I bought a ticket to fly to Cali and will be staying from 25 Feb. to 11 March. I plan to go to Cali, Barranquilla, and Cartagena. I have read posts here and I bought Lonely Planet's book on the country. My questions:

1. I have no problem wearing short pants (not dockers or denim, but black drawstring like you wear to topless places in the USA)in Mexico or Costa Rica, but would I have a lot of problems in either Cali, Cartagena, or Barranquilla? If you can wear something like this, is it okay for day or night?

2. I have enough sense to take a cab at night; but are there any parts of these towns to avoid at daytime? Any cabs to avoid? Is there a place online to find decent maps (with street names)of any of these cities? Safe to walk down the street in short pants (like the comfort too)?

3. My spanish is far from perfect but I can get by without a looking up words in a dictionary or drawing pictures and using sign language; but is it safe to take an EARLY bus between Cali & Cartagena, Cartagena & Barranquilla, Barranquilla back to Cali? Or just fuck it, be safe, and fly between the cities? I would like to see the countryside and talk with people on the bus, but if that's not going to be worth it...

4. For the three cities I want to visit, I don't think I need a jacket (not going to Bogota); but is it something that's required in clubs or restaurants? I plan to take 1 carryon bag and maybe a collapsible duffelbag for souveniers. I hate when airlines lose shit and would rather watch what I have, not to mention I'd rather be able to watch one bag if I did happen to travel by bus. I will be taking 1 pair blue jeans, 1 pair dockers, swim trunks, and maybe a pair of short pants. I'll be taking a few casual shirts but would rather not take anything that I'd have to wear a tie with. A bit more of a mongering trip, but I DO have a few girls in Barranquilla that I am writing and if you think I should dress like I'm going to an interview (button-up dress shirt and tie), I can. Biggest reason I don't want to is if I do, I'll probably have to take 2 bags rather than just carryon. I could use the 2nd duffel for clothes and take older dress shirts and just leave them behind. I bet you're all thinking like Cartman on Southpark, "Sonofabitch Kenny, why are your parents so damned poor!!!!"

5. I'll be taking some athletic shoes and beach sandals, but as far as leather dress/casual shoes, should you wear socks or not? What are the best colors/styles? I found something that is a shiny brown/black color that'll go with jeans or slacks and is a laceup with thick soles, kind of like a rapper would wear (ha ha ha) at the mall. The 21 year old girl there said it's what she liked.

Let me know what you think.

coyotelove

Does the sign Gringo Tourist come with the outfit? I, personally, would stick to long pants except Cartagena in the daytime.

1. I have no problem wearing short pants (not dockers or denim, but black drawstring like you wear to topless places in the USA)in Mexico or Costa Rica, but would I have a lot of problems in either Cali, Cartagena, or Barranquilla? If you can wear something like this, is it okay for day or night?

2. I have enough sense to take a cab at night; but are there any parts of these towns to avoid at daytime? Any cabs to avoid? Is there a place online to find decent maps (with street names)of any of these cities? Safe to walk down the street in short pants (like the comfort too)?

Lots of places(neighborhoods) but we do not have roome to list them here. Cabs, I would take one that have telephone numbers on the side like 444444, 6666666, etc. Find a driver you like, in your case one who speaks some English, and stick with him. All have cell phones so you can give him a call or make prior arrangements.

Lets see, it takes about 20 hours from Cartagena to Bogatá and another 10/12 hours to Cali. Tha's a longggggggggggggg time on a bus. Better off to fly. Checkout the Discover Colombia airpass available from Avianca

3. My spanish is far from perfect but I can get by without a looking up words in a dictionary or drawing pictures and using sign language; but is it safe to take an EARLY bus between Cali & Cartagena, Cartagena & Barranquilla, Barranquilla back to Cali? Or just fuck it, be safe, and fly between the cities? I would like to see the countryside and talk with people on the bus, but if that's not going to be worth it...

You can get along with out the suit/tie/jacket. Cartagena is hot and very humid and you will go through clothes faster than you think. IMHO, unless your want to look like a German backpacker, take more clothing.

4. For the three cities I want to visit, I don't think I need a jacket (not going to Bogota); but is it something that's required in clubs or restaurants? I plan to take 1 carryon bag and maybe a collapsible duffelbag for souveniers. I hate when airlines lose shit and would rather watch what I have, not to mention I'd rather be able to watch one bag if I did happen to travel by bus. I will be taking 1 pair blue jeans, 1 pair dockers, swim trunks, and maybe a pair of short pants. I'll be taking a few casual shirts but would rather not take anything that I'd have to wear a tie with. A bit more of a mongering trip, but I DO have a few girls in Barranquilla that I am writing and if you think I should dress like I'm going to an interview (button-up dress shirt and tie), I can. Biggest reason I don't want to is if I do, I'll probably have to take 2 bags rather than just carryon. I could use the 2nd duffel for clothes and take older dress shirts and just leave them behind. I bet you're all thinking like Cartman on Southpark, "Sonofabitch Kenny, why are your parents so damned poor!!!!"

See answer to #4

5. I'll be taking some athletic shoes and beach sandals, but as far as leather dress/casual shoes, should you wear socks or not? What are the best colors/styles? I found something that is a shiny brown/black color that'll go with jeans or slacks and is a laceup with thick soles, kind of like a rapper would wear (ha ha ha) at the mall. The 21 year old girl there said it's what she liked.

Hope this helps and no offense intended

A la orden

Gator

Cali is hot. I only wore shorts during the days, and had no problem meeting tons of girls. If you are not too old, and good enough looking and in shape, and have some game, you can wear shorts (not bathing suits).

At night, you need to wear jeans or slacks, unless you're with your gf.

Coyotelove & Gator:

1. There would be no problem wearing shorts in Ctg or Baq in the daytime, I would wear jeans or trousers for the evening though. Can't comment on Cali.

2. I would get local advice on the ground regarding taxis.

3. I would fly between Cali and Ctg, also between Baq and Cali on safety grounds and the amount of time it would take. I would take a bus or taxi in the DAYTIME between Ctg and Baq.

4. No need for a jacket, if you need more clothes, I would buy them in Colombia and then put them in your collapsible bag on your return journey with any souveniers.

5. Whatever you want.

Gator Bruce has asked you to e-mail him again, the silly b..... has lost your e-mail, I feel like a matchmaker between the two of you.

Hunter

I see that Medellin is pretty warm, but I see in many pictures, guys wearing long sleeve shirts and Colombians wearing coats.

I have read that the temperature goes to 60 - 65 F. Does it get colder than that ? Otherwise, its all short sleeves for me.

Short sleaves will be fine at the bottom of the valley, the further you go up the mountain in the evening the colder it gets.

I have seen snow on the top of the mountain a few times in the daytime.

Hunter

Hunter,

Spent Semana Santa near Barbosa. Long sleaves in the morning would have been nice if I'd had them.

Tomtom33, I thought you were going to e-mail me before you came to Medellin for Semana Santa.

Hunter

Hunter, I thought I had sent you the dates, my cell number, and the hotel. I don't have your cell number.

I will be back in town from June 9 to 14. I should be staying in a hotel near the Estadio metro station. The Irish guy leaves tomorrow for the old country.

Tomtom33, no never recieved them, just the first e-mail.

I wil be in Ctg in a month, also probably for the above dates.

See your ugly mug in Ctg.

Hunter