Medellin or Panama City? (already did Sosua 5 times)

[UrbanNerd]

I have read the other postings on the two cities and still cannot decide which one to venture to. I have been going to Sosua (DR) over the last 2.5 years would like something along the lines of that town. I do know from my two visits to San Jose (CR), I do like the Colombian women but just do not know if I should try Panama or Medellin.

Let me outline what I like from my times in Sosua:

1) Nice chill-out bar like Latinos or the bars across the street.
2) Nice club/disco
3) Great golf courses
4) Stress-free hotels (like New Garden but doesn't have to look like NG)
5) An area in Panama City or Medellin which reduces as much as possible the need for a taxi

Some info about me:
- Did Rio and Salvador (Bahia) for 8 years
- After Rio.....did Costa Rica (liked it but did not like casino being "ground zero")
- After CR, started doing Sosua (with a Santiago visit here and there).
- Usually short stays....4-5 days.
- Doesn't need much...nice hotel, nice food, good golf and GIRLS
- Usually brush up on Spanish/Portuguese before trips, so I can handle the communication

I need a little help fellas. Now I dug up the "intel" from this site on both locations but I wanted to get some more opinions.

Thanks.

P.S.: I know there are similar threads and if this needs merging, please do so (my apologies).

[Jimmydr]

Put up a trip report so we can see how you roll.

[tgunz]

I have never been to Columbia, but I have done Panama City, Panama. I was only there for three nights during Carnaval. So I didnt do to much Mongering. But I will share what I know. If Taxis are not something you like, Panama may not be four you. Panama City is huge. Id say it was like staying in Manhattan. You could stay in one area and walk but there are several diffrent areas to see. Taxi were much cheaper than DR. There was four of us and they charged 2-3 us a person for just about anywhere in the city. The Veneto (hotel/casino) had exetremely beautiful girls inside and outside looking for dates. Not sure what they were charging. DO NOT GO TO THE NY STEAK HOUSE IN VENETO... WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY!! There was an MP on the same street as the Veneto. It looked alittle seedy but the girls in front were hot, I think they were dominican!!. They had daytime specails. I think it was around 40 us. Also, You can leave with them short term or call and order them to your room. I stayed around the corner in a very nice hotel for like 80 dollars a night. Staff was cool. It was chica friendly and had a small pool on the roof. Rooms were Very nice. I will try to download pics of the hotel if you want, also I will look up the name if you want. The area was safe and had alot of bars, clubs, restaruants and shopping. Alot of Dominican, Costa Rican, and Columbian Working Girls in the area. I picked up a tln for 150us from a strip club. The strip club was filled with absolutely flawless Columbians!!! It was near Hooters. Again I can try to get the name. My friend should know it. If you like clubs, Zona Viva Is the Hottest club, atleast it was in Febuary, It is Absolutely huge. Over all I really liked PANAMA. The People were really cool. Alot of the time I stood out like a sore thumb but the people were great to me! My trip to Panama made Columbia a must for me, Columbians are the hottest in my book!! I am now going in December to Cali!

[Klockman]

Medellin, Colombia (NOT Columbia) is always a great option, Panama has beautiful women but prices are high and the heat is oppressive.

Can't recommend Medellin enough.....

[Mr Hillbilly]

You haven't been to Cartagena? Nice beach town more to do than Medellin.

[UrbanNerd]

Thanks for all of the replies, but I am afraid I will have to put Colombia on the back burner.

I went to my security officer to ask about visiting Colombia (I have one of those Top Secret + extra, extra clearances) and the officer said that while it is possible that I would get approved, I would have to provide a whole sh*tload of information on why, what, etc and must meet with some internal group if I were to request to visit Colombia.

In some better news, he did say that Panama is not a problem to visit.

[mikelodge]

Thanks for all of the replies, but I am afraid I will have to put Colombia on the back burner.

I went to my security officer to ask about visiting Colombia (I have one of those Top Secret + extra, extra clearances) and the officer said that while it is possible that I would get approved, I would have to provide a whole sh*tload of information on why, what, etc and must meet with some internal group if I were to request to visit Colombia.

