Medellin vs Cali - "The Chick Scene"

[Zon]

I have lived in Medellin going on 4 weeks now.   In 2009, I lived in Cali for 8 months.  I enjoyed a long weekend in Cali last weekend, and I could not help buy note how very different the "chick scene" is from Medellin to Cali.  It is worthy information for those planning to take a trip.

A DISCLAIMER:  I have never used a "marriage agency" I am not for, or against them; I just have never used them.   I do have friends that own agencies.  I have met many of the women that belong, or work with agencies however - both in Cali and Medellin.   So, I do have familiarity.

Medellin - I understand Medellin has changed greatly over the last 7 - 5 years.   The area of Poblado is close to being Miami, or South Tampa.   There is tremendous poverty in Medellin, and the people are discontent ... "dog eat dog".  On Friday and Saturday night, the best looking younger women from all over come to Poblado, and they are looking for something. (you can't think in terms of propago / working girl ... it is more complicated than that.  Let's just say they are all looking for something).   The more affluent women of Pablado are very similar to 1st world European countries - they are not overly interested in gringos at all.  Over the last 3 years, hostels have popped up in Poblado.  There seems to be 100's.   That means there are tons of younger backpackers from all over the world.  Most are adventurous young men who want to meet women.   Then, there is a "monger scene" - guys from the US; Europe and Asia that come to the Medellin with a suitcase full of condoms.   These guys are volume based.  Add all this together and what do you get?  A compromised environment.  Oh, yeah, the women in Medellin are HOT! But they are also rather young.

When I have had a good/ honest conversation with a professional women (Realtor; dentist; professora) it does not take long fro her to make a very negative comment about the gringos that visit Medellin, and the reasons why they visit Medellin.

The social environment in Poblado is great.  It is a happening place.   But, the girls you are likely to meet here fall into two classes: uninterested, or looking for something.   So, get the hell out of Poblado.  Envigado is 10 minutes from Poblado and I have found it to be a more friendly environment.    I have started going to neighboring pueblos for day trips to just meet people on the bus, metro. In doing so, I have been able to make more authentic relationships.   In neighboring pueblos (it is like going back in time) you meet everyone much easier - obviously.   But, the women you are likely to meet are young - 19 - 22.  The girls from the pueblos that are attractive and have brains head for the big city for greater opportunity.

The best place for me during the day is near El Centro at the University of Antioquia.  Here there are many young people who have had to test into the university - so they have some spin on the ball.  i have found it easier to meet these women.  At night - there are a couple places out side Poblado that get a more mature crowd.

I have worked the online crap over the last couple weeks harder than ever.   It is just OK.   The women I meet easily are not the women I have a strong desire to meet.  The women that I could get excited about, have an unfixed attention span (dahh - they are hot and have tons of choices).   It works, but has taken much longer than I would have preferred.  PLUS, there is a HUGE "flake out" rate with women.  One women is a PHD student in psychology.  We have met 3 times, but have scheduled 7 dates.  She, at least, is legitimately busy. The others just operate with what ever is in front of them at the moment.

Medellin is cool; a little more dangerous that I imagined. It is a tougher nut to crack.  The more Spanish you have, the better.

Cali: Is a slightly more modern city today than 2 years ago.  Grandada has matured into a very cool, happening place.  The malls are excellent places to meet women.  And, meeting people, and women especially is much easier in Cali than Medellin (that's an understatement).

Most gringos - and there are not many - hang out at Chipechape mall.   The south is much more affluent.  That is where the big university is located, and there is a mall in the south that is better for meeting women than Chipechape. 

The women are almost too easy to meet.  If you are looking for a wife, you will find one in days, hours.  They are looking for a new life with a gringo - again, not the case in Medellin.  But, the women are not as HOT as in Medellin.  If you are picky, you can find pretty women, of course.  It just takes time.

Cali has a great vibe.  Cali is not as dangerous to me as Medellin seems to be.   Just be aware, and on guard.

I will live in Medellin for 2 more months.  I plan on visiting Cali again for a week.  I will  contribute to this thread when and if I have additional observations.

