Cali Bound!! - Need advice - First Trip

[jb]

 Hello Gents and Ladies,
 
Well, I am a finally doing it.  I am going to Colombia!!!!   I can hardly believe it.
Been thinking about it for the past couple of years and it is finally time. 
 
So I choose Cali for practical reasons and have a long enough trip to travel.
Listening to salsa music right now.  Don’t dance and can’t speak Spanish.  This is gonna be a great trip!
 
As things get closer I’ll post in the trip report section, but for now thought I would post here to get some advice and pointers from everyone.
 
Seen great advice here recently and digging in the archives for travel and Cali tips.
I really would love any and all advice anyone feels like sharing, and hope everyone’s fine with me asking several simple but important questions for my first trip to SA.
 
So relationally my goal a year or two ago was to find a significant relationship that could be for marriage if it was right.  Things have changed a bit, and I don’t know if I ever desire to be married in the traditional sense.  Definitely not right now, anyway. 
 
I do desire a special lady in my life who I can really connect with on an emotional, natural, and spiritual level.   That can happen anywhere in the world, but for now I am going to Colombia.  Sweet.
 
My goal for the trip is to enjoy the culture, the scenery, be overwhelmed by the beauty of the land, sea, and ladies.  Just experience everything.  I also expect to have a great connection with someone while I’m there.  Doesn’t have to be much, just enjoy the experience, and have a good time.
 
The trip is scheduled for mid June to mid July.  Be there about a month.  Starting in Cali with the TLC event in June. 
Would like to say thanks to Calipro for the tip on meeting the ladies when other guys are introducing themselves onstage.  I’ll see how it all goes.  The TLC thing for me should work well.  I’ll need an interpreter and the setting of a social event allows me to quickly meet several ladies to see if there is any mutual interest in a date.  If anyone has any tips on how to work their event the best or things to look out for that would be great. 
 
Bruce (TLC) said that there was 1 interpreter per 3 guys, so I was considering just paying for my own interpreter for both evenings, especially because I’ll need her services later in the week. 
Does anyone know any great interpreters in Cali?  I’ve heard calling a local college is also an option.
 
Hotels and Hostels
Found  a couple hostels for the night or two before the TLC event. 
I need to look into some hotels too for after the event, but the hostel seems like a good way to meet travelers, as I am an adventurer at heart and plan on traveling down in SA at some point.
So far the Iguana, Casa Blanca, Sunflower, and El Viajero hostels and the Jardin Azul hotel look good.
http://www.iguana.com.co/index.html
http://casablancahostel.wordpress.com/
http://www.sunflowerpacifichostel.com/servicios-del-hostal/
http://www.elviajerohostels.com/hostel-cali/
http://jardinazul.com/home_english.html
 
Anyone know of any must see hotels while in Cali?
Seems like were a several to check out in the post from a couple years ago. 
http://www.planet-love.com/index.php?topic=6791.msg94686#msg94686
 
 
Food
Any great markets?   I can’t wait to taste the fresh fruits and vegies down there.  Mouth is eagerly awaiting.  I’ve been eating primarily vegetarian since the first of the year, so will have to stock up on the fresh local produce.
Any Great restaurants for dates? 
Great spots for simple quick coffees?
 
Sightseeing
ParaSailing looks cool and of course the music clubs, trips to the coast
Any gotta see’s?  City tours?
http://casablancahostel.wordpress.com/adventure/ had a lot of listings of things in the area
 
 
You know, I’m so thankful for this forum.  Such great wisdom, information, and support.
I know I’ll find so much to do once there, but would love to hear other’s experience and tips to make it a more enjoyable and smoother trip.
 
Logistics, now that is a concern.  I know a hotel will offer the most privacy, however from reading on the forum and elsewhere safety and theft is a concern.  I may take a magic bullet blender,  as well as  laptop with me for work, camera, smartphone, etc, that I will need to make sure is secure when I am not traveling.  The hostels offer lockers, and I’ve heard some hotels offer a safe, but even so nothing is safe supposedly.   Will need the smartphone for translations.
 
 
Cell Phone
Prefer 3g or 4g lte while there and It looks like comcel and the gov’ment owned telcom offer 4G.  Couldn’t find exact pricing online.  Anyone know about cost for that there?


