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Latin International Dating Forums => Latin -> General discussion => Topic started by: Hector_Lavoe on July 10, 2018, 08:42:53 AM

Title: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Hector_Lavoe on July 10, 2018, 08:42:53 AM
Just came back from Cali. My second time there.

I have often thought Colombia gets a little over rated on this board. But after being in Cali for the 2nd time I will emphatically state this: The women there are STUNNING! As good as ANY city I have ever seen anywhere. Are they on every street corner? Of course not. But damn damn damn...do you see some great looking women.

I wrote a full summary of my trip but it got completely jumbled by P.L.'s formatting. Don't know what the hell happened. I'll have to come back and finish later.

https://www.nomadichustle.com/nightlife-in-latin-america-sometimes-sucks/









Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: mambocowboy on July 10, 2018, 10:37:31 AM
Just came back from Cali. My second time there.

I have often thought Colombia gets a little over rated on this board. But after being in Cali for the 2nd time I will emphatically state this: The women there are STUNNING! As good as ANY city I have ever seen anywhere. Are they on every street corner? Of course not. But damn damn damn...do you see some great looking women.

I wrote a full summary of my trip but it got completely jumbled by P.L.'s formatting. Don't know what the hell happened. I'll have to come back and finish later.

https://www.nomadichustle.com/nightlife-in-latin-america-sometimes-sucks/
Look forward to hearing more Hector!
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Wildstubby on July 10, 2018, 02:24:47 PM
Here, here! I would like to see what you have to say also. I never been to Cali. Never seem to stray much further west than Ibague but planning to go to Armenia in November.
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Hector_Lavoe on July 11, 2018, 01:58:27 AM
The cliff notes version: I came, I saw and I failed....if failure is defined as meeting a girl (or girls) you want to visit again and pursue a long-term relationship with.

The longer version:  I met women online (Tinder) but focused most of my efforts on meeting women in public places (malls, bars, restaurants, etc.). I met quite a few girls this way and got a few days this way during my (short) five day trip. I know: way, way too short.   

The challenging part of the equation is finding a way to meet the really attractive ladies as many of them are out in groups (day or night) which often include guys! 

The somewhat misleading title to the thread was based on a very good piece I read from a guy who has a lot of experience in Cali and Latin America. His article was really aimed at Latin America in general (though it can be applied to Cali's nightlife).  See the link to his piece at the end of this post.

In essence he states the obvious: the nightlife in most of Latin America (L.A.) for a gringo with no connections or social circle in L.A. SUCKS.

Of course, Cali is a town known for its late nights and rumba lifestyle. But the group nature of the nightlife with minimal "mixing and mingling" like there is in the USA makes it a challenge. This means day game (and online) is where it is at. If you sleep 6 to 8 hours a day and the "nightlife" hours are more a less a no go, that means you only have about one-third or so each day to pursue women via a cold approach. 

Final point made in the article: he lists several cities in Latin America where the hindrance of the "group oriented nightlife culture" is much less of an issue. Those cities are: Mexico City, Playa Del Carmen, Lima, Rio, Bogota and Santo Domingo.

Based on my experience in three of those six cities I tend to agree.

All that said, I did make a run at it solo in the nightlife arena with mixed results. One night I was walking from a shot bar (called Quickly) up the main strip of Granada and saw two 20-something women sitting outside a discoteca. I said hello and we chatted for a bit. They invited me to the disco as their amiga was having a birthday celebration. So I went inside with them and sat at their table. Three females and myself. I danced with them (salsa, bachata, reggaeton, etc.). But I was essentially STUCK with them for the whole night! The whole place was in groups set up in tables with a small dance floor in the middle.

I did exchange numbers with the one I thought was the cutest. She is about to finish studies at the university and will go to Miami to learn English where her parents live. So we both agreed to keep in touch and practice Spanish/English together. Pretty sure she wants something romantic. I see us just being friends or friends with benefits (if she goes for that kind of thing).

The issue at the malls (Chipichape, Palmetto, Unicentro) is the easiest women to approach are often the ones who work at the mall and they are often quite young (very early 20's). I met one young women who works at Palmetto Plaza. We went on a date. She is only 20 years old. Seemingly very sincere and mature for her age. That said, definitely not pursuing her romantically but perhaps she has some older cousins or knows some hot older chicas.

Met a few interasadas, of course, as this is Colombia! I really appreciate the ones who show you directly and up front what they are about. Much less of a WASTE of your time!

[size=78%]
Conclusion. Definitely rethinking my entire strategy: need a longer time in Colombia or will focus on places closer to home where I can travel to more frequently. Also, there are two places in Mexico on the "easier" nightlife culture list (both are closer to home and have direct flights from west coast).


Highlight of the Trip: Day trip to Lake Calima and Buga! Mind blowing landscapes just one hour from Cali!

Also, as warm/humid as it gets during the day in Cali, I really LIKE the climate in the evenings when the cooler winds blow in from the mountains. Really pleasant. Prefer the nights in Cali to Medellin's cooler evening temps.   

Here is the link I mentioned:   

[/size]https://www.nomadichustle.com/nightlife-in-latin-america-sometimes-sucks/ (https://www.nomadichustle.com/nightlife-in-latin-america-sometimes-sucks/)
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: mambocowboy on July 11, 2018, 09:41:16 AM
Here, here! I would like to see what you have to say also. I never been to Cali. Never seem to stray much further west than Ibague but planning to go to Armenia in November.
Thanks Hector.  You said it: 5 days way too short. You need at least two weeks.

Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Elexpatriado on July 12, 2018, 08:15:11 AM
I think you should just focus on having fun and less on finding the ideal woman.

Pretty hard for those guys who want to.meet the "perfect"woman and them  dragging her a$$ back to the States.

So easy to make a big mistake and end up paying for it big time.

So many advantages to being retired or working online and living in Colombia or any other Latin country, enjoyig life and other activities besides women, and taking your time , having patience because there are a plethora of women out there, if it doest work with one NEXT there are other lined up.


Another thing, if you have a long distance relationship of convenience "amigos con derechos " you can bet the girl will be screwing around on you. Lots of STDs in Colombia.Even if its a so called serious relationship no guarantees.

You know the sayings " una relación de lejos.." I dont have to repeat the two versions. 
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Elexpatriado on July 12, 2018, 08:25:35 AM
Why are you rejecting the 20 yo?

Like you said she seems very mature.

Get the age thing out of your head. A 20.Yo could be more mature, honest,.responsable and mentally sane than   a 35, 40 or 60 yo.

Dont worry what people in the States think.They will have the same comments whether she is 20 or 30 ( you being around 50 I believe?).
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: benjio on July 12, 2018, 08:37:10 AM
I think you should just focus on having fun and less on finding the ideal woman.

Pretty hard for those guys who want to.meet the "perfect"woman and them  dragging her a$$ back to the States.

