Returned from Colombia (long review)

[erexpill.com]

Well, where to begin ..... So much happened in so little time.

- I returned home from Colombia South America on the weekend after two short weeks in this mezmorizing exotic place. First off i'd like to dispel the images most people have of murderous drug cartels running lawless in the streets. Although danger does lurk around most corners in Colombia I was able to avoid any real encounters with danger and enjoyed myself immensely. Theirs alot to describe about this trip so I'll start from the beginning ....

- Me and my buddy (he 51, and me 36) arrive at Vancouver airport for our first leg of the journey to Mexico City. Were soon taking off and several hours later begin touching down in the city one-mile above sea level; Mexico City. Being that I had the window seat I simply sat there slack-jawed and in awe of the overwhelmingly vast size of the most populated city in the world!! (the entire population of Canada resides in this Mexican City) -- The city simply stretches as far as the eye can see and is a popourii of low-level buildings and dirt poor barios. Soon the Mexicana jetliner touches down safely at 7am and while coming to a stop im shocked at seeing herders with goats "mowing the tarmack" outside my window. Once in the terminal non-mexicans are warned to watch your luggage and to not leave the airport if dont have to -- We have a seven hour layover so the notion to take a sightseeing trip around the cuty is quickly put to rest for safety reasons. Instead we decide to hit up the airport hotel for a shower, steam bath and workout to help pass sometime. The gym and showers are primitive by western standards, but being able to brush my teeth and change my clothes was luxury whatever the case may be. After the hotel gym we cash some money in for peso's and hit up a restaurant inside the airport ..... the time finally arrives for us to leave and board Avianca Airlines for our second leg to Bogota Colombia.

- Its about 8pm when we reach Bogota and the half-full plane touches down nicely in the mountainous mild temperatured colombian city. We unboard the jet and right away its obvious customs is going to be a ordeal as the amount of machine gun toting guards is quite un-nerving. Surprisingly enough customs goes rather quick (guess no ones gonna bring drugs into the country lol) and I quickly go to retrieve my luggage. Being that my friend and I are the only english speaking gringo's on the flight the customs guys give my luggage the once over with a drug sniffing beagle and im soon on my way to the final part of the journey. The Bogota airport is surprisingly small for a capitol city, but I soon realized thats all they need as colombians for the most part are to poor to fly out. Once inside the departure terminal in Bogota I need to purchase a final ticket to Cartagena and after several failed attempts to communicate directions were finally pointed in the right direction and waiting our turn to board Aero-Republica to Cartagena.

- Cartagena is a sea level city located at the northern tip of Colombia and is considered a tourist destination for vacationing colombians from Bogota, Medellin, and Cali. The city is majestic with some modern structures and plenty of old spanish colonial mixed in. When the plane touched down at about 10pm I was almost bowled over by the heat & humidity as I walked down to the runway. At first I thought I was standing in the jets exhaust but was startled when I realized this was the actual temperature of the place!!

- We quickly got a cab and drove to our hotel located in the more modern district called Boca Grande. The hotel we stayed at was called the "Hotel La Casa Del Tourista" and cost a mere 40'000 peso/night (about $20). The rooms were small but impeccably clean with marble floors, air conditioner (a must) and t.v. -- The hotel was only a month old so it was clean to say the least. I was beyond tired by this point and even though it was friday night I opted to call it a night and hit the sack. My friend somehow found the energy to go out and with a pre-hired translator went to a club called "Triple Terra" -- Triple Terra is a "working girls" club, so when I awoke in the morning I wasnt surprised he hadnt returned. When he returned to our hotel he was a gleefull looking chap that could hardly sit still describing me the club and his night.

 

[erexpill.com]

When I finished having a shower and finally looked out to survey Cartagena in daylight your simply taken aback how different a world im in. The temperature is extremely balmy, the streets are swarming with people, vendors, and hustlers (pop. 1.5 million). The landscape is dotted with palm trees, and the streets are literally packed with taxis, buses and motorcycles ..... although the traffic is unbelievably chaotic I was amazed I didnt see more accidents. Buildings range from modern highrises to dirt poor shacks that would match any of the worlds most poorest nations. Colombia is a very poor country where most working people make an average of $300usd per month and many many others make much less. As much as the place seems serene you have to remind yourself this is Colombia and people there do look to gringo's as wealthy targets.

