Medellin Traveler

Medellin Traveler says on Sep 1, 2007, 05:54:

Hello PBH members,

I just wanted to introduce myself to the forum as a new member to PBH.

Saludos,
Medellin Traveler

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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brazilianhottie says on Sep 1, 2007, 19:49:

Hello medellin traveler! I added u as one of my friends hope u dont mind! :)

Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite

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Medellin Traveler says on Sep 3, 2007, 20:55:

What Morphus said.

Did you get my pm I sent you?

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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brazilianhottie says on Sep 3, 2007, 21:08:

Medellintraveler: if referring to me in regards to the PM i did not receive it

Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite

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brazilianhottie says on Sep 3, 2007, 21:26:

No I didnt

Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite

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Medellin Traveler says on Oct 3, 2007, 20:02:

to all, jus got back from my third trip to Medellin. It just keeps getting better every trip! I have to wait until January for my next visit.

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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dwmte7 says on Oct 11, 2007, 08:58:

yo traveller...
i enjoy your posts.
about the police/military in medellin and thereabouts. this is something i can't post as it could easily prove detrimental when we're back home and up in the finca in llano grande. the police in medellin are for the most part...line and file, underpaid and very undereducated; this unfortunately, breeds a culture of bribability. nothing peculiar to colombia, but since we're involved there, it applies to conversation.

as you may know, i've been in medellin since the late '80s and have basically seen it all. from the most horrific--right in front of my eyes--to the somewhat sublime, which i've lived and enjoyed. i've known every aspect of medellin and it's surrounds from bello and the 'university of the sicarios' to eastern antioquia where the armed insurgents ARE the population and the military are the estranjeros. i've lived the high luxury of el poblado in a 5,000 ft home and i've lived alone in the mtns for 2 1/2 years. i've done manufacturing of custom furnishings--12 workshops all over the place from bello to el retiro, etc. and i've owned a bar in llano grande who's fame goes back to the early 70's. bar FLOT (federico lo tiene). my landlord, federico, grew up with pablo e. who was born on a finca in el tablaso, 2 1/2 kms away. they went to the same rural catholic school together and used to smoke dope and collec ongos magica in the fincas from the cow shit, and get high on those. then they'ld go skinny dippin in the falls which was right above my bar. fedi shared more stories than you can count
back to the police...that was an aside. out of the cities, the police are the military. and they are the 'mr. big' of traffickers in colombia. one of my regulars in FLOT was head of the **th brigade...i'm avoiding names and units for my and my families health. anyway, when you want 'blow' where do you go? to mr big. where else. they are in control of everything. this one friend of mine has about 3,500-4000 troops under his command so needless to say, he's poderoso. he used to hang out in the bar to chase the chicas and he'd ask me to use my office so he could do his 'party favors'. friends of mine told me that i needed to look out for him as he was very dangerous. i responded, on the contrary, he looks out for me...you never saw any trouble around here did you? if he wants to get high in my office, why not? i might add that he was also very generous. jaja
well, to be short, the police are very interesting and useful, but NOT to be trusted if you can't see them and even then, it's questionable. and it's really so, outside of the cities in the campo and around the fincas. they are GOD. beware.

you're right, things in and around medallo have changed for the safer/better, but in places like the mtns east of bello (univ of the sicarios), nikitau, and barrio triste, getting dead is as easy as takin a crap. never forget that.

remember, in the 80's, when pablo was still on the streets of poblado, many of which were dirt, shooting was as common as drinkin and espaldas (bodyguards) were infinitely more numerous than cops. there was a standing bounty on cops of around $4,000.00 us. so they had bulls eye drawn all over them and didn't favor coming out in public. the kids would sell toot on the street in 'folds', paper rapped, in what was called a 'fat gram' 1 1/2 grams. for about us/$1.50 and that was 'mother of pearl' not 'boot toot' which had been walked all over. that was poblado.

what you see today of poblado is a weak, vacant dream of the past. sure it's safer, but boring to tears. parke lleras was nothing but a stretch of grass with one bar in a house at the top, a juice bar on the bottom and 'la casa de los cinco puertos' over by the stream. it's still there, been there for about 50 years. it's a block or so below the body shop and it gives you an idea of poblado as it was. check it out.

well, don't know why i was prompted to share all that, but i was.

all the best,

dw

patriarch

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Mike19 says on Oct 19, 2007, 19:39:

medellin traveler - great site. I always look to read about medellin.

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MitchAlvarez says on Nov 3, 2007, 09:37:

MT are you a teacher? what is your profession?

"...Sure some people will say that you are a sexist, very generalizing and opinionated but they are you opinions and yours alone and you don't change your mind because everybody else might disagree with you. Good for you!" -PCL

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Medellin Traveler says on Nov 3, 2007, 11:58:

Hey guys,

Sorry I forget that this section is here. I was just reminded when I logged on and saw that MitchAlvarez posted on messge on my profile.

First, dwnte7
Thanks for sharing. I would definitiely like to meet up with you to hear more stories. I have a friend who is a good friend of the owner of "cinco pueretas." It was closed on the days I was in the area. I wanted to stop in and say hola.

robi66,
Yes. As I mentioned in my PM to you. It was just somewhat disturbing. All is good!