So easy to make a big mistake and end up paying for it big time.

So many advantages to being retired or working online and living in Colombia or any other Latin country, enjoyig life and other activities besides women, and taking your time , having patience because there are a plethora of women out there, if it doest work with one NEXT there are other lined up.


Another thing, if you have a long distance relationship of convenience "amigos con derechos " you can bet the girl will be screwing around on you. Lots of STDs in Colombia.Even if its a so called serious relationship no guarantees.

You know the sayings " una relación de lejos.." I dont have to repeat the two versions.


Sound advice....and I'm sure everyone here is tired of me repeating this: But enjoy the country and the culture first. Let the courting thing happen naturally. You should obviously put some effort into meeting women and dating, but I've rarely seen "The One" found as a result of a diligent search in Colombia. Usually that's the girl that just falls in your lap while you're doing something else. I remember staying at Jamie's houses in Barranquilla and meeting guys that were so determined to find a wife you would have thought it was a military objective. But we all know romance doesn't quite work that way. If you walked into a bar, club, restaurant, etc. in the states and told people you were there to find a wife they'd probably look at you like you were crazy. Take that mindset with you to Colombia and run with it. Go as often possible and stay as long as you can each time. Build a circle of friends and contacts you can trust (at least as far as you can throw them). It will make for some memorable experiences.


The reason most of us go to Colombia is actually counterintuitive with respect to our big picture goal. We go to Colombia because the women are so beautiful, but what we ultimately want is a good wife. From my experience the most beautiful women I've met aren't the best to be in a relationship with. The best you can hope for there is finding a happy medium. My advice to men is to leave them down there and find a way to make living in country. The culture makes women what they are there. Look at what the culture has made women into in the U.S. You bring her back here and she's going to change...and usually not for the best.
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: utopiacowboy on July 12, 2018, 03:15:20 PM
My question is who the hell would want to live in Colombia? It's a complete [snip] hole - the US has deteriorated to the point of being a Third World country but Colombia is bottom of the barrel. Check out Numbeo's cost of living stats and you'll see all the Colombian cities are down there with India and Africa. There's a reason for that.
[size=78%] [/size]
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Elexpatriado on July 12, 2018, 03:44:39 PM
My question is who the hell would want to live in Colombia? It's a complete [snip] hole - the US has deteriorated to the point of being a Third World country but Colombia is bottom of the barrel. Check out Numbeo's cost of living stats and you'll see all the Colombian cities are down there with India and Africa. There's a reason for that.
[size=78%] [/size]

UCB

I doubt you have ever really set foot in a real third World country.
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: buenopues4 on July 12, 2018, 04:33:00 PM
My question is who the hell would want to live in Colombia?


Me! Since 2002 and rather than hell hole it is one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: mambocowboy on July 12, 2018, 05:01:17 PM
Why are you rejecting the 20 yo?

Like you said she seems very mature.

Get the age thing out of your head. A 20.Yo could be more mature, honest,.responsable and mentally sane than   a 35, 40 or 60 yo.

Dont worry what people in the States think.They will have the same comments whether she is 20 or 30 ( you being around 50 I believe?).
Completely agree. Have fun. Bang some hot 20 year olds. The more you do that, the more women will be attracted to you...
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: mambocowboy on July 12, 2018, 05:11:11 PM
My question is who the hell would want to live in Colombia? It's a complete [snip] hole - the US has deteriorated to the point of being a Third World country but Colombia is bottom of the barrel. Check out Numbeo's cost of living stats and you'll see all the Colombian cities are down there with India and Africa. There's a reason for that.
[size=78%] [/size]
For someone married to a Colombiana, that's a very negative way of describing her country.  I imagine your wife wouldn't like her country described that way, and most of the Colombians I know, while they do acknowledge some of its problems, are ver proud of Colombia....
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Calipro on July 12, 2018, 08:05:09 PM
For someone married to a Colombiana, that's a very negative way of describing her country.  I imagine your wife wouldn't like her country described that way, and most of the Colombians I know, while they do acknowledge some of its problems, are ver proud of Colombia....


UC should just leave his wife at home and head on down to Colombia by himself. He'd change his tune pretty quickly. jajaja
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Elexpatriado on July 13, 2018, 02:59:44 AM
I  complain about Colombia all the time, but lets face it, " Third World " is a way over used term that isnt really relative now adays.

Colombia is an extremely beautiful country, with lots of issues like anywhere.
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: utopiacowboy on July 13, 2018, 08:15:25 AM
Anyone who lives in Colombia eventually learns to block out the dismal display of poverty that is everywhere. The people who don't live there like me and my children are appalled by it. After a couple of weeks it gets really depressing and you just want to leave and never come back. I have spent way more time in Colombia than the place deserves. I wish that I had spent equal amounts of time in places like Chile and Argentina. In Uruguay you seldom are hit in the face by poverty the way you see it constantly in Colombia.


Yes, there is beauty in Colombia like the mountains near Santa Marta that we hiked through for five days to get to and from the Lost City but for all their posturing, hardly any Colombians ever see it. The vast majority of the people there are not from Colombia. When Colombians babble about what they love about their country, it frequently comes down to drinking, drugs and partying. The whole country is a case of arrested development. Party on Wayne!


This is what Colombia is to me:


A girl from a refugee family basically sold to an old man who takes care of my mother-in-law's finca and then eats rat poison to escape her dismal dead end life.


A guy married to his own aunt and everyone acts like this is perfectly normal.


A young woman whose father is killed by Escobar's gang members because he refuses to play ball with them. Later as a waitress at the airport restaurant she has to serve one of the gang's bosses and sit down and keep him company at the table while he eats.


A teenage boy answers the door and is shot and killed at point blank range by a sicario. It turns out later the sicario meant to kill the guy who lived next door. So hard to keep the addresses straight.


I could go on and on. Yeah [snip] happens everywhere but in Colombia it's a way of life that never changes.
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: robert angel on July 13, 2018, 08:39:44 AM
I  complain about Colombia all the time, but lets face it, " Third World " is a way over used term that isnt really relative now adays.

Colombia is an extremely beautiful country, with lots of issues like anywhere.

Truer than a lot of people realize. When people overseas tell me that they they wish their country wasn't corrupt, that it was more "like the USA", I tell them a few things...

A lot of things seen as corruption overseas are actually legal here. Our Secretary of Education has never had a family member attend a public school, never mind take out a student loan. But her family did give 200 million dollars to the political party that won. She probably could've had any job in Washington DC she wanted, because when the senate and congress interviewed her and it was clear as day she was clueless about the reality of public education, it still didn't matter.

Money buys politicians, ready access to them and decision making. We may be seen as the proverbial "land of milk and honey" but for all our wealth, we have, amongst all nations, the largest percentage of our population in prisons.

Drugs, illegal and prescription, are common. We buy, resell and use and  that creates crime on the streets, in people's neighborhoods.

