Metatron has left 10 comments

Metatron comments on

Calling For taxi on cell phone doesn't work
I have never been able to get a taxi company to come using a cell phone unless I know the driver. Kind of makes the "Always Call for taxi - don't flag" kind of useless.

Metatron comments on I think most gringos dont like living in bogota

Bogota is GREAT
This is one of my favorite cities in South America. I like the temperate weather so close to the equator. I have probably spent 2 years there over the last 6.

If I feel like a climate change, I just hop on a plane and within an hour can be in Cartehena ( Hot ), Medellin ( warm ), or many other cities or towns in between.

Bogota is a sophisticated city with good food, many friends and lots to do. The main thing I miss is the lack of good Chinese food. It was even a problem trying to get the correct raw ingredients and tools if I wanted to make it myself.

Metatron comments on Travel in Colombia by overnight bus

Dont Take a bus - Especially Overnight
Internal airfares are pretty cheap - BOG-MED-CTG probably less than $500000 COP ( $200 US ).

Busses may be safe but you never know. Nightime driving in Columbia always scares me both from an accident point of view and kidnap/robbery. Trust me - you feel pretty brave and confident until the bus gets stopped in a roadblock and you peer at the guys with the UZI's coming on board and try to figure out if they are the good guys or your tour guides for an extended, unwanted eco-vacation. Been there a few times and trust me - it ain't worth the hassle.

Take a bus during the day if you really want to see the country but there is still danger. Bus ride at night - no way.

Just my $.02.

Metatron comments on Cashing Travellers Cheques

Travelers cheques
I think your best bet is to carry USD travelers cheques - AMEX ONLY.

I never have much luck with travelers cheques anymore - particularly in South America. I have had to pay up to a 10 percent commision at times to cash them. USD is pretty much the world currency so everyone knows what they are. Canadian dollars are just an extra hassle.I am Canadian.

I always carry 3-4000 USD travelers cheques but use ATM or credit cards. The travelers cheques are just for emergencies.

Metatron comments on Cali

Cali or Medellin
I found the climate in Medellin to be quite pleasant. Another advantage is if you want to get some cooler weather, just hop in a car and drive up the mountain towards Rio Negro. 20 minute drive and it's 5-10 deg cooler. In Cali, you are pretty well stuck with what you have in the area as there are no hills nearby.

One of the neatest things, climate wise, about Columbia, is if you choose your living area carefully, you can change seasons from spring to summer by just driving 100 km or so. I used to spend time in Tunkwa which is 120 km or so from Bogota. It is at 10000 feet and quite chilly for being on the equator. But drive 35 km to Lieva and the average temperature rises 10 deg C or so. Tunkwa is a charming city but unfotunately boring. Oh well, cant have everything.

Metatron comments on Hotels in Cartagena-S Andres -Providencia

Hotel in the old city
When I was there last, I saw a hotel in the old city, not far from santo domingo square for less than $50 per night. It was quite nice.

I think it was called Hotel Centro but I can't be sure.

Metatron comments on lessons in navigating bogota's airport for a gringa....

Airport Theft
My company has had 10 or so people fly in and out of Bogata infrequently over the last 6 years or so. Three have had luggage stolen at the international terminal. Normally happens while standing in line or waiting at the counter when leaving Columbia.

Just a precaution - never let your luggage out of your sight.

Metatron comments on lessons in navigating bogota's airport for a gringa....

Bogota Airport It is no worse than any other airport in South America.

Watch your luggage - there is much theft.

There are money changers at the arrivals section or ATM machines on the second floor of the terminal. A taxi to downtown will cost $20000 (($USD8) or so.

Even if someone is meeting you, I reccomend getting the address of where you are staying just in case they don't show up. Write it out in Spanish and show it to the taxi driver if your Spanish is not good.

Get a registered taxi from the AP booth.

Have fun and don't worry - the city is safe.

Metatron comments on Shipping Container

Shipping Container It may or may not be easy. Containers leaving CTG are subject to narcotics police search by lottery. If they decide to search the container, they will remove everything and check very thoroughly in CTG. I would reccomend being present during the search as you can insure the container is repacked properly. You can arrange this thru your broker. Security at CTG terminal is very good so there should be little chance of theft.

The search could be a problem depending on what you are shipping. If the goods are suitable for concealing drugs, they may be dissasembled by the police during the search. I have seen furniture more or less ripped apart during a search.

I reccomend packing the container in such a way that it can be easily searched.

As I recall, the cost of the container shipment is $2000 or so.

You may also be searched on entry to USA.

Let us know how you make out.

Metatron comments on Safety Tips for Medellin Trip With Gringo Boyfriend

Medellin I have spent much time at the Dann Carlton. It is a fine hotel and is close to all the action.

I have not stayed at the IC but it seems OK. Right across the street from it is probably the best Paisa restaurant in Medellin. You should visit it - can't remember the name.

I found Medellin to be pretty safe - no worse than any other large South American city. Just remember that the traffic is far more dangerous than most of the kidnap/robbery things. If you survive the drive into the city from the airport all the rest is a cakewalk. Incidently, it is best to do this in daylight. Nightime can be scary.

There is a very nice, large horticultural park which is very worthwhile visiting during the day. This place is HUGE.

Have a nice trip and enjoy!