[Researcher]

    I don't see much need for someone who is living in Colombia to use an agency.Once you get a grip on the language and find out the best places to meet women you don't need any assistance.


        Researcher

[Zon]

I absolutely agree, REsearcher.  Plus, you can meet a greater variety of women too.  To have fluido Spanish is my top priority over the next 2 months.  (In the past I spent far too much time partying and hanging our with girls that wanted to speak English for very obvious ulterior motives.)

There is a preoccupation with the topic Agency vs No Agency.   What's far more important to me, and the reason I contributed this thread is the city, environment, tendencies, and motivations - generally speaking - of the women, at large.   (So, if possible let's stay away from the pros and cons of agency talk, please.)

[Researcher]

     While I did like Cali better than Medellin there were more attractive women in Medellin.I see some things don't change.


      Researcher

[dennislevy]

I lived in medellin for almost 8 months, i ve visited Cali quite a few times in the last three years,

I ve rarely tried to meet women on the fly in either Cali or Medellin as Zon does, the closest is if Im in a shop or restaurant and a female worker or owner starts asking me questions (to qualify me) and I ll do the same, usually to be polite and friendly. I ve passed notes of admiration to a few women in those cities but without results.

Each city has some advantages, the single bigget advantage that Medellin has for me.... is the metro, efficient, clean, and relatively inexpensive, 1550 pesos a ticket and 2100 foir a combination of the metro and one transfer to a bus. From where I lived, it was easy to get to the Poblado metro station by metro, BUT if I wanted to go to Parque Llleras, it was a 25 minute walk from the Poblado station, or take a taxi

I never knew cali well enough to take busses, so it s a city where I took cabs and the distance between Chipichape and the south is considerable. Women are plentiful and there is an exaggeration of beauty in Cali that borders on the ridiculous..

I didnt date extensively in either city, in Medellin I had two relationships with mature women, including a novia  and three of four first dates, in Cali I had dates with maybe 10 women over the last three years that I met on Cupido and I had brief relationships with two mature women, one woman worked in Cali but lived in a pueblo an hour away.

El Centro in Medellin always made me uncomfortable, cetainly the area around Parque Berrio. it makes me uncomfortable to see old women and young chldren hooking in the street.

Zon a word of advice if I may and Ive been at this a long time. if a woman cancels 4 out of seven dates.....and she SAYS she is THAT busy, you re not a priority for her. I certainly hope that they werent the four last dates! Unless you love the challenge of the conquista......Move on,  I am reasonably sure she isnt going to pine for you.

Keep the postcards and and letters coming, terrific obeservations.






 

[Alabamaboy!]

I just went to Medellin for the first time about a month ago. It was really a different world than the Coast or Cali. The girls were super beautiful, but they did not have that extra "something" like the Costenas or Calenas have. At least for my taste.

That being said, I think in general, a guy would probably have a really good chance to find a good wife in Medellin if they look outside of the touristy areas. Because the people there seemed to be much more organized, motivated, and logical than the Costenas. But you can find whatever you need in both places for sure. You just need to look and meet people. And that is the fun part.

For me though, the Costenas are the best. Calenas second. And Paisas next. Generally speaking. I am partial to morena/triguenas however.

[Zon]

"25 minute walk" !!!!  From Poblado metro to PL ... I do it in 10.

The girl that broke 4 dates ...  actually, I broke one.  It is sort of a running joke.   But, I do not get super romantic about this stuff.  Friendship first, test for compatibility.   Often I will go out with one woman and engage another group of men and women - exchange numbers.  It is all about setting proper expectations.   

I have only met one woman that I REALLY would like to see again.   An award winning cocinera.  She is traveling throughout SA doing consultation at hotels and restaurants.  Plus, she is 32; so I may becoming more age appropriate:)  She is very attractive and refined. She has traveled all over the world.  We will see.

But, here is the thing ... if you take this too seriously, all the fun gets sucked out of it. 

