Patrick

Passed through Cali for the first time in 2011, on his way from the US to Brazil on a motorcycle. Ended up kissing a caleña on his last night and the rest is history. Has been a resident of Cali, Colombia since 2013 and currently living in Barrio Bellavista with his girlfriend and 2 daughters.

Barrios in Cali: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

According to wikipedia, Cali has 249 barrios or neighborhoods. It would be impossible for me to mention all of them here, but I’ll divide the city into districts and comment on the ones most relevant to you, the expat, the tourist or the curious adventurer. I’ll also be listing the most dangerous barrios that you should avoid at all costs… unless you’re with a

How to get a Colombian Drivers License

Most of my expat friends do it, but contrary to what most foreigners may think, you are not allowed to drive a car, bus, truck or ride a motorcycle in Colombia with your foreign drivers license, if you are residing permanently in the country. If you are visiting on a

Cali’s best Empanadas

July 2, 2015
If you don’t know what an Empanada is, well then you’re missing out. It’s a street food that you can find many places in Latin America. Made of corn dough wrapped around a mixture of meat, onions and potatoes and then fried, it makes for the perfect snack to wash down

Metro Grid Gallery

June 30, 2015
Boy the way Glen Miller played, songs that made the hit parade. Guys like us we had it made, those were the days. And you knew who you were then, girls were girls and men were men. Mister, we could use a man like Herbert Hoover again. Didn’t need no

Restaurante Pica – Peruvian Fusion in Cali

June 28, 2015
After having several friends recommend Restaurante Pica to me, I finally went with my family on a Saturday for lunch. We arrived at around 2:00 p.m., which is prime time for lunch-eating Colombians on the weekend, but sadly the restaurant was completely empty. Looking at the menu, I quickly realized

Tizones – Cali’s best Steakhouse

June 23, 2015
“Corazones, umbre, chunchulo o criadillas” was the answer I got from our waiter when asking for recommendations about our starters. My buddy had a questioning look in his eyes. He hadn’t understood a word of what was said. Half-giggling I started translating for him.. Cow heart, cow udder, chicken intestines or
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