In some better news, he did say that Panama is not a problem to visit.

I just went out and asked my security officer who is sitting on a bar stool inside the door of the bar carding people and he even has a badge for his day job as a jailer at county clinker so this guy knows.

He advised I wear a Colombian Jacket and a Panama hat really made in Equador and lurk in the shadow of my back office and zoom the security cameras in on the hot girls. :rofl::eek:

Sorry I couldn't resist. Now back to I Spy and working on the Manhattan Project.

[Jimmydr]

You haven't been to Cartagena? Nice beach town more to do than Medellin.


Not really. Medellin has much to do.

[Jimmydr]

Let me outline what I like from my times in Sosua:

1) Nice chill-out bar like Latinos or the bars across the street.
2) Nice club/disco
3) Great golf courses
4) Stress-free hotels (like New Garden but doesn't have to look like NG)
5) An area in Panama City or Medellin which reduces as much as possible the need for a taxi





I stay in Laurelas which is the second best neighborhood in Medellin, on Nutaberra Avenue in the Estaban Hotel. There is a seond Hotel nearby. About 10 minutes away is La 70, the main Avenue which has about 25 hotels along it, as well as bars and small discos.


Next to Nutaberra is La 33, anonther busy Avenue which has about 25 larger discos and bars as well as one Hotel so far.


Daytime and early evening, walk all over the place. After dark, take a taxi, its about $2.

[Mr Hillbilly]

Not really. Medellin has much to do.

Not if he likes the beach Medellin has none.

[Malo]

Not if he likes the beach Medellin has none.

Well I was never a beach person so when I found out that about an hour away there were many towns with small hotels, pools and hot weather, I was happy.

[mikelodge]

I stay in Laurelas which is the second best neighborhood in Medellin, on Nutaberra Avenue in the Estaban Hotel. There is a seond Hotel nearby. About 10 minutes away is La 70, the main Avenue which has about 25 hotels along it, as well as bars and small discos.


Next to Nutaberra is La 33, anonther busy Avenue which has about 25 larger discos and bars as well as one Hotel so far.


Daytime and early evening, walk all over the place. After dark, take a taxi, its about $2.


But you said it is safe to walk there at night :confused: or is that just for me since I look not worth robbing. :lol:

[Jimmydr]

But you said it is safe to walk there at night :confused: or is that just for me since I look not worth robbing. :lol:


They can strike at any time and a taxi is only $2, so why walk.

[mikelodge]

They can strike at any time and a taxi is only $2, so why walk.

But you walk around the Laureles at night I thought :confused: Or is my confusion more a matter of a cut off time such as you referring more to evening like up to 10 and not late night like 3am?? I thought I read that it is ok there to go out at 2 or 3am on foot to get something to eat.

[Jimmydr]

But you walk around the Laureles at night I thought :confused: Or is my confusion more a matter of a cut off time such as you referring more to evening like up to 10 and not late night like 3am?? I thought I read that it is ok there to go out at 2 or 3am on foot to get something to eat.


If you come out of the Hotel Estaban, or Hotel Florida you will see many bars, and food stands. I will walk a few blocks in either direction because there are so many people around until 2am or 3am.

If I go to LA 33, there are empty blocks and allyways between the bars and my Hotel so I will take a taxi.

[mikelodge]

If you come out of the Hotel Estaban, or Hotel Florida you will see many bars, and food stands. I will walk a few blocks in either direction because there are so many people around until 2am or 3am.

If I go to LA 33, there are empty blocks and allyways between the bars and my Hotel so I will take a taxi.

Great, would that apply to the Hotel Lincoln as well?

[Jimmydr]

Great, would that apply to the Hotel Lincoln as well?



I don't remember exactly where it is, but I believe that at that end of LA 70, there may be less people around, but you could walk from the Florida to the Lincoln at 2 am as well because that is a main street with plenty of cops around.

