Saturday, October 22nd, 2016

The Colombian Peso closed for the week at 2,929 to the Dollar.

I have a leather chess wallet I’ve had for years but the plastic pieces are cracking and some have broken.  I’ve glued and taped several of them back together.  Each month I do an internet search looking for replacement pieces.  I got real excited today when I found this:

http://www.terapeak.com/worth/leather-pocket-chess-set-by-chess-era/351590534473/

But I can’t get any further towards purchasing it.  L

MT arrived at the apt at 9am and we all jumped into a taxi.  On the expressway there was an overhead electric sign that said traffic ahead was very slow at Calle 30.  The driver should have immediately gotten off on Calle 10 and taken Avenida 80 but he didn’t.  Traffic was very heavy in and around Calle 30 and the driver didn’t even get off at Calle 44 which is the east-west street nearest to where we want to be.  Traffic wasn’t moving on the entrance and exit ramps there so I understood why he didn’t try to exit.  Traffic eased noticeably after that and he exited at Calle 50.  We had to backtrack a bit but we still arrived at Mall Laureles with 15 minutes to spare.

Four other ladies joined us in our van and traffice was also heavy on Avenida Ochenta as we tried to exit the city.  We saw a few soldiers with their semi-automatic rifles standing on the side of the road giving us the thumbs up signal.  Traffic was backed up again to pay the toll to enter the tunnel.  That gave locals the opportunity to advertise their wares on the side of the road.  Teresa bought a small bag of 5 mandarin oranges for 2,000 pesos.  We shared a couple and they were pretty sweet.  The van stopped at the usual restaurant but, because of all our delays, only long enough for everyone to use the restroom.

We still arrived at the “resort” by noon.  I found out right away that their wifi zone wasn’t working so I asked someone to turn it on.  I swam in the pool a bit while MT and Teresa worked on their tans.  Back in the wifi zone I found it working so I played 1 games, a draw, on chess.com before it was time for lunch.

We had a nice lunch of soup, salad, meat (pork for me, fish for the ladies), potatoes, fresh juice and a small piece of tiramisu for dessert.  Remember lunch is included in the trip all for 60,000 pesos (a little more than $20) a person.  After lunch the wifi zone wasn’t working.  We all took a little siesta (a Spanish word all Americans know).  I swam in the pool some more and the ladies worked on their tans.  About 3pm we heard thunder in the distance and I saw dark clouds in the same direction we saw last time we were here.  By 3:30 it started raining.  We all changed back into our street clothes and had an ice cream snack a little later.

At 5pm the wifi was working again, I played a few more games and got caught up on my emails, etc.  I paid an extra 18mil for our extras like towels and drinks and we left just before 7pm.  We stopped at the restaurant and I had 2 almojabanas with a cup of café con leche.  The ladies each had an arepa with cheese on top.

Back on the road we returned to Laureles by 9pm.  Because the mall was closed we had to wait about 15 minutes for a taxi.  We were back at the apt by 10pm.

Laura showed me a $20 bill that her grandmother gave her and I gave her 60,000 pesos for it.  I’m not going to exchange it here, I’ll wait until I return to the States to use it.  (I know, $20 in the US doesn’t go far.) 

T-shirt of the day: Who gives a hoot?

Friday, October 21st, 2016

I did my usual hour and twenty minutes at the health club.

Among new US movie releases I would like to see Ouija: Origin of Evil (7.0) and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (6.7).

Locally, I would still like to see Inferno (6.5) playing at El Tesoro at 6:15pm and Oviedo at 11am, 2pm, 5pm and 8pm and Santafe at 6:30pm.  Ouija: Origin of Evil is playing at El Tesoro at 6:35pm and Oviedo at 1:10pm, 3:50pm and 6:30pm and Santafe at 3:10pm and 5:35pm.

In the afternoon I stopped at Bancolombia but I didn’t see anyone withdraw cash from an ATM, just a piece of paper, so I went to Citibank for my withdrawal.  I stopped at a Gana store and waited in line for 10 minutes while 3 women in front of me bought their lottery tickets.  When it was my turn the clerk told me that the Claro connection wasn’t working.  She tried again 5 minutes later with the same result.  She told me to go to another location – she pointed across the street.  I didn’t understand until a man standing next to me told me in English that she wanted me to go to a standalone kiosk.  I did and he used a cell phone to add minutes to my cell phone number.

