Going to cali, for first time.

[Pete E]

... in response to Cali cabs, posted by Pete E on Nov 13, 2003

When you get out of one of these tinny little cabs if you shut the door with similar force to what you might do here there is this reverberating clang.You will get a real dirty look from the driver.

Pete

[Pete E]

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

If you walk out the airport exit and back in to departures there is an ATM machine to the left of all the check in counters.You get the money in pesos.I had to use it last time we left to pay our departure tax.You really want to pay that in dollars because if you pay them in pesos they give you a really bad exchange rate,like 70% of value.My wife spent the dollars I was keeping for that.Probably got a really bad rate spending them.So she gets 70% of value for the dollars,then I get 70% of value for the pesos.Cut the value of the money in half.
But dollars or pesos,they burn a hole in her purse.

Pete

[chizz]

... in response to Get pesos at the airport, posted by Pete E on Nov 12, 2003

That sounds like a good idea. I actually got a good rate in Barranquilla, but i know cali is bigger, so i'm sure things are vastly different there. thanks, pete and good luck with your situation.
bryan

[cancunhound]

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

Ditto what vet said.  I've "heard" rumors of pirate meters but I've never found one.  You don't even need a knoweldge of Spanish to understand how much it is - the driver will tally the meter at your destination and the rate will be shown on the display.  Because the ATMs issue big bills, that does create problems with the taxistas at times.  Use your big bills for little purchases at the stores so you can get an arsenal of small change, including coins.  You'll also find the condition of taxis vary greatly - if you call a cab you're stuck with that one - if you flag one down it's your choice.  The only issues I've had with some taxis is that on occasion I'll get a driver that assumes I have no clue of the fastest route at a given time to a destination - and tries to take the long/congested way to run up the meter (you're kind of stuck with that scam until you know your way about town).  On the whole, you'll find the taxis are an enjoyable and hastle free way around town.  Do not tip unless they are assisting beyond normal driving duties, like helping carry groceries or such.

[chizz]

... in response to Re: Taxi's, posted by cancunhound on Nov 12, 2003

I was kind of afraid of that. I guess i'll be getting robbed until i learn my way around. Hopefully, the latina i'm with will be hip to it, and help me out. thanks for the warning.
Bryan

[Calipro]

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

[This message has been edited by Calipro]

If you are talking about Xiomara  Mejia Leon, I met her about a year and a half ago at Latin Encounters. I went to her apartment and met her mother and little boy. She is a class act. She will not ask you for money. I probably would have spent more time with her but I got distracted my a girl I later married. In my opinion she is definately marriage material. Her son was very polite and well mannered. If I were you I would go out with her first. I know a always say a guy shouldn't just go out with one women in Cali. But, in this case if you feel a lot of chemistry with her right from the start, I would stick with her. That's how confident I am that she is a really sincere and good person. I really got good vibes from her.

I'll be in Cali the 23rd of Dec. Maybe we'll run into each other.

Calipro

[chizz]

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

cali, can u email me, i have a question for you: tiger44709@aol.com. thanks

[zack]

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

Calipro,

I'm assuming you are staying for New Years Eve. Maybe you should stop by the Batmansion and give us a trip report. Or maybe you already plan to. It would be good to hear it from someone who has actually been there besides Batman.  Either way, good luck and have fun.

Zack

[Chris F]

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

First time in Cali??....enjoy yourself you will have  blast!!!!

Suggestions

Do not just see the girl you are writing too. It does not matter how well you two are getting along over the phone and the computer. Even if you connect with her in person....you need to see more women. Spend at least a few days doing that...then spend the last part of your trip with the one or the few that you feel are special. Do not do not do not make this a one woman trip!!

Taxi's

They drive like crazy....getiing very close to everything.....get used to it......I should used to it by now though.................but at times I am still a little freaked out at the way they drive....LOL!!!

Red Flags

By now...I have hoped you have read this board enough to know the things to look out for when meeting girls on first or second dates....i.e. directly or indirectly asking for money. Some things are minor to look out for. Example:  On a first date or first conversation.....is she asking about your house?....when this happens ask them nicely.....Are you looking for love or money?  First conversations and dates are to get to know the other person better...materialistic items should never be brought up on a first date or first conversation. This is always a minor Red Flag for me.......

My e-mail is included on my profile..Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions you have...I can also share some info with you as well privately.

Good Luck!!

[chizz]

... in response to Some basic info for you Bryan......., posted by Chris F on Nov 12, 2003

Thanks, chris, i'll be in touch, because i do have some questions. thanks
Bryan

[Zorrowins]

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

Congratulations and Good Luck! By the way what airline are you using? Did you get a good fare and how did you find it?

[chizz]

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

Thanks, zorro, I am using avianca. I called them directly and bought my tickets. I got them for about $600.00 round trip. It was the lowest I could find, i hope it was a good deal.lol..thanks again.
Bryan