[mikelodge]

I don't remember exactly where it is, but I believe that at that end of LA 70, there may be less people around, but you could walk from the Florida to the Lincoln at 2 am as well because that is a main street with plenty of cops around.

I am studying the Google Maps and looking at the hotels addresses.

The Lincolns address is --Circular 3ra. No.70-28
The Floridas address is --Crta 70 No.44b-38

I have learned what the numbers mean so from the map it would appear to me that the Florida is more north on 70 north of avenida San Juan where as the Lincoln is south of there much closer to circular 1 and the universidad.

Less than 10 blocks or a half mile or less apart. I like maps :wink:

[Hunter]

Word on the street on Panama:

Panama officials are cracking down hard on the Colombia chicas. Deporting a lot them. Guess they want to clean up the free lance scene.

And the ones that are left are hardcore and start at $120 USD :eek::eek:

All the more chicas for Jimmy in MDE :p

[hioctane]

Word on the street on Panama:

Panama officials are cracking down hard on the Colombia chicas. Deporting a lot them. Guess they want to clean up the free lance scene.

And the ones that are left are hardcore and start at $120 USD :eek::eek:

All the more chicas for Jimmy in MDE :p

If you like Colombians, go to the source and get them for 1/2 that! :wink:

[hioctane]

I am studying the Google Maps and looking at the hotels addresses.

The Lincolns address is --Circular 3ra. No.70-28
The Floridas address is --Crta 70 No.44b-38

I have learned what the numbers mean so from the map it would appear to me that the Florida is more north on 70 north of avenida San Juan where as the Lincoln is south of there much closer to circular 1 and the universidad.

Less than 10 blocks or a half mile or less apart. I like maps :wink:

Florida is right on the strip. Really noisy at night and in the morning construction at 7am is deafening! Lots of bars and restaurants around it. Lincoln is further up.. away from the train station. A little less bars/restaurants. Once they close... you should not be out in the street! I believe Jimmy goes to bed at 12.. So he might not be the best person to ask about staying out late. :rofl: On one of my trips I stayed at the hotel next to Florida. I go out late and usually come back at 3am after most places close.. It's a little deserted.. Definitely do not want to be walking around! Took taxi straight to the hotel.

[mikelodge]

Word on the street on Panama:

Panama officials are cracking down hard on the Colombia chicas. Deporting a lot them. Guess they want to clean up the free lance scene.

And the ones that are left are hardcore and start at $120 USD :eek::eek:

All the more chicas for Jimmy in MDE :p

ouch, I hope I can find some deals out on the coast when I am there in January.

My friends were staying out at the old American Military school which is a Melia now and they found some locals in Colon last month. They told me is has changed from the old school days though. I guess I will find out for myself. I hope they at least painted it. :lol:

[mikelodge]

Florida is right on the strip. Really noisy at night and in the morning construction at 7am is deafening! Lots of bars and restaurants around it. Lincoln is further up.. away from the train station. A little less bars/restaurants. Once they close... you should not be out in the street! I believe Jimmy goes to bed at 12.. So he might not be the best person to ask about staying out late. :rofl: On one of my trips I stayed at the hotel next to Florida. I go out late and usually come back at 3am after most places close.. It's a little deserted.. Definitely do not want to be walking around! Took taxi straight to the hotel.


Thanks for the tip, when you say Lincoln is furthur up I assume you mean technically south toward the University at least that is what google map says but that really doesn't mean much.

So you say less bars and restaurants near the Lincoln compared to Florida hmmm. OK that is good to know. Do most of the bars around both stay open until 1am or what?

[Jimmydr]

Thanks for the tip, when you say Lincoln is furthur up I assume you mean technically south toward the University at least that is what google map says but that really doesn't mean much.

So you say less bars and restaurants near the Lincoln compared to Florida hmmm. OK that is good to know. Do most of the bars around both stay open until 1am or what?


You have more than enough information to keep busy for 6 months in Medellin.

[hioctane]

Thanks for the tip, when you say Lincoln is furthur up I assume you mean technically south toward the University at least that is what google map says but that really doesn't mean much.

