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You Don't Know Jack About Medellín!

TAKE ME out of El Poblado!

I'm actually surprised by the limited suggestions and recommendations of things to do in Medellin, especially with the number of PBH members living in Medellin, the same for the Paisas on this board.

FAVOR, expose us all to what Medellin has to offer those interested in more than the metro, Parque Lleras, Oviedo, Mangos, Pueblito Paisa, and all the typical and popular stops in Medellin.

Here's a few alternative suggestions of places to visit and things to do when in Medellin.

TANGO

Milonga - "El Último Café"



ART/CULTURE

The artwork of Pedro Nel Gomez censored from Medellin society.



MUSIC

Banda La Republica



CLUB.

Vinacure, experimental diversions, niteclub and art gallery.

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Exotic dance, film, music, theatre, art, bar, museum, circus, live performance art, a true bohemian lifestyle and experience.

This place is definitely off the beaten path, figuratively and literally Vinacure transcends anything and everything related to Colombian culture, but one needs only to be very open-minded to take the tour of this outrageously and incredible venue when in Medellin.

RESTAURANT

Casa Carnes.... located across the street from Champions.
Cra. 81 No. 27-15 y 27-19
341 - 5812 / 353 - 2461

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A butcher shop / restaurant, for around $5 USD I ate, my choice of meat, one chorizo sausage, a small potato, the ubiqutious arepa, and a soda pop, not bad the money!

What do you suggest in Medellin? - ¿Qué usted sugiere en Medellin?

By Medellin Traveler on Jul 23, 2008, 14:29 in Friendly Talkzone. AddThis Social Bookmark Button


bickerss says on Jul 23, 2008, 14:41:

The main square in sabeneta is cool to hang out in - take a drink or a meal. Then you can go zorbing (rolling down a hill in a big ball -Kiwi invention I think). La Puebla for a night out.

Parque ecologico el salado up from Envigado has zip lining / waterfalls / walking trails / good views and flowers. Higher up (3 hrs walk) you can visit caves with bats(I have not done this yet - GF spruiks it)

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Brians says on Jul 23, 2008, 15:07:

Been to three of the five places mentioned. Probably seen more of real Colombia than you MT with my wife and her family. Honestly give me Parque Lleras, Oviedo, Palmitas and I am fine. First time around doing those "Real Colombian" things is fine but WTF I am not Colombian.

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lanegrapaisa says on Jul 23, 2008, 15:12:

the Bare Feet Park is one of my favorites. And paragliding from San Felix is fun as hell!

oh that cement is just, it's there for the weight, dear

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nueva york bombero says on Jul 23, 2008, 15:22:

Good alternative things to do in Medellin. Great timing too! I feel like I'm the host of a trip here! Our group of 3 guys grew into 7, maybe more!
Keep the ideas flowing people!
Thanks!

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paisa29 says on Jul 23, 2008, 15:26:

yo hice un post con eventos en Medellín y nadie le paró bolas, entonces para que gasto mi tiempo.

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lanegrapaisa says on Jul 23, 2008, 15:30:

Paisia29 is right, here's the link to his post:

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/eventos-en-medelln/,

oh that cement is just, it's there for the weight, dear

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nueva york bombero says on Jul 23, 2008, 15:37:

I saw your post Paisa....thank you for your input and ideas!

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Medellin VIP Hotel says on Jul 23, 2008, 15:42:

Guatape is one of my favorite places to visit outside of the City. You can rent a boat or take a ride on a tourist boat for a couple of hours.

www.medellinviphotel.com & www.rentapartmentsmedellin.com & www.medellintravelersguide.com coming in July

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truthspeaker says on Jul 23, 2008, 16:12:

"paisa29 says on Jul 23 (today): flag
yo hice un post con eventos en Medellín y nadie le paró bolas, entonces para que gasto mi tiempo."

De verdad... para que?

Remember, I can only tell the truth. No more Sex Tourism in Colombia.

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tejasmarcos says on Jul 23, 2008, 16:12:

keepin it real in barrio antioquia........

* the truthspeaker has a little shop of horrors over there. there's a cat on a hot tin roof right next door. she has one eye and carries a crystal ball around her neck. she can see you coming from around the corner and speaks with forked tongue.

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

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Medellin Traveler says on Jul 23, 2008, 16:42:

AGAIN, "FAVOR, expose us all to what Medellin has to offer those interested in more than the metro, Parque Lleras, Oviedo, Mangos, Pueblito Paisa, and all the typical and popular stops in Medellin." That includes Guatape and Barefoot Park, which are popular destination for all first time visitor.

