Post: #26

I haev read the 3 datasheets. There was not much info on Cartagena. I can pretty much say based on the data sheets it is safe to eliminate Santa Marta thought I will still spend a few days there just to see it.

Are there any other major cities i should visit that involve beaches? If it is just those 3 I will visit all 3 but concentrate my time in Cartagena and Barranquilla. What are some other major cities (besdies Cali, Melledin & Bogota) or is it forum approproiate for me to start a new thread for that question?

Post: #27

(07-12-2011 09:39 AM)Dash Global Wrote:  Fad3r,

Glad you enjoyed my info. I tried to keep it quick and to the point.

From what you just wrote im gonna have to recommend Cartagena. It has everything you are looking for. Only thing is in Cartagena there is places that are not cheap so you will need to know how & where to find the cheaper accommodations, food, ect. Dont go to Boca Grande thinking to secure a cheap condo on the beach front! lol

Suerte!

Thanks man! I am looking to move to Colombia eventually so I will have to figure out the real estate issue. I looked into how much real estate costa and it is fairly cheap then where I am from (Mahattan).

Any info you could provide to be helpful would be super appreciated.

Best!

Post: #28

(07-12-2011 09:41 AM)fad3r Wrote:  I haev read the 3 datasheets. There was not much info on Cartagena.

My Cartagena breakdown:

/thread-1833.h...=cartagena

As a side note:

I did not see many Americans at all in Cartagena.

Post: #29

(07-12-2011 09:58 AM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  

(07-12-2011 09:41 AM)fad3r Wrote:  I haev read the 3 datasheets. There was not much info on Cartagena.

My Cartagena breakdown:

/thread-1833.h...=cartagena

As a side note:

I did not see many Americans at all in Cartagena.

I just read the thread. THanks for this. It was really helpful.

3 questions:
01) What was the problem with the beach
02) Have you travelled to other places in Colombia yet (you rated it a B+)
03) Haev you had any new thoughts since the thread?

Btw that thread was great

I posted in this thread instead of yours just because this one is more current.

Post: #30

fad -

01) What was the problem with the beach

Water is clear. Sand kind of weesh. Lots of cats trying to sell you crap.

I actually liked the beach as opposed to most people on here. And I have spent almost all my life in beachtowns/cities so I could be what you would call a "beach connoisseur".

I have noticed that many people that didn't grow up at the beach, have a very different view point on what a "beach" should be, so keep this in mind.

However, it is more of a chill and smoke a grit beach than a swim and lay out or surf beach (minimal waves, although I bet sometimes there is potential).

Also, you will see fisherman bringing in their daily catches, which is dope. At least in my book.

02) Have you travelled to other places in Colombia yet (you rated it a B+)

Bogota.

Yeah, I still dig Cartagena. I would say it is definitely livable. At least for 6 months.

03) Haev you had any new thoughts since the thread?

Not much.

My verdict still stands.

Post: #31

http://wikitravel.org/en/El_Parque_Tayrona

http://www.google.com.co/search?hl=es&xh...afe=active

Tayrona is a national park, maybe one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. It is close to Santa Marta.

Cartagena had too much of a superficial Miami vibe for me, mixed with a permanent tourist culture. It is a spectacular place to visit, but the idea of living there permanently didn't really appeal to me.

I agree with G on the beaches, especially the annoying people trying to sell you crap all the time. They will steal anything they can too, even your three-dollar flip-flops.

Barranquilla smells in certain dicey neighborhoods, but overall it's fine for your nose. It´s similar to Cartagena in certain ways, except there's not much for tourists to do there so they don't go that often, and it's more laid-back (other than Carnaval). Food is good in both Cartagena and Barranquilla.

Post: #32

Also, you said: I am kind of over citylife however if I am forced to choose a city in Colombia because everything else does not work out I will be looking at Melledin though I hear it is gringo infested and the locals hate the gringos.

This is waaaaaay overblown. Miraflores in Lima is gringo-infested, Medellin doesn't even come close. And the locals were pretty friendly to me...who told you they hate them?