So you say less bars and restaurants near the Lincoln compared to Florida hmmm. OK that is good to know. Do most of the bars around both stay open until 1am or what?

Yes.. Sorry.. I meant south.. Florida is on Carerra 70 near Estadio station. If you walk along 70.. you'll get to Lincoln.. There's less and less restaurants as you go further. Most stay open until 2-3.

[jacknback]

Friends tell me Panama is to fucking hot.Also as said expensive whores........Medellin is it!!

[mikelodge]

You have more than enough information to keep busy for 6 months in Medellin.

You are right and with the additional info I will gather off the internet I will have even more before I go. :lol:

Not to mention a couple of other sources not on the web.

Lovin every minute of it.

[Jimmydr]

You are right and with the additional info I will gather off the internet I will have even more before I go. :lol:

Not to mention a couple of other sources not on the web.

Lovin every minute of it.



Well I am sure you will spend an hour a day checking out hotels for your next trip, as well as 2 hours a day looking at all the restaurants.

[Klockman]

Friends tell me Panama is to fucking hot.Also as said expensive whores........Medellin is it!!

Had a connecting flight through PTY canceled one trip, they bused us to a hotel to spend the night, getting off the bus felt like stepping into an oven, the heat was oppressive.

Sure the chicas were hot, but they wanted top dollar as well.

I'd recommend a pass on Panama for mongering.

[hioctane]

You are right and with the additional info I will gather off the internet I will have even more before I go. :lol:

Not to mention a couple of other sources not on the web.

Lovin every minute of it.

I like to fully research a place before I go too.. Even though I've been there a couple of times, I'll research some more to find new places to go to that I might have missed! :lol: You can never have too much information, but most of the time.. once you start having fun, the plan gets thrown out the window! :rofl:

[Jimmydr]

I like to fully research a place before I go too.. Even though I've been there a couple of times, I'll research some more to find new places to go to that I might have missed! :lol: You can never have too much information, but most of the time.. once you start having fun, the plan gets thrown out the window! :rofl:



I am about to make trip #15 and each and everytime I discover more and more things.

[mikelodge]

Well I am sure you will spend an hour a day checking out hotels for your next trip, as well as 2 hours a day looking at all the restaurants.

No actually I already have spent enough time checking out hotels. Now it is just a question of if I book a few days on a weekend at one of the upscale one that are very well discounted on many sites like Hotels.com and Expedia.com for variety.

Restaurants are always nice to see in reports but I like finding some of my own little out of the way places too. Any with Goat especially grilled I will check out. I also like ethnic places like perhaps one I saw you posted that was Middle Eastern.

One word that I see from the street that will make me check out any menu is Ceviche, I love it.

I leave for the lake cabin in the morning to I will have to put in a few hour today and then many more when I return Tuesday night :D

Of course With a couple laptop checks over drinks someplace with Wifi just to get my ISOC Fix this weekend. :lol:

[mikelodge]

I like to fully research a place before I go too.. Even though I've been there a couple of times, I'll research some more to find new places to go to that I might have missed! :lol: You can never have too much information, but most of the time.. once you start having fun, the plan gets thrown out the window! :rofl:

THANK YOU I AGREE and I would also agree that half the time I throw half of it out the window too but whatever at least you learn it.

Most people only use a small fraction of what they learned in College and many have forgotten the rest.

Wow I almost compared ISOC to College. Perhaps Internet Community College

[whatever]

Thanks for all of the replies, but I am afraid I will have to put Colombia on the back burner.

I went to my security officer to ask about visiting Colombia (I have one of those Top Secret + extra, extra clearances) and the officer said that while it is possible that I would get approved, I would have to provide a whole sh*tload of information on why, what, etc and must meet with some internal group if I were to request to visit Colombia.

In some better news, he did say that Panama is not a problem to visit.

I haven't watched much news lately. Is Colombia at war or something?

[mikelodge]

I haven't watched much news lately. Is Colombia at war or something?


NO he is like a super spy top secret guy that they could capture for secrets and compromise the USA or something like that.