I'm looking for suggestions and activites off the beaten path, "Wild In Medellin" if you will.

bickeress says, "Parque ecologico el salado up from Envigado has zip lining / waterfalls / walking trails / good views and flowers. Higher up (3 hrs walk) you can visit caves with bats(I have not done this yet - GF spruiks it)"

Yes, I have also heard great things regarding the nature walk.

paisa29 says, "yo hice un post con eventos en Medellín y nadie le paró bolas, entonces para que gasto mi tiempo."

There are many on PBH that do not speak and/or read Espanol. Also interested in non-annual activites as to not limit Medellin travelers from booking trips around specific festival dates, if that make any sense.

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

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tejasmarcos says on Jul 23, 2008, 16:58:

El Salado is more of a family destination where you can chill by a little creek and cook sancocho while sipping cerveza and guaro with the familia in an outdoor setting.

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Here is a restaurant on the way out to El Salado that has the best bandeja paisa I have had since arriving;

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Image and video hosting by TinyPic

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

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SUERTE GRINGO says on Jul 23, 2008, 16:59:

Good post. I will add three suggestions

1. Coffee House at Tutucan Theme Park in Rionegro, Antioquia 90 minutes outside of Medellin.

2. Parque de las Aguas [water park] in Barbosa.
http://www.barbosaturistica.es.tl/PARQUE-DE-LAS-AGUAS.htm

3. La Fonda Del Caballo in Envigado
Calle 48C sur 43A - 315

Tell the cab driver that the restaurant is located near: En Avenida Las Vegas, al frente de Transito Envigado.

They have horses perform incredible dance routines along a stage that runs through the center of the entire restaurant. The nearest tables are literally inches away from the passing horses and they perform for the audience.

“If you're gonna eat your crackers in bed, you're gonna have to sleep with crumbs."

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tejasmarcos says on Jul 23, 2008, 17:04:

El Penol is beautiful and Gutape is a great little town, although a little cold for my tastes when it comes to a lake setting - the other 10 months out of the year. Almost broke my nose on the zip line.....

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Someone from PBH might recognize this couple.....

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

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papiChulo says on Jul 23, 2008, 17:08:

MT... "Wild In Medellin" Have you been to Wild Club? I think its in Itagui.

I'm not greedy I just want a lot.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jul 23, 2008, 17:14:

papiChulo,

No. "Wild In Medellin" was a takeoff on a program in my hometown called "Wild In Chicago" where the hosts travel about town discovering new places off the beaten path to showcase interesting and undiscovered places and activites in Chi-town.

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

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Lisa Zee says on Jul 23, 2008, 17:20:

LOL

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Medellin Traveler says on Jul 23, 2008, 17:27:

Anyone have any more information on San Pedro de los Milagros?

San Pedro de los Milagros tiene la Vía Láctea solo 50 minutos de Medellín, en San Pedro de los Milagros, está la Vía Láctea, un parque temático en donde además de practicar deportes extremos como el canopy, se pueden hacer cabalgatas, admirar animales domésticos y conocer de cerca el proceso de ordeño.

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

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lanegrapaisa says on Jul 23, 2008, 17:33:

Horseback riding in Sabaneta or llanogrande, Taking a guided tour of Jardin Botanico not just walking your cheap self around, Going to a soccer game even if you don't like soccer is an interesting experience as well.
I once took a canadian or rather he took me, to walk around downtown Medellin, We went to museums bought food on the street and hung out at a crappy little cafe just watching people walk by. It's nice to see people going about their lives not just dressed up to go to LLeras.

oh that cement is just, it's there for the weight, dear

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tejasmarcos says on Jul 23, 2008, 17:35:

a trip down guayaquil is cool. alot of action on that strip.

MT - where is San Pedro. On the way to Don Matias?

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

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Medellin Traveler says on Jul 23, 2008, 17:40:

tejas,
Sorry, don't know where San Pedro is located.

For some fun water rides to help cool you off on those hot days in Medellin.

Parque Norte Amusement Park.
I suggest getting there early because the lines are looooooooooooooooooooooooooooong

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

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lanegrapaisa says on Jul 23, 2008, 17:53:

Las fiestas del Retiro are awesome, I know the trovas are in spanish but they are still funny.

oh that cement is just, it's there for the weight, dear

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Medellin Traveler says on Jul 23, 2008, 18:07:

CLUB - LIVE PEFORMANCE - ALTERNATIVE with a CAPITAL "A!"

Club Feathers.

"Todos Me Miran" - En Vivo -



lanegrapaisa keep the suggestions coming... gracias.