The first couple days there we spent just climatizing to the place and getting our bearings around town. We'd hit up different restaurants ranging from cheap to upscale, changing money and drinking in outdoor bars. If your into drinking then this is your place ..... beers are about 1500 peso's ($0.75ea) - 2000 pesos ($1). The selection of beer is poor as the only choices I came across are their national beer Aguila (http://www.cervezaaguila.com/index2.php), Club Colombia and Heinekin (pricey at $5ea). Beer is sold nearly everywhere and drinking while walking down the street is acceptable. Trash receptacles are sporatic so feel free to toss your trash along any street as this practice is widely accepted as well.

The scope of poverty is startling and many neighborhoods I visited resembled Beirut more than a tropical paradise. Begging is widespread and its best to avoid them at all costs and simply say "no gracious". Cartagena is base to the Colombian Navy so they protect the city well. Its commonplace to see army troops carrying automatic weapons at nearly every corner and building. Service in the Colombian Military is mandatory two years once you reach age eighteen. Half the trrops guard the city while the other half wages the ongoing long civil war againt guerilla armies in the jungle -- nearly 20 soldiers die per day!!. For a couple days that I was there their was a convention on with several nations including the US so security was beefed up to the point of helicopters, checkpoints, 50 cal machine gun nests on street corners, a curfew for bars to close early and a limit of one passenger per motorcycle (most murders are drive-bys on bikes).

Cartagena is an easy place to get around as most taxis will take you anywhere for about 4000 pesos ($2) .... agree on a price beforehand though or they will try and rip you off. Motorcycles double as taxis as well and riders will carry an extra helmut on their arm for passengers ... price for these is usually about $1 -- however with insane traffic your are risking your life .... and I did see two motorcycle deaths. Buses are another mode and cheap at about 40 cents, however they are packed and HOT! -- their are literally hundreds of buses. Again I cannot stress how por street condtions are and how chaotic traffic is ..... renting a car would be simply disasterous.

Personal safety is something you always have to keep in mind since being a gringo does make you a enviable target. For the most part people mind their own business and vendors are the real pain in the ass. I did however witness a stabbing/death on the beach, a couple beatings, having rocks thrown at me while in a cab (bad neighborhood), being stopped and questioned by military and being frisked by military in bars.

NOW ON TO THE GOOD STUFF:

- Simply put. When in Colombia you are a rock-star. If your a single male and looking for a good time than this is your place. Colombian women have various skin tones depending what part of the country their from ..... Cartagena women are generally dark - very dark skinned, while women from Medellin and Cali have lighter tones (my type).

- The first night there we went to a club called "The Playboy Club", its very far from the city center but worth checking out. Playboy is kinda like a strip-club brothel type thing where a "date" will cost you about 150'000 pesos ($75) -- The bar gets 50k of that and give you a room in the back. While there enjoying the show the military bursts in and the music stops and light come on ..... automatically patrons get up and spread themselves on the walls for frisking. This is common in Colombia for the military to toss bars and search for weapons and drugs. After this interuption I got back to my cervasa (beer) and chica on my lap. I'd visit here again

- The second night our guide took us to a rundown neighborhood to visit a Casa (brothel home) as all the clubs in town were closed due to the convention. The casa had about 20 women working and ranged in looks from 5's - 9 (only one 9). I ended up with the best looking one and sat and drank, danced and chatted the best my spanish could allow. I decided to pass on doin the dirty this night as I had mild sunstroke and was feeling a little rather ill. Probably wouldnt go back.

- Night three we spent at a place called the "Marina House" -- This one is far, far far out of town and you even pass through a toll booth to get to it (about a half hour drive by taxi and 8000 peso ($4). Everything was closed still due to the convention so this was reccomended to us by our guide. The women here all wear bikinis and number about 15 - 30 on any given night. The place itself is in a sketchy industrial neighborhood and when we first pulled up to its big iron door in the cab I thought we were set up for a robbing. Once the big door slides open you walk into a compound that houses the women and the bar. The bar is large with a pooltable, stage and resemblance of washrooms. Pretty good place all in all but far and off the beaten track.

