Cali, Brasil, Argentina veteran introduction

[Batman]

Hello All,

I'm new to this board, and I just recently received my password. I have enjoyed reading posts on Cali - and Pete, keep your head up - you will live thru this and learn from your past mistakes.

I have travelled heavily to Cali - I on a house in Cali, and also travel to Bs.AS Argentina and Brazil. I am flunet in both Spanish and Portuguese.

My thoughts on Cali are simple: Never ever get involved w/ a girl until you know her and her family well - this is both important to you and her. Latin families are very tight and very close.

Never fall in love w/ any gancy girls - these girls are typically out for one thing only - a green card to the US.

There are plenty of women in Cali ti chose from who do not associate thmesleves with an agency - all it takes is a smile, some eye contact and your home free - it does help if you know how to salsa a bit - they love this! That is my take form 7 years of travelling to Cali!

[Seeker]

... in response to Cali, Brasil, Argentina veteran introduc..., posted by Batman on Oct 24, 2003

Welcome Batman! It is great to hear from guys who've been to both Colombia and Brazil. I was in Rio in Jan. '03 and in Cali and Cartagena in Sept. '03.

I think there are beautiful and plentiful women in both countries, but that thanks to the agencies in Colombia, it is easier to meet women in Colombia. Language is not really an issue for me since I speak Spanish fluently and I've made a tremendous effort to learn Portuguese. However, language barriers could influence someone else's decision as to which country to choose.

What are we looking for when we visit Colombia or Brazil? If we're honest, most of us will answer: "A relatively young and beautiful woman." I agree that some women at the agencies may be only looking for a U.S. Visa, but in general, I would disagree  that this the women's primary motivation. However, suppose they are looking for a way out of Colombia, a U.S. Visa, greater opportunities, etc. I don't see a problem with this because we can both offer eachother what the other person wants. It is a perfect business relationship. What about love? Of course this is the critical component, the icing on the cake. We need to develop a loving relationship over time and be certain that there is more to our relationship than the business aspect. We need to be alert for red flags that might indicate that the relationship is simply a business transaction and nothing more.  However, I don't see a problem when the initial attraction lies in what the other person can offer us. I'll be honest, the first thing I take notice of is the girl's facial features, their body, their height and weight and their level of education. Pretty shallow, don't you think? Again, we need to be realistic with what we both bring to the bargaining table.  

I will offer this piece of advice. Try to meet women at the agencies that have been enrolled for less than a year, preferably even less time. They'll have had a few dates to know that you are competitive in comparison to other men. The girls that have been at agencies for years...don't waste your time. They've been to San Andres, they've gotten the flower bouquet; being at the agency is a well paying part-time job. Next time I stay at Latin Encounters, I'm going to focus on women living in the small towns outside of Cali. I plan on going to places like Buga and staying there for a few days. I think these girls might be more sincere and receive less attention than their Cali cousins.

Last point, in terms of women, I think both Brazil and Colombia are equal. I do feel safer in Cali than I do in Rio, especially at night. I love the women of Cali, but the city can be very boring and limiting. On the other hand, Rio has the beaches, the music (samba, pagode, forro), arts and culture, metro, the food is delicious (Aracaje from Bahianas, for example) and their churasquerias are legendary. Rio has an electrifying energy and a natural beauty that I've yet to see in Colombia, Mexico, Jamaica, Greece, California...you get my point. I have a lot more "saudade" for Brazil than I have for Colombia.  

[pablo]

... in response to Re:  Colombia or Brazil? A win-win stitu..., posted by Seeker on Oct 25, 2003


Hola/Oi Seeker,

Can you drop me an email please?  I have a few off board questions for you.

Thanks,

Pablo

[Calipro]

... in response to Cali, Brasil, Argentina veteran introduc..., posted by Batman on Oct 24, 2003

You summed up 7 years of travel to Cali in a couple sentences.

A wink and a smile and your home free! You're my hero!

Why don't you tell poor greg who posted below how you managed to survive 7 years of frequent travel to Cali.
He seems a little frigthened by the idea of traveling to Cali.

Anyway you must really enjoy Cali, buying a house and all. I would like to buy an apartment or house there in the not to distant furture. So I hope you don't mind me asking a few questions.

What barrio did you decide to buy in and why?

Who helped you with the transaction? real estate agent or lawyer? Any recomendations?

What type of visa did you need to buy real property in Colombia?

Not to change the subject but you say agency girls are just looking for a green card??

What agencies did you have dealings with and what happen to make you feel this way about the agency women in Cali?

Thanks in advance for taking the time to answer my questions and welcome to the board!

                                      Calipro

[Batman]

... in response to Cali, Brasil, Argentina veteran introduc..., posted by Batman on Oct 24, 2003

Sorry for the typos everyone - it was my first post and forgot to proofread beforehand.

[greg]

... in response to Re: Cali, Brasil, Argentina veteran intr..., posted by Batman on Oct 24, 2003

your adventures to Brasil? I'm a fencer, was thinking about traveling to Cali someday. Guys hollering about Brazil sounds more attractive and safer than taking a risk going to Colombia. Thanks

[greg]

... in response to Hi Batman..Can you give a Trip report on, posted by greg on Oct 24, 2003

a chance. How about Brazil?? There are many safe countries where you could feel safe..more fun. Not fun living in a country if you feel no freedom of movement. I would rather visit a country that has plenty of Women to choose from, at the same time You can feel SAFE. How can a Guy be Happy in a Country thats unsafe to live??? Seek a safe country that has countless  available women to chose from. Good Luck..I was considering getting off the fence and travel to Cali...Brazil sounds safer..Brazile Women are just as beautiful as Calenas.