Real rehabilitation is typically more available for the wealthy and well insured. The building and administration of prisons, then the probation business after, is often a private, for profit arrangement.

Where I live, I am hearing more and more that instead of "going by the book" or letting people go 'as is' but with a warning, that the cops are taking the drugs for themselves. Our last police chief, after 40 years as a cop, finally was so blatant that he's in jail today. Unusual that he got caught and convicted.

No, we're not that different under the surface of money and material appearance. The perception people overseas get from the movies and TV is far from reality, but they often don't 'get it'.
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Hector_Lavoe on July 13, 2018, 09:01:18 AM


Sound advice....and I'm sure everyone here is tired of me repeating this: But enjoy the country and the culture first. Let the courting thing happen naturally. You should obviously put some effort into meeting women and dating, but I've rarely seen "The One" found as a result of a diligent search in Colombia. Usually that's the girl that just falls in your lap while you're doing something else. I remember staying at Jamie's houses in Barranquilla and meeting guys that were so determined to find a wife you would have thought it was a military objective. But we all know romance doesn't quite work that way. If you walked into a bar, club, restaurant, etc. in the states and told people you were there to find a wife they'd probably look at you like you were crazy. Take that mindset with you to Colombia and run with it. Go as often possible and stay as long as you can each time. Build a circle of friends and contacts you can trust (at least as far as you can throw them). It will make for some memorable experiences.


Very well said...my only regret short of living in Colombia is I wish I lived in Miami (a short 3 hour plane ride away).




Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: mambocowboy on July 13, 2018, 10:00:42 AM
Truer than a lot of people realize. When people overseas tell me that they they wish their country wasn't corrupt, that it was more "like the USA", I tell them a few things...

A lot of things seen as corruption overseas are actually legal here. Our Secretary of Education has never had a family member attend a public school, never mind take out a student loan. But her family did give 200 million dollars to the political party that won. She probably could've had any job in Washington DC she wanted, because when the senate and congress interviewed her and it was clear as day she was clueless about the reality of public education, it still didn't matter.

Money buys politicians, ready access to them and decision making. We may be seen as the proverbial "land of milk and honey" but for all our wealth, we have, amongst all nations, the largest percentage of our population in prisons.

Drugs, illegal and prescription, are common. We buy, resell and use and  that creates crime on the streets, in people's neighborhoods.

Real rehabilitation is typically more available for the wealthy and well insured. The building and administration of prisons, then the probation business after, is often a private, for profit arrangement.

Where I live, I am hearing more and more that instead of "going by the book" or letting people go 'as is' but with a warning, that the cops are taking the drugs for themselves. Our last police chief, after 40 years as a cop, finally was so blatant that he's in jail today. Unusual that he got caught and convicted.

No, we're not that different under the surface of money and material appearance. The perception people overseas get from the movies and TV is far from reality, but they often don't 'get it'.
Yes and nobody does school shootings like the USA either. In fact, they're unheard of in Colombia....
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: robert angel on July 13, 2018, 10:48:19 AM

Sound advice....and I'm sure everyone here is tired of me repeating this: But enjoy the country and the culture first. Let the courting thing happen naturally. You should obviously put some effort into meeting women and dating, but I've rarely seen "The One" found as a result of a diligent search in Colombia. Usually that's the girl that just falls in your lap while you're doing something else. I remember staying at Jamie's houses in Barranquilla and meeting guys that were so determined to find a wife you would have thought it was a military objective. But we all know romance doesn't quite work that way. If you walked into a bar, club, restaurant, etc. in the states and told people you were there to find a wife they'd probably look at you like you were crazy. Take that mindset with you to Colombia and run with it. Go as often possible and stay as long as you can each time. Build a circle of friends and contacts you can trust (at least as far as you can throw them). It will make for some memorable experiences.


The reason most of us go to Colombia is actually counterintuitive with respect to our big picture goal. We go to Colombia because the women are so beautiful, but what we ultimately want is a good wife. From my experience the most beautiful women I've met aren't the best to be in a relationship with. The best you can hope for there is finding a happy medium. My advice to men is to leave them down there and find a way to make living in country. The culture makes women what they are there. Look at what the culture has made women into in the U.S. You bring her back here and she's going to change...and usually not for the best.

"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans"
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Calipro on July 13, 2018, 05:52:01 PM
This is the best blog I have found on Medellin or Colombia for that matter.


https://medellinguru.com/ (https://medellinguru.com/)

This guy teaches me things I never knew about Medellin.


I never knew Virgin mobile sold prepaid plans that use the movistar network until I read this guys blog.


And the Starbucks in Laureles is one of the nicest Starbucks you will ever set foot in on this planet.


Also never knew that Colombia doesn't charge an IVA on computers until they go over a certain price.
Good to know if you think you are going to save money buying a computer in the States.


I learn something knew on almost every article this guy writes.
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Hector_Lavoe on July 14, 2018, 08:22:46 AM
Yes and nobody does school shootings like the USA either. In fact, they're unheard of in Colombia....

I am not endorsing UC's rather dark vision of Colombia but: while Colombia has come a long way in the last 20/25 years it is still a long way from Disneyland.

The 2017 national homicide rate in Colombia: 24 per 100,000
The 2016 national homicide rate for USA: 5.3 per 100,000

And the USA's murder rate is high compared to western Europe, Canada, Australia, etc. Still way below Colombia.

https://www.insightcrime.org/news/analysis/2017-homicide-round-up/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_the_United_States
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Hector_Lavoe on July 14, 2018, 08:47:54 AM
Economists use something called the "GINI Coefficient or Index" to measure income inequality in a country. A score of 1 = absolute inequality while a score of 0 = absolute equality.

Latin America remains one of the most unequal in the world and Colombia historically has been one of the most unequal countries in Latin America. 

The Gini Coefficient in 2016:
-Colombia: 0.501
-USA:  0.415

The measure for countries like Denmark, Sweden, Canada, etc. range from about 0.25 to 0.32.

If you are middle class from the U.S., Europe, Canada or Australia, etc. then Colombia is a great place to take your disposable income.

https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/SIPOVGINICOL

https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/SIPOVGINIUSA?utm_source=series_page&utm_medium=related_content&utm_term=related_resources&utm_campaign=categories

http://www.oecd.org/social/income-distribution-database.htm
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Elexpatriado on July 14, 2018, 09:23:29 AM
Economists use something called the "GINI Coefficient or Index" to measure income inequality in a country. A score of 1 = absolute inequality while a score of 0 = absolute equality.

Latin America remains one of the most unequal in the world and Colombia historically has been one of the most unequal countries in Latin America. 

The Gini Coefficient in 2016:
-Colombia: 0.501
-USA:  0.415

The measure for countries like Denmark, Sweden, Canada, etc. range from about 0.25 to 0.32.