- Night four I checked out the legendary "La Dolce Vita" in Boca Grande near my hotel. The convention was on still and when I arrived with an American friend I met there (he 52) the place was just closing. We stood by the front door and watched as about 30 women filed out that were all 9 - 10+ in looks. I was simply amazed and plenty of offers for companionship that night, The only other competition that night was two other americans who i'd say had to be about 65+ years of age. I highly reccommend this place ..... bring lots of pesos!!

- Another good club is "Tu Candella" in El Centro (Center of town) -- this is a nightclub in the heart of old town with working girls and regular girls as well.

- Triple Terra is similar to Tu Candella and also located in El Centro

THE TURNING POINT
- Night five was the night my entire trip changed gears. This is the night I met a girl that I spent the rest of my vacation with. Her name is Suzy and she comes from Medellin but lives in Cartagena. She's 22 years old and works in retail (where I met her). We both hit it off immediately and started seeing each other daily until I moved hotels from Boca Grande to El Centro where I got a large two bed luxury suite that had three balconies overlooking old town. The cost was 160'000 pesos per night but I ended up with a bargain price of 100'000/night ($50) and stayed there the rest of my trip. after this Suzy and I went t the resort island of San Rosario for snorkelling, lunch and beach frolicking. This is a very beautifull place with marvellous beaches, crystal warm waters and tropical breeze. The boat there cost me about $50 for both of us and includes lunch. The snorkelling is separate at $12 for two.

Another night we went to go see a soccer match of Cartagena vs Medellin. The stadium is rundown by western standards and you sit on concrete along with about 12'000 others. I was the only gringo there so you need to keep your ears and eyes open. The soccer game was a sight to behold with raging fans banging drums, sounding horns, firworks going off and about 2000 riot troops positioned around the stadium. Fights are notorious at these games so even getting in the stadium is an ordeal ..... I was frisked at three separate checkpoints and even had my belt confiscated (you dont get it back). We had a great time here and Suzy was especially estatic since Medellin won 4-2. In total the tix cost me 60'000 pesos ($30) for me, suzy and the translator/guide. Leaving the stadium is chaos defined and it was reccommended I stand near some Policia so as not to get robbed or beat-on.

Another thing I enjoyed immensely was a trip Suzy, the translator, cab-driver and me went to a volcano thats actually a natural mudbath. The trip is far and about halfway to a city called Baranquilla. The highway there is nicest road i'd been on the whole trip but you do pay a hefty toll and subject to roadside military searches. The volcano itself was very relaxing and something i'd definately do again.

THE END

Finally the trip had to come to an end and although I was dissapointed in leaving I was looking forward to getting back to first world standards. Susy and I have exchanged e-mails, phone numbers and I may even try and bring her to Canada for a visit and see where everything leads. Most people down there have never heard of Canada let alone how to find it on a map -- I now wish I took a picturebook of Canada with me. If I do bring Suzy to Victoria it would be a culture shock of a lifetime for certain!!

 

[erexpill.com]

IN CLOSING

- I made several notes on things i'd do different next time and made the following observances:
* ALWAYS use ATM when exchanging money. I took cash where cambio's (money exchange) would pay me $1 = 1'300 pesos, wheras ATM gives $1 = $1800 pesos
* Always settle the cabfare before getting in a cab or they will try and overcharge you
* Always decline street vendors or they will pestor you to no end
* Keep your wits about you .... This is Colombia afterall!!
* Most troops will not hassle you just walk past them
* Avoid Policia if you can. Most are corrupt and not worth tthe time
* Learn some spanish. English is almost non-existant down there
* Keep your head up when walking ... cars DO NOT stop for pedestrians period
* Keep your drink with you at all times to avoid spiking
* Always double check any bills for drinks, dinner etc. I was overcharged several times but caught them each time
* If you want a good gym go to BodyTech in Boca Grande. Very nice gym with rates of 50'000 per week ($25) or 80'000 2 weeks ($40)
* Nearly every woman around would like to get with a gringo so try to understand their intentions. Working girls are far too common and can be encountered at every turn. If its true love your after then this could take some definate investment in time.
* Avoid all casino's in Boca Grande -- they are all scams and you will lose everytime!
* Do your best to avoid water and buy drinking water in stores. Of course I did my best but was still mildly ill most of the time. Next time I will be sure to take some Wet Wipes and antibacterial liquid soap.
* September is the rainy season and by rain I mean torrential. Nearly everyday it rains to the point of flooding and then clears up fast and is sunny again (very strange). Lightning is also common and its best to get indoors when this starts up -- The lightning is like nothing ive ever seen or heard before UNBELIEVABLE!!
* Thats all (whew). Colombia is definately a place i'd visit again and will probably do so in the near future, I highly reccommend it.