MitchAlvarez,
No I am not a teacher. I grew up on the mean streets of Chicago. I work for a Chemical Company, who as it turns out has one of the facilites in Colomba, located in Bogota. I would love to get a transfer there. I am just a guy who, for whatever reasons decided to check out what was outside of the neighborhood. I discovered Medellin, Colombia and have never felt so at home in any place in my entire life. And I love Chicago!!!

I am also a screenwriter/filmmaker, who went out to LA and made up my mind after being there for a few hours, that LA was not for me. I went back home. They invited me out again. I thought I'd check it out again, same thing. I could never live in LA, it lacks heart and soul.

We have to have a PBH meet up in January. I don't know when I should book my flight, early, middle or late January. If I can't be there for the xmas festivities, it sure would be nice to start teh New Year in Medellin!!

How are you all doing?

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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JimA says on Nov 13, 2007, 05:04:

I couldn't possibly read all of your messg's....any advice on where to stay in Medll, San Andres & Cartg??

"Life is under no obligation to give us what we want."

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carolinda says on Dec 13, 2007, 12:04:

just wanted to say hello and that i enjoy your blogspot about medellin!

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MitchAlvarez says on Dec 31, 2007, 16:37:

feliz año papa!! best of luck in 08

"...Sure some people will say that you are a sexist, very generalizing and opinionated but they are you opinions and yours alone and you don't change your mind because everybody else might disagree with you. Good for you!" -PCL

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MitchAlvarez says on Jan 1, 2008, 18:06:

when will you be in medellin again man?

"...Sure some people will say that you are a sexist, very generalizing and opinionated but they are you opinions and yours alone and you don't change your mind because everybody else might disagree with you. Good for you!" -PCL

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Medellin Traveler says on Jan 3, 2008, 17:06:

I'm back on the 21st of January!!!

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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PALEOLITICO says on Jan 10, 2008, 04:26:

Hola MT,

Gracias por el mensaje. Disculpeme por escribirle en Español, pero mi Inglés es muy limitado. No logré abrir su página web. Está seguro que la dirección está escrita correctamente?

Yo seguiré intentando abrirla. Y claro que podemos reunirnos para hablar de nuestros proyectos.

Volveré a escribirle al abrir la página

Cordialmente,

Maribel Puerta

www.paleolitico.net

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dwmte7 says on Jan 13, 2008, 10:04:

MT...as you've probably read, my computer was stolen. so keep me posted on your trip at my e address and i'll hook you up big time in llano grande. maybe i'll get you to forget medallo all together...jeje. too, when you're in lleras in poblado...don't forget to have a beer at la casa de los cinco puertos. it's the ONLY survivor of poblados' past. definitely worth the stop-by. the folks that hang there are all locals and have no 'status' bullshit to put on you. it goes back to when poblado was dirt streets. woopie!!! peace, douglas dwmte7 at yahoo.com

patriarch

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milanojps says on Jan 13, 2008, 13:24:

MT:

I see you are planning a trip to Medellin on the 21st. I hope you have a good trip. I'm thinking we can hook up when you get back. I'd love to hear about this latest trip. Peace!

Milanojps

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Medellin Traveler says on Jan 13, 2008, 15:46:

dwmte7,
Yes. Sorry to hear about your stolen computer!

I am departing on Monday 21st January. I will send you an email as well as posting here.


I stopped over at "Cinco Puertas" on my last trip but it was closed. I have a friend in Medellin that is good friends with the owner. He is going to introduce us on my next trip.

Also, appreciate all you help!

Milanojps,
Thanks. I would be more than happy to meet up upon my return.

TWO MORE DAYS!

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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MitchAlvarez says on Jan 20, 2008, 12:09:

Good luck on your trip man.

"...Sure some people will say that you are a sexist, very generalizing and opinionated but they are you opinions and yours alone and you don't change your mind because everybody else might disagree with you. Good for you!" -PCL

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Medellin Traveler says on Jan 20, 2008, 17:32:

Too bad you can't be in Medellin for the party, next time!

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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Medellin Traveler says on Jan 24, 2008, 12:36:

Estoy en MEDELLIN!

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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Mike19 says on Jan 28, 2008, 18:35:

Hi Medellin Traveler,


I heard the party was a blast - glad you guys had fun. Would like to visit sometime and hopefully join the party one day. I also shouldnt have paid you to send my friend that Ralph Lauren Perfume (I would have snet you the money). She lives in El poblado area - I can't find a website that would deliver it from the U.S.

Mike

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Medellin Traveler says on Feb 9, 2008, 19:25:

I would have been more than happy to do you the favor, maybe next time.

Yes, the party turned out to be a great success!!

I'm back home where it's been snowing like crazy, and the weather has been COLD, COLD, COLD!!!

I miss Medellin!

