First time...be gentle....need some answers

[soltero]

... in response to Re: Dropped off first?, posted by Montrealer on Oct 19, 2005

My best suggestion to you is to stay alert and if you have a "bad feeling" then go with it. I am not an expert on the dangers in Colombia, because all of my trips have been uneventful in that respect, but I am an expert on avoiding them. The best thing to do is not draw undue attention, be yourself, and always think about what might go wrong and prepare for it. Listen to that little voice in your head always and enjoy yourself and have a great and safe trip.

[papi]

... in response to Re: Dropped off first?, posted by Montrealer on Oct 19, 2005

By the way, the cabfare from the airport runs about 17000 pesos.  I like to tip my friend well for picking me up at the airport or my hotel on return so usually give him 20-25K pesos each way.  You wont have pesos when you arrive so I don’t think it would be a problem if you gave him $10 - $12US

When riding around town always negotiate the fare upfront.  A friend of mine used to say there is a special place in hell for taxi drivers and whores.  That being the case, most taxis will try to take advantage of you and they don’t have meters in bq.  Make sure your dates asks the price before you get in the taxi or do so yourself if you speak spanish– make it a habit or plan on getting screwed.  And as another friend of mine likes to say – don’t feed the bears.  In other words, if gringos keep shelling out extra cash in latin america – locals will continue to try and take advantage of us.  Normally, the fare runs about 3000-4000 pesos for local destinations. Hotel taxis generally run higher but everything is a negotiation. For example, if they say 6000, say 4000 or go to another taxi and they will drop the price. We are not talking a lot of money but dont let them take advantage of you. I tip when they quote me the correct price which the locals never do. For example, if the fare is 3500 i give them 4000. Trust me, the locals will wait for change

For pesos, you will get a better exchange at the ATM machine. I like the green Servibanca the best. Never a problem and you can get 300K pesos per withdrawal

[papi]

... in response to Re: Dropped off first?, posted by Montrealer on Oct 19, 2005

BQ is considered one of the safer areas in Colombia, yet I do know a couple that got robbed at gunpoint riding in a taxi by a guy on a motorcycle so it is not a bad idea to lock the doors but I often forget to do that.  I also met some gringos that got robbed of all their belongings when dropped off near their aparta hotel from the airport – and they felt the taxi was in on it so I would recommend a trusty taxi because in my opinion problems can more likely happen arriving from the airport.  Don’t let your date just call any taxi for the airport– go with someone that can be trusted.  I can give you a name.  At night, most of the time the girls drop me off first but sometimes I have taken them home first.  Don’t worry about the chivalry thing in this case, you are in a foreign country and they are aware of it and want to make sure you get back to your hotel without a problem.  Again, BQ is relatively safe but it is prudent to take some precautions

[Montrealer]

... in response to Re: First time...be gentle....need some ..., posted by mudd on Oct 19, 2005

Thanks for your answers.

As for the last one about marriage, I have no intention of getting engaged on my first trip, but possibly my second which will be 2 months after my first.  I just want to know a good way of bringing it up, so that by the end of my trip I have it narrowed down to 1-2 girls that I will focus my attention on.  How is this conversation brought up?

[JaySlo]

... in response to Re: Re: First time...be gentle....need s..., posted by Montrealer on Oct 19, 2005

Okie, I mean Montrealer didn't you read JK's advice? What is it that you don't get about being a man?
If you feel it is right, look deep into her eyes and say my search is over I'm taking you home. If she is into you she will have an orgasm. If she pauses, proxima! Find your balls already and stop already with the juvenile questions. Be a freaking MAN!

[utopiacowboy]

... in response to Re: Re: First time...be gentle....need s..., posted by Montrealer on Oct 19, 2005

It shouldn't be difficult to bring up the topic. She will probably also be thinking about the long-term prospects. For my wife and I it was a natural part of the conversation between us.

[jediknight]

... in response to If things are going REALLY well, posted by utopiacowboy on Oct 19, 2005

plain ol commen sense, something that seems to be lacking in a  few of the guys here.
JK