- Here's a pic of myself and the girl I met there "Suzy". If all works out I may bring her to Canada to visit and see where things go from there. Learned tons of spanish and will be taking a course so we can converse better

<img src='http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-7/1047551/mesuzy.jpg' width=601 height=450 >

 

[The Lizard King]

- I made several notes on things i'd do different next time and made the following observances:
* ALWAYS use ATM when exchanging money. I took cash where cambio's (money exchange) would pay me $1 = 1'300 pesos, wheras ATM gives $1 = $1800 pesos
* Always settle the cabfare before getting in a cab or they will try and overcharge you
* Always decline street vendors or they will pestor you to no end
* Keep your wits about you .... This is Colombia afterall!!
* Most troops will not hassle you just walk past them
* Avoid Policia if you can. Most are corrupt and not worth tthe time
* Learn some spanish. English is almost non-existant down there
* Keep your head up when walking ... cars DO NOT stop for pedestrians period
* Keep your drink with you at all times to avoid spiking
* Always double check any bills for drinks, dinner etc. I was overcharged several times but caught them each time
* If you want a good gym go to BodyTech in Boca Grande. Very nice gym with rates of 50'000 per week ($25) or 80'000 2 weeks ($40)
* Nearly every woman around would like to get with a gringo so try to understand their intentions. Working girls are far too common and can be encountered at every turn. If its true love your after then this could take some definate investment in time.
* Avoid all casino's in Boca Grande -- they are all scams and you will lose everytime!
* Do your best to avoid water and buy drinking water in stores. Of course I did my best but was still mildly ill most of the time. Next time I will be sure to take some Wet Wipes and antibacterial liquid soap.
* September is the rainy season and by rain I mean torrential. Nearly everyday it rains to the point of flooding and then clears up fast and is sunny again (very strange). Lightning is also common and its best to get indoors when this starts up -- The lightning is like nothing ive ever seen or heard before UNBELIEVABLE!!
* Thats all (whew). Colombia is definately a place i'd visit again and will probably do so in the near future, I highly reccommend it.

Sounds like a great place...can't believe I haven't been there already.

 

[HeMadeMeDoIt]

I've had the itch (pun intended) to do Colombia for quite some since my favourite destination (Rio) has become excessively expensive with their economy taking off in the last two years. I also hear that Medellin is the mongering capital of Colombia.

I'm glad you had a good time and thank-you for the report.

 

[Herb_The_Perb]

Thanks for a very interesting report, and good luck with Susy.

 

[ace85]

Hey that is my sister

You'd better be nice to her.

 

[JMBrowning]

You'd better be nice to her.

OH... I didn't know it was your sister I slept with.

Relax! I don't know erex, never been in Colombia and never met her.

Erex,

sounds like you had a great time. Good luck with Suzy.

 

[georgebushmoron]

Uh.... DON'T use the bank machine is what I would recommend. I used a bank machine to withdraw $400 USD and got nothing, but the account balance was reduced by that amount. So like a schmuck, I tried again, and the same result. Now my bank account was reduced $800.

When I finally got back home, I went to my bank to see what they could do. It took 3 weeks to settle the problem - which was a problem at the foreign bank. They had run out of cash in their machines.

If you need to exchange money, don't use the bank machine, don't go to the cambios.... go to the bank. The armed security guards there make the transaction safer, and safety should be your #1 concern... and make sure you go there with a cabbie you've trusted and will wait for you to finish the transaction to whisk you away after.

Lots of criminals waiting around the corner for the gringos to leave the bank.