If you are over city life, maybe Santa Marta is not a bad option. I myself like museums, concerts, a wide selection of partying options, and restaurants, which Santa Marta is not really known for. If you just wanna get high and surf, Santa Marta is probably a good bet.

Post: #33

I dont know if the women look good enough in Santa Marta for him to want to live there..... lol

I was highly disappointed in the general appearance of the women there.

Post: #34

(07-12-2011 10:21 AM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  fad -

01) What was the problem with the beach

Water is clear. Sand kind of weesh. Lots of cats trying to sell you crap.

I actually liked the beach as opposed to most people on here. And I have spent almost all my life in beachtowns/cities so I could be what you would call a "beach connoisseur".

I have noticed that many people that didn't grow up at the beach, have a very different view point on what a "beach" should be, so keep this in mind.

However, it is more of a chill and smoke a grit beach than a swim and lay out or surf beach (minimal waves, although I bet sometimes there is potential).

Also, you will see fisherman bringing in their daily catches, which is dope. At least in my book.

02) Have you travelled to other places in Colombia yet (you rated it a B+)

Bogota.

Yeah, I still dig Cartagena. I would say it is definitely livable. At least for 6 months.

03) Haev you had any new thoughts since the thread?

Not much.

My verdict still stands.

Make sense. Just like danger & price are relative. I got a hard lesson on this in Costa Rica when we were told that if we went to El Pueblo in San Jose we would undoubteldy be robbed and this couldnt be further from the truth. Maybe for stupid Gringos trying to buy blow & flashing dollars.

What do you rate Bogota?

(07-12-2011 10:31 AM)Ajiaco Wrote:  http://wikitravel.org/en/El_Parque_Tayrona

http://www.google.com.co/search?hl=es&xh...afe=active

Tayrona is a national park, maybe one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. It is close to Santa Marta.

Cartagena had too much of a superficial Miami vibe for me, mixed with a permanent tourist culture. It is a spectacular place to visit, but the idea of living there permanently didn't really appeal to me.

I agree with G on the beaches, especially the annoying people trying to sell you crap all the time. They will steal anything they can too, even your three-dollar flip-flops.

Barranquilla smells in certain dicey neighborhoods, but overall it's fine for your nose. It´s similar to Cartagena in certain ways, except there's not much for tourists to do there so they don't go that often, and it's more laid-back (other than Carnaval). Food is good in both Cartagena and Barranquilla.

Hey man & thanks again for the response and for doing the reseach for me. I should have looked that up myself. Miami is a city I really like so that might work for me (I am from NYC and travel and party a lot in Miami). I will have to see how annoying the beach people are. In Costa Rica all they did was try to sell us weed, mushrooms and surf lessons (in that order actually).

I will def look into Barranquilla. Does the beach have waves? I am trying to learn to surf. Also is it cheaper? I understand the girls are more attractive?

Thanks again!

Post: #35

(07-12-2011 10:37 AM)Ajiaco Wrote:  Also, you said: I am kind of over citylife however if I am forced to choose a city in Colombia because everything else does not work out I will be looking at Melledin though I hear it is gringo infested and the locals hate the gringos.

This is waaaaaay overblown. Miraflores in Lima is gringo-infested, Medellin doesn't even come close. And the locals were pretty friendly to me...who told you they hate them?

If you are over city life, maybe Santa Marta is not a bad option. I myself like museums, concerts, a wide selection of partying options, and restaurants, which Santa Marta is not really known for. If you just wanna get high and surf, Santa Marta is probably a good bet.

It is from what i have read on various messageboards. I am in the process of doing research. I won't know for myself until I hit the ground and do the recon myself. This is all cursory right now.

It appears I am getting mixed responses on what there is to do in Santa Marta. How much does it cost as opposed to Cartagena and Barranquilla. I looked at real estate (cursory research) in Cartagena and it is not that expensive.

