Cali Trip Log #4-Trip Summary

[littlebhuddha]

First of all, I want to add my "hang in there, Pete." You have been a big help to me and a lot of other newbies and I really feel for you. Maybe the best medicine for you now is a Saturday afternoon at Chipichapi. This too shall pass.
Sorry about the lack of updates while I was in Cali. I had planned to post every day or two but things were happening very fast. I arrived in Cali at 7:30 Thursday on time. Made it through immigration and customs in about 30 minutes. My driver was waiting as I exited the terminal. Margareth was waiting for me at the agency and we talked for a while. I really liked her a lot. But more on her and Latin Encounters in my agency report later. Friday I had 5 appointments scheduled. There was one no show but she called and Alcira replaced her with another lady. Of the five all were very nice ladies but two stood out. I had lunch with C and and dinner and dancing with L. On Saturday I had 5 more appointments. I had one no show. The rest of the ladies again were incrediblely nice ladies but no chemistry. Went to dinner with C and Alcira at a great seafood restaurant that I can't remember the name of. Grilled lobster for three: $50. C and I went dancing at La Caverna until the wee hours. C was an incredible lady. Very sweet and affectionate. Held my hand all night. I thought she might be the one. Sunday we hired a taxi (about $42 for 8 hours) and along with Alcira as an interpreter toured the city. We also went up to Pance in the mountains. Pance was a nice reprieve from the heat in Cali. Beautiful views of the valley and the city. Monday had lunch with L at Paladars. Forgot all about C after lunch with L. I had more appointments scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday but my heart wasn't in it. Had lunch again with L on Wednesday at Carnitas. (I highly recommend Carnitas.) After lunch I told Alcira no more interviews. I spent the rest of my time with L. She had plans with her two boys Thursday night so I spent it at a sidewalk cafe with some Aquar Diente Blanco and some Cuban cigars. Friday night a group of us went to Tropical somewhere in Cali. I was so turned around I don't have a clue where it was. Had a fantastic time. You haven't lived until you have been in a bar with 200 Colombians standing on chairs singing as loud as they can at 2 AM. Spent Saturday afternoon napping on the agency balcony with L. Those hours on the balcony will live in my memory forever. I think that is when I fell in love with L. She is the most wonderful lady I've ever known. So sweet and affectionate. Always concerned for my well being. She accepted me for what and who I am. We spent all day Sunday together. She had to work on Monday but she surprised me by getting the afternoon off from work. We were together until 10 that night when we had to say our final goodbyes. Tuesday my flight left Cali three hours late which was just the beginning of my travel day from hell. Missed all of my connections and reconnections. Ended up flying into LAX and driving a rental to San Diego. Got home at 2:30 AM. American Airlines can kiss me where the sun don't shine. Their customer service sucks. Next time Continental. Will post my final thoughts and agency report later.

[Freddie]

... in response to Cali Trip Log #4-Trip Summary, posted by littlebhuddha on Oct 4, 2003

It is a fun place just east of the futbol stadium ("lado occidental del estadio", Carrera 36 No. 5B-22). Our group actually won a bottle of Aguardiente for being the most enthusiastic table while standing on the chairs and cheering.

The disco (in 1999) was traditional Colombian on one side and techno on the other. You will often find gringos with their dates and other girls from the intro services there on Friday and Saturday.

[mudd]

... in response to Cali Trip Log #4-Trip Summary, posted by littlebhuddha on Oct 4, 2003

i told you that american airlines sucks! try continental next time.

[cancunhound]

... in response to Cali Trip Log #4-Trip Summary, posted by littlebhuddha on Oct 4, 2003

Sounds like you had a great trip and met some interesting ladies.  That return trip home s%cks no matter what, I've never had a delay with AA and I'm rooting for 'em.  Yes, their service sucks as does every US airline nowadays.  Try Avianca - they bumped me years ago to another airline when the plane wasn't full enough, almost missed my own wedding!  But Avianca's service is superior.  Check the COPA/Continental connection via Panama - I've done it once and was actually better than dealing with the piece of sh%t MIA airport, but had to make an IAH connection (normally prices just prohibit it for me).  I wish you the best of luck with L.

PS - You really haven't lived until you have driven 11 hours one-way to S. Padre Island to hit the beach with 3 calenas - I'd take your airline hastles anyday over that (I'm still recovering from last week)!