Teresa and MT went out and got their nails done.  After they came back Teresa went to Exito and bought some Fab laundry detergent.

The plan is to go to Santafe de Antioquia tomorrow if it’s sunny here in the morning.

T-shirt of the day: I want to k--- you.

Thursday, October 20th, 2016

How much lost productivity is there when you have to spend so much time unsubscribing from unwanted emails?  I don’t know who gave them my email address but I’ve gotten about a dozen each day for the last couple weeks.

Teresa went with her mother to her apt and I went to the park to play chess.  I walked around the area once and then a game finished and I asked to play.  Over the next 2-3 hours I won 2 games and lost 3.  Afterwards I felt quite stiff to be standing up for the first time in hours.

On my way to Exito I saw they have reopened that street that has been closed for the last month or so.

In Exito I picked up 2 bags of milk and 2 packages of arepas and then had to stand in line for 10-15 minutes to check out.  I don’t know why that process is so slow here.

I watched my Bears lose to the Green Bay Packers 26-10 and we lost our 2^nd string quarterback to a broken arm.  I got a good Slingbox connection.  The only problem was during halftime my son turned on the Al Smith dinner with Clinton and Trump and he was a little slow getting back to the game.  For some reason I was unable to get to the screen where I could change the channel myself.  I disconnected and reconnected and that didn’t help.  I sent my son an email asking him to change the channel back to the game.  In the meantime I shut down my laptop and restarted it and by the time I got my Slingbox connection back the Bears had scored a defensive touchdown and I had missed it.  :(

T-shirt of the day: I love to run.

Checklist: Medellin, Colombia - Medellin Living

Checklist: Medellín, Colombia

By Claire Volkman  |  October 17, 2016  |  12:00pm

Photo below by Ivan Erre JotaTRAVEL LISTS CHECKLIST

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Medellín is no longer run by Pablo Escobar (unless you’re still watching Narcos). The city, which is quickly growing and now Colombia’s second largest, has become one of South America’s most vibrant, inspiring, artistic and innovative cities. Sure, there are still the sad reminders of Escobar’s reign—like bombed out apartments or his face painted over the façade of the barrio he built—but there’s far more progression to make up for it. From El Poblado’s hipster restaurants and high-end boutiques to Calle 52’s chaotic, vendor filled markets to Medellín’s iconic cable car, a visit to this misunderstood city will, in itself, showcase just a taste of the entire country’s renaissance.

1. Metrocable

Photo by Claire Volkman

A testament to the city’s revival is the above ground Metrocable —a string of gondolas created in 2004 that work as an addition to the public transportation—which soar above the city’s Northwest underdeveloped barrios. Board at Estación Acevedo and try to get a window seat so you can get a humbling view of how many of the residents live in brick houses with crumbling metal and tin roofs. Hop off and transfer to the Santa Domingo line, which will take you past the sprawling barrios to Parque Arví, a 4,300-acre nature preserve that sits on the slopes of the Aburra Valley. This local favorite provides much needed refuge from the busy city streets and offers an array of activities, from zip-lining through the lush, pollution-free trees to exploring the 1,500-year-old pre-Hispanic constructions, which sit on the Camino Cizeo de León trail.

2. Pablo Escobar Tour

It may seem counterintuitive to the city’s progression to take a tour that dwells on its dark and turbulent past, but the Pablo Escobar tour is actually the best way to see just how much the city had to overcome. Medellín City’s two-hour tour takes you to legendary landmarks in Escobar’s history while a guide regales you will tales of his fascinating reign and the terrifying aftermath it had on the city. You’ll visit the bombed out Monaco building, where assassination attempts were made on him and his family, his gravesite (which might be decorated with a letter from former hit man Popeye, who is known to visit weekly), the small and humble home he died in and the barrios he built, which still bear a painted mural of his face.

