Going to cali, for first time.

[chizz]

Hello everyone,
I've posted here a few times, nothing to important just responding and commenting. I am heading down to cali on Dec. 23, and wanted to know if anyone has any suggestions as this will be my first time in cali. also, i am corresponding with a latina from latin encounters, her name is Xiomara. Just curious if anyone here has talked with or met her. Any info would be helpful. take care.
Bryan

[zack]

... in response to Going to cali, for first time., posted by chizz on Nov 11, 2003

I don't know if someone has mentioned this already or not, but NEVER slam a cab door. I don't know why that is every cab driver's pet peeve there, but it is. Always close the door gently.

Zack

[Kiltboy1]

... in response to Going to cali, for first time., posted by chizz on Nov 11, 2003

If you are using LE as i did, i suggest getting a dozen roses and putting them in Marguis frig and when you have an apointment with a woman , present her with a single red rose. I can promise you from experiance , it will kill. I did this and i had more women calling Mrgui telling her i was the one for them , that it made choices very difficult.The thing about Colombian women is that they want a man that is romantic, and if you can show them from the start that you are , then you are going to have a wonderful experiance and meet some of the most wonderful women on the planet.

Buena Suerte.

[chizz]

... in response to Re: Going to cali, for first time., posted by Kiltboy1 on Nov 12, 2003

I like that idea, I like it alot. I think I will try that. Thanks for the idea, kilt.
take care

[Kiltboy1]

... in response to Re: Re: Going to cali, for first time., posted by chizz on Nov 12, 2003

Chizz

Also i forgot to mention, wear some nice cologne. All of the ladies i Dated and including my wife, just love a man to smell nice.

Latinas sence of things that we take for granted , is really astute.

[Cali vet]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Going to cali, for first tim..., posted by Kiltboy1 on Nov 12, 2003

It's true. The men in Colombia wear more damn perfume than the women.

[pirate]

... in response to Re: Going to cali, for first time., posted by Kiltboy1 on Nov 12, 2003

Kiltboy....shoot me an email. I think we're from the same neck of the woods. I'd like to know how your wife is adjusting to Carolina.

[littlebhuddha]

... in response to Re: Going to cali, for first time., posted by Kiltboy1 on Nov 12, 2003

I did the same thing and had the same response. You are right, the ladies loved it. Another tip is to dress nicely for your interviews. No jacket and tie but nice slacks and a nice shirt. No jeans and t-shirts or shorts. Believe it or not I've seen guys doing interviews in shorts, t-shirts and flip flops. The ladies love a caballero.

[zack]

... in response to Going to cali, for first time., posted by chizz on Nov 11, 2003

I'm sure you will have a blast.

Just a few tidbits of information. Whenever you get into a taxi, always ask what the rate will be in advance and ask if they have change. Often what they do is take you to your destination and then say "sorry, I don't have change for a 10". That is typically a B.S. excuse to pocket more money.

Also, ATMs are probably the best way to get foreign money. The exchange rate is reasonable and you don't have to wait in long lines as you would at a bank.

Have fun

Zack

[chizz]

... in response to Re: Going to cali, for first time., posted by zack on Nov 12, 2003

Thanks Zack, I'm glad you told me that, because a guy like me would probably say,"oh....okay, well keep the change then". I'll also use the ATM's, thanks again.
Bryan

[Cali vet]

... in response to Re: Going to cali, for first time., posted by zack on Nov 12, 2003

Cali taxis have taximetros. If it reads around 46 or below the fare weekdays will be $2.100 the minimum. At night, Sundays or holidays or if you call a cab the minimum is $2.600. Asking the rate in advance applies to Barranquilla where they don't use taximetros. The atms issue twenties. Try to get small bills, fives, twos and ones as soon as you can as many places not just taxis don't have change.

[chizz]

... in response to Re: Re: Going to cali, for first time., posted by Cali vet on Nov 12, 2003

I will do that, cali vet, thanks for the tip.
Bryan

[zack]

... in response to Re: Re: Going to cali, for first time., posted by Cali vet on Nov 12, 2003

I didn't know that about Cali. You can tell I haven't been there in a while. Chizz, what I do to help with the taxi situation is exchange 100 dollars at the airport and ask for small bills- 2k, 5k and 10k.  The exchange rate is bad but it is worth it because you will have enough small bills to get you thru the week with taxis, and you won't feel obligated to go buy things just to get change. From there I use ATMs in Colombia.

Zack

[chizz]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Going to cali, for first tim..., posted by zack on Nov 12, 2003

It's funny you said that, because in Barranquilla, i used to buy stuff just to get change for the taxi's. I also found that the cabs in barranquilla were in just awful condition. I hope cali is different. thanks.
Bryan

[Pete E]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Going to cali, for first..., posted by chizz on Nov 12, 2003

Cali cabs vary alot,but most are in OK condition.Of course they are just little usually Korean cars,usually no air,just the 4-60 kind.
Alot of cab drivers really thrash their cabs.Its like they will make more money if they drive like a maniac but they are tearing up their equipment.Last time I was there I got a driver with a nice newer car and he was really being carefull with it.I complemented him that he had a good car and wasn't tearing it up like alot of drivers.He was very pleased at the compliment.
But - -  the great thing is they are cheap! $1 will take you quite a ways,maybe 5-6 miles.It really doesn't make sense to own a car in Cali since cabs are so cheap.Plus if you have a nice car you are a target,even to the cops,who will pull you over and extort you.I wonder what the mafioso drug lord types say to the cops.Nothing,or get the fu-k out here here before I have you shot.I bet they recognise certain people to not mess with.
I saw a new Mercedes convertible parked in front of Diego's Italian restaurant in Cuidad Jardine.That guy is either very brave or the meanest SOB in Cali.I wouldn't drive my BMW 740i there unless I had it bullet proofed.

Pete