(07-12-2011 10:40 AM)Dash Global Wrote:  I dont know if the women look good enough in Santa Marta for him to want to live there..... lol

I was highly disappointed in the general appearance of the women there.

Yeah taht would be a deal breaker. I would like good looking girls i am only in my 30s and want to party a bit before i settle down.

Based on what I have gotten from this thread and others it is looks like this

Caratgena: Most expensive, hot girls, super touristy, things to do

Barranquilla: Not many tourtists, cheapest, party city, hot girls, not much to do

Santa Marta: Best as far as beaches and being a city that is touristy but not as Miami like as Cartagena but not as City like as Barranquilla and pricewise someherew in the middle.

Does this appear accurate?

Post: #36

None of those beaches have regularly surf-able waves.

And like I said, Quilla beaches (not sure if you can even call them that) leave much to be desired. Better off jumping on a short bus ride to Cartagena or Santa Marta if you wanna hit up a beach.

Quilla is great for women, gringo novelty, and nightlife. If you are expecting anything else than you will most likely be disappointed

Post: #37

I would rate your summaries as more or less accurate, although I think Santa Marta was cheaper than Barranquilla. Not by much though.

/thread-3030.html

I live in Bogota, it's not near a beach, the weather is like permanent October, but as far as stuff to do this place blows anyplace else in Colombia away. People are a little more uptight though.

Post: #38

Beaches in Barranquilla are a joke. Locals even think their beaches suck. Santa Marta is probable the cheapest bc it is by far the smallest of the three. Personally I could not live fulltime in any of the three cities.

Hope you speak Spanish

Post: #39

(07-12-2011 10:47 AM)Dash Global Wrote:  None of those beaches have regularly surf-able waves.

And like I said, Quilla beaches (not sure if you can even call them that) leave much to be desired. Better off jumping on a short bus ride to Cartagena or Santa Marta if you wanna hit up a beach.

Quilla is great for women, gringo novelty, and nightlife. If you are expecting anything else than you will most likely be disappointed

That blows. You said it is only an hour. I suppose i could live in Cartagena and party in Baranquilla if I wanted.

(07-12-2011 10:49 AM)Ajiaco Wrote:  I would rate your summaries as more or less accurate, although I think Santa Marta was cheaper than Barranquilla. Not by much though.

/thread-3030.html

I live in Bogota, it's not near a beach, the weather is like permanent October, but as far as stuff to do this place blows anyplace else in Colombia away. People are a little more uptight though.

I am definitely going to visit Bogota on my trip. What made you choose that over a Melledin or Cali (which seem to the other major cities) Was it that there was so much to do?

Post: #40

Without some spanish ur gonna have a hard time gaming and bedding regular chicks. if u aint getting no action from the regular chicks then hit up the strip clubs ect. bound to get some action there albeit for a small price or free if you look good with alil swag.

Post: #41

There's more jobs here, and I was looking to teach English originally. I found a job here quite easily, and then I found friends and got used to the place. Medellin is great too, I had a blast there, probably could live there as well, but as far as things to do and culture Bogota wins no contest. Medellin has better weather and friendlier people though. Cali is okay too, but it has much less going on.

Still, I've been in Bogota three years now, and sometimes I feel like I have only scratched the surface. A lot of layers to peel back here, and there's always something new to explore.

Post: #42

"What do you rate Bogota?"

B+ as well, but for totally different reasons.

Bogota is livable for sure.

Post: #43

(07-12-2011 11:15 AM)redneckpunk Wrote:  Beaches in Barranquilla are a joke. Locals even think their beaches suck. Santa Marta is probable the cheapest bc it is by far the smallest of the three. Personally I could not live fulltime in any of the three cities.

Hope you speak Spanish

Why could you not live in any of the three? Where else have you visisted in Colombia? I will be fluent before i move there. I am working my way to fluency now

Post: #44

(07-12-2011 11:24 AM)Dash Global Wrote:  Without some spanish ur gonna have a hard time gaming and bedding regular chicks. if u aint getting no action from the regular chicks then hit up the strip clubs ect. bound to get some action there albeit for a small price or free if you look good with alil swag.

