Question about social / economic class in Colombia (Medellin)

Tejeringo says on Nov 20, 2008, 20:13:

Colombia esta fuertemente dominado por Castas Sociales.

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utopiacowboy says on Nov 20, 2008, 20:23:

Can you say "Moooooooooooooooooooooo"?

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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utopiacowboy says on Nov 20, 2008, 20:24:

BTW, remember to paste those Bens to your forehead.

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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nuevoamigo says on Nov 20, 2008, 20:45:

No problem, already have a permanent tattoo of Ben Franklin on my noggin....C'mon I'm from LA... I know the routine ;)

If the shoe fits.....

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august says on Nov 20, 2008, 21:08:

I'm confused, you've been to places like Paraguay and Uruguay, yet you seem to be unclear on whether or not there's poor people in South America?

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nuevoamigo says on Nov 20, 2008, 21:35:

August you must be kidding right? The poor and social caste systems are two totally different things. In Brazil for example poor people party in Rio (Copacabana, Ipanema) athough they have little cash. To not go to a central "social area" thirty minutes from your casa, seems a little stange. Even if just to walk around and people watch (which costs nothing).

If the shoe fits.....

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august says on Nov 20, 2008, 22:04:

Alright, well now we're getting a little clearer idea of what you were asking see. So, what you're asking is: can this female, if she turns out to be from a lower-income neighborhood, party in Parque Lleras? I mean first of all, aside from the geographic difference, I say you might as well stay in LA if you're going to spend your time at Lleras. Prices, culture, appearance, these things will be very similar. If you must go, however, the female won't likely be chased out of the park. Now if you try to go to some of the clubs in the area and she doesn't have the right clothes on or have the right ethnic features, you may - may- find some trouble at the door.

The price is probably the main reason she's never been - it's outrageously expensive by South American terms. Most Colombians are not going there to do their partying. So, if she's not a regular at Lleras, it can be assumed that she's likely like most locals - not wealthy.

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nuevoamigo says on Nov 20, 2008, 22:20:

August, ...I think you understand my question...... As far as Parque Lleras, Hear it's a place to go, and since I love to rumba....It's a must for me ( and LA does not have Colombianas), but thanks for your input.....

If the shoe fits.....

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august says on Nov 20, 2008, 22:48:

Oh don't worry man, there's plenty of rumba to be found outside of Lleras, I assure you - that's something Colombians everywhere are into. I'm just saying, you're paying nearly 800 bucks to get there, why not learn how to party like Colombians do instead of slumming it with Americans and Europeans?

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kenblanquito says on Nov 20, 2008, 22:55:

Why do most foreigners here think that the centre of the Medellin universe is EL Poblado?
If you want to experience the real people or culture, think again! What is the point of going abroad and mixing only with your own?
Also, best place to get ripped off and everything is expensive, probably comparable to the US when you are expecting to have a cheap vacation!
The chances are probably better that your potential girlfriend is a real, decent person if she comes from a "not-so-well-off" area, whatever that means. As the Brits say, do not judge a sausage by its skin! The fact that she has never been to El Poblado may actually be a good thing!

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nuevoamigo says on Nov 20, 2008, 23:35:

Actually Ken you can blame it on "word of mouth". Most people mention this place , most lodging refers to their proximity to this place and most websites refer to this place as well. As far as the girlfriend is concerned, it may be good and bad....Good, she's possibly a down to earth nice girl....Bad she may feel like a fish out of water.....

If the shoe fits.....

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nuevoamigo says on Nov 20, 2008, 23:39:

August, guess it's the "fear factor". Crazy huh, Americans fly thousands of miles to a foreign country, just to be around more Americans.....Since it's my first trip I probably will not stray too far.....Unless I have a really sexy guide ;)

If the shoe fits.....

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kenblanquito says on Nov 21, 2008, 05:50:

Forgot to say something. If you are to stay in El Poblado, why not take a short trip to Sabaneta? It is another preferred area and as El Poblado becomes more and more congested, it is a distinct alternative; more traditional, equally safe for foreigners and more real Colombians than you will find in the "upper class" expensive rip-off malls and bars/discos of the former. Also, some of the wonderful colonial architecture still survives there as they have not yet had to utilize every square metre of space for "redevelopment".
Hope you have a good time whilst you are here; I suppose one person's good time can be another's nightmare anyway and I do understand your fear factor (which is not really justified as Medellin is safe if you watch your back) and the fact that everything in terms of advertising points to it as being "the centre" of the universe.

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nuevoamigo says on Nov 21, 2008, 07:13:

Thanks for the advice....I will definitely consider it. I will weigh my options once there, as I could only guess what my impression of Poblado (Parque Lleras) might be at this point.

If the shoe fits.....

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Mononoke28 says on Nov 21, 2008, 09:22:

If she's never been to el Poblado or Parque Lleras is because she can't afford it and never thought of ever going there. This may be a bit far fetched but it's kind of, not exactly, but kind of like having a poor girl from East L.A. going to party in a nice private beach in Malibu. It's not likely to happen.

