I just returned from 10 days in Cali a few days ago. I will post a few observations about the trip. Much of this information will be nothing new for veterans. But if you are new to the board and have not been to Cali.....I hope this info can be helpful.
1. Know as much Spanish as possible
I spent the entire trip with a very special Calena who happened to be Bilingual. I do not speak much Spanish...very little to say the least. Without her...it would have been a much more difficult process getting around and going out. Learn a s much as you can...a little does go a long way.
2. Be a Gentleman Be a gentleman Be a gentleman
If you really want to impress your Calena....be a gentleman...open doors for her, push in her chair for her...stand up when she leaves to go to the bathroom...push her chair in when she returns........they really appreciate this and most Colombian men never do this at all...............
3. Taxis
Yes...they drive like crazy...get used to it...Taxis are cheap...you can go from one part of the city to another for about 5000 pesos ($2.50) People there do not "tip" the drivers.. Yet ...I think they probably expect it from the Gringos. I tipped them..hey...... if I can make someone's life better by giving them a 2000 peso tip ( one dollar) I feel good about it.......
4. Restaurants
I found some of the best food and the restaurants that were not that expensive. Crepes and Waffles. Dinner for two with drinks and tip $12.00 Simon Bodilla? chain restaurant steak dinner and fish dinner for two with drinks and tip......$15.00
5. Be aware of Red Flags with the Calenas!!!!!
Its true what they have said in the past on this board. The ones that really like you will always be looking out for your pocket book...not taking advantage of your "Gringo lifestyle"...My friend who was with me on the trip did go to an agency. The second date he spent with a girl...she ask him for money to "enroll her child in a private school." He knew about the red flags...and followed up with...."Sure...call me in the morning...we will go together to enroll your child" ...she never called him.
Remember guys....if they ask for money shortly after meeting you..this is never a good sign...move on!!!!!
6. DONT BE A DESPERATE AND STUPID GRINGO!!
While my friend was at the agency, a 55 year old busdriver from the South was there as well. He told my friend that he had a ring in his pocket and was gong to ask the first girl he liked to marry him. Sure enough..a beautiful 22 year old came in and sat down with the translator with the bus driver. He popped the question in ten minutes and she said "YES." It turns out that the girl is completely iliterate in Spanish as well.......What kind of a relationship do you think they are going to have? If any of you guys are going to Cali in this same "desperate mode", do yourself and you pocket book a favor and get your act together before going.
7. Present Danger in Cali
I honestly never felt once that I was in any kind of danger. I did have a very sweet and caring Calena who was being very careful however where we could go and not go. For example....there were many beautiful places she wanted to take me to outside the city. Because of the current situation......we stayed within the city only.
8. And finally.....the secret to looking down dancing salsa..if you cant really dance it!!
Have a couple of drinks first to loosen you up. Proceed to the dance floor and have her play the mans part and lead you till you get the basic moves down. It works!!!!
Anyway..I hope this was helpful to all newbies at there. Please feel free to ask any questions if I can help you.
