had any problems with hot water and it seemed to be pretty quiet there though. I would have to say that for a first time traveler to Colombia (gringo especially), that would definitely be the place to stay. They will treat you well and help you out a lot.

We moved our hotel room again. Finally no street noise because they put us in a room with no windows. I didn’t care about the windows. We didn’t spend time looking at the street in the other rooms. We still had hot water but only for about 1 minute at a time. 1 minute hot water, 1 minute cold water…..Frustrating.

We spent the rest of the day and night…well never mind.

Tuesday
Went to San Antonio. The first day her daughter Dayana (4) was with us the entire time. San Antonio was nice but not as spectacular as I was led to believe by some folks. Didn’t really do much else that day. Just spent time with my two women.

Wednesday
Went to Hacienda el Paraiso. That was a nice place. Very pretty and had a lot of nice antique furniture in the house. The lady working there told us we should walk down the hill to the ‘river’ (more of a creek) and take a dip in the water if we were hot. We went down there and Hanny stripped down to here skivvies and took a dip. Got some nice pictures of that! Sorry folks, you wont be seeing those. Dayana got sick on the ride back to Cali. She didn’t tell her mom quick enough that she was going to get sick and she got some it inside the taxi and the rest sprayed all over the side. Nice. Poor little thing.

My little Colombiana let us get in a potentially bad situation. We got a taxi to go to Hacienda el Paraiso. The taxi driver decided he didn’t want to agree with our price so he took us to this place that had a bunch of other taxis. It seemed the drivers would go there to turn in money or something. We got a different taxi and as were leaving, another guy got in the front of the taxi. What??? I said no and asked Hanny to ask them what the hell was going on. She said, oh don’t worry. The taxi driver just wants some company with him for the trip. I said to Hanny that this was a very bad situation, especially for me. There was no way I was going there with that other guy in there. It turns out the guy just wanted a ride up the street but I was a bit surprised that Hanny didn’t realize that was a very bad situation.

Didn’t do much else that day. Again, just spent some time with my two women.

Thursday
Went to Palmira to meet one of her brothers. He is in the military and we visited with him on the base. Didn’t really see anything, just a bunch of guys walking around in fatigues. Her brother did say that he was just recently wounded in combat with the FARC. He showed us some nearly healed wounds (nothing major) from a small bomb or grenade. I didn’t really understand everything. He also told us one of his buddies was killed by another soldier who was a bit crazy and supposedly mistook him for FARC. I got the idea that the crazy guy was going to have an ‘accident.’ As we were leaving, he told me that he thought I was a good guy but that I should ‘be careful’ with Hanny because she was very special to him.

We walked to the center of town in Yumbo where there was a little square (she called it a park). I wouldn’t call it a park as there wasn’t a bit of grass anywhere. A bunch of brick, concrete and some trees. Holy crap, I thought her daughter was going to be killed. She let dayana ride her bike to the park. The sidewalks there are very uneven and at times not even there. It makes it difficult for a little girl to ride her bike so Hanny let her ride in the street. Man, I thought Hanny was freakin’ nuts and I was getting a bit upset. Cars would go by inches away from Dayana. Sometimes Hanny would hold on to her and other times no. The car or Dayana could have easily made a wrong move and she would be dead. I told her exactly what I thought but it didn’t change anything.

I asked Hanny if many gringos were ever in Yumbo. She said oh yeah, a lot of gringos had girlfriends in Yumbo. Well on this walk to the ‘park’ every single person looked at me like I was from another planet. I got the idea not too many gringos are ever in Yumbo.

Friday
Went to a place in Yumbo where I am sure no gringo has ever been. One of her cousins lives up on a hill. The paved road goes about half way up and you have to walk the rest of the way on a dirt road. Oh, and it was dark. The taxi took us up to the end of the paved road. I was with her, and her brother (the one in the military) was waiting for us outside. It wasn’t something I really wanted to do but I could see her brother waiting for us. Him and I got along really well since I used to be in the military. We immediately had something in common that we could talk about.

Went dancing on 6th avenue. Just me and her. We had a good time dancing and drinking. Wow, she got pretty drunk. It was nice at the bar because she was singing to me a lot. She has a beautiful voice. She drank a bit too much though and it ruined our fun later. :(

Saturday
Went dancing again on 6th avenue. This time with one of her friends. Again we had a nice time and luckily she didn’t drink as much so we had a good time dancing and afterwards too!

You know, some idiots think a gringo is obligated to give money or buy whatever little product they are selling. Those of you familiar with Cali know about 6th avenue and all the guys walking around selling flowers or wanting to take your picture. One guy walked up to me and shoved the flowers in my face. I tell him, no gracias. He persists, walking next to me with the flowers in my face. I say again, no gracias, very politely. He starts saying ‘gringo, hey gringo, Americano, gringo.’ I looked at him with my face about 1 foot away from him, and said again, NO GRACIAS. This time quite loudly and with some attitude in my voice. He left me alone after that.

Sunday
We spent a lot of time alone together…bonding. We spent a few hours with her family at her house. Incidentally, her father is like a kid around me, always asking how to say this or that in English.

