Things to do with the girl in Cali

[Kit]

Anyone recommends places in Cali to come hang out with the girl?

[DallasSteve2]

... in response to Things to do with the girl in Cali, posted by Kit on Apr 24, 2003

I think there's a restaurant at the top of a tall building in Cali.  I think the building is called Torre Cali or something like that and I think they said it is the tallest building there.  I took a girl there, but it was closed and so we went to Simon Parilla, not the one in mid-town, but one at the base of some mountains, and it was beautiful.  They had miniature golf, go-karts (I think) and some other outdoor activities (batting cages?, skating?).  Very nice.

My favorite restaurant for the food, however, is Paladar.  Hmm-hmm.

Steve

[cancunhound]

... in response to Things to do with the girl in Cali, posted by Kit on Apr 24, 2003

a few more:
The best plan may be not to plan anything - let your gal decide, afterall you'll get a feel of her interests, and she knows the attractions better than anyone (my guess is you'll end up at chipichape or unicentro!).

Otherwise, that restaraunt mentioned by the zoo is called Cali Viejo, it has outstanding steaks and live romantic music - it's a little pricey by Cali standards but with exchange rates it only cost $100 for 5 people w/drinks - it is a must while in Cali.

Empanadas at the open air restaruant across the street from Hotel Obelisco.  Best in town, cold beer, and a great place to relax.

There is a private nature preserve north of Cali called "Nirvana" - the family owns the whole friggin mountain!  It's a great place to escape the daily heat.  On the weekends it's popular and can be crowded - but you'll have it to yourself on a weekday.  

There are private fincas north of Cali also where you can grab a bite and swim.  If you haven't seen the sugar plantation, might as well check that out (once is enough).

[Celt]

... in response to All below are excellent suggestions  - a..., posted by cancunhound on Apr 25, 2003

A 30-45 minute bus trip to the N. and then a 5-minute
taxi ride will take you to the "Valle Paraiso". It is a
famous mansion, known in Colombian literature from the
book "Maria", which was set there, and from the setting of
a past telenovela. It is a Spanish colonial version of
Tara. The view down into the Valle is beautiful, and the
tour of the villa is quite interesting. Most CaleNas know
the place. Down the hill is a resort with a patio dining
area that serves great steak and beer.

You can score a few cultural pts. and see how she
responds to the world beyond Chipichapes.

[Michael B]

... in response to Re: All below are excellent suggestions ..., posted by Celt on Apr 25, 2003

I recomend it. As I understand it, the buses only run on weekends, we went on a weekday in a friend's car and had the place to ourselves.

[Nico]

... in response to Things to do with the girl in Cali, posted by Kit on Apr 24, 2003

There is a a really cool park about 1/2 hour south of town called Parque De Salud. It has a good size river running thru it and people are swimmimg in it. There is about a 2 and a half mile nature walking/running trail around the park. There is also a restraunt and fresh sqeezed juice stand. I used to go run there daily then go cool off in the river follwed by a fresh juice and lunch. I love taking my dates there.

[Brazilophile]

... in response to Things to do with the girl in Cali, posted by Kit on Apr 24, 2003

1) Loma de la Cruz.  A park full of artisan shops.

2) An old former convent whose grounds are now a park.  It sits on a hill overlooking Cali.  There is a statue of the founder of Cali near the front of the building.  If anyone remembers the name of this place, please post it.

3) Las Tres Cruces.  A hike up the mountain.

4) Any of several "fincas" on the outskirts of Cali south of Ciudad Jardin, which feature food, activities, and live entertainment on Sundays (all day Sunday).

5)  A short trip to the big water park about an hour outside of Cali.  I don't know what its name is.

[Hiker]

... in response to Things to do with the girl in Cali, posted by Kit on Apr 24, 2003

Kit,

There is a place outside of Cali calle La Zeta.  It is a riding stable and on Sunday's you can go on either a short or long ride.  I highly recommend the long ride.  You will need to take some dry shoes and clothes to change into when you finish.  The last couple of miles of so is riding up a cold stream.  You will get wet over your waist.  She can find out if it is a safe thing to do at the time.  Some trips I go and some I do not.

The hike up to Tres Cruzes is very safe and enjoyable.

There is a new place andI can't remember the name of it.  Maybe someone here can help.  It is close to La Flora and less than a year old I think.  Lots of shops, ice cream, pastries, music, and for about 5 bucks you can both take a boat ride up the river.  The boat goes up for about 25 or 30 minutes and then turns and comes back.  The river is not the cleanest river in the world but I enjoyed it.  I saw a lot of birds etc that I had only seen on TV.

A very popular farm about 45 minutes away is an excellent place to go.  Again I can't remember the name but it is well maintained and a popular day outting with many.  You can also do a little horse riding here but in a more controlled invironment.  La Zeta is a much wilder experience.

The zoo is not big but it is ok.  I enjoyed it.  Around the curve past the zoo is an excellent resturant but maybe a little pricey.

Go up to San Antonio in the evening.  The air is much cooler and it is a great place to relax.

For food stick mostly with the Colombian food.  There is not a good Mexican or Chinese resturant in Cali.  Crepes and Waffles is a good place.  Oh and my favorite is Paladars.