Diana

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capt_j says on Nov 21, 2008, 11:31:

All Parque Lleras has is some restaurants and bars. It's in the rich part of town where tourists typically go. The main reason I can see to go there is you can meet a group of people there and then talk about where you want to eat or what bar you want to go to.

I think Envigado has at least as good a selection, if not better, and Sabaneta is definitely better. Sabaneta is pretty far south though. There is another area people mention here frequently- Calle 33? but I have never been there.

Nothing wrong with Poblado or Parque Lleras but try some other areas while you're there.

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Mononoke28 says on Nov 21, 2008, 13:01:

There's a nice restaurant in Paque de Envigado where you can eat on the balcony and watch the crazyness from there. Nice service and good food.

Diana

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Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Nov 21, 2008, 13:38:

Parque lleras on a weekend is the OCEAN DRIVE of Medellin with Sababeta being the Coconut Grove, its that cut and dry and simple. It is full of tourists, gringos and superficial Colombian wanabees. It is a place to see or be seen all while looking at your share of kids in their Hollister, Armani Exchange and Ed Hardy el t-shirt centro copias, all while begging their parents for 20 mil for a few beers lol. This is not where ordinary locals go. This is the shi shi area. If this is what you are looking for and like that false sense of security by all means knock yourself out and have a good time. In the future if you so desire and have good trustworthy friends by all means venture out and explore a little. ITS A WHOLE NOTHER WORLD out there once you get out of the south!

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

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utopiacowboy says on Nov 21, 2008, 16:28:

"Why do most foreigners here think that the centre of the Medellin universe is EL Poblado?"

Your choice:

1. They're morons.
2. They're idiots.
3. They're just plain stupid.
4. They're bozos.
5. They lack imagination.
6. They can't handle anything that doesn't remind them of where they left.

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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billyb says on Nov 21, 2008, 18:31:

I think nuevoamigo is asking a reasonable question and his assumptions are legitimate based on the fact that el Poblado is indeed the most promoted area of Medellin on travel sites. Now as to whether he should spend all his time there, well that's another matter, but it is somewhat prudent that, as a first timer, he get the lay of the land (no pun intended) before straying too far afield.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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nuevoamigo says on Nov 21, 2008, 19:01:

Utopia, at least Billyb has a clue about how things work in life....You need to get one :)

If the shoe fits.....

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lpdiver says on Nov 22, 2008, 05:56:

You know I have spent the better part of almost a year in Medellin since 2002. Total time spent in Poblado...wedding night and the following weekend plus two trips to the mall. Most visits I don't even go there. When I do it is always at the request of relatives. (I think to eat at the disgusting El Corral)

ts

Remember what the monkey says, "Fuck money it's free"

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utopiacowboy says on Nov 22, 2008, 08:11:

I went to El Tesoro mall once. It was fairly empty but it did have a nice view of the city.

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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nuevoamigo says on Nov 22, 2008, 09:29:

I admire all who dare to go out in a new country where you cannot speak the language well and do not know your way around (or anyone there) which has a reputation (real or imagined) by yourself to areas
that are not publicized as safe for tourists.....It's just not me, on my first trip to a new place.
Gimme the touristy sh_t all day...Say what, just like LA or Miami with hot Colombianas? Sounds like heaven to me ;)

If the shoe fits.....

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utopiacowboy says on Nov 22, 2008, 09:36:

Come now, Johnny, how many gringos want to get out of their little box? Not too damm many.

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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nuevoamigo says on Nov 22, 2008, 09:47:

Johnny thats sound advice.....Unfortunately, from our conversations seems all she likes to do is work (make bom boms?)....That would great if I was looking for a second income instead of a potential relationship. In all honesty she may not be a good fit for me....Does not dance or seem to like to do anything fun entertainment wise.....I may have to re-think this.....

If the shoe fits.....

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nuevoamigo says on Nov 22, 2008, 11:09:

Johnny I appreciate your sound advice (based on experience). I'd hate to pass on a good one for superficial reasons. Down to earth is rare in Los Angeles....And greatly appreciated when found.

If the shoe fits.....

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capt_j says on Nov 22, 2008, 16:24:

If English is an issue nobody in Poblado is going to speak English either. I suspect I'm a bit naive but I have never felt unsafe in Colombia, except being out in the country at night, which really gives me the heebie jeebies. Per Johnny, the Colombian upper middle class seems to like to insulate themselves in the expensive malls. But it sounds like you mainly want to get to know this lady in a chill environment. I don't think your girlfriend would be unwelcome any of these places, but it's possible she might be a little uncomfortable in a place where the tab is a week's pay for a lot of people.

I'm far from an expert but I have been there a few times. A trip to the country would be nice, it's very beautiful. If you have any specific ideas of what you'd like to do I'm sure you can get a lot of suggestions here.

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