Avenida Sexta

[OkieMan]

Many of you have mentioned Avenida Sexta as a nice part of Cali.
My spanish is poor, but if I am correct, that means 6th Avenue, right? When I was flying to Cali last year, an older Colombian lady was talking to me on the plane, and even she mentioned how nice it was.  So, what is the appeal there?  When I was in Cali, I did not get to see it.  I am planning on going back  to Cali as soon as possible.  I am corresponding with a beautiful Calena, and I am very excited about getting to spend some quality time with her.  I am wanting to get some ideas from you guys on places to take her, and this Avenida Sexta may be a possibility.  I will not have the money or time to take her to someplace very far outside of Cali.  For instance, I know that I will not be able to go to Cartegena, or something like that.  What I am looking for is some places in and around Cali that is safe and enjoyable.  I have already been to Unicentro and ChippiChappi.   We could go there too, but I am hoping for some other places.  I am sure she will also have some favorite places, but I was trying to get some "american prospective" as well.
Pete, chime in.
                             OkieMan

[papi]

... in response to Avenida Sexta, posted by OkieMan on Jan 28, 2005

test

[A1A]

... in response to Avenida Sexta, posted by OkieMan on Jan 28, 2005

Okie,
 You can walk Ave. Sexta daytime also with your girl if you want to get away from the malls.  The restaurants are open for lunch, of for fruit juices to cool, off with.  Walking away from Chipichape, you come to a park, through the park and over and old bridge is Cali Centro.  There are some beautiful old churches here.  Get a shoe shine for 1 mil pesos, act confident, and hold your girl close.  The sidewalks are crowded, they say this isn't the best part of Cali, but my novia and I had no problems.

[OkieMan]

... in response to Re: Avenida Sexta, posted by A1A on Jan 30, 2005

A1A,
Thanks for the info. When you said to hold my girl tight, are you talking about enjoying her company, or are you talking about for security reasons?  I don't know what will happen, but I am trying to get some ideas, and I think that if I show more interest in her city, she will appreciate it.
I am so sick of the winter weather and being alone.  I wish I was in Cali with my little "honey" right now!

                                  OkieMan

[soltero]

... in response to Avenida Sexta, posted by OkieMan on Jan 28, 2005

If yo have been to Austin, TX, think of Sixth Street there. Avenida Sexta is  nice, but it is basically a street lined with nightclubs, bars and restaurants.

[OkieMan]

... in response to Re: Avenida Sexta, posted by soltero on Jan 28, 2005

Soltero,
I have lived in Texas, and have travelled to many places in Texas.  Oddly enough, I have never made it to Austin.  However, my favorite "street" or inner city location inside of Texas is the river walk in San Antonio.  Now, for me, that is impressive.  But, wherever I go in Cali, I just want to see some sights and basically enjoy spending time with my Calena.

                              OkieMan

[Brazilophile]

... in response to Avenida Sexta, posted by OkieMan on Jan 28, 2005

I would also suggest some of the haciendas south of Ciudad Jardim for day time and week-end entertainment.  A few years ago I stayed at Latin-Internet and we spent a Sunday at one of these places.  There was great food, recreation, swimming, and a concert by the popular Dominican singer who wears a huge afro.  (I forget his name.)

I have also been to lunch a few times at another smaller hacienda.  It served great food and was very reasonably priced.  The ladies I went with assured me that it is also safe in the evening.  

I should also say that the surrounding area is astounding.  The lush green everywhere is a huge improvement over the concrete in the city itself and especially on Avenida Sexta.