Ok.  It’s late and this a long post already.
Can’t wait.  Less than 30 days and I’ll be in the promise land.  Haha
Thanks for reading  and will be happy for any advice anyone wants to share.
 

[JWR]

30 days is enough to take some salsa lessons here, and learn some basic Spanish.


Would you go scuba diving without knowing how to swim?


I suggest you stop worrying about all these logistics such as the perfect cafe, and spend all your time with Mrs. Rosetta, or even better hire a private Spanish tutor tomorrow and get busy.


You might have some fun at the tlc event ok, but the best girls will be around you living their life.  In the hospital as a nurse, the bank as a teller, the mall as a sales person. 


My 1st time I went to Cali, I spent a month there.  Most fun I've ever had......


That bnb site has some great options for a place to stay.  A couple of them are owned by salsa instructors.  The faster you can separate yourself from the tlc scene, the better experience you will have in my opinion.
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1067004
Check this place out.....

[benjio]

Damn good advice from JWR. Learn as much Spanish as possible between now and your trip. I wouldn't worry about the salsa dancing if I were you. Learning Salsa in the U.S. to dance in Cali is like learning Spanish in the U.S. to speak in Barranquilla. I don't care how much you think you know before you leave, you'll quickly discover your efforts were useless once you get there. See video below...from my experience in Salsa Clubs there I can assure you there will be plenty of experienced dance partners around, so most Calenas will not have the patience to teach you. I also agree with JWR 100% on getting away from that TLC Scene and actually getting out to mingle with the general population. Cali is an AWESOME city! Tons of stuff to do and easily one of the best night lives in Latin America. The Paisas have the reputation as the most beautiful women in Colombia but I'd prefer Cali hands down because there's a much wider selection of skin colors amongst the chicas. I'm sure there are plenty but I've actually never met a Morena Paisa. That all depends on your taste though. I always stay at Hotel Don Jaime while I'm there but I'll admit it's a little pricey. You can find places a lot cheaper with the same amenities. Best of luck to you. I can guarantee you this trip will change you life forever.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEuhOR_Arh8

[mambocowboy]

Damn good advice from JWR. Learn as much Spanish as possible between now and your trip. I wouldn't worry about the salsa dancing if I were you. Learning Salsa in the U.S. to dance in Cali is like learning Spanish in the U.S. to speak in Barranquilla. I don't care how much you think you know before you leave, you'll quickly discover your efforts were useless once you get there. See video below...from my experience in Salsa Clubs there I can assure you there will be plenty of experienced dance partners around, so most Calenas will not have the patience to teach you. I also agree with JWR 100% on getting away from that TLC Scene and actually getting out to mingle with the general population. Cali is an AWESOME city! Tons of stuff to do and easily one of the best night lives in Latin America. The Paisas have the reputation as the most beautiful women in Colombia but I'd prefer Cali hands down because there's a much wider selection of skin colors amongst the chicas. I'm sure there are plenty but I've actually never met a Morena Paisa. That all depends on your taste though. I always stay at Hotel Don Jaime while I'm there but I'll admit it's a little pricey. You can find places a lot cheaper with the same amenities. Best of luck to you. I can guarantee you this trip will change you life forever.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEuhOR_Arh8

they do dance salsa very different in Cali  than any class in the US can teach you. I'd focus as much as possible on learning Spanish as quickly as possible. I hear Rocket Spanish is a good program and cheaper than Rosetta Stone...

[JWR]

Taking a few salsa classes will give you some confidence, and loosen you up.  Confidence is more important then technique.   If you have a few moves, you can relax a bit and focus more on the girl.  Rum and coke helps out with this....
I suggest you stay in a BnB where you won't be isolated in some hotel room when you don't have a date.  The owners will most likely introduce you to someone who will introduce you to someone obscure that you never would have met otherwise.  It's the chain of events tied together that makes for a great experience.

[jb]

Thanks JWR, Benjio, and Mambo!

Ok, I'll make time for some Spanish lessons via the computer before going.  I have a Rosetta Stone knock off somewhere.  I'll dig it out.

