The MetroCable

[Jook]

Originally Posted by LastLion

Jook, I think the fact that you were straight up, is why oyu are where you are right now. I have tried all methods being straight up, some times just not saying anything, but honestly the striaght up deal is what makes it a serious ventrure!

Good Luck, I guess you liked medellin (at least more than bogota) I am kinda wondering what you really like in a city??
I liiiiiiiiike medellin!!!!!

I think luck played a BIG part. And I suppose having realistic expectations. I'm not saying you don't, but my guess is that some guys think that being an American and/or rich make them a catch for virtually any woman. Claudia Milena is 30 years old with 2 kids (only 1 will come to the US). She is not a 10 in looks and frankly, I'd be suspicious of anyone who is a 10 wanting me. -) What I'm saying is that a lot of Americans would pass her up without a thought. The fact that she has a heart of gold and a great personality would be overlooked.

As for cities, I can't say I like too many. I'd move from NY in a heartbeat if work didn't tie me to the area.

Another random thought. I've noticed a disproportionate number of overweight people (bordering on obesity) here in Medellin.... not that I'm one to talk. This is very sad. And I thought it was mostly the US that had such a problem. The typical diet seems heart-attack inducing. I can't believe huevos are served at every meal, not to mention that everything is seemingly fried. Diet soda (or diet anything) seems to be an alien concept.

[Tinto]

I went on the newer and second Metro Cable in Medellin yesterday. This cable is about five or six months old and is located at the Estacion San Javier. It is longer than the first cable at Estacion Madera and offers a different view of the city. It first goes up one mountainside and then descends into a short valley before climbing another one to finish at the third stop off point.

I noticed that only two persons inside our eight person gondola actually got out at one of the three stops. The other people were probably taking a cheap Sunday afternoon excursion with family and friends just like I was and rode it back down to the Metro before exiting.

I took some cell phone photos and videos to share with those interested in if I can figure out my new phone's bluetooth works and how to upload on YouTube. Like the other Metro Cable it services some poor barrios and is built over some very poor homes. On a clear day the views of the valley are very impressive.

Tinto gives it a thumbs up for places to see and things to do while in Medellin.

No need to reinvent the wheel as I found a few videos of the ride and the view over on youTube.

Here's one such link:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=67PtTmknPi4&NR=1

[Flaco]

Jook,

There are some mountain trails to run up and down, on the edge of the "balen" province of the city, not sure if I spelled it right, but it is opposite poblado, on the other side of the airport in the city. Lots of people hike and or jog up the mountain, 3 crosses at the top, and a refreshment stand is open on weekends. The air is fresh. Also a bike route around the local airport, air quality no so good down there. I did both metro cables last summer, loved it, very nice view. Shame a ghetto lines the river on the longer lift.

[GrizGator]

If you ever go to Medellin, the cables are recommended by me as well. Like Tinto, I rode both cables. The first one that Jook mentions is nice because there's lots to see and you can get off at the top and have a drink. I felt safe (didn't stray too far from the landing) and the people were friendly and curious. The second cable is equally interesting, although different (as Tinto describes above). Great view, but the station at the top is in the middle of no where right now (but I suspect building will eventually become). It's a stop where you stay for a few minutes to enjoy the view and take pictures and then you got back down. When on the cables, be sure to look down at the rooftops. Notice the folks who raise chicken and other animals (including pigs!) on the rooftop. Look at the winding road and the buses as they try to make their way up the hills.

The best part of my travels on the rail and the cables were the people. People were generally friendly and tried to speak to me, especially if they knew a little English and wanted to practice. I got the impression that they didn't see gringos very often on public transportation. You also get a lot of curious looks from the kids....and I got the feeling that the teenage girls enjoyed flirting with the gringos with their eyes.

Medellin is a place I really enjoy. Hope to get back there again some day and spend more time with the Botero statues in downtown.

Griz

[Tinto]

Good comments Griz,

I too noticed the poor barrios below the MetroCable. The San Javier cable seemed to be located in a poorer barrio than the other one. I was surprised of the location because like you said it seemed to go nowhere and thought that for the cost of construction it presently serves very few people. I have no doubt though in a short time there will be a lot of new construction in that area.

BTW, don't forget to walk up on the other side of the station to the library. Next to it there is a prison for women that looked somewhat grim and sequestered behind those tall walls.

Unlike you, I found that while traveling on the Metro most people were very quiet and kept to themselves. I got lots of looks but have never been approached by someone wanting to start up a conversation. Maybe it's because I have the face only a mother could love.

[flashnicky58]

[It is trully a wonderful ride. I went with a date up to the top and walked around. The biblioteca or library was worth walking around. I was surprise the only English books they had were Shakespeare and Eger Allen Poe (why??). The ride is a most. It is part of the fee with the metro system and is fun. There are two different cable car rides of the mountians. It was a good memeory of my trip to Medellian.

[flashnicky58]

I am very sorry to hear about the TB with your girlfriend.

I will be traveling in two months to Bogota (maybe) with two friends. Can you recommend an agencies there that will not rip off your money? I found one on the Interent that charges ridiculous prices for membership and then a fee to be introduced to ladies.

Thanks.

Best regards for your girlfriend .