If you are middle class from the U.S., Europe, Canada or Australia, etc. then Colombia is a great place to take your disposable income.

https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/SIPOVGINICOL

https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/SIPOVGINIUSA?utm_source=series_page&utm_medium=related_content&utm_term=related_resources&utm_campaign=categories

http://www.oecd.org/social/income-distribution-database.htm

In the case of Canadá vs the US it is just because there are so many super rich in the US. Get rid of them and it is about the same.

On the other hand, Venezuela has a GINI of 0 because everyone is equal and has noting
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Elexpatriado on July 14, 2018, 09:32:51 AM
Anyone who lives in Colombia eventually learns to block out the dismal display of poverty that is everywhere. The people who don't live there like me and my children are appalled by it. After a couple of weeks it gets really depressing and you just want to leave and never come back. I have spent way more time in Colombia than the place deserves. I wish that I had spent equal amounts of time in places like Chile and Argentina. In Uruguay you seldom are hit in the face by poverty the way you see it constantly in Colombia.


Yes, there is beauty in Colombia like the mountains near Santa Marta that we hiked through for five days to get to and from the Lost City but for all their posturing, hardly any Colombians ever see it. The vast majority of the people there are not from Colombia. When Colombians babble about what they love about their country, it frequently comes down to drinking, drugs and partying. The whole country is a case of arrested development. Party on Wayne!


This is what Colombia is to me:


A girl from a refugee family basically sold to an old man who takes care of my mother-in-law's finca and then eats rat poison to escape her dismal dead end life.


A guy married to his own aunt and everyone acts like this is perfectly normal.


A young woman whose father is killed by Escobar's gang members because he refuses to play ball with them. Later as a waitress at the airport restaurant she has to serve one of the gang's bosses and sit down and keep him company at the table while he eats.


A teenage boy answers the door and is shot and killed at point blank range by a sicario. It turns out later the sicario meant to kill the guy who lived next door. So hard to keep the addresses straight.


I could go on and on. Yeah [snip] happens everywhere but in Colombia it's a way of life that never changes.

I think you are hanging around with the wrong people in Colombia UC.
I stil love Colombia..warts and all.

I have seem some pretty sad and disturbing things myself in Colombia as well
The latest thing are all the Venezuelans coming in with nothing..Hardy any more than the clothes on their back.

You can see them in the hundreds on the road between Cucuta and Buccaramanga. With all their posessions on their back. Some with little kids and even babies. Not enough money for bus fare.
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Calipro on July 14, 2018, 11:25:46 AM
I am not endorsing UC's rather dark vision of Colombia but: while Colombia has come a long way in the last 20/25 years it is still a long way from Disneyland.

The 2017 national homicide rate in Colombia: 24 per 100,000
The 2016 national homicide rate for USA: 5.3 per 100,000

And the USA's murder rate is high compared to western Europe, Canada, Australia, etc. Still way below Colombia.

https://www.insightcrime.org/news/analysis/2017-homicide-round-up/ (https://www.insightcrime.org/news/analysis/2017-homicide-round-up/)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_the_United_States (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_the_United_States)


Stats are misleading.
Some of the hottest areas in Colombia are in rural areas where no gringo is likely to set foot.


I like this interactive map. Just click on the barrio and it tells you how many people were killed in that area over the year. But still misleading.


https://colombiareports.com/medellin-violence-statistics/


El centro is red and the has the highest number of murders but it is much more densely populated than other barrios that have a much lower number of murders. It's anyone's guess what the per capita murder rate is for any of these barrios.


I have been to El Centro many times and it doesn't seem anymore dangerous than the downtown area of any other large city I have been in. Not that anecdotal experiences are any better at predicting likely outcomes than misleading stats. jajaja
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Hector_Lavoe on July 14, 2018, 12:22:55 PM

Stats are misleading.
Some of the hottest areas in Colombia are in rural areas where no gringo is likely to set foot.


I like this interactive map. Just click on the barrio and it tells you how many people were killed in that area over the year. But still misleading.


https://colombiareports.com/medellin-violence-statistics/

El centro is red and the has the highest number of murders but it is much more densely populated than other barrios that have a much lower number of murders. It's anyone's guess what the per capita murder rate is for any of these barrios.

I have been to El Centro many times and it doesn't seem anymore dangerous than the downtown area of any other large city I have been in. Not that anecdotal experiences are any better at predicting likely outcomes than misleading stats. jajaja

The stats I posted aren't misleading...they controlled for population size.

I agree that homicides in Colombia are not distributed evenly in terms of geography....they are HIGHLY concentrated as they are in the U.S.

There is a map in this link which shows how concentrated the homicides are in Cali....the vast majority of homicides occur in a few "bad" areas.

https://www.insightcrime.org/news/brief/mapping-colombia-homicide-data-reflects-regional-dynamics/

This article in the Economist has a great graphic showing the concentration of homicides in Bogota, Medellin and Cali. Mostly limited to certain "bad/tough" neighborhoods.

https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2018/04/11/latin-americas-homicide-epidemic

So the average tourist will be fine as long as they do their research, stay in the good areas and don't do stupid things.

That said, this quote from the article is worth pondering, “Colombia is not approaching heaven,” says María Victoria Llorente of the Ideas for Peace Foundation. “We’re barely leaving hell, and if we aren’t careful, we’ll stay in limbo.”



Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Hector_Lavoe on July 14, 2018, 12:39:45 PM
In the case of Canadá vs the US it is just because there are so many super rich in the US. Get rid of them and it is about the same.

I don't see these super rich in the US running for the Canadian border. Though the Canadian Gini Coefficient has actually creeped up in recent years narrowing the gap with the U.S. a bit.

That said, if you want to achieve the "American Dream" you got a better shot at it in Canada.

http://fortune.com/2017/03/10/american-dream-canada-easier/

Or as the late George Carlin said, "They call it the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it."


On the other hand, Venezuela has a GINI of 0 because everyone is equal and has noting

Chavez was an idiot though he was a very "good" demagogue. But you are painting too stark of a choice. If the only choice/model in the world is Venezuela....I might just jump off a cliff. Dutch disease plus a populist fool for president = very bad results.

The southern cone in South America has several better examples of how to organize a society/economy. Both Chile and Uruguay are examples.   
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Elexpatriado on July 14, 2018, 01:20:17 PM
I don't see these super rich in the US running for the Canadian border. Though the Canadian Gini Coefficient has actually creeped up in recent years narrowing the gap with the U.S. a bit.

That said, if you want to achieve the "American Dream" you got a better shot at it in Canada.

http://fortune.com/2017/03/10/american-dream-canada-easier/

Or as the late George Carlin said, "They call it the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it."


Chavez was an idiot though he was a very "good" demagogue. But you are painting too stark of a choice. If the only choice/model in the world is Venezuela....I might just jump off a cliff. Dutch disease plus a populist fool for president = very bad results.