3. The Museo de Antioquia and Plaza Botero

Photo by Claire Volkman

Located off Calle 52, a bustling street filled with vendors, food carts, barber shops and other hole-in-the-wall eateries, are two of Medellín’s most notable landmarks, the Museo de Antioquia andPlaza Botero. Paying homage to Colombia’s most famous artist, Fernando Botero, the larger than life sculptures are as unique as they are eye-catching. Known for his depiction (and fascination) of plump historians, Botero’s coveted collection can be seen inside the Gothic museum that flanks the square. Free to enter, the museum provides a respite from Colombia’s rainy (or humid) weather, and gives you a rather inspiring look at Botero and many other local artists’ life works.

4. Plaza Minorista

Photo by Claire Volkman

For an authentic look at real “paisa” life, spend a few hours wandering through the overwhelmingly chaotic Plaza Minorista, a large undercover market off Calle 55. Home to over 2,500 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to fish to loaves of fluffy pan blandito (Colombian soft bread), it’s also a great place to grab a bite of truly local eats. Bring your camera, as the sights and colors will make for some incredible shots. Pro tip: Go with a guide to ensure you don’t get peddled or sick from a subpar vendor.

5. El Poblado

Photo by Claire Volkman

Arguably one of Medellín’s most “hipster” neighborhoods, El Poblado feels like a city unto itself thanks to a picturesque creek running through the center, thick clusters of towering oak trees and bamboo, and brightly painted murals decorating the parks and restaurants. Noted as Medellín’s most wealthy neighborhood, it’s also one of the most popular, with nightclubs, high-end eateries, outdoor parks, salsa clubs and bars surrounding Parque Lleras. For innovative cocktails, spice-filled empanadas or their gourmet take on bandeja paisa (the blue-collar dish that fuels the working class) head to Park Bistro, which features a trendy upstairs deck and outdoor seating complete with strung lights and flags. More than just food and drink, El Poblado is also a mecca for shopping, with malls like Santa Fe, Oviedo and El Tesoro selling custom-made Colombian jewels, clothing and home goods.

6. Sip and Salsa

Medellín’s passion for salsa dancing is seen all throughout the city in the numerous high-energy, music-blaring nightclubs. In Laureles, another young and trendy neighborhood, Son Havana is a Cuban themed club that millennials and salsa fanatics frequent on a nightly basis. Even more lively and eccentric is Cien Fuegos Cabaret, a venue decorated with hundreds of photographs of salsa stars and home to all levels of dancers, from professionals to novice tourists. Last but certainly not least is El Tibiri, a sweaty basement club that beckons the most dedicated of dancers. If the vibe is too intimidating, grab a local brew (Club Colombia), sit and simply enjoy the mural of dancers in front of you.

7. The City’s Inspiring Fare

More than just empanadas, Medellín is a foodie hot spot on its own, with a collection of highly regarded restaurants all throughout the city. Mondongo’s, which has two locations, serves up hearty portions of genuine cuisine—like crispy fried plantains and arepas (Colombian corn cakes) served with chorizo and cooked over an open flame. For something a little more high-end, visitCarmen, owned by an American/Colombian pair trained at Le Cordon Bleu. The menu has a strong Colombian foundation with a fresh California twist, so expect to find dishes like pig and gnocchi confit and home-cured salmon with mashed chontaduro (native fruit) on the menu. For a taste of France in the middle of Medellín, make a reservation at La Provincia, a casual yet romantic eatery spattered with white tablecloths and freshly plucked flowers. The food is just as beautiful and locals swear by the black risotto and mango-stuffed chicken breast.

8. Biblioteca España

Photo by Nothing Major

Built into the sloping mountainsides above Medellín is one of the city’s most recognized landmarks: the Biblioteca España. This gigantic library sits next to the Santa Domingo metrocable stop and provides sweeping views of the neighboring barrios and the hillsides. Although the structure, which resembles three sloped rocks with artistically layered windows, is a point of contention for some locals, others believe it’s another positive sign of the city’s new era. Regardless of how you feel, you have to stop in, if only for the panoramic views.

Claire Volkman is a seasoned writer and photographer with a passion for food and travel. She has spent time in more than 40 countries and hundreds of cities.