[OkieMan]

... in response to Re: Avenida Sexta, posted by Brazilophile on Jan 28, 2005

Brazilophile,
Yes, I understand what you are saying.  In fact, I am a member of Latin-Internet, and the lady I am interested in is also a member.  So, when I fly in, I will be staying there to meet her. If all goes well, maybe I can spend some time at Pete's place as well.  I stayed at Latin-Internet last August as well.  But, since last August was my first trip, I did not take the time to see as much of the city as I would have liked.  I did get out quite abit, but still Cali is a big city, and as I said, last time, I did not get to even see Avenida Sexta.  I am just trying to find out if I missed out on something.  Also, I am trying to figure out some places to take my latina.  Naturally, I will let her show me around as much as I can; but I just wanted to ask you guys what your recommendations were too.  Thanks again.
                                 
                               OkieMan

[Gator]

... in response to Avenida Sexta, posted by OkieMan on Jan 28, 2005

This area, Av. Sexta (6th Ave) does not have the best rep. with some of the locals (i.e. prostitution but it does have a big night life and lots of restaurants.  So does the area out by the Plaza de Toros along Calle 5.

Short trips out of the city:

Ginebra about 55km (35 miles north past Palmira), very famous for sancocho de gallina cooked in a wood oven (cocinado en fogón de leña,) Also excellentl arroz atollado, las tostadas de plátano and manjar blanco. There are lots of restaurants set out in the country-crowded on the weekends.  One that comes to mind is El Viejo Juancho

Calima (Lago Calima about 80 km north). a big rec. and windsurfing area area with a lake

Have lunch at Cali Viejo on Cr 14 near the zoo.  Also Fonda Paisa on Cr 9 and Casa da Troya on Av 6 are worth a try.

Late night salsa at one the million bars/discos in Juanchito just out of Cali (starts late)

Daytrip to Popoyan

That is one problem with Cali-not a real tourist town, but maybe that's good.

A la orden,

Gator

[Pete E]

... in response to Re: Avenida Sexta, posted by Gator on Jan 28, 2005

I get differing opinions on the safety of Juanchita.I  was recently told the later you go the more dangerous,The bars stay open all night where they close at 2AM on Sexta.One amiga said watch out just grabbing a taxi out of there,better to know who you are riding with.One taxi driver had a signal system to signal bad guys he had gringos aboard,then they would get stopped and robbed.
Other people say no problem.Questionably safe to say the  least.
I have never been there.I can get all the Salsa I ever wanted and more on Avenida Sexta and 2 AM is late enough for me to stay out.

Pete

[Pete E]

... in response to Avenida Sexta, posted by OkieMan on Jan 28, 2005

Avenida Sexta,6th Avenue,is the main street for bars and intertainment in Cali.There are lots of discos and video bars.I wouldn't call it a nice area,but its the intertainment area and pretty safe.Just don't wander off the main street or out of the areas with lots of people.Best to go with others at night.But even there things can happen. A gringo wearing a gold chain got it ripped off a few months ago.My Colombian buddy had a guy on a motorcycle just ride up the sidewalk and rip off his cell phone,it was on a belt clip.11 AM,busy intersection on Sexta.
There are better areas for restuarants.About 4 blocks north of Avenida Sexta near my place in Juanambu there are maybe 15 upscale restaurants.
You can go to restaurants like Cali Veigo in an old colonial setting near the zoo or you can go to swim clubs south of Cuidad Jardine.This is good if she has kids,they can play on water slides ect.
You can hang out in malls like Chipi Chapi.Its fun Friday and Saturday night,lots of coffee bars,beer bars,music some times.
Or you can come over and go swiming and hang out at my place.Cali is limited for intertainment,but if food,music and swimming pools will suffice we have that.

Pete

[OkieMan]

... in response to Re: Avenida Sexta, posted by Pete E on Jan 28, 2005

Pete,
 Thanks for the offer.  I don't know yet when I will be able to make the trip.  I am hoping for early summer.  I would come sooner, but I am short on cash right now.  If things keep going like they are right now, I believe I can really have something special with this Calena.  But, it's too early to tell.  But, if and when I get everything together, I will send you a private email and try to set something up and spend some time at your place.  I sure wish I was there right now.  She's hot, and it's cold and snowing here.
                           OkieMan