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

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coffee beaner says on Jul 23, 2008, 19:41:

If you want the best Argentinan empanadas and great steaks you should visit Versalles in Junin. Also in Junin you can find shops that sell typical Colombian art (artesanias). I would also suggest trying out the restaurants in La 80, for example Asados de la 80 and Balcones de la 80. In la 70 going towards la Bolivariana there is also good restaurants like Mondongos, Aguacate y el Festival de la Costilla BBQ.
If you want to party in a more Colombian feeling you can go to the north side of the city and hit up La Zona Rosa de Castilla which is 9 closed off blocks full of clubs and bars.... same goes for places like Manrique, Campo Valdes and Aranjuez but most people here wouldn't go to these places aside from MT. Also the best Pollos Mario is located in Manrique la 45 in front of the Gardel statue, if you like Tango and know who Carlos Gardel was there is "La Casa Gardeliana" a block from the statue.
Little town such as Venecia, Carmen de Vivoral, Barbosa and Porse are great when they have festivals which already passed. Try Copacabana also, first time I went I was surprised by the many fondas and estaderos they have... great food in Copacabana. If you want info on strip clubs you can PM me also... no quiero prender el avispero =)

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robi666 says on Jul 23, 2008, 20:54:

I have just given your comment an "helpful" mark.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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lanegrapaisa says on Jul 23, 2008, 21:06:

there are brothels there?

oh that cement is just, it's there for the weight, dear

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chrispej says on Jul 23, 2008, 21:37:

Jack who?

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dwmte7 says on Jul 23, 2008, 23:23:

ingrid...poblado is and amazing place in the city.......how long do you know poblado? what you see today is not poblado. it's an empty fantasy.

dwmte

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Buongone says on Jul 23, 2008, 23:39:

I've never been there. But from what I just read you could spend 2 weeks there and not see/do the same thing. Some good posts.

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goin_south says on Jul 23, 2008, 23:41:

I loved Parque Lleras and Pablado... what is everyone always bitching about???
(so did ... mi novia... but then... MAYBE SHE ISN'T .....'COLOMBIAN... ENOUGH'.... Jjaja)

Where do we go from here?

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tomtom33 says on Jul 24, 2008, 01:16:

Douglas,

What you see today is what is. I know that things are never like they were in the old days. But I can only live today.

I enjoy Poblado and Parque Lleras, but I live in Santa Mónica. Thus I tend to hang more around la 70 and la 80.

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Medellin Traveler says on Jul 24, 2008, 03:28:

parisIngrid says, "San Fernando Plaza is a place I like to go. While not what the OP wanted, but we don't all have to go ghetto, do we? Maybe the people in El Poblado haven't treated the OP as he wanted and he has bitter feelings and has thrown himself into the promotion of the other neighborhoods as a result?

You can come out with me if you want. I assure you all your dreams will come true.

My point? El Poblado is an amazing place in the city. To say otherwise is just jealousy.....

If not, the offer stands."

How close-minded can one person be?? Don't you think people want to experience more than El Poblado? It's fine for a first time visitor but the truth is Poblado does not have much to offer.

I will pass on your open invitation. You can stay in Poblado, with the rest of the tourist. If you like El Poblado so much why not start a thread of your own so you can comment on how great El Poblado is as you state.

No one is jealousy, I've had good times in El Poblado and have many friends who live there, I never said anything negative about El Pobaldo, your ignorance has lead you to believe many things, reading into my thread topic things that are as such. San Fernando Plaza is just a plaza it's not Colombia, it's a plaza in Colombia. I see you are easily entertained. You can hang out with Medo who seems to like staying there as well.

Next, NO need to hide behind a "new handle." Also, please refrain from commenting if you can't add anything to the topic at hand in this thread.

AGAIN, "FAVOR, expose us all to what Medellin has to offer those interested in more than the metro, Parque Lleras, Oviedo, Mangos, Pueblito Paisa, and all the typical and popular stops in Medellin." That includes Guatape and Barefoot Park, which are popular destination for all first time visitor.

p.s. Ingrid can stay in Paris were she now belongs to write her silly likttle play.

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

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tejasmarcos says on Jul 24, 2008, 04:14:

san fernando plaza is currently the most expensive commercial real estate per foot than any other property in medellin. just an fyi.

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

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Medellin Traveler says on Jul 24, 2008, 06:46:

EL CASTILLO MUSEUM

This 1930’s Gothic-inspired Castle whose beautiful French style gardens consists of sweeping lawns and magnificent flower beds, was once home to a powerful Medellin family.