So does anyone recommend skipping the TLC event altogether?  Is it a complete waste in time, or nearly?  I haven't booked yet with TLC.  Just bought the plane ticket.  I know for me being at an event like that would make things easier to start, being that it's my first time in the city, not knowing anyone or the language, but would also like to know if the quality of the event is poor or if the ladies are at least genuine enough?  The thought did cross my mind that $1400 for 3 days of events (2 meet and greets and a pool event) and a week of hotel could be better spent enjoying other aspects of the trip.  If it's like you say JWR, then just being there and letting things develop can be great.

Is there something I'm not seeing here about the TLC event?  Too many party girls, etc?

I'm on Colombian Cupid and seem to find enough ladies to correspond with on there.  But as you said Benjio, "mingling with the population" I think applies there as well.   

Man, I'm excited about the trip.

[jb]

That bnb site has some great options for a place to stay.  A couple of them are owned by salsa instructors.  The faster you can separate yourself from the tlc scene, the better experience you will have in my opinion.
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1067004
Check this place out.....

Wow, Looks awesome.  Great rate from what it seems too.

[jb]

Benjio,

yea I checked out Hotel Don Jaime from when you mentioned it in the old thread.  Must still be good, if you keep going back.
From the info on the web, I can see why you like it.

[JWR]

You are going to need a "wingman" or a translator to help you out because of your spanish.  The TLC event will get you going, but to where?  There may be some nice girls at that event but generally I think the kind of girls you want to hang out with will not be going to these events.  If you spend some time down there, and start hanging out with some middle and upper middle class people (like yourself), you will realize that there is a class society going on down there.  The college guys don't date the barrio girls etc. etc.  When I was living in Cali, my friends would laugh and question why these educated successful American guys would come down and date the lowest class girls in Cali.  Without good spanish, in the beginning it's really hard to tell who you are dating anyway.....  In the US, you would quickly pick up on the class of girl you were dating, but down there, it's not so obvious.
You definately need a plan though.  The TLC money might be better spent on just finding a nice translator to hang out with you, teach you spanish, and help you meet people through the connections they have.  I just can't imagine any of the girls that were my ex wife's friends, or her relatives ever going to a "cattle call" to meet a gringo.
If you want to test the water a bit with that sort of dating scene, maybe go over to Recardos ACGs, and negotiate a short term membership.  Have low expectations, and just go out and have some fun.  It will get you going without the big investment committment up front.

[benjio]

 
 
JWR,

You are spitting gospel today my friend!!! Although usually not discussed in depth on this board (at least not recently), the implications of "class" when dating in Colombia are a real thing. I was just in Barranquilla a few weeks ago and a female friend of mine (a university teacher) asked me why I would ever associate myself with girls from Jamie's Agency. That they were all "poor girls from the south, looking for a gringo as a meal ticket." It goes to show you how people think in Latin America; and how easily one's misconceptions about something they aren't familiar with are perceived as facts. She was surprised when I informed her that I had met girls that were successful lawyers at Jamie's, doctors...even university teachers like her. It actually really upset me because I get enough of that high society, class bull$hit in Brazil. All kinds of Colombian Women join agencies or use dating sites in an attempt to meet foreign men; but there's reasoning behind the stereotype. From my experience, most girls in agency are definitely not from affluent backgrounds and as JWR stated,

in the beginning it's really hard to tell who you are dating anyway.....  In the US, you would quickly pick up on the class of girl you were dating, but down there, it's not so obvious.

With an outfit like TLC, it's even harder to determine exactly who you're dealing with. At the very least, Jamie makes a point to remove women from his agency that have demonstrated any kind of questionable behavior. The guys running TLC don't give a $hit. Their goal is to put you in a place with as many (admittedly) single women as possible and show you off like a car at an auction. For most guys, the highest bidder is usually the hottest girl that's making eye contact with them. That "purchase" usually doesn't work out too well for the gringo though. Like you said, you're not trying to find something serious or wife hunting per se. If I were you I'd go to the events and just have fun. It's nice meeting people from other cultures regardless of class; and you never know where a friendship might lead.

There was a program in Bogota where girls from some of the more prestigious university that were studying English would show American business men around and be their translators for a small wage and college credit. I'm not sure if they have something like that in Cali but it might not be a bad idea to search.