There are some girls I spend time with because they are intelligent; others because they are fun; others because they are sexy - sometimes these traits overlap.

Funny story:   I have a couple possibilities online.   One woman invited me to go hang gliding with her.  I said great, and asked her if she would like to at least meet in person  before we spend the entire day together.  She responded, "look, I am not interested in you as a life partner.  I do not think it would work that way.  But, if you would like to experience new things, and make a new friend, let's go fly"  LOL  How's that for a little direct honesty ... 

[dennislevy]

Zon

If you can walk from Poblado metro to say 39th and PL, Cafe LeBon in 10 minutes...........thats because you are a healthy young stud.....Remember I m just a boken down old derelict!

But yes, you re right, if you take it too seriously all the fun gets sucked out of it!

Let me get this right? You go out with a girl and while you re out with her, you talk to other people and you exchange phone numbers?.....

jejejeje

Dennis

[utopiacowboy]

I just went to Medellin for the first time about a month ago. It was really a different world than the Coast or Cali. The girls were super beautiful, but they did not have that extra "something" like the Costenas or Calenas have. At least for my taste.

That being said, I think in general, a guy would probably have a really good chance to find a good wife in Medellin if they look outside of the touristy areas. Because the people there seemed to be much more organized, motivated, and logical than the Costenas. But you can find whatever you need in both places for sure. You just need to look and meet people. And that is the fun part.

For me though, the Costenas are the best. Calenas second. And Paisas next. Generally speaking. I am partial to morena/triguenas however.

I am curious about why you would rank the women in that order. I would rank them the exact opposite finding in the costenas the same things that Colombians complain about in them.

[Zon]

There are a couple different dimensions to this assessment.   

CLASS IS A BIG CONSIDERATION: I think it is fair to say that in Colombia 3 - 6 % are RICH.  25% are ASPIRING (the kids go to school.  The parents have "good" jobs.  The family is together and helps each other.  Salt of the Earth, Colombian style).  Then there are 45% that are fighting to enter the ASPIRING group, but life is hard and this group lacks consistency to advance.  The rest is Dog Eat Dog POOR.  I know it sounds hard, but little good can come from this group.  Class in Colombia is 100% different from the concept of class in the USA.   

For me, I am pretty much exclusively interested in the ASPIRING class. This mean a college education, a job.  Class matters more than city here.

I think the smaller cities like Manizales and Periera may be a nice combination of the super friendly atmosphere of Cali, and the elegance and beauty of Medellin.  We will see. 

[Dan Las Vegas]

I would have to agree with Dennis that El Centro always made me feel uneasy as well, there are other places that I would rather be such as Laureles or Belen or even Sabeneta.  Since I have not yet been to Cali, only Medellin and Bogota in my travels, I still would rank the paisas as far more attractive on average than the rolas.

Just my humble opinion

Dan LV

[Zon]

Hell yeah!  At night fall, the police leave and the military trucks come in with troops. That's a good sign things are pretty screwed.  El Centro is Raw. The dangerous areas are the poor neighborhoods on the side of the mountain.,   Cali has its rough spots too.  But, I feel much more comfortable in Cali than El Centro.   Good place to meet normal girls, however.

Every time Dennis says "mature women" I think of "salt peter"   chitoso.

[Alabamaboy!]

I am curious about why you would rank the women in that order. I would rank them the exact opposite finding in the costenas the same things that Colombians complain about in them.

Because I was looking for a cool, laid back home loving gal who could roll around in the grass with a 3 year old, a 10 year old, and me. Who would be satisfied with that kind of lifestyle. Jumping on the trampoline. Hanging out at the beach doing absolutely nothing.

The gals from Cali and more so in Medellin seem more career oriented, driven, and interested in fashion, the club scene, etc. Maybe a bit more materialistic, but also willing to work for it.

