First time to Cali questions..

[TheGuapoGringo]

Hello all- I'm in Ecuador right now (been here almost three months) and leaving for Cali on Thursday. I might be visiting, I might be moving there for a while. I guess it will depend on how much I like it.

Unfortunately I don't know much Spanish but I am planning on taking a class when I get there.

So I have some questions I'm hoping you all can help me with.

1.) Are there any Gringo hangouts that I can go to to help get me situated?

2.) Are women friendly in Cali? I've found in Ecuador that the only women who are friendly are the people selling you things. Store owners, waitresses, etc.

3.) Do many people speak English in Cali? I'm sort of getting the impression they do not.

4.) Are there many gringo's in Cali? About how many would you say? And do gringo's actually talk to each other in Cali? haha- here in Ecuador gringo's seem to avoid each other like the plague.

Thanks to all who answer! Now for some beer...

[John Wayne]

Read a newspaper every day, get a pocket dictionary for translations, they only use the same 500 words over and over.....

Find a walking dictionary, (Girlfriend).....

Watch stupidass shows on the TV that you know in English (My favorite was the 3 stooges translated to Spanish)

And don't worry about other Gringos, they for the most part are in their own little worlds...

Believe me you will make friends, be yourself, if you meet others of a like mind, which you will in Latin America, then you will know you are on the right track....

[Rogbo]

Greetings and welcome to GT
No real gringo hangout that I am aware of in Cali, and if there where I would avoid it, as it would certainly be a target for evil doers. If your intent to meet other Gringos is for guidance, try the larger shopping malls, Chipechape being the most popular.
There are several people on GT living in Cali, that would be happy to offer there knowledge and experience.

Many of the women in Cali are very friendly and charming.

There are not many people who speak English in Cali.

It appears to me that over the past 10 years, Cali has evolved from a place known world wide for the beauty and elegance of the women who live here. And the draw for foreign men was to find a wife. Today it seems to me as more of a international sex destination.

I would not say that there are many Gringos here, Cali is not a big tourist destination, most that I meet are young single men. Guess it would depend on how you define many.
I think I know what you mean about the friendliness of other Gringos and I think some of it stems from security reasons. Guys are cautious here with good reason.
perhaps a bit of competition, like putting two bulls in the same pen. Plus I have met some real social misfits here.

[Heat]

Cali Plaza Hotel is owned by an American and many gringos stay there. Very nice and you can always find a gringo there. Check it out.

[rivardco]

No to very little Spanish in Cali.

Girls are very very friendly. Pretty girls are common. Nice, smart, sincere women much more rare.

Gringo Hangout? Wrong direction, brother. SOME gringos - 5% are great. The others, the vast majority, will weigh you down in many ways. Go to Chippechape Mall to get your bearings. I have a friend who has helped many gringos in the past. His web site is JCcali.com He is a straight shooter.

Have fun

[rpcv]

Originally Posted by TheGuapoGringo

Hello all- I'm in Ecuador right now (been here almost three months) and leaving for Cali on Thursday. I might be visiting, I might be moving there for a while. I guess it will depend on how much I like it. Unfortunately I don't know much Spanish but I am planning on taking a class when I get there.

So I have some questions I'm hoping you all can help me with.

1.) Are there any Gringo hangouts that I can go to to help get me situated?

If you hang around ChipeChape mall in the north, you are bound to run into some Gringos. Personally, the majority of the ones I have met in my travels to Colombia were not that serious so I would advise to proceed with caution in that regard. Besides, if you want to hang with Gringos, the USA is a better place.

2.) Are women friendly in Cali? I've found in Ecuador that the only women who are friendly are the people selling you things. Store owners, waitresses, etc.

Women are friendly in Cali, but they are also friendly in other cities in Colombia as well. It helps if you like to dance or at least are willing to give it a try. =)

3.) Do many people speak English in Cali? I'm sort of getting the impression they do not.

My experience is that many do not speak English but if you visit language schools, and universities, you will meet those that do speak some English. I have met many so called, " Colombian tour guides", but I highly recommend Oscar who can be reached at leo_xv@hotmail.com
(PM me for his phone number)

He is the best in my opinion, will not overcharge you or try to get you to pay for his dinner (and wife's) on translation dates, and has his own car. He and his wife both speak great English and are very down to earth. He will not set you up with women or make crazy promises. He only charges for translation/driving per hour, and also provides invaluable knowledge about Cali and Colombia. You will not find a more honest person as well as a Colombian that won't try to rip you off.

[TheWix]

Thank you rpcv. That wiil help me too. I hope it's OK if I call him too.

[rpcv]

Originally Posted by TheWix

Thank you rpcv. That wiil help me too. I hope it's OK if I call him too.

Sure, it's no problem to contact him. I believe he still charges $7 an hour too. That amount includes driving around town in Cali, and translation. All for $7 an hour. Other so called guides in Cali charge separately for translation and driving, or make you pay for taxis, their meals, etc.

[Lawki]

I have been here in Cali for 3 Months teaching English but honestly from what I have seen there are better places to visit.I personally want to go to medellin and cartagena.
I live here in Cali now so if you need any advice or just want to get a beer let me know,

[ARGUS]

Lawki 3 months is a respectable amount of time to get your feet wet, I'm always interested in different perceptions, from what I read from Calipro he's living the life, how are the women treating you.?