The patriarch, Diego R. Echavarria, travelled the world amassing a great collection of art, along with an interesting array of home furnishing to decorate the home, all which are now on display at Castillo Museum. The family castle was donated to the state of Antioquia by the Echavarria family after Diego's death, who wanted not just to preserve the home, but to offer the public an opportunity to view his vast collection of art and antiques.

I would love to tell you the whole sad story behind the family’s tragic end, but feel it’s better for visitors to learn about the family's history during a visit to Castillo Museum.

An English speaking tour guide is highly recommended, since the Castillo Tour Guides do not speak English. It’s definitely worth a visit when in Medellin.

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

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gato-bandido says on Jul 24, 2008, 07:03:

San Pedro de los Milagros is a town in the Norte region, part of la Ruta de la Leche. Couldn't find any real (unpasteurized) milk in the two days we were there though. Didn't see any place by the name Vía Láctea while researching. We did book a night at a place called Proyecto Lechero La Manuela. Booked a few weeks out, called a couple times to reconfirm, showed up at like 6 PM (by bus), only to have the guard bark at us and refuse to let us in. Ended up staying at a hotel in the town. The town itself doesn't have much to offer, mostly tavernas for people to get drunk, but also a good restaurant or two and a nice panadería to have a breakfast. Next morning went back to the La Manuela place. The people were very apologetic, but couldn't get us any milk anyway, it was all gone for the day, at 9 AM. The place was nice though, worth a visit.

Even so, Norte turned out to be the region we liked the best out of all the places we went to (including Rionegro, Retiro, Peñol, Guatapé, San Jerónimo, Sopetrán, Santa Fe, Jardín, Andes, Jericó, Pintada). Why? Probably for the scenery and the climate. Santa Rosa de Osos is also in the Norte, definitely worth a visit to see all the churches. Supposedly Salto de Guadalupe is also worth seeing.

For sightseeing, Santa Fe de Antioquia takes the top spot easily, second being El Peñón, and third Jardín and Jericó I'd say. Medellín doesn't really offer much to see. Pueblito Paisa, Plaza Botero, and that's about it. Poblado is probably the most overhyped place in all of Colombia. It's allright, can find a nice restaurant there for example, but if you skip it entirely you won't miss anything.

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gato-bandido says on Jul 24, 2008, 07:06:

http://www.antioquiadigital.com/norte.htm

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webmanco says on Jul 24, 2008, 07:13:

Forget about El Pueblito Paisa or Cerro Nutibara, go to Tutucan (mimina) on the weekend and see the real Pueblito Paisa. The city don´t do it for me, Antioquia does it, so does walking up the mountain.



Colombiana sexy

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http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/best-pueblos-outside-medellin/


Tequendamita, I would like to go there, that is the kind of tourims that attracts me.

Tequendamita

...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ...

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august says on Jul 24, 2008, 07:20:

OMFG, San Fernando Plaza??!?!?!? You mean like home of franchises KFC, Juan Valez coffee and whatever Crate and Barrel knockoff that is? It´s a mall food court man! What are you talking about!!!

If you´re dropping the cash to travel to Colombia (and this post is meant to be suggestions for visitors to Medellin who I´m assuming are coming from outside of Colombia) why would you go to a food court that looks exactly the same and offers exactly the same food as a food court in LA or anywhere else in the world with rubber stamp malls?

I´m baffled. Why not save your cash to go eat fried chicken* wings at KFC in a mall in LA? You can even speak Spanish there!

Not to mention that San Fernando Plaza is certainly not a place for the POORbuthappy.

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nueva york bombero says on Jul 24, 2008, 07:23:

Don't forget Pueblo Rico. Dos mentiras...no pueblo y no rico!!
Great little town with a real Antioquian vibe.
Sancocho served with love!
And there is a religious hike up the mountain called Golgota (not sure of the spelling).
Many cantinas and music playing everywhere.
Pure Paisa!

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morphus says on Jul 24, 2008, 07:29:

Not everybody travels for food. Gluttons!

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minina says on Jul 24, 2008, 07:55:

webmanco do you mean tutucan?.

Tutucan it's very nice it's a recreation of typical antioquian town. It's much bigger (What isn't ?)than pueblito paisa. They sell a lot of nice crafts, but very expensive, they also have a nice restaurant in there. Tutucan is located in Confama de Rionegro, which is big park with a lot of different atractions, It has lots of swimming pools, for kids and grownups, It has boat rides, gondolas, it has a trapiche. Many things to do and see there.

DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS...

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webmanco says on Jul 24, 2008, 08:00:

Thanks Minina

Tutucan

...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ...