I will be able to speak spanish and I have ok game. I am pretty well versed in pickup techinques and tactics.

(07-12-2011 11:26 AM)Ajiaco Wrote:  There's more jobs here, and I was looking to teach English originally. I found a job here quite easily, and then I found friends and got used to the place. Medellin is great too, I had a blast there, probably could live there as well, but as far as things to do and culture Bogota wins no contest. Medellin has better weather and friendlier people though. Cali is okay too, but it has much less going on.

Still, I've been in Bogota three years now, and sometimes I feel like I have only scratched the surface. A lot of layers to peel back here, and there's always something new to explore.

That's very interesting. Thanks for sharing that. I will defintiely be cruising through all 3 of the cities you mentionted without a doubt. Maybe when I get there I can buy you a beer for all your help

(07-12-2011 11:29 AM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  "What do you rate Bogota?"

B+ as well, but for totally different reasons.

Bogota is livable for sure.

What are the reasons if you don't mind sharing

Post: #45

(07-12-2011 11:30 AM)fad3r Wrote:  

(07-12-2011 11:15 AM)redneckpunk Wrote:  Beaches in Barranquilla are a joke. Locals even think their beaches suck. Santa Marta is probable the cheapest bc it is by far the smallest of the three. Personally I could not live fulltime in any of the three cities.

Hope you speak Spanish

Why could you not live in any of the three? Where else have you visisted in Colombia? I will be fluent before i move there. I am working my way to fluency now

Santa Marta is too boring, Barranquilla is a shithole. Cartagena just didn't click with me for living. Weather in all of them I don't like. I have only visited the coast. If I had to pick one I would pick Cartagena, but I am certainly not an expert on the place.

Post: #46

(07-12-2011 11:42 AM)redneckpunk Wrote:  

(07-12-2011 11:30 AM)fad3r Wrote:  

(07-12-2011 11:15 AM)redneckpunk Wrote:  Beaches in Barranquilla are a joke. Locals even think their beaches suck. Santa Marta is probable the cheapest bc it is by far the smallest of the three. Personally I could not live fulltime in any of the three cities.

Hope you speak Spanish

Why could you not live in any of the three? Where else have you visisted in Colombia? I will be fluent before i move there. I am working my way to fluency now

Santa Marta is too boring, Barranquilla is a shithole. Cartagena just didn't click with me for living. Weather in all of them I don't like. I have only visited the coast. If I had to pick one I would pick Cartagena, but I am certainly not an expert on the place.

Thanks dude. I appreciate the feedback & honesty. I will peep all 3, Melledin, Bogata & Cali. Probably spend a week in each or make adjustments based on how the trip is going.

Post: #47

"What are the reasons if you don't mind sharing"

I guess I should have said "on a different grading scale"

I give Bogota a B+, based on it being a big South American city.

I give Cartagena a B+, based on being a South American beach town.

The comparing the two is like mangoes and papayas.

Post: #48

Gmanifesto would you say that cartagena has as many chicks with nice booties as the ones in santo domingo (be it dark skin or mullatas)?

I want to check out cartagena but i want to make sure that i will have fun, i would be glad to hear what you have to say or anybody who is been there and is into phat booty chicks

Post: #49

pitt -

Never been to Santo Domingo. Only the north coast of DR.

But yes, the girls in Carta have dope asses.

The dark skinned thing in Carta is also kind of overplayed I think. At least in my experience.

The girls I swooped there were light skinned.

The trick in Carta is sifting through the hookys.

I would honestly be surprised if anyone could have a bad time there. Great food, clubs open all night, beautiful architecture, fly girls and beaches.

That is a recipe for a good time if I have ever heard one.

Or maybe I am just easy to please. Ha.

Post: #50

Yeah, filtering the pros from the non-pros is a very exhausting task itself in CTG. More than 50% of girls in venues are pros from pure observations I made. Even girls from other cities of Colombia race to CTG to pro it out a few days and get some gringo $$$.

Mixx