The southern cone in South America has several better examples of how to organize a society/economy. Both Chile and Uruguay are examples.

Ja ja..the only "American Dream " you will have in Canadá is working por tve Public Service.

Dont r
Believe all those internet articles
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Elexpatriado on July 14, 2018, 01:28:17 PM
In Chile thats Cuz Pinochet nipped that socialist crap in the bud
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Hector_Lavoe on July 14, 2018, 04:29:09 PM
In Chile thats Cuz Pinochet nipped that socialist crap in the bud

I am weary of any "-isms" or far left or right ideologues of any stripe.

The examples I provided [Chile (center right) and Uruguay (center left)] were meant to show what a little pragmatic centrism can do. I know that is out of step with the current zeitgeist...but results are results. 

"Mujica says his government opted for a middle ground, favoring private sector projects to spur economic growth and modest interventions to distribute wealth."

http://fortune.com/2015/01/23/uruguay-jose-mujica-economy-capitalism/   
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: buenopues4 on July 14, 2018, 06:00:40 PM
Far from being an "idiot" Chavez was a very astute manipulator of the Venezuela populace. His hand picked successor, the former bus driver Nicolas Maduro is no idiot either. Also through manipulation he has managed to hold on to power despite reported disastrous economic conditions there.


That aside Colombia may well have a high index of income inequity but so far as I have seen in my time here there has never been a protest in Cali targeting that issue as such.
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Hector_Lavoe on July 14, 2018, 06:04:07 PM

Ja ja..the only "American Dream " you will have in Canadá is working por tve Public Service.

Dont
Believe all those internet articles


Who am I supposed to believe: a cranky Canuck who has challenges using the quote feature on P.L. properly? or one of the most preeminent scholars/economists on the subject of economic mobility in the U.S.?  Hint: It isn't you...jajaja.   

If you want to challenge Dr. Raj Chetty's methodology by all means go ahead....   

http://www.businessinsider.com/the-american-dream-of-social-mobility-2017-3 (http://www.businessinsider.com/the-american-dream-of-social-mobility-2017-3)
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Hector_Lavoe on July 14, 2018, 08:25:49 PM
Far from being an "idiot" Chavez was a very astute manipulator of the Venezuela populace. His hand picked successor, the former bus driver Nicolas Maduro is no idiot either. Also through manipulation he has managed to hold on to power despite reported disastrous economic conditions there.

Buencamino/Buenpais: I agree with you regarding Chavez: a brilliant demagogue/manipulator.


That aside Colombia may well have a high index of income inequity but so far as I have seen in my time here there has never been a protest in Cali targeting that issue as such.


I don't have the boots on the ground that you or others have in Colombia. But it could be one doesn't see active political protests on this issue since income inequality has decreased in Colombia over the past 15 or so years.


Below is a link to an IMF study (from 2014) summarizing the decrease (Page 9 of the PDF):

https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/wp/2014/wp14124.pdf (https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/wp/2014/wp14124.pdf)

Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: buenopues4 on July 15, 2018, 09:01:03 AM
This week one of the politicians proposed adjusting the salario minimo (which supposedly 80% of Colombians earn) according to region, the idea being that it doesn't go very far in a prosperous place like Bogotá but is halfway decent money in some outlying regions. Something else to keep in mind is that in Cali the value of remesas, money sent by family members from the US (mostly) and Europe is only a bit under the total value of exports from all of Valle Del Cauca. And another thing. Almost everybody, if they have the time does something else in addition to their paid employment like selling clothes to friends and aquiantenses or selling tamales on from their home on weekends etc. I had a mayordomo who while working for the former owners of the finca filled it with raspberry plants and sold the fruit in town. I think he got a nice second income from that. I don't know where you'd find the statistic but it would be interesting to see how much caleños earn over and above their minimum salaries from side jobs and remesas. It's no doubt because of those remesas that there are about eight different money exchange businesses in the Chipichape shopping mall.
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: mambocowboy on July 15, 2018, 10:44:56 AM
Statistics, scmatistics. Just bang the hottest babes you can when you go to Colombia.
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Hector_Lavoe on July 15, 2018, 01:13:47 PM
This week one of the politicians proposed adjusting the salario minimo (which supposedly 80% of Colombians earn) according to region, the idea being that it doesn't go very far in a prosperous place like Bogotá but is halfway decent money in some outlying regions. Something else to keep in mind is that in Cali the value of remesas, money sent by family members from the US (mostly) and Europe is only a bit under the total value of exports from all of Valle Del Cauca. And another thing. Almost everybody, if they have the time does something else in addition to their paid employment like selling clothes to friends and aquiantenses or selling tamales on from their home on weekends etc. I had a mayordomo who while working for the former owners of the finca filled it with raspberry plants and sold the fruit in town. I think he got a nice second income from that. I don't know where you'd find the statistic but it would be interesting to see how much caleños earn over and above their minimum salaries from side jobs and remesas. It's no doubt because of those remesas that there are about eight different money exchange businesses in the Chipichape shopping mall.


This doesn't answer your question directly but in the spirt if getting back into talking about the chicas here is something that happened to me in Cali:

-I met this really cute 21 year old Calena working at one of the open-air bars in Palmetto Plaza. I got her number but then she proceeded to tell me she works two jobs: one as bartender and another at a motorcycle shop.

She said she couldn't afford to go on a date with me but as long as I paid her adquately she would go out with me. She gave an actual figure but I don't recall...it was basically equivalent to what she makes in a day at work. I politely declined. She was really cute though. 

One thing I noticed is she kept looking at herself in the mrrior to check her hair, make up, etc.
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: robert angel on July 15, 2018, 02:07:18 PM

This doesn't answer your question directly but in the spirt if getting back into talking about the chicas here is something that happened to me in Cali:

-I met this really cute 21 year old Calena working at one of the open-air bars in Palmetto Plaza. I got her number but then she proceeded to tell me she works two jobs: one as bartender and another at a motorcycle shop.

She said she couldn't afford to go on a date with me but as long as I paid her adquately she would go out with me. She gave an actual figure but I don't recall...it was basically equivalent to what she makes in a day at work. I politely declined. She was really cute though. 

One thing I noticed is she kept looking at herself in the mrrior to check her hair, make up, etc.


Kaching!!! $$$----If she can't get enough available date action between bartending and working in a motoshop,  something's wayyy off. Then her frequently looking, checking her appearance, sounds like she was appraising her 'fair market' physical value.
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: buenopues4 on July 15, 2018, 02:55:24 PM
What a cheapskate! You should have given her the money and gone out and had a nice time. Don't you that when a gringo walks up certain synapses in a caleña's brain are activated and she thinks "billete". It's perfectly natural and you should work with it and not against it. You can draw the line though when larger sums are asked for sick family members, funerals, tuition and such like.
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Hector_Lavoe on July 15, 2018, 03:22:35 PM
What a cheapskate! You should have given her the money and gone out and had a nice time. Don't you that when a gringo walks up certain synapses in a caleña's brain are activated and she thinks "billete". It's perfectly natural and you should work with it and not against it. You can draw the line though when larger sums are asked for sick family members, funerals, tuition and such like.