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dwmte7 says on Jul 24, 2008, 09:42:

yes...tutucan is fun. and right across the street about 200 mtrs back, is gualanday. the bet little centro comercio in colombia. everyone is friendly and it's in a natural setting.

guatape...never did much for me. all the pueblos around, retiro, maranilla, carmen, rionegro, la ceja (bad guys there), tablaso (where pablo e. was born.) all are fun. barbosa up north is ok as are places north of there. however, the gold fields are there and there's plenty of bad guys hanging around there.

san antonio on the weekends is great fun. a non stop party from fri til monday. now some want to take me to task for ranking poblado. why, i know it for 19 years. and if i wanted to go to restaurants like miami and los angeles, i could stay state side. but if i want to party hardy in colombia, i'd rather do it in and aaround colombians who pride themselves in their own culture. the charm of poblado is long since gone for me. for other's it's just what the doctor ordered...every chicken to his/her own roost.

if you like touristy trivia...artisanias, the san antonio side of rio negro has streets of shops which cater to that. also in el retiro. the park in el retiro has changed over the years. they built that bar on a platform which changed the feel. the rumba used to be all over the fricken place. now it's just there.

primavera and amaga are interesting...up the road from caldas, south of medellin and sabaneta. semi quaint. good prices on realestate.

for a close in pueblo experience, sabaneta is just about it. you can also take routes up through st. helena. but it's the wettest area around. i always passed on thanging out there. and if you're really gilded with big balls, do a hillside trip to east bello...DO NOT GO ALONE.

it can be dangerous to the n.th degree. so you want a pal or two. however, it will give you a look at how the poor subsist, with a smile, in colombia. you make a friend there, you got a friend. ask med. traveller. he's the proverbial summum bonum of mountain side pueblo travellers. MT gottem big balls.

if you like horse racing, the hipodromo is in guarne, about 4 miles from the airport maria cordoba. they run fast as they juice the horses i'm told.

someone above told me to get used to poblado/parke lleras as it is wnat it is. i know that area for 19 years and lived a block frolm lleras for over 5 of those years. why the fuck does one think i moved out. 'cause it changed--for me--for the worse.

i would have each and every visitor enjoy medellin and it's surrounds to the max. go every where you feel comfortable with out endangering yourselves. visit the minorista down town, visit the street of prendarias down town along the metro tracks. where the flea market is 7 days a week.

go to the museum that med. traveller spoke of above. years ago when i was exporting out of colombia, i purchased thousands of dollars of antiques from them for export to our store in bev hills/west hollywood.

if you like brown bag wine straight from the vintner, in barrio manila (poblado viejo) on the street in front of the policia national, a block north (this parallells oriental) is a wine maker on the corner, been there a century if he hasn't gone.

i just want you all to have fun, keep good vigilance over yourself and your friends, don't be foolish and don't be rude to locals and their customs. when you're out in the pueblos, don't think the chicas are prepagos, because if you act so and they're not, you're in deep shit. take that to the bank.

respect colombia, she's the best. get to know her real personna, get outta medallo and the other big cities, eat in the estaderos and tiny restaurants. treat the colombians with deep respect, and you'll be repaid thousand fold.

VIVA COLOMBIA.
douglas

dwmte

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morphus says on Jul 24, 2008, 09:52:

"la ceja (bad guys there)"

What bad guys?

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webmanco says on Jul 24, 2008, 10:03:

Only in Marinilla did I feel uneasy.

...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ...

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morphus says on Jul 24, 2008, 10:05:

"when you're out in the pueblos, don't think the chicas are prepagos, because if you act so and they're not, you're in deep shit. take that to the bank"

So its better not to grunt and flash money at them?

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nueva york bombero says on Jul 24, 2008, 10:07:

Even if they're not prepagos, it might work!!

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nbenjamin says on Jul 24, 2008, 10:51:

FYI - the best Bandeja Paisa (Period)

the Name of the Restaurant:

ASADOS EXQUISITOS

This is a restaurant in Rio Del Negro. It is right next to Las Lomas Hotel.

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nueva york bombero says on Jul 24, 2008, 11:07:

That's a BOLD statement!!! people here might disagree....

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tomtom33 says on Jul 24, 2008, 11:22:

Morph, the pueblo chicas do it for sardines.

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morphus says on Jul 24, 2008, 11:24:

Oh yeah, i'll bring those fancy smoked sardines.

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tomtom33 says on Jul 24, 2008, 11:26:

For fancy smoked you can have two.