[htown]

Sounds good jb.  You might even try taking advantage of this board even more by reaching out to posters who already know cali very well.  These guys already have networks built up and can probably present you to "the real cali".

Just try your best to leave a good impression with the people of colombia.  Don't be a slimeball who leads a good woman on just to get some booty.  Make a good name for your  gringo brethren.  That works both ways.  Don't let a golddigger get the best of you, but at the same time don't make a good hearted woman regret giving a gringo a chance.

[Chris F]

Hello JB!!
I have made multiple trips to Cali in the past before finding my wife in Peru.

What everyone said here is true. You really need to be as fluent as possible in Spanish if your going to get  to know these ladies. You are never really going to get to know someone by using a translator.

With all due respect if you have been reading the archives and getting my advice from others like Calipro I am sure you knew the importance for sometime of learning the language. Why did you ignore the advice??

Because of not knowing the language,  it is true that you are primarily going to be in contact with the lower class bario girls who may be sweet and sincere but are also very uneducated and unemployed.  A guy who used to post here named Soltero used to call them "slum bunnies." They can have a lot of baggage as you will find out or you may not find out due to not knowing the language.

ALSO, as I have told others before if you decide to get serious with someone, ask her to write a paragraph or two in her native language of Spanish about something. Ask someone who is an expert in the language to evaluate the essay. If the essay has a lot of spelling mistakes and grammar errors that should be a HUGE RED FLAG of her ability to ever learn a difficult second language as English if she has limited skills with her native language.
 
 In addition, my best advice to you besides studying your a@@ off learning the language right now would be to take it slow down there and enjoy yourself getting to know AS MANY women as possible.

Good Luck!!
 
 

[V_Man]

I will repeat all the advice you just got.
On the one hand it is great that you got a ticket. On the other hand I am concerned that you have been thinking about this for 2 years but don't know any Spanish.
What you need most of all is a crash course in Spanish. In 30 days you can learn 300+ words if you really have to. This will make a massive difference. Whereever you live there is probably a short trevellers night class you can go to. Also no doubt there is some university student in your city that could sit with you for 10 - 15 sessions and go through a beginner Spanish book with you. Combine that with your computer course and at least you can introduce yourself and ask her about her family. That is going to be 100% better than nothing at all.

If you are in Cali for a month then what I suggest you do is:
1. Get a female private translator or a female university student to give you daily Spanish classes. Just an hour or two a day will develop your Spanish real fast.
There are a bunch of universities in Cali, which all have English programs. There is a good private one in the south. Get someone to call them up and find a senior student or junior teacher to give you private classes. Perferably on the campus.
(Note you need ID and a purpose to enter a university campus).
After a week you can ask your teacher to introduce you to more people and ideas to have fun. Even admit you are looking for love. - but always establish that you are a geniune guy first.

2. Get a private salsa instructor or attend a small class on a regular basis. This will give you the basic steps but also it is another way to meet people. You don't need to be a good dancer but you do need to be willing to try.
Most girls will not know how to teach you much but that doesn't matter. I'd be asking lots of them to teach me a few steps and have a laugh. It's an ideal ice breaker.

3. I'd never do one of those events myself. If you are already making connections on CC then what's the point? If you can afford it then sure do it but treat it as entertainment and an expensive way to make some connections.

4. Frankly I think you'd be better paying for a private translator to do some match making for you. To arrange Spanish classes. To arrange salsa lessons. To arrange some touristy things.

5. For 1 month you should hire a serviced appartment in Cali. This has a lot of advantages. Just never meet a first date at your appartment building. Find a cafe/mall down the street.

6. Watch out for the traffic. Get your nails done - I'm serious, honest. In fact get a girl to take you. Pay for her nails and for your nails. It will cost you bugger all and she'll love it.

7. Get a girl to recommend a dentist. Get your teeth cleaned for a fraction of the cost back home.

[jb]

Hello Chris F,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.  I do desire truly connecting with people, especially if I meet someone I would enjoy a relationship with, so what you said about learning the language to fully engage with someone is a great reminder and help.