[Ralph]

... in response to Hey Pete!! Maybe You should give another..., posted by greg on Oct 24, 2003

Brazil is probably safer overall but not necessarily in Rio. Rio probably has more street crime than Cali or most other latin countries.

On average, street crime is more dangerous for gringos than terroroists and civil war.

There is an incredible energy in Rio and I always had a good time there even if it was for business.

[Batman]

... in response to Hey Pete!! Maybe You should give another..., posted by greg on Oct 24, 2003

Greg,

Note: This is a long posting.

I have travelled to Cali for 7 years, Brazil for about 4 years, and I have never ever felt in any danger in either place. I have to say however, that both places do have their share of dangerous areas! They are just different types of dangers. Visiting either country  depends on what you want to risk, and what type of experience you'd like to have in your adventures in SA. Let me see how I can best explain it from my own experience. It all depends on your level of comfort with the culture, the language and how alert you are to your surroundings. I do extensive research on countries before I visit. I even go so much out of my way to speak with people from that country here in the US and interview them - you will see that 9/10 people will be very happy to know your interest in their spanish/latin culture and country, and will be a valuable source of information. I usually interview someone in their 20's and someone in their 40's to get a good feel for the place.

In Cali, it helps a GREAT deal to learn spanish (did I mention Salsa )as much as possible - very few people speak English in Cali - but are crazy about learning English. You will find many latin women very eager to meet you and practice their English (what little they know) with you. Do not be the aggresive gringo trying to show your wealth in Cali. The more low key you are, the better. Try to "blend in" by dressing somewhat the same as the locals, and even learning a few local sayings and greetings. Cali women are VERY approchable, however, you will find those that I like to call "Blue diggers" - the ones interested in you for the color of your passport. I just simply have a good time with these women, and never get serious with them. It's all good! The best thing for you to do while in Cali on your first trip is to make a friend - preferably the opposite sex who can show you around. All it takes is a wink and a friendly smile . You will make more friends along the way to the point where you will feel really comfortable about walking in Cali. It is very safe, and the rewards of travel to Cali far outweigh the risks. Try it! You'll be amazed at how great the culture is, the people and above all the friendly, beautiful, and happy women willing to share time with you simply because you are something new to them - and the more sociable you are, the better your expereince! The only danger you will find yourself in is getting caught w/ your pants down while your new novias parents show up for dinner to meet you -  I bought my house in a neighbohood called "Santa Monica de Chippichappe" it is 1 mile from the mall ( I love that fact), and it is known to be the upscale neighborhood in Cali. It is a 4BR, 3BA 3 story house overlooking a beautiful mountain with a huge pool and Sauna (I have pictures for those interested). This neighborhood is typically all-american, so the area is very well guarded and very safe. In Cali - money talks - so all transactions were made in Cash! It was way too much paperwork to even consider a loan from an American bank to purchase foreign real estate. However, it is possble - I just wanted to buy this house, and not have to deal with any paperwork - so I did, and have been very happy with it!

Cali is certainly not for the timid, shy American - you must open up and be confident in who you are w/o being aggressive about it!

In Brazil, you also have beautful women and many of the rules in Cali also apply in Brazil. Speak the language as much as possible, show interest in the culture - but do not think for one second that you should let your guard down. Brazil has a ratio of 70% of the population beyond poverty level.  This statistic brings about many motives for robberies and thousands of SCAMS to lure you away from your money! This is why prostitution is such a huge business in Brazil. I would not think that either country is less dangerous than the other - both will require caution from your part, and always be alert.
However, a lot of fun is to be had in this wonderful country as well.

I have written a trip reports about Cali and Brazil, but don't know where to post it - I will follow up w/ comments tomorrow.

[greg]

... in response to Re: Hey Pete!! Maybe You should give ano..., posted by Batman on Oct 25, 2003

This neighborhood is typically all American neighborhood, so the neighborhood is well guarded and safe one mile from the Mall. Pete, if your going to relocate to Cali, this location sounds very good. Batman, thanks alot..very informative post.

[cancunhound]

... in response to Re: Hey Pete!! Maybe You should give ano..., posted by Batman on Oct 25, 2003

Curious how you swung that one - my biggest hurdle when purchasing in Cali years ago was getting the cash there - took several wire transfers and alot of effort (limitations are strict US -- Colombia due to money laundering as I'm sure you know).

If you have some photo tours please sign up and post 'em at CaliGringo.com

[Batman]

... in response to Transactions in Cash...?, posted by cancunhound on Oct 25, 2003

OOhh yeah..it was extremely involved - and in Colombia, if you are willing to pay for the "permits" to make a cash transaction of 130K - you will get a lot of cooperation. It took several wire transfers in a period of 6 months before I can get all of my money to Colombia. I used a very good attorney who pretty much knew what strings to pull to get all of this accomplished - she ended up being a very good salsa dancer among many other talents . If your interested in purchasing a house cash - let me know...I can forward some attorney references that may be able to help you...