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coffee beaner says on Jul 24, 2008, 11:26:

Here is a website for those of you who want to know about clubs in the north of Medellin.
http://www.farrasnorte.com/

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SUERTE GRINGO says on Jul 24, 2008, 11:36:

Thanks to all there is some good information and suggestions which I will consider over my two week trip in August to celebrate the feria de las flores.

Anyone want to do lunch at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnIGID8yCCs

“If you're gonna eat your crackers in bed, you're gonna have to sleep with crumbs."

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nbenjamin says on Jul 24, 2008, 11:46:

nueva bombero - is that directed at me. Yeah Where would you say is the best Bandeja?

At the very least you have to try this place it is better than Mondongos and the likes.

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SUERTE GRINGO says on Jul 24, 2008, 14:09:

Found this info on casinos in my notes which was recently posted by a PBH member whose name I did not save to credit for the info. Thank you whoever you are. I'm not much into casinos and gambling but will make an effort to venture into one of the casinos to try my luck, proly Portofino Casino.

"Hands down, the Portofino is the best casino right now in Medellin. It is indeed strange that a Holiday Day Inn (EXPRESS!) anchors this development. The high rollers mainly play there. They will blow 4-10 million pesos within a few hours easy. The food here sucks. They don't serve beer, but they do serve hard liquor (rum, whiskey and of course arguardiente). My buddy took them for 1.4 million pesos on his last night in town at Roulette (he hit his # straight up with 40mil).

The best looking casino staff are at Rio Casino in San Diego--this casino is probably also the most fun on the weekends. There are no hotels here.

The other major casino is in Centro, called Casino Caribe. Good times here - I took them for 2million pesos the other night at Blackjack (of course I gave it all back over the next several days at the casinos and blowing pesos on other fun stuff).

The only two other casinos that have table games are Havana Casino which is tiny and connected to Oviedo Mall and 24 hr Casino a few blocks down on Av Poblado.

No casino in Medellin compares to the larger casinos in Panama. No casino in Medellin has an attached/affiliated hotel property (i.e. no comp rooms)."

“If you're gonna eat your crackers in bed, you're gonna have to sleep with crumbs."

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nueva york bombero says on Jul 24, 2008, 15:34:

"FYI - the best Bandeja Paisa (Period)"
That's a Bold statement!!!
I wasn't challenging you and I certainly will try your place, but I'm surprised PBHers didn't jump all over you and say their favorite restaurant had the best bandeja!!!
It was a controversial statement for this board!

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Gringo Spy says on Jul 24, 2008, 17:56:

If you're near Parque Lleras go to Berlin for lunch and try the Bandeja Paisa there, it's pretty good

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lanegrapaisa says on Jul 24, 2008, 17:58:

Berlin? the bar? but it's so dusty

oh that cement is just, it's there for the weight, dear

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Gringo Spy says on Jul 24, 2008, 18:04:

Eat in the patio area not the bar! For a Paisa you sure don't know your city very well! ;-)

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lanegrapaisa says on Jul 24, 2008, 18:05:

hehehehe

oh that cement is just, it's there for the weight, dear

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dwmte7 says on Jul 24, 2008, 19:43:

morphus....do what feels right, grunt, pull out sardines...that's what they call the young girls, anyway. and any dude that tries to fuck with you, rip his head off and shit down his neck.

web as for the bad guys in la ceja....that's where castano's men hang out. there's some pathetically bad actors there. when i had my bar in don diego about two miles from the turn off to la ceja, the paras took twelve young boys out of a school house and shot them in front of the monjas and the other students. really tragic.

dwmte

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nbenjamin says on Jul 24, 2008, 21:55:

NY Bombero - Agreed - it was a bold statement.

But stick to your word - try it out when you get a chance, it is in Rio super close to the las lomas hotel. There is a circle that you go around one block from Las Lomas and there is the spot Asados Exquisitos.

I had this girl down in medellin who was saying the best was at this fance restaraunt or Mondongos - and I took her to Asados Exquisitos - and she agreed it was the best.

You have to try it.

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dwmte7 says on Jul 25, 2008, 04:15:

benjamin...is that the estadero with the playground out front and the anaconda skins on the wall inside?

dwmte

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morphus says on Jul 25, 2008, 04:23:

Bandeja paisa tastes the same everywhere. Actually it does'nt taste anyway. Its very bland!

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tomass says on Jul 25, 2008, 06:53:

Most of the time i just eat soups or scrambled eggs with arepas or chuzos from the strret stands. I find practically all the meals very bland. Colombians though are v proud of their cuisine. I dont know why. I feel v bad when im asked and unfortunately i cant help being honest. And i dont consider myself a fussy eater.
Going out i prefer the corner tiendas in the barrios - drinks for hours with the locals and view the day to day life. Always interesting.