With all due respect if you have been reading the archives and getting my advice from others like Calipro I am sure you knew the importance for sometime of learning the language. Why did you ignore the advice??

ALSO, as I have told others before if you decide to get serious with someone, ask her to write a paragraph or two in her native language of Spanish about something. Ask someone who is an expert in the language to evaluate the essay. If the essay has a lot of spelling mistakes and grammar errors that should be a HUGE RED FLAG of her ability to ever learn a difficult second language as English if she has limited skills with her native language.
 

had not thought of that, good way to see.  My short term plans, say within the next year or year and a half, are to travel and live abroad (multiple countries).  I am more concerned about learning Spanish or a 2nd / 3rd language.  You had asked about me ignoring advice.  I don't see it as a personal thing against anyone here on the forum.  (not saying that is what was implied)  I did not do well in a second language in High School and guess it's a limiting belief.  Also, I have looked at or considered many places overseas to travel, visit, meet ladies.  Eastern Europe, Asia, Latin America.  It was not time yet.  Now it is time.  It has been more of a dream, and not reality until after I booked the ticket.  For me I need to be directly motivated for a lot of things.  Now that I am going to Colombia, I will learn Spanish.  Please know though, that everyone stressing how vital it is and your comments are a great motivator and very helpful. 

In addition, my best advice to you besides studying your a@@ off learning the language right now would be to take it slow down there and enjoy yourself getting to know AS MANY women as possible.

Good Luck!!

Yeah, I plan on enjoying things.  There is no rush, and the more people I meet the better.  The trip is a personal trip combined with the intention of meeting someone special.  If it happens great, if not, that's ok too.  I'll put the expectation out there.  How it plays out, time will tell.  Enjoy each moment.

[jb]

V_Man,

thanks Bro,  so much great information.
Especially how learning what Spanish I can will make a big difference.

As far as TLC, it has it 's benefits, yet I've decided not to go to their event.  Figure my resources are best served elsewhere.
Thanks for the thoughts on it.

You mentioned about a serviced apt.  Did you use one when you went?  I had initially thought about it, but was planning on some weekend trips as well or possible pop to another city for a week, so had initially ruled it out, but after looking at them online, I see them as a viable option if I will be in Cali most of my time in Colombia.  The World Games are held in Cali starting July 25th, so if I extend my stay, it would definitely be worth it.

Haha.  Getting nails done for a date.  Forgot that even men there in Colombia do that.  Will have to try that one. 

[benjio]

Haha.  Getting nails done for a date.  Forgot that even men there in Colombia do that.  Will have to try that one. 

As macho as they like to think they are, I've seen some Colombian Guys that have the cash to spend do some pretty metrosexual $hit....especially Paizanos. I'll admit to getting a pedicure at least once every couple of years to keep the dogs from getting too vicious, but I can take care of my own damn fingernails. I've seen Colombianos getting facials, arching their eye brows and heard about guys that Brazilian Wax their bodies to the point there's not a hair to found below their chins. A year ago I surprised a girl I was dating in Bogota with a trip to the spa and was surprised to find more men there getting serviced than women. I'm sure you can imagine the disappointment when I found out it wasn't going to be the fun filled morning of eye candy watching I originally assumed it would be. Surprisingly, I'm finding that many younger women are more attracted to men that take care of themselves like women.

[stnmasn]

as a stonemason my hands are pretty rough. I had never had one before cali and now  every time in cali its time for a manicure and pedicure. It is very nice.  It wont diminish your manliness either. (well maybe if you have them apply the gloss polish it might).  JB you should do have it done.  that is a good date activity vman,,,good idea.      the facial is a nice thing also.


Def as vman says do dental work.....I have found Sonria to be  good, they are through out the city and have what i feel to be good quality dentists.   My experience has been that their hygienists for the typical cleaning i find to be lacking and i do that in the USA but my 2 root canals i have done there and am very satisfied. I will have my old grey cavities redone with natural color at Sonria as well as tooth whitening .  Very economical to do there.



the cutie that does my manicure at the salon i go to has great cleavage and it is an added bonus because as i watch the manicure being done my eyes are naturally pointed in that (cleavage) exact direction. They are just are not always focused  on  my hands.   moral of the story??