How Safe is Cali?

[Rogbo]

Wow! sailover that is a little negative for you. I came to the same conclusions last June after 3 months of finishing and furnishing my apartment. When June 15th came I was ready for a change. Spending the summer in Colorado was refreshing, I think for me and the immediate future, Cali in moderation. I will say it again, that my hat is off to those of you that do business down here.

[rivardco]

Once you find that special spring of life that Cali can give you, most other places lack a certain something...

That is not enough to cause a permanent blind spot to the negative factors discussed above.

The best solution? Rogbo hit it - Cali in moderation.

[JMitch1959]

I´ve never had a problem. I enjoy visiting Cali. The weather´s great; never cold. The taxis are cheap, and plentiful, and the natives are friendly. The malls are the nicest I´ve been to. My son loves the rides at Chiape Chape. UniCentro is extraordinary too. There´a a neat finca/parque, Yaku. near Cali where pony rides are $2, And a 30 minute ride on a horse is about $6. It´s near Cali. and woth a visit.

Cali is off the beaten path. and not many gringos visit. and that´s probably a good thing. My favorite hotel is Pension Stein. It´s an 80 year old mansion turned in to a hotel. It´s reasonable with good food. The owner is also the Swiss Consul, and has his office at the hotel. He speaks good English.

The pretty women don´t seem as numerous as before, but I´m married anyway, so that´s probably a good thing. I like the politeness of the people and the family oriented culture.
I´m not interested in doing business in Cali, but if I were I might open an ice cream store. Lots of business, simple, and high profit margins. Ice cream is to Cali, what coffee is to Seattle.

The zoo is also the nicest I´ve been too.

[TBOND]

Sailvover, i was thinking the same thing as rogbo..are you getting a little jadded living in cali now? I know you were one of the few on th board who always praised living there. I am visiting periera in a few weeks and asked my wife if she wanted to visit her brother in cali.. And she told me cali is a little dangerous rigth now..more than usual.

[rivardco]

I agree with the positive AND negative sentiments expressed recently. How does the current situation in Medellin differ in these regards?

[Rogbo]

Tbond will you ask your wife, why it is a little more dangerous than usual? well known that muggings go up around Christmas, But mid February? guess bad boys have familys to buy for to.

[TBOND]

Rogbo, I am going to do just that. Not sure if the danger is drug related or just an increase in stick ups. My wife has family and friends there and in the barrio when there is an increase in activity you know. I am probably going to Cali for a day or two regardless, I have been there many times over the years and have never had any incidents thank God.

[RXD]

It is a massive country. If you are new there, it is not safe for you. You should be much careful. It all depends on how you behave.

[varrlock]

; I think you must go! I have a Friend from NYC, he es gringo and went, and he said that region its beautiful!!

And I will try to explain about paisas: All people from "viejo caldas" Coffe region, are before Antioquia (capital of Medelin) and most of ours parents and grandp are from Antioquia; we have the same rots, and the same acento, and culture.
Hope to understandme!
And I ask again..How old are Tinto! ---and how old you gays think I am??

[Rogbo]

Yeah guerilla activity and kidnapping are down since the early 2000s. But street crime here in Cali is ever present, many bad boys out there that are willing to hurt or kill you for the contents of your pocket, be careful.

RDX, same cautions apply to us older guys……..

Since I returned to Cali last month I have noticed the Police presence here in the restaurant/Disco district of Granada has increased. Two years ago in December there where 3 armed robbery’s in one week within a block of my apartastudio.