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nbenjamin says on Jul 25, 2008, 07:24:

dwmte7 - It has a playground outside. ANaconda skin on the wall - I never saw that - but everytime time I am in Medallo I always go and sit outside so I could have easily missed it. Have you been

Morphus - disagreed. You have to try the Bandeja at this spot. Just do it. You will thank me afterwards.

Tomass - The food in Colombia is really good. I think the biggest problem with the food is not the food itself but the lack of options. In Los Angeles - you can get the best, sushi, thai, indian, seafood, mexican, argentinian, brazillian, itallian, steakhouse, french, chinese - I mean you name it - and LA has that food at the highest of high quality - But it is hard to find any place that competes - aside from NY & SF. So the problem with Colombian food is the lack of variety - not the food itself - in my opinion - it would be nice if you could gets some other good foods in Colombia aside from Bandeja. And even Bandeja generally sucks outside of Medallo. I mean maybe I agree with you - there are two colombian plates I like - the fish plate in Cartagena, which consists of the fish of that day, fried, some cocunut milk rice, and some weak salad, or bandeja - after that it is weak.

Alright - I am out.

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coffee beaner says on Jul 25, 2008, 09:57:

You can't really compare LA with Colombia, there is too much diversity of cultures in Los Angeles therefore your obviously going to have great Chinese, Japanese and Mexican food for example. I don't think Colombian food is bland at all... nbenjamin I noticed that all the food you listed from Los Angeles none is typical to the United States. I personally would rather have a bandeja paisa then a hamburger or a hot dog.

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nbenjamin says on Jul 25, 2008, 10:24:

Coffee Beaner - I would too.

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mariacvetanoski says on Jul 25, 2008, 10:46:

MORE ON ZIPWIRING IN COLOMBIA


Zipwiring through the Colombian rainforest
Matthew Parris gets the ultimate adrenalin rush, skimming the treetops of Columbia's dense rainforest

Matthew Parris
Every nation has its eccentric national pursuits. Belgians eat chips with mayonnaise; in Hong Kong they bet on anything that moves; the Catalonians perform the sardana, a dance that involves moving around endlessly in a circle, holding hands and bobbing up and down. And in Colombia they go zipwiring.

Zipwiring (or zip-lining) is a sport that in Britain is usually seen only on a small scale in children's playgrounds. A steel cable is strung from one post to another on a gentle descent. A handle or cradle attached to a pulley wheel is hung from the cable. From the higher post to the lower, the zipwirer flies through the air for the full length of the cable. I've seen runs of up to 20m (60ft) in some activity centres.

But in Colombia they go from one hilltop to another in runs of up to 500m. Everybody does it. It's a family favourite - pack the car on a Sunday afternoon, drive into the hills, then take turns flying through the air at one of scores of zipwiring stations. Finally, enjoy a beer at the zipwiring bar-restaurant before a final flight as dusk settles.

My favourite zipwiring station is not far from Pereira, where the Andes drop into river valleys heading for the Pacific in descending curtains of hills clothed in the dark, shiny greens of coffee plantations. The plantations augment their incomes by stringing zipwires from hilltops, each lower than the next. You walk through the coffee to the highest, then spend half an hour in a long series of spans. By the time you arrive back at the restaurant you've flown for miles.

Dom Joly and the birds of Costa Rica
In the twitcher’s paradise of Costa Rica, Dom Joly goes on his own style of wildlife tour — a 50mph zipwire over the rainforest


Hola, Howard Marks here, in Colombia
Howard Marks has spent a lifetime sampling Colombia's best exports. So time to pay a visit

It's a great feeling, like a high-speed cable-car run, except that you are the cable-car. Wearing a crash helmet and togged up in the sort of harness familiar to the habituées of bondage clubs, you stand at the top end of the zipwire while an assistant checks the fastenings, then slides the pulley-wheel into place on the cable by your head. Then you drop your weight on to the cradling, push off, lift your legs, and - whee! - the warm wind rushes at your face as you accelerate, the wheel and wires singing at a rising pitch as the speed increases to about 65km/h (40mph).

As this happens, the ground drops away beneath you and soon you're skimming the tops of the shade-trees planted to protect the coffee bushes. Then higher. It's like crossing a huge viaduct on a train - look down and suddenly the river valley is far below and your T-shirt is billowing in the wind. But the sun is warm, and as you follow the cable to its destination you can see the finishing post, with a big soft sack to crash into if you fail to brake.