The next subject I wont talk much about but my story wouldn’t be complete without it. I asked for and received the blessing of her parents for us to get married. They seemed to be excited and said they would miss their daughter if she moved to USA but they just want her to be happy. Great news. (Gomezman5, prenup???)

Sunday night we didn’t get much sleep. Waking up at 5 brought on a lot of sadness from both of us. The departure at the airport was terrible, more so knowing that it will be at least 4 months before I will be able to go back.

The trip was very nice. I learned a lot about her and her family. I got to know her father and one of her brothers fairly well. They don’t have much in material things but they are still happy people because family is most important for them. I found this out first hand in one set of circumstances that probably shouldn’t be discussed in this forum. I will just say that these people will do anything to help out a family member. I mean literally anything. I hope to be accepted as a member of the family, not just as the man with her daughter but more like a son as well (man, there are already 5 of them). I told hanny that and she just about melted in my arms. I guess the thought of a gringo wanting to be a part of her family was just great to her.

I bought a cheap digital camera for this trip and didn't take my good one in case something happened to it. I left the stupid thing in Colombia so I don’t have my photos. Hanny will have to email them to me. After she does I will put a few of them here.

I hope you all didn’t get bored reading about my trip. If you have any questions about anything feel free to ask. I kept quite a few receipts and remember the prices of a few things if anyone wants that info.

By fzrdan on Feb 22, 2005, 23:46 in Friendly Talkzone.

Miguel says on Feb 23, 2005, 00:37:

Excellente Your trip report was great, and helped me remember how I felt around my girlfriend's family, that lousy feeling at the airport, potentially tricky situations, and so on.
Thanks for taking the time to post it!
Plus you got out of town before the Farc bombed the RCN studio!

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fzrdan says on Feb 23, 2005, 11:59:

Thanks Miguel. Every time I think about it I want to go back. My girl really wants to live in Cartagena again. Who knows...maybe.

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Feb 23, 2005, 12:05:

I know Yumbo, fzrdan and if I were given a choice, would not want to live there. My first job in Cali was teaching English in a parrochial school in Yumbo, and the air there was almost unbreathable. The cement factory and other industries in the area polluted the air in the whole area miles and miles around, and even if some improvements have been made, the place is still not wholesome.

Cheers,
Desi

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

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fzrdan says on Feb 23, 2005, 12:17:

Desi, I have heard other folks say that about the air. I asked my novia about this and she said it is bad but people that live there are used to it. I spent a total of about 15 hours there over my trip and never noticed anything. Most of that time was in the late afternoon or evening so maybe the factory wasn't running at those times.

I surely wouldn't want to live there either. Her family has talked about moving to Cali and I wish they would.

They indicated one reason why they don't move is the 'bad' guys in Yumbo. She said that while there are some bad folks in Yumbo, they tend to not allow other bad folks in. If someone from outside Yumbo goes there and starts causing trouble, they are going to have an 'accident.' I suppose it is the same in a lot of places though. She also said the police are fairly good in Yumbo. Good compared to what I don't know.

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adela says on Feb 23, 2005, 12:18:

Desi

I understand the guy said that "Hanny" would like to live in Cartagena not Yumbo. Talking about Yumbo, you're right! The air is terrible because the main industries here.

Frzan:
1."I bought a cheap digital camera for this trip and didn't take my good one in case something happened to it"...a question for you: ¿in your next trip would bring your best camera here? What do you think about the security in that issue..
2. "guess the thought of a gringo wanting to be a part of her family was just great to her": as a caleña raised in a tipical family I could suppose that Hanny's family would love anyone interested in be part of her family too. No matter if is Colombian or Chinese or Ecuatorian. You'll realized that.

Thanks for your post..so interesting and sincere! Pls post the pictures soon!!!

Màs fe, màs abrazos, màs besos, màs disculpas, màs visitas a nuestros amigos antiguos nos haràn màs plenos cada vez.

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Feb 23, 2005, 12:37:

yes, adela I just went a step ahead explaining why I can understand her motives for wanting to live somewhere else.

frzdan,
I don't have the statistics, but ask any doctor in Cali and he/she'll tell you about the health hazards living in Yumbo. I remember reading somewhere about the frequency of lung cancer, respiratory ailments and gastrointestinal diseases being very high in that area. I myself was sick almost all the time when I went to teach there, got amoebas, respiratory problems you name it. I quit after three months.

Of course you get used to the unhealthy living environment; human body is a miracle of adaptability.

Cheers,
Desi

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

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utopiacowboy says on Feb 23, 2005, 12:43:

Great post, dude. I am glad that everything went so well.

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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fzrdan says on Feb 23, 2005, 12:46:

adela I took my good camera on my first trip and I didn't use it that much because I was worried it would get stolen. I bought the cheapy one so I didn't worry so much. The quality of my photos did suffer, especially in low light. Anyway, I will probably stick with the cheapy camera so I don't worry so much. It didn't stop me from having my head on a swivel though.