 

[eljudo]

IN CLOSING

- I made several notes on things i'd do different next time and made the following observances:
* ALWAYS use ATM when exchanging money. I took cash where cambio's (money exchange) would pay me $1 = 1'300 pesos, wheras ATM gives $1 = $1800 pesos
* Always settle the cabfare before getting in a cab or they will try and overcharge you
* Always decline street vendors or they will pestor you to no end
* Keep your wits about you .... This is Colombia afterall!!
* Most troops will not hassle you just walk past them
* Avoid Policia if you can. Most are corrupt and not worth tthe time
* Learn some spanish. English is almost non-existant down there
* Keep your head up when walking ... cars DO NOT stop for pedestrians period
* Keep your drink with you at all times to avoid spiking
* Always double check any bills for drinks, dinner etc. I was overcharged several times but caught them each time
* If you want a good gym go to BodyTech in Boca Grande. Very nice gym with rates of 50'000 per week ($25) or 80'000 2 weeks ($40)
* Nearly every woman around would like to get with a gringo so try to understand their intentions. Working girls are far too common and can be encountered at every turn. If its true love your after then this could take some definate investment in time.
* Avoid all casino's in Boca Grande -- they are all scams and you will lose everytime!
* Do your best to avoid water and buy drinking water in stores. Of course I did my best but was still mildly ill most of the time. Next time I will be sure to take some Wet Wipes and antibacterial liquid soap.
* September is the rainy season and by rain I mean torrential. Nearly everyday it rains to the point of flooding and then clears up fast and is sunny again (very strange). Lightning is also common and its best to get indoors when this starts up -- The lightning is like nothing ive ever seen or heard before UNBELIEVABLE!!
* Thats all (whew). Colombia is definately a place i'd visit again and will probably do so in the near future, I highly reccommend it.


- Here's a pic of myself and the girl I met there "Suzy". If all works out I may bring her to Canada to visit and see where things go from there. Learned tons of spanish and will be taking a course so we can converse better

<img src='http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-7/1047551/mesuzy.jpg' width=601 height=450 >

The Senorita doesnt look too happy

 

[erexpill.com]

I strongly disagree.. Have used the ATM's many times over the last 10 years and never had a problem... They offer a better rate of exchange than the banks and you do not have to worry about the hassle of travellers cheques or carrying your passport for cc advances

- I agree WhOiSyOuRdAdDy. My friend used ATM's the entire trip and got roughly 1.78 - 1.80 each time. I reccommend using the ones in Olympica Food Stores .... its their answer to Save On Foods and they have many locations with plenty of security.

- I tried the bank as well to exchange CDN and was upset to find the rate at 1.50 and they would only change $500 cdn per week . I was going to take US funds but like an idiot I listened to a bank teller that advised me against it because of suppossed fraudulant US bills over there. I thought I was being smart taking CDN cause I wouldnt lose on exchanging twice -- Wrong. Most cambio's will exchange CDN at 1.30 (when I went) BUT they would not take old CDN money!!! of which I had about $2000 worth . I went around town trying to change them at several cambio's with no luck until I finally did find one on my second to last day that did change them (whew)

A couple words of advice:

1. The Hilton Hotel in Boca Grande will change CDN cash at a better rate of 1.50 but you have to have room rented from them

2. Take only newer CDN cash with you if you must, however I strongly advise using the ATM's

- Next time I go I will open an extra account so I have two ATM cards in case one gets lost and have money split up in two separate accounts

 

[erexpill.com]

The Senorita doesnt look too happy

- It kinda looks that way however we were in a nearly pitch dark bar when my buddy snapped the photo with my digicam and the flash caused her to squint a little

- Oh, and thanks for all the kind words everyone I appreciate them

p.s. I will answer my pm's shortly as well.

 

[PoorGuy]

erexpill.com, you look like you're built like a tank! Are you sure you didn't attract attention because you were the biggest and tallest guy as far as the eye can see there?

 

[erexpill.com]

erexpill.com, you look like you're built like a tank! Are you sure you didn't attract attention because you were the biggest and tallest guy as far as the eye can see there?

- lol. I've weightlifted for the past 19 years and when I left for Colombia I was about 285 pnds at 5'11". Strangely enough when I arrived in Cartagena my appetite was next to zero ..... im not sure if it was from mild sunstroke and being slightly ill or if it was just from the heat? -- I did however lose about 15 pounds so I reccommend Cartagena as a great weightloss program . Im gonna try and keep up the dieting and get down to about 245lbs. Its tough though because back in Canada here I feel like eating everything in sight lol.

- Also. Yes my size did attract attention, but most times it was positive attention from the ladies who seem to really dig big huggable guys. Another thing I found surprising is how much attention my chesthair brought me .... they really love the "Eric Estrada" look -- My travel partner is as smooth as a plucked chicken and was amazed at how much the ladies were diggin my fur.