Manicures and Taxis

[pablo]

Interesting thread title, huh? I may never live this down but here goes...Two Tips:

I never ever would have thought I'd have gotten a professional manicure here in Bogota but after a recommendation from a Latina I decided to take the plunge.  Actually it's not as bad as it sounds and after a week or so I'm finally getting used to the clear polish that was applied.  Talk about feeling on the fem side.  However, the very next cita I had mentioned how nice my hands looked..."que rico".  Then another Latina said that many ladies look at a guys hands to size him up. Gee, I wonder what they do when they find out I opted for a pedicure the next day.  

Don't be like one newby here, and interviewing a lady in shorts and a tank top.  It was even a cold day and he had been previously advised to change clothes.  I bet the lady he met wasn't impressed.

I got hosed the other evening by a taxi driver late at night.  I forgot to notice that he had his meter turned off and I was in for a surprise come time to pay the fare.  I found out later that most taxi drivers will turn off the meters in the evening with one or two intentions.  To pocket the fare money as it's not reported, and/or to overcharge the customer.  It's okay not to have it on if you agree to the price before departure.  After 8PM in Bogota it's customary to pay an additional 1,000-1,200 pesos so figure this in your negotiating if you know what the normal fare would be or just request the driver to turn on the meter and add this amount to the bill.  If he refuses to turn on the meter or is asking too much, find another taxi.

Shoot, I nicked one of my nails typing this. ;-)

Chao

[papi]

... in response to Manicures and Taxis, posted by pablo on Sep 28, 2004

a lot of cities in Colombia dont have meters so it is best just to ask the fare in advance. i have had a couple arguments when i forgot to ask and usually just paid what i thought the fare would normally cost but who needs the hassles. i make it a habit to ask in front knowing that most of these guys are crooks. in fact, i knew a gringo in Cali - his favorite expression was that there was a special place in h..l for whores and taxi drivers.

[kented]

... in response to Re: Manicures and Taxis, posted by papi on Sep 29, 2004

why would whores go to hell???

[papi]

... in response to , posted by kented on Oct 1, 2004

if it makes you feel any better...he would also say that it is better to Rent than to Own

[Pete E]

... in response to Re: Manicures and Taxis, posted by papi on Sep 29, 2004

The only times I don't remember a meter running in Cali is on airport trips.Taxis are pretty cheap here and most of the drivers pretty honest.The only problem I have had is guys giving back less than the required change,maybe they short you 200 pesos,like $.08.I have even had drivers cut the fare when they made mistakes getting me somewhere.
Cartagena a different matter.I don't remember meters at all and the prices seem twice Cali.And lots more games going on with the drivers.One guy charged my girlfriend 30,000 pesos for what would have been a 7000 peso fare in Cali.He waited for her while she saw a dentist,then thought he desererved alot more money.She didn't ask him to wait,but did get in the cab when she saw him there.She was pissed.I'm surprised she gave him the money.Of course it was my money,that seeming endless supply.I had somthing similar happen in San Andress.We asked a driver for a restaurant recommendation.He took us to probably the one farthest away,then waited for us.When we got back to the hotel he wanted like twice what it cost going to the restaurant.I paidchim exactly the same fare as he got going.He was arguing,I said this is sufficient.Our normal driver the next day had hearsd the story,all the other drivers in front of the hotel witnissed it.
About the whores.Whats wrong with providing a desired service betweeen 2 consenting adults?Nothing it would seem to them.Most seem OK with it.Kind of like an ego trip getting paid for it.Contrary to all the victim thinking of US feminists.
One girl that joined our dance party last night was a pro,a Colombian who knew her filled us in.She was a little down in the mouth about no takers.You could see she was disapointed.Was doing lots of advertising,as in sexy poses and dancing,to no avail.Kind of like not getting a check on payday perhaps.You could just see this sort of aw shit look on her face went  she went home.

Pete

[kented]

... in response to Manicures and Taxis, posted by pablo on Sep 28, 2004

I had a manicure and pedicure in Colombia at the place where my wife always went and I had manicures all the time in Costa Rica  Latinas love men who are "detallisto"  [pay attention to small details].  Any man who wears shorts and a tank top to an interview is showing disrespect.  

The same thing with taxis happens in Costa Rica.  The meter is called a maria [like the lady's name] and I insist that the driver "ponga la maria".  There are also "piratas", private unlicensed taxis who don't have emters.  They are almost always a good deal if you agree on the rate beforehand.

We lived in san Joaquin between Heredia and Alajuela and since it is smallish regulated taxis don't hang there but there are tons of piratas.  Whenever I made a oe arrnage d deal with a pirata when we knew we'd need a cab, my wife knew them all.  

If you speak the language and talk to people there is little chance opf getting ripped off but the precautions you advise are necessary.

[Chris F]

... in response to Manicures and Taxis, posted by pablo on Sep 28, 2004

You are right about the nails.....latina woman do look at them so I to have had a manicure in South America and before I go there.

But I DO NOT have them apply the clear nail polish....I draw the line there!!!.....LOL

[pablo]

... in response to Re: Manicures and Taxis, posted by Chris F on Sep 28, 2004


LOL, I too drew the line on my twinkle toes and opted out for the clear polish but on the fingernails it's easier for the ladies to notice if applied.

The nails are not the only outward change of appearance I've made.  One very attracted lady requested on our second date that I shave off my mustache as it tickled her.  If I wanted more besos, no mas bigote.  I eagerly complied to her request and got many compliments later from the ladies who saw me before and after.

I'm getting to like this "mid-life crisis"

Pablo

[Killi]

... in response to Re: Re: Manicures and Taxis, posted by pablo on Sep 29, 2004

i must conquer to both points.  the nails i stood firmly against and would not comply, even though 2 ladies mentioned it, but every lady, even in pictures, always had a comment about any type of goatee or moustache. so i complied and shaved it , keeping only a defiantly proud flavor-savor.

I gotta be a man somehow right?  

And as you said, the compliments flowed after.  and my fiancee loves the look still to this day, and thats what matters right?

[utopiacowboy]

... in response to Manicures and Taxis, posted by pablo on Sep 28, 2004

Very amusing, Pablo. Hey, only a real man could admit to having his nails done!