I should have mentioned the braking. In a ten-minute training session, pre-zip, you learn to place your right hand, in a heavy leather glove, lightly on to the cable above your head, just behind - behind, remember! - the pulley wheel. To brake, cup the cable, exerting light pressure. Smell the burning leather as you slow down. Don't panic and grip too hard or you will end up stopping in mid-air, well short of the finishing sack, swinging in space above the valley - and have to be reeled humiliatingly in.

Get it right and - thwack - you thump gently into the sack, hands reach out to steady and decouple you, you gulp in a few lungfuls of clear, Andean air ...and you're off down the next span.

The coffee country is not the only zipwiring venue. At a superb mountain eco-lodge called Monte Vivo, near the little settlement of Santa Elena high above the great city of Medellín, we rode what was claimed to be the longest continuous series of zip-wires in Colombia - all the way down a long ridge. Though a safe and bustling city today, Medellín used to be one of the murder capitals of the world (think Pablo Escobar).

It's odd that, with fatal shootings commonplace during the week, the citizens of Medellín hankered to spend their weekends zipwiring. Maybe that adrenalin rush is addictive. It must be - I'll be back in Colombia this summer.

NEED TO KNOW

Journey Latin America (020-8747 8315) offers tailor-made 13-day trips around Colombia, including visits to the coffee region, from £2,173pp with all flights and hotels included. Zipwiring can be arranged. Trailfinders (0845 0505892) has flights from Heathrow via Paris to Bogotá from £762 return.

Zipwiring Colombia 57 (0800 0789157) is based in the coffee region with the highest density of zipwiring outfits - about £40pp a day with an English-speaking guide and transport. It can also arrange flights from Bogotá to Pereira for £90.

Read Colombia 57 recommends Colombia (Lonely Planet, £15.99).

Stay Hotel Bosque del Saman in Pereira has rooms from £35, with zipwiring from £9 a day.

Further information Colombia Tourist Board (020-7491 3535)

LEAF ENCOUNTERS

ZIPWIRE

There's no need to fly to a rainforest - you can zip through the trees in Britain. Go Ape! aerial assault courses in 17 locations from Devon to Kent offer a network of zipwires, rope bridges and trapezes that take about three hours to complete. Go Ape (0845 643 9215) adults £25; ages 10-17, £20

TREE CLIMBING

In a secluded “tree field� on the Isle of Wight, you'll don hard hat and harness and, after training, climb as high as you like. Do a spot of branch- walking, then abseil down for tea. Good Leaf (01983 563573, www.goodleaf.co.uk ), adults, £35; 8-16s, £25

TREE CAMPING

You've clambered all the way up, so why not stay there? After a practice climb and a barbecue supper at the foot of an oak tree in Cornwall, you climb up to bed in a tree boat - a high-sided hammock suspended in the branches. After a night under the stars, eat breakfast while enjoying the view and climb a bit more before coming down.

Mighty Oak Tree Climbing Company (07890 698651), £140pp for groups of two to five.

TREETOP WALKWAY

For a less rigorous, yet equally elating, experience, climb aboard the new Treetop Walkway in Kew Gardens. The gently swaying walkway rises 18m in the air and runs for 200m through the canopy of limes, oaks and sweet chestnut trees. Kew Gardens (020-8332 5655), £13 adults, under-17s free.

Save the street children of Colombia Now!!

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Medellin Traveler says on Jul 25, 2008, 10:47:

I wouldn't mind having a bacon burger at El Corral right now. The best freakin' burgers in all of Colombia!

For some reason I find myself eating a lot of ice cream when I'm in Medellin, que rico el helado por halle, ron con pasas.

Question, can I pay someone to save a place in line for me at Parque Norte or any other venue for that matter? Is this an acceptable practice in Medellin? The lines are tooooooooooooo loooooooooooooooong for me.

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

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dwmte7 says on Jul 25, 2008, 10:51:

ben...have i been, i used to help the owner--if you're talking about the one right on the glorietta, to the left of santiago de armas and to the right of las lomas. there's a finca inbetween the estadero and santiago de armas where i lived for a year. know all the folks there really well. the lady that owns the finca where i was living finally got her three daughters to start a horse riding stable.

in the estadero, yeah, it's good, real good. there's a couple of anaconda skins on the walls inside. an icecream place and playground outside. nice.

just go straight down the hill and you come to llano grande, hang a left you go to tutucan, san antonio, gualanday and rio negro, hang a right you go to tablaso, don diego, la ceja and el retiro. that's my haunt.

dwmte

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