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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Mike19 says on Feb 10, 2008, 09:34:

Cold here also in New york :(((((((

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carolinda says on Feb 21, 2008, 23:39:

how was your trip to medellin? anything new and exciting? hows my sabaneta? hope you enjoyed every moment of it!! i went to chicago in january and it was too cold....hope it warms up soon

nice job with the medellin chatroom!!!
and i always enjoy reading your blog!! muchisimas gracias!

saludos,
carol

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DodgerDogs says on Mar 6, 2008, 14:07:

| View | Upload your own
| View | Upload your own

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.Martin Luther King:

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Lauthra (☼Travelguide writer) says on Mar 30, 2008, 22:13:

Medellin Traveler says on Mar 31, 2008, 19:24:

Hey Lauthra,

What is your background in filmmaking?

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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MitchAlvarez says on Apr 22, 2008, 08:54:

MT!! where have you been brother? youve been lost.

"...Sure some people will say that you are a sexist, very generalizing and opinionated but they are you opinions and yours alone and you don't change your mind because everybody else might disagree with you. Good for you!" -PCL

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Medellin Traveler says on Apr 23, 2008, 17:06:

MitchAlvarez -

Busy, busy, busy...... pero ahora me voy para Medellín!

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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MitchAlvarez says on Apr 23, 2008, 17:42:

que suerte papa!!
when are you leaving and for how long?

"...Sure some people will say that you are a sexist, very generalizing and opinionated but they are you opinions and yours alone and you don't change your mind because everybody else might disagree with you. Good for you!" -PCL

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Medellin Traveler says on Apr 25, 2008, 20:15:

I'm working on booking my ticket, very soon. I usually book for seven days.

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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Medellin Traveler says on May 1, 2008, 21:44:

I wón´t be planning too many trips to Medellin around holidays. Everyone seems to be busy doing something with family, not out and about town. I don´t like it when it´s quiet.

El dia de los trabajadores has shut this town down, the excitement is gone.

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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scooby_1781 (☼Travelguide writer) says on May 10, 2008, 07:30:

Medellin Traveler says on May 13, 2008, 14:25:

SOLD!

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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mcheasley says on May 25, 2008, 19:47:

MT, late last year i thought i saw you mentioning a decent driver that hablas ingles?? I need to start getting away from the taxis on my trips south.. I actually enjoy reading your comments alot on this site.. i will admit there are alot of strange ones out here, but thats what the mouse is for.. thanks, and i hope i was correct about the driver.. thanks, Mark

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Medellin Traveler says on Jun 13, 2008, 20:15:

mcheasley,

Yes. I have a very reliable driver that does not charge gringo prices and speaks fluent Ingles.

Let me know if you need more information. I sent you a PM.

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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ChinazoPavilion says on Jun 19, 2008, 00:38:

I just comment on you thread : "The Cocaine Horsemen" by Fabio Castillo. By the way is one of the best books I have ever read about drug business in chibchombia (colombia), I really enjoyed your post and I let you a comment there, please check it out. :)

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lanegrapaisa says on Jul 11, 2008, 23:51:

I haven't seen you anywhere, getting ready to drink aguardiente? you know you owe me one!

oh that cement is just, it's there for the weight, dear

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Medellin Traveler says on Jul 16, 2008, 19:18:

One, two, three, cuatro, cinco, ses.......... AGUARDIENTES!

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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derailment says on Jul 19, 2008, 09:27:

Hey medellin traveler thanks for the add, I'm going back to medallo next month for a week wanna come with??

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Medellin Traveler says on Jul 23, 2008, 17:47:

D-

When are you going back?

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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coffee beaner says on Jul 23, 2008, 20:04:

Que mas Medallo Traveler... bien o que?

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ibemeubeu9001 says on Jul 26, 2008, 10:28:

Thank you, for the great band, I really enjoyed all of your writings.......Keep the music comming please........ibemeubeu9001

I just happen to be from Long Beach,CA, and I love visiting South America, My first visit was to Bogota, Ibaque, and Cucuta and not being a spanish speaking person, I had a great time. Would I travel to South America again, You Bet! The people are wonde

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Medellin Traveler says on Jul 27, 2008, 19:31:

a mis amigos los paisa nos vemos pronto por halla!

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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MitchAlvarez says on Jun 23, 2009, 12:46:

going thru all your comments i must conclude you have the best pictures of my medellin hermoso that i have seen online thus far man.

thanks for alll the good stuff

"...Sure some people will say that you are a sexist, very generalizing and opinionated but they are you opinions and yours alone and you don't change your mind because everybody else might disagree with you. Good for you!" -PCL

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MitchAlvarez says on Jun 29, 2009, 18:39:

mt i called you today. donde andas?

"...Sure some people will say that you are a sexist, very generalizing and opinionated but they are you opinions and yours alone and you don't change your mind because everybody else might disagree with you. Good for you!" -PCL

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Medellin Traveler says on Aug 9, 2009, 13:56:

.... this is only a test.

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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juli says on Aug 13, 2009, 06:14:

The guy in your avatar is a scream. I see him on Avianca 42/43 all the time around la navidad. Parading up and down the aisles talking to everyone, making a spectacle of himself - on the plane! Que marica!

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Medellin Traveler says on Aug 30, 2009, 15:53:

The guy is a very flambouyant character, for sure. I snapped his picture when he was walking alongside the Chiva parade during the festival of flowers.

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

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