I’m getting pretty excited right now and it seems that I have a million things going through my head.  I’ve been chatting with a wonderful woman for 5 months now every night and I am going down to see her for 2 weeks.  So I won’t be doing the agency route.  

Has anybody been there recently and care to comment on the state of things down there as far as safety issues.  This will be my first time traveling outside of the US and I do follow the news there.  I guess the excitement is getting my mind going.  So what are some of things you guys do?  Like, what should I carry or “not” carry with me while I am out and about.  Any other tips?  I know I’ll stand out being a 6 foot blond with blue eyes but I can’t do anything about that. On our second week we are going to San Andres with a bunch of her friends.  

I think the only thing that bothers me the most is getting pulled aside at the airport on my return.  I have read a few posts about getting taken for a ride to be x-rayed.  

... in response to Timely Post..., posted by wizard on Jul 1, 2002

Most everything that anyone could want to know about Cali has probobly been written up here at one time or another but weeding through the archives can be a tough prospect. Is there anything in particlar you'd like info on? Question for you: you going to see one special person or will you be using the agencies or "none of the above"?

... in response to Re: Re: Timely Post..., posted by wizard on Jul 1, 2002

I've never really had a tactic other than gut response to the individual however I followed your sratagy the first time I went down, of writing to a few first. It's a good plan. The only caution I would offer there is that a couple of them felt that since we'd written or spoken by phone we were already an item and they planned lots of day trips, out to Hacienda el Paraiso for example trying to tie up all my time away from the agency. So if they suggest going out to the dad's finca or something hold off untill your sure you want to devote that much time to her. As to character tests you just have to follow your instincts but if any of them asks for money other than cab fare I'd scratch her off the list immediatly. I'm not that organized but a friend I met at Latin-Internet a few years ago also had a list of questions concerning the girls own family and her attitude towards family that he presented to his citas. It worked for him, he's been married for three years now. I think your attitude of going down to get your feet wet without a being on a mission is the best approach by far. Most end up making several to many trips. I think it takes a few trips to get your priorities sorted out once you start meeting beautifull woman from a different culture. Better line up a twelve step program for when you come back though because the addiction risk is extremely high.

... in response to Thanks Vet, posted by wizard on Jul 1, 2002

Wizard,

Really try to date some different girls so you can get a little idea about their differences.  This is an opportunity to really find out exactly what you like.  We settle so much in the US that we get used to it.  Down in Cali, you don't have to settle, you have the opportunity to find real happiness.

You can write and call them for a decade, but you don't know what is going to happen till you meet face to face.  Many guys get all hot about 1 girl before they have even met, then find they have 0 chemistry once they get down there.  You just don't know till the plane lands.  You could spend 10 minutes with her, and realize it aint going to fly.  

My wife was the 18th girl I dated.  Man I'm glad I didn't stop with the 1st.  There were many nice girls between 1 and 18.  Buy my wife and I just clicked.

And one more thing, if you realize early on that it is not working out with this girl, do not waste your whole vacation with her because you feel obligated.  Be honest, kind, and respectful, and then get on to meeting some other girls.

Have fun,
Wayne

... in response to Re: Thanks Vet, posted by Cali vet on Jul 1, 2002

LOL...you can say that again.

Did Patrick do some banning, because it's awful quiet around here?

... in response to Boo!!!!, posted by Hoda on Jul 3, 2002

Howard,
You still in Colombia?I figured you were not near a computer all the time to stay out of our recent"discussions".

Pete

... in response to My first trip to Cali coming in 2 weeks, posted by genode on Jun 30, 2002

Just like traveling to any large metropolitan area use common sense and listen to your lady.  She will know where you should and shouldn't go.  If you have to go anywhere on your own, stick to the closest shopping mall depending on where you will be staying.  Unicentro if your staying in the south, Chipichape if your staying in the north or Cosomocentro which is somewhere in between. If you are in decent shape you could climb Las Tres Cruces which gives you an incredible view of the city.  As far as being pulled aside, this being your first trip you should breeze right through.  I have a friend whose taxi was stopped just past the toll plaza on the way to the airport.  His luggage was searched by police and then he was sent on his way.  I have had more trouble getting in and out of Colombia than I have a Miami International.  My second trip to Cali ,which was five months after my first visit, I was briefly detained be DAS as they verified my passport.  The officer who detained me was very polite and the delay only lasted about ten minutes.  On my return trip this past February I was stopped and questioned by an officer of the Colombian army at the last check point before heading into the American Airlines terminal.  Again no big deal just the typical where did you stay, how long was your visit questioning.  Have fun and have a safe trip!

... in response to My first trip to Cali coming in 2 weeks, posted by genode on Jun 30, 2002

Depends which airport you are coming back through.