I was just speaking for what I need and want specifically in my life. If I was making $30K and did not have kids, I would probably flip my list upside down. Because I would need someone who could work here and help the household. And most of the Costenas I met did not seem so well equipped for that kind of lifestyle. But I am not saying it is impossible to find a good Costena like that. I know for a fact Raycjs has one. And it seems like Whitey too. I met FT's wife. She is an awesome gal....a classic Costena morena....with a great laid back attitude and style. I really liked her. She is a lot like my gal.

[utopiacowboy]

Because I was looking for a cool, laid back home loving gal who could roll around in the grass with a 3 year old, a 10 year old, and me. Who would be satisfied with that kind of lifestyle. Jumping on the trampoline. Hanging out at the beach doing absolutely nothing.

The gals from Cali and more so in Medellin seem more career oriented, driven, and interested in fashion, the club scene, etc. Maybe a bit more materialistic, but also willing to work for it.

I was just speaking for what I need and want specifically in my life. If I was making $30K and did not have kids, I would probably flip my list upside down. Because I would need someone who could work here and help the household. And most of the Costenas I met did not seem so well equipped for that kind of lifestyle. But I am not saying it is impossible to find a good Costena like that. I know for a fact Raycjs has one. And it seems like Whitey too. I met FT's wife. She is an awesome gal....a classic Costena morena....with a great laid back attitude and style. I really liked her. She is a lot like my gal.

That's cool. I was just curious.

[Micky]

2ALL -

I just reg here.  I read the link about "SFNM" from the "GT" board  and here I am.  Zon, I will look for the PM function here and send you my phone number.  I DO NOT take 25 minutes to get up the hill,  and I am a couple of years OLDER than Dennis.  I am not the party guy but I do know the city pretty good.
I love "Centro",  (no one really refers to it as "El Centro")  but I "only" love it during daylight hours,  it is where the Vampires live.

Love - Micky 

[dennislevy]

Let me tell all of you guys about Micky because he was in my apartment in Medellin on his birthday last year!

He doesnt give a s..t about what anyone else thinks,you going to get Mickey s twisted warped take on everything and if you don t like it.....Mickeys classic response is for you to go do something to yourself......

How do you like them apples,Mick?

jejejeje

oooh we gonna have some fun!

Welcome to Planet Love, Mickey!

Dennis

[Researcher]

There are a couple different dimensions to this assessment.   

CLASS IS A BIG CONSIDERATION: I think it is fair to say that in Colombia 3 - 6 % are RICH.  25% are ASPIRING (the kids go to school.  The parents have "good" jobs.  The family is together and helps each other.  Salt of the Earth, Colombian style).  Then there are 45% that are fighting to enter the ASPIRING group, but life is hard and this group lacks consistency to advance.  The rest is Dog Eat Dog POOR.  I know it sounds hard, but little good can come from this group.  Class in Colombia is 100% different from the concept of class in the USA.   

For me, I am pretty much exclusively interested in the ASPIRING class. This mean a college education, a job.  Class matters more than city here.

I think the smaller cities like Manizales and Periera may be a nice combination of the super friendly atmosphere of Cali, and the elegance and beauty of Medellin.  We will see. 

      Well Zon, I'm glad to hear that you aren't limiting yourself to that 3% to 6%. I always felt like they were probably inbred anyway. I never paid alot of attention to the stratas there because looking at them through gringo eyes there isn't much difference in them.

      The class thing does seem to be more important in Medellin.So much so that people will try and appear to be of a higher strata than they really are. There is  a Colombian couple living here, she is from Medellin and he is from Cali. She is always stretching the truth and telling fibs to make them appear better off than they really are.It drives him crazy.

      Researcher

[Researcher]

He doesnt give a s..t about what anyone else thinks,you going to get Mickey s twisted warped take on everything and if you don t like it.....Mickeys classic response is for you to go do something to yourself......

How do you like them apples,Mick?

jejejeje

oooh we gonna have some fun!

Welcome to Planet Love, Mickey!

Dennis

          Straight shooters usually catch grief around here. It seems that playing nice is more important than having a debate and getting to the real nitty gritty. I hope Mickey is up for that.....
             