Wednesday, October 19th, 2016

I had a short talk with Jose at the gym and I learned he comes Monday thru Saturday for an hour each day.  He also commented, when I was doing 20 repetitions on one weight machine, that I should be doing fewer reps so I’m sure that means using heavier weight.  I still weigh 77.5 kilos.

I picked up a couple bags of milk at the corner store on my way back to the apt.

I left at 1pm and a Metro bus arrived after a 10 minute wait.  In one of the stations I saw an advertisement for The Voice, premiering September 22^nd/23^rd (not sure why there’s two dates).

At Dario’s store I invited him for lunch and a day of chess some Saturday or Sunday and he said that’s possible.  I lost the first game with the black pieces playing the Sicilian Defense but I felt pretty comfortable with this opening.  I won the second game in only 17 moves with a vicious attack with the white pieces playing the Giuoco Piano.

When I left the store it had cleared so I didn’t need to bring the umbrella I was carrying.

Crossing the street next to a Colombian woman we waited for a van to pass because there was sufficient space after it.  But it moved so slow that the following cars nearly caught up to it and then they honked their horns at us as we crossed.  The woman said something to me in Spanish and I said “we’re living dangerously” in English.

Walking back to the apt in Envigado I passed a man walking and carrying a tray, of those plastic bottles you store ketchup in, on his head.  First time I’ve seen something like that here.

I received an email that my ChessGames.com membership expires in a month (on 11/21/16).  My Premium membership cost me $29 a year but I haven’t been using it anyway so I’ll let it expire.

We got a little rain in the evening.

I watched the Presidential debate on my slingbox.  After about the 43 minute mark I had to disconnect and reconnect a few times when the screen froze.

T-shirt of the day: Train hard.  No excuses.

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016

I woke up at 7:45 and thought I heard a strange sound.  I opened an eye and looked out and saw it was raining; I guess what I heard was cars splashing through the puddles.  There was no longer a hurry to get up (we’re not going to Santafe) but I got up anyway at 8:30.  Despite getting up twice during the night I felt like I slept well.

I got another email from yahoo.com informing me that someone in Russia tried to login to my account.  (I guess it’s good that yahoo can block it but I know they would never be able to guess my password.  :)

At 11:30 it was only 70 degrees in my computer room where usually during the day it’s 74-76 degrees.

I received an email from MBE that I had a document and package available for pickup.  I left the apt at 11:45 and was back by 1:15.  I had my Chess Life magazine and the vitamin E tablets that I ordered for Teresa.  Wow, both packages I recently received took exactly 2 weeks to arrive.

After lunch we walked down to MT’s apt and caught a taxi to Mayorista.  We bought 176,605 pesos (about $60) worth of food – mostly fruits and vegetables.  MT bought a number of things also but she paid for her own stuff.  We caught the same car (effectivo) as last time, dropped MT at her apt and I paid 10mil after we were dropped off at our apt.

I checked the embassy website but the instructions still weren’t there so I sent them an email asking for advice.

In the evening it was unusually cool so I changed into my warm-up suit.

T-shirt of the day: The struggle is real.

Joke

A certain zoo had acquired a very rare species of gorilla.  Within a few weeks, the female gorilla became very ornery, and difficult to handle.

Upon examination, the zoo veterinarian determined the problem.  The gorilla was in heat.  To make matters worse, there were no male gorillas of this species available.

While reflecting on their problem, the zoo administrators were told about Mike, an employee responsible for cleaning the animal’s cages.  Now Mike, it was rumored, possessed ample ability to satisfy any female, but he wasn’t very bright.

So, the zoo administrators thought they might have a solution.

Mike was approached with a proposition: would he be willing to screw the gorilla for five hundred dollars?  Mike showed some interest, but said he would have to think the matter over carefully.

The following day, Mike announced that he would accept their offer, but only under three conditions.

“First,” he said, “I don’t want to have to kiss her.  Secondly, I want nothing to do with any offspring that may result from this union.”

The zoo administrator quickly agreed to these conditions, so they asked what was his third condition.

“Well,” said Mike, “you’ve gotta give me another week to come up with the five hundred bucks.”