LOL...well maybe I should have gone for it!  I met several other ladies that I took out on dates and they didn't ask for a dime. Of course, I paid for the dates.

I get that gringos are viewed as ATM's but the Calena bartender was a little too in your face about it.  When I first walked up to the bar, she asked me to buy her and her coworker a drink. I did do that. But paying for a date..??  I have a hard time with that especially if there are other ladies willing to go out "for free".....
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Chris F on July 15, 2018, 04:48:55 PM
LOL...well maybe I should have gone for it!  I met several other ladies that I took out on dates and they didn't ask for a dime. Of course, I paid for the dates.

I get that gringos are viewed as ATM's but the Calena bartender was a little too in your face about it.  When I first walked up to the bar, she asked me to buy her and her coworker a drink. I did do that. But paying for a date..??  I have a hard time with that especially if there are other ladies willing to go out "for free".....




Were these the interasadas you mentioned in an earlier post?   Curious, if you could share in detail the interaction you had with any other ones?
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Elexpatriado on July 15, 2018, 06:06:36 PM
I am weary of any "-isms" or far left or right ideologues of any stripe.

ActualyI wasnt making a political staement of any Type. Just stating that the Venezuelan problem in Colombia is a very sad and disturbing situation from a humanitarian point of view.

Just think how bad it is inside Venezuela.


Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Elexpatriado on July 15, 2018, 06:14:00 PM
Who am I supposed to believe: a cranky Canuck who has challenges using the quote feature on P.L. properly? or one of the most preeminent scholars/economists on the subject of economic mobility in the U.S.?  Hint: It isn't you...jajaja.   

If you want to challenge Dr. Raj Chetty's methodology by all means go ahead....   

http://www.businessinsider.com/the-american-dream-of-social-mobility-2017-3 (http://www.businessinsider.com/the-american-dream-of-social-mobility-2017-3)

I dont have to listen to an academic. I have worked in both countries.If you are willing to.move to where the work is, the US has way better oportunities for young people. Regardless of whether the democrats  or republicans are in power.

The healthcare system.in Canadá is far superior, I will Grant you that.
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Elexpatriado on July 15, 2018, 06:18:54 PM

This doesn't answer your question directly but in the spirt if getting back into talking about the chicas here is something that happened to me in Cali:

-I met this really cute 21 year old Calena working at one of the open-air bars in Palmetto Plaza. I got her number but then she proceeded to tell me she works two jobs: one as bartender and another at a motorcycle shop.

She said she couldn't afford to go on a date with me but as long as I paid her adquately she would go out with me. She gave an actual figure but I don't recall...it was basically equivalent to what she makes in a day at work. I politely declined. She was really cute though. 

One thing I noticed is she kept looking at herself in the mrrior to check her hair, make up, etc.

Sounds like a narcisista

I agree with mamá.and Buen Pues. just bang her.

How much was she asking? Like 50 mil?
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Hector_Lavoe on July 15, 2018, 06:21:57 PM
^^As I said I don't recall the exact amount but it wasn't a lot. Basically whatever she makes in a shift which I assume ain't much.
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Hector_Lavoe on July 15, 2018, 06:24:36 PM

Were these the interasadas you mentioned in an earlier post?   Curious, if you could share in detail the interaction you had with any other ones?

Yes, the bartender was one of the interasadas. The only other interasada I met was this 20 year old chica I met at Chipichape my first night in Cali. We were sitting down on a bench next to each other so I chatted her up. She is a Calena who is currently living/studying at a university in Barcelona. She was home visiting family. She had more of a paisa look but was very phuck-able in my book. 

We exchanged numbers. She invited me to go out the next night with her and her friends. She was pretty cute but I figured even if she wasn't into me I could meet her friends or perhaps other women at the bar. We met at a bar close to my hotel in Granada. Turns out her "friends" was really just one amiga. Her friend was nice but I was not into her physically/romantically.

We had drinks at a shot bar (called Quickly) and I paid for all the drinks. Initially the girl showed interest in me..be it genuine or fake I can't say. After a while she seemed less attentive and pretty focused on her friend. So when she'd go to the restroom I looked around the bar to see if I could meet someone else. Place was all groups and I couldn't pull anyone away. So about 2 or so hours into it, I told the two chicas it was late and I was going to leave (this was 2am or so). They walked with me outside to be sure I got an uber and then went back into the bar for more drinking I guess.

The next day I texted the girl to see if she wanted to go out for dinner. She never replied. I followed up the day after that with something like, "Hey no worries if you don't want to go on a date, we can just be friends."  She never even replied to that. So I assume she was just using me for free drinks that night. The drinks were cheap as hell but my TIME: I'll never get that back!   
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Elexpatriado on July 15, 2018, 06:28:56 PM
Actually its pretty rare for a girl.to así for that.

I Sounds like her time was all tied up working so.many hours and she really needs the money.

Looking at herself in the Mirror NOT a good sign ( sign on Narcisism)
..yThats why I suggested just banging her and bit taking her seiously.
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Elexpatriado on July 15, 2018, 06:34:16 PM
Yes, the bartender was one of the interasadas. The only other interasada I met was this 20 year old chica I met at Chipichape my first night in Cali. We were sitting down on a bench next to each other so I chatted her up. She is a Calena who is currently living/studying at a university in Barcelona. She was home visiting family. She had more of a paisa look but was very phuck-able in my book. 

We exchanged numbers. She invited me to go out the next night with her and her friends. She was pretty cute but I figured even if she wasn't into me I could meet her friends or perhaps other women at the bar. We met at a bar close to my hotel in Granada. Turns out her "friends" was really just one amiga. Her friend was nice but I was not into her physically/romantically.

We had drinks at a shot bar (called Quickly) and I paid for all the drinks. Initially the girl showed interest in me..be it genuine or fake I can't say. After a while she seemed less attentive and pretty focused on her friend. So when she'd go to the restroom I looked around the bar to see if I could meet someone else. Place was all groups and I couldn't pull anyone away. So about 2 or so hours into it, I told the two chicas it was late and I was going to leave (this was 2am or so). They walked with me outside to be sure I got an uber and then went back into the bar for more drinking I guess.

The next day I texted the girl to see if she wanted to go out for dinner. She never replied. I followed up the day after that with something like, "Hey no worries if you don't want to go on a date, we can just be friends."  She never even replied to that. So I assume she was just using me for free drinks that night. The drinks were cheap as hell but my TIME: I'll never get that back!



Probably  just no chemistry.
If shes was a real gold diggers she would say " puedas hacer me un favor.."