                                                 


    Researcher

[fathertime]

          Straight shooters usually catch grief around here. It seems that playing nice is more important than having a debate and getting to the real nitty gritty. I hope Mickey is up for that.....
             


                                                 


    Researcher

Hey I remember back when you used to wear your 'kid gloves' 

The newbies are lucky you are here to help 'separate the wheat from the chafe' if you know what I mean!  jajaja

BTW: Welcome to the forum Micky.  Do you live in Colombia? Are you married to a Colombian lady?

Fathertime!

[Micky]

FT -

I remember a few years back you being on "Gringo Talk" and having a pissing contest,  of somekind,  with SFNM.  I do live in Colombia,  Medellin,  and I have a Colombian wife,  not certain about her being a "lady".  Also I hope she does not read that comment or,  heaven forbid,  one of my brothers here would snitch me off and throw me under the bus.
With regards to the Medellin vs Cali thing.  Not certain,  but do believe that there are women all over this country,  Bog,  Med,  Cali,  Cart,  Barr,  Per,  Arm,  Pop,  Buc and on and on.  I will admit to being bias towards Medellin (brainwashing by family and friends).  With limited knowledge,  I do believe that Med IS Colombia's most progressive,  forward thinking,  hardest working,  most efficient city.  Not that it is anywhere near perfect,  or without it's problems,  but it is the best that Colombia has to offer.

Love - Micky

[fathertime]

FT -

I remember a few years back you being on "Gringo Talk" and having a pissing contest,  of somekind,  with SFNM.  I do live in Colombia,  Medellin,  and I have a Colombian wife,  not certain about her being a "lady".  Also I hope she does not read that comment or,  heaven forbid,  one of my brothers here would snitch me off and throw me under the bus.
 

Well Micky, I only posted on gringos for a couple weeks a few years back.  I was teasing dennislevy (a favorite pastime of mine)  and was quickly banned.  Prior to getting banned I got a negative vibe and a couple unfriendly private messages from a moderator. I sensed my time was going to be very short on that website, but I don't ever remember interacting with you or much of anything about the website. I don't remember picking on SFNM though, we were pretty friendly, but nowadays he hates me! 
Anyway, it shall be interesting listening to your perspective of a man being married and living in Colombia surrounded by other attractive and available 'ladies', sorry to use that word again.    I wouldn't like to put myself in that position.

Fathertime!

[raycjs]

FT,

i hope you are not loosing sleep over the fact that SFNM ( aka scum bag)
hates you...... hahahahaha........


Ray

[dennislevy]

FT

See what happens when you tease me??

You get banned from GT

You go back to BQ, get married to a chica, bring her to the US  and have a baby..

You better watch your ass the next time you tease me!

jejejeje

Dennis

[Zon]

Most of my early perceptions about Medellin were the result of experiences within Poblado, and the very first world neighborhoods and nightlife there.  Bottom line: similar to Miami, or South Tampa, but with tons of hot women who want something, and an increased potential of danger.

However, there are surrounding barrios that are actually there own living centers.  In these places, it is very possible to meet a different kind of person, and it is very easy.   Envigado, Sabeneta, and Bello are all with a couple days.   The only caveat is in the poorer areas, it is not 100% safe after dark.

NOW THEN, for those who have time and like adventure, the pueblos of Antioquia can be a gold mine.  The people are generally much more friendly, open and curious.  There is a home town feel to these places.  But, you will find the women tend to be a little younger, because the ones with talent head to the big city for more opportunity.  There also tends to be a higher percentage of men in the small pueblos.

I think I am going to max out my 90 day stay here.  Interestingly, the more I learn, the more I realize I have to learn.  I "know" quite a bit of spanish, but I am not fluid yet, and my ear is not trained to pick up the fast speech and slang.  When you are in friendship / on a romantic date, as your spanish increases, you become aware of many more subtleties in the environment. Relationships are very complicated here - there are all sorts of evasion and white lies.

[colcorazon]

Zon question

when you say gold mine and lucky and such... are you talking about just one night stand sex?

Sounds like you have mined several barrios and cities i dont know what else you could be referring to.