Adela, you are right. I think they would welcome anyone into their family if he treated their daughter well. They are nice people and family is extremely important. Numero uno for all of them.

Hanny wants to live in Cartagena because she loves beaches and the ocean. Of course, given a choice between Yumbo and Cartagena I don't imagine many people would choose Yumbo.

I want to add one more thing. One day we were walking on 6th avenue. These two guys (colombiano) walked by and they had this exchange: I wish I had a lot money. Why? So I could have a beautiful girl. What are you talking about. (points to gringo..me). Oh, yeah damn gringos.

Minutes before this I was getting money from an ATM and Hanny was waiting near by. She told me aftwards that this old guy (50's or 60's) rode by on his bicycle three times saying things like 'you are beautiful, you want to go somewhere with me.' Three times. After the ATM this same old guy rides by and gives me a complete once over, checking me out. Maybe guys like this old guy is why those other two schmucks don't have the beautiful girl. Because so many of them are dogs.

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fzrdan says on Feb 23, 2005, 12:47:

UC Thanks. I don't think it could have went better. Well, it would have been better if I could have stayed longer!

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utopiacowboy says on Feb 23, 2005, 12:59:

You're right about the comments that guys will make, frzdan. My wife used to tell me about the piropos guys would holler at her - some of them were pretty funny. Also, it makes no difference to them if a woman is married or not - they will hit on her even if her wedding ring is obvious. We may be dogs but most norteamericanos draw the line there.

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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Pirovito says on Feb 23, 2005, 13:27:

Very Nice I enjoyed your trip report and thank you for sharing it.

Expecting pictures soon!!

Peace!

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caslug says on Feb 23, 2005, 13:49:

aparta hotel.. fzrdan, glad you had a good trip. I agree that the aparta hotel has a noise problem during the day, i moved room twice like you because of the noise. Had to move to that windowless room also. Did they ever install the room safe? they said that was suppose to be put in last year. What was the price of the room now? Last year I paid $83k-92k peso(when the peso was 2700/dollar) for the small room.

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fzrdan says on Feb 23, 2005, 13:59:

caslug There was no safe in any of the rooms I was in. I paid $150,000 per night because we had a junior suite with two rooms. We had this so her daughter could stay with us and we could still have some privacy. Her daughter was only with us for three nights though so I could have saved some money. No biggie. The room wasn't cheap and next trip I will not stay there.

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caslug says on Feb 23, 2005, 14:11:

another option for you.. Aparta hotel montecarlo, 2blks away from avienda sexta 667 5991. I had a one bedroom apartment style place(living room, kitchen, bedroom) for 75k peso. It was a little quiter than the del rio. the room is not as nice as the del rio, it like a regular old apartment in the US.

I agree that the del rio at $150k is not worth it. btw, do you have any observation or advice regarding security & safety during your trip? What area were OK, what area were off limit to you?

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fzrdan says on Feb 23, 2005, 19:06:

caslug How long ago did you stay at the montecarlo? Sounds like a much better deal and even closer to 6th avenue.

I never went anyplace that would be considered 'off limits' for me. Maybe to the house of my novias cousin in Yumbo. My novia was a bit protective and we ate quite often around 6th avenue or Chipechape. Besides that one incident in the taxi, she didn't let me get off the safe path.

I was very observant most of the time. At least I felt I was being much more observant compared to here at home. At ATMs for example I never went to one (except at chipechape) where there were other folks around. When I left the ATM I would keep looking around for a bit.

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babygirl says on Feb 23, 2005, 19:14:

That's just so sweet...sigh... very romantic.
cheers - babygirl

cheers - babygirl

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Gomezman5 says on Feb 23, 2005, 22:04:

Fzrdan......great !! It was a good read even though... You already told me the info personally.....It only goes to show you that sometimmes, things just come out better and have a better affect when it is reduced to the written word.

I did not know she lived in Yumbo. Man, you have to get those people out of there. (If you marry her). This is a typical example of the third world without any serious pollution regs. Believe me, Desi and others are correct. The air is notoriously poor and dangerous. If you ever decide to move there with you lady, you can't live there. Remember something too, just because the air does not smell bad, it does not mean that it is safe to breath

OK. All went well. As to the marraige thing......????? I think it's a bit fast...with a prenup or without one. But, it's your life and I know you only have limited patience for my lecturing. That being said, good luck and all the best.

At least we are on the same page politically. BTW, when the lady arrives, makes sure she find the correct new channel. Because at least it is "Fair and Balanced."

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gabriel says on Feb 23, 2005, 23:56:

Fzrdan, I'm glad you enjoyed your trip to Cali, the last time I was in Cali my wife and I stayed at this aparthotel call rayda...right across the street from the Inter's casino. We use to go walking in san antonio almost every day, use to attend mass a couple of days a week up at the church.

I've heard the same thing about Yumbo, very polluted the industrial sector of cali. Also I had a chance to travel too my wife's grandparents house in San Antonio de los caballero, small little town near La Florida, the big industry in this area are (los cañaverales) is anybody familiar with this area of el valle, just curious!!

Yerba mala nunca muere....

Yerba mala nunca muere....

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