Patience grasshopper
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: mudd on July 17, 2018, 11:40:25 AM

This doesn't answer your question directly but in the spirt if getting back into talking about the chicas here is something that happened to me in Cali:

-I met this really cute 21 year old Calena working at one of the open-air bars in Palmetto Plaza. I got her number but then she proceeded to tell me she works two jobs: one as bartender and another at a motorcycle shop.

She said she couldn't afford to go on a date with me but as long as I paid her adquately she would go out with me. She gave an actual figure but I don't recall...it was basically equivalent to what she makes in a day at work. I politely declined. She was really cute though. 

One thing I noticed is she kept looking at herself in the mrrior to check her hair, make up, etc.


if you have to pay a colombian to go out with you, its all about " business" . had a friend visit me last year in medellin, he got the same proposal, three different times, i started laughing .
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: robert angel on July 18, 2018, 07:30:31 AM
Economists use something called the "GINI Coefficient or Index" to measure income inequality in a country. A score of 1 = absolute inequality while a score of 0 = absolute equality.

Latin America remains one of the most unequal in the world and Colombia historically has been one of the most unequal countries in Latin America. 

The Gini Coefficient in 2016:
-Colombia: 0.501
-USA:  0.415

The measure for countries like Denmark, Sweden, Canada, etc. range from about 0.25 to 0.32.

If you are middle class from the U.S., Europe, Canada or Australia, etc. then Colombia is a great place to take your disposable income.

https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/SIPOVGINICOL

https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/SIPOVGINIUSA?utm_source=series_page&utm_medium=related_content&utm_term=related_resources&utm_campaign=categories

http://www.oecd.org/social/income-distribution-database.htm


Jeff Bezos, Amazon's head, just topped his present fortune at 150 billion, almost matching the Waltons of Walmart. People say the 'middle class'--sort of a nebulous term, concept, is shrinking in the USA.

"A Federal Reserve report found the top 1 percent of U.S. families controlled 38.6 percent of wealth in the U.S. in 2016, compared with 22.8 percent held by the bottom 90 percent. Last year, Oxfam International found that more than 80 percent of earnings went to the top 1 percent of the world population." (Bloomberg)

I guess that means that according to the US govt anyway, that 10% of the US population has 77.2% of the USA's wealth and that the other 90% of everyone, making up the poor and middle class, has about 22.8% to share.

The Trump "tax reform " gave some nice breaks to the very rich, as well as to the 'rest of us' . But while the tax laws giving the very rich substantial breaks, benefits have no expiration date, the 'breaks and benefits' that the rest of us' got, expire in four and a half years, then we go back the the old, higher rates. Odd arrangement.

But boy, 1% of the population having close to 40% of the nation's wealth doesn't sound great to me.
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: robert angel on July 19, 2018, 01:49:12 PM
All the above not withstanding, my wife is somewhere between amazed and appalled that we have public housing and trailer parks full of people, many of them fat, who live off the govt. They have food stamps, many have air conditioning and cable TV, some even have cars.

I suppose it's more appalled than amazed these days, especially after she spent her first five years here working in a public school. There, she saw the children of these people, sometimes wearing $200 basketball sneakers, getting free breakfast, lunch and afterschool care programs with free snacks. A lot of these kids were the rudest, most ungrateful of the bunch.

We also have homeless encampments, many people there do not want to work and are on booze or drugs to the point where the shelters won't let them in for a free meal, shower and a voucher for free, ck
clean used clothes and shoes.

We have 'Help Wanted' signs in almost every restaurant window, as well as in many businesses, but instead you see too many able bodied 'homeless' pan handling'--  sometimes while smoking cigarettes, some even with their dogs, along side them.

Back in my wife's country, if you don't work and have money, you don't eat and you don't get medical help. They typically have big families and living all together, do whatever they can do to get enough food to survive.

Is there something wrong with this picture?
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Calipro on July 19, 2018, 04:08:15 PM
All the above not withstanding, my wife is somewhere between amazed and appalled that we have public housing and trailer parks full of people, many of them fat, who live off the govt. They have food stamps, many have air conditioning and cable TV, some even have cars.

I suppose it's more appalled than amazed these days, especially after she spent her first five years here working in a public school. There, she saw the children of these people, sometimes wearing $200 basketball sneakers, getting free breakfast, lunch and afterschool care programs with free snacks. A lot of these kids were the rudest, most ungrateful of the bunch.

We also have homeless encampments, many people there do not want to work and are on booze or drugs to the point where the shelters won't let them in for a free meal, shower and a voucher for free, ck
clean used clothes and shoes.

We have 'Help Wanted' signs in almost every restaurant window, as well as in many businesses, but instead you see too many able bodied 'homeless' pan handling'--  sometimes while smoking cigarettes, some even with their dogs, along side them.

Back in my wife's country, if you don't work and have money, you don't eat and you don't get medical help. They typically have big families and living all together, do whatever they can do to get enough food to survive.

Is there something wrong with this picture?


I never saw a panhandler I would hire.


But in the early 80s I would go to Home Depot and pick up illegals to dig holes to install cable tv into homes. I got paid piece work and COX paid me 10 bucks a hole.
I paid the Mexicans 5 bucks to dig the holes while I installed cable in the house.


Homeless people just aren’t fit enough to work out in the sun all day. And who the hell whats them anywhere near your food in a restaurant. Jajaja


I have friends that worry about what blacks, Mexicans and homeless people are doing....and without exception none of the people that spend time talking about blacks Mexican and homeless are doing all that well financially.


I don’t know if spending time thinking about other people causes you to struggle financially or if struggling financially causes you to think more about what other people are doing. Jajajaa
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: robert angel on July 19, 2018, 05:18:40 PM
I see Mexicans standing out in the rain at 5AM, waiting, hoping someone will pick them up for day labor. Some of them look real rough on the edges, skinny, old, etc. I respect the hell out of that--them.

We're fortunate in that we're not struggling financially or over worrying about about the homeless. But I'll admit though that I sometimes have to reel my wife in a bit sometimes because she's such a soft touch to give money to almost any people who look down and out.

I definitely rule it out when they're smoking cigarettes, if we can smell dope or booze, or if they're the more and more frequently seen "dog people"--Dog hobos-- - groups we see a lot of downtown --young, able bodied folks in their 20s and 30s, white, wearing Rastafarian braids, usually in camouflage clothing, usually looking like they haven't showered in weeks, with musical instruments and several dogs.

The cops check to see if the dogs have licenses and shot records. I remember when my first son was born and our Chinese Pug dog's Vetinarian bills were bigger than the Pediatricians!!

A big part of it comes from the church and her faith in it--and from reading the bible. Not that she's some bible thumping prude, far, far from it.

But it didn't help any when after mass one day, I got into a conversation with the Priest. I explained that I'd met with the heads of many social services agencies, shelters etc., and visited the shelters and almost to a one, they told me that more than 90% of the time, the money you give on the street goes to drugs and booze.

Then our Priest, Father Gabe, who IS a great guy, said he'll give them some cash and let God work out the percentages.

More recently, knowing my wife wants to do SOMETHING, I'll let her buy someone who really looks down on their luck a meal to go. Dang it if we don't order water at restaurants, (maybe a glass of wine sometimes) but she'll get the person outside a full meal AND a soft drink or sweet tea, LOL.

Since I retired, we're making and taking home more than before and that'll increase at least 3 to 6% year, (plus I can take or leave work if I want, when I want) so I'm not pissing and moaning about $$$, but sometimes I still have to laugh, shake my head and roll my eyes.

My sisters are similar to her. I used to joke that if a beggar hit them up and they didn't have cash, they'd ask: "Can you take a check?"
 
But heck, it makes my wife feel a lot better, although she's humble and quiet as a church mouse about it. I'll never know how much money she gives the church, other people and places. I remember a few nonths ago we were watching the national news and a story about some castastrophe came on TV. A friend had just sent her a fifty dollar prepaid CC card as a gift. With tears in her eyes, she asked me: "Can I just send them the fifty?" - - - I said "Sure, go ahead"..... She just feels that we're so fortunate that we should try and give something back.

Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: robert angel on July 19, 2018, 09:24:19 PM
And this good Catholic girl worries that she's looking like an old woman lately. She doesn't even have a stitch of make-up on here! Worries I might find a newer, prettier model.... Fat chance of that ever happening...
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: Wildstubby on July 21, 2018, 05:44:17 AM
And this good Catholic girl worries that she's looking like an old woman lately. She doesn't even have a stitch of make-up on here! Worries I might find a newer, prettier model.... Fat chance of that ever happening...

Oh to have your problems Robert! I like hearing a winning story every now and then!
Title: Re: Back From Cali...Where the Nightlife (Mostly) Sucks
Post by: robert angel on July 21, 2018, 10:53:52 AM
Oh to have your problems Robert! I like hearing a winning story every now and then!

Thanks W.S.--It can happen to you too!!!

Don't be a fool like I was and wait for four years before asking for her hand when the right one comes along! Still, don't rush TOO fast to decision --definitely don't, but don't procrastinate too long either. Even she, after four years, gave me an ultimatum to officially propose or not and she's NOT pushy.  But you wait to get to mid twenties in a lot of nations and if still unmarried, she'll be seen as a bit of an oddball, damaged goods--a spinster....

Granted I was feeling burnt after  a divorce that left me with two young sons, and I was gun shy, but I had created a self defeating mindset in my head, saying: "Too young, too pretty, too well educated,  out of my league". I got too content in controlling my own life as a single, comfy in my 'man cave' - - surrounded by electronics, pizza boxes and empty Chinese take out containers. - - not ready to 'take a chance'. Self defeating.

No risk, no gain.....Reach, 'get on the plane'....

And I didn't think it was fair to not give her kids and I used that as an excuse too, until she told me she accepted that. I made her take time to think about it too. While she wasn't wishy washy, still,  'saying that' and sticking to it are two different things. I've been fortunate. 

In South America or the Philippines, that'll often come back and bite ya later, especially as all their friends their age have more and more kids. And older women, 30's, 40's etc., aren't necessarily desperate any more, they've often adjusted to their fate. My wife must be Godmother to twenty kids--their Mothers see what loyalty,  character and values my wife demonstrates and want that example seen, but she doesn't guilt trip me. She does point out (fairly)sometimes that my own sons from my first marrriage (to a Filipina) should be more appreciative for their blessings.

But now I've known her about 17 years, going on our 13th wedding anniversary not so far off, so while I take nothing for granted and still tell myself 'nothing lasts forever' --if for some reason it suddenly ended, I'd be thankful for having the best years of my life, and  in the middle of my years at that.

Sure I'd be torn up as hell and it'd be 99.9999% my fault, but nowadays unlike before I try not to ruminate when things go bad. Better to go back into my own personna and realize I'm a different person, regroup and get back in the game. Can't live in the past too long.

No guys--be careful not to go for the prettiest one, because that often comes with sometimes not immediately obvious 'rider clauses' on that marital contract'-- like Bob Seger sings in his song 'Hollywood Nights'

She was born with a face that would let her get away--He saw that face and he lost all control..."

Pretty women often are on invisible pedestals that you only come to see all too clearly later on and even if it doesn't seem, if it ISN'T initially-- if brought to the USA, they may enter humbly, then realize they're a hot, exotic and rare commodity and become a high maintainance nightmare. With wandering eyes and shifting values at that. Be careful how she and you choose your friends.

In her country, she wasn't the prettiest, the tallest, didn't have her Master's Degree etc, but here in the USA, she's a rose and my family, her friends and coworkers love her great, 'nice' and genuine demeanor.

While after all this time here she knows that she's more attractive than most  local women, she's far, far from ego tripping. Instead of thinking 'I could have it soooo much better--a younger, richer guy, lot of 'things'--she's grateful for what we have and a lot of times, it's the little things and gestures that mean the most to her.

I asked her the other day in a sober way, serious as a frickin heart attack: " Honey, do you honestly see us still together in twenty years?"--without blinking, not a hint of insincerity --actually she was surprised I even asked, she said "Of course!!!". Time will tell--life afford's few certainties.

She's going home next month for a few weeks and that trip upon return, always makes our marriage, our appreciation for each other and for what niceties life in the USA can provide, our private little home and life, all the better.

But an instance of the 'small things'--I bought her Mom a nice solar powered Seiko dress watch--it might just as well as been a gold Rolex. We got some purses for her sisters at TJ Maxx, they might as well as been Louis Vuitton.  The 50% to 75% off stuff from Victoria's Secret bi annual sale will be precious. The Levis for her siblings? like Versace to them. They don't expect, they don't ask for 'stuff' and that makes us more inclined to bring Christmas in the summer to them every few years.

Parts for the chainsaw I bought them years back for their farm? You'd think they were gold plated. Other families would've just asked for a new chainsaw.

Stuff that all too often our USA born kids almost feel is their birthright and as such not really appreciated,  is often viewed differently abroad.

Bottom line is she had her head on pretty damn good to start, came from a big family that's tight and down to earth, not poor, not rich, supportive of hard work and education (like our life here) and I am always encouraging her communication with them. I appreciate their culture, which means the world to her. If I was pissy about her phoning home --and it does cost, as her Mom's outside the internet zone, and with her helping her six  younger siblings with tuition (that's long done now thankfully) I'd be a lot more on the outside than in.

Might not be the best idea, but especially if you take a woman from outside her nation to yours, appreciating where she came from and how 'all that' made her the who and what she is today, is a very good idea. Try to 'get inside' her mindset and you hopefully won't find yourself more on the outside, as time goes by.