Page 71 – The Points Of Life

JW Marriott Bogota: My Father Would Stay Here

thepointsoflife

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November 9, 2021

JW Marriott Bogota Hotel Review is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement. It’s finally happening despite inconsistent policies, interruptions, and human stupidity as explained in these posts:

Getting There: Uber is technically illegal at Colombian airports but there is a workaround (see Uber Is Illegal in Colombian Airports, Unless Your Brother Is Picking You Up).

When SPG ruined our lives and was acquired by Marriott (see Read My Lips, “No Devaluation,” Says Marriott CEO), I knew the party was over. The reason: JW Marriott.

My only other stay at a JW was at the JW Scottsdale, a lovely hotel with a must-lazy river, a beautiful golf course, and lovely scenery. Despite being upscale, it lacked energy. It was nice version of Mr. Peterschmidt’s house.

The JW Bogota was the same, dull and unwelcoming.

Checking In

Blame the useless Covid plexiglass that is more appropriate for a Flint liquor store than an upscale hotel, but I did not feel love when checking in. No mention was made about my titanium super duper platinum elite status. No mention was made of the resort’s great spa or the time and location of breakfast. All I was told was that I could have a total of 2 alcoholic drinks each night in the lounge.

Late Check-Out? Covid Test?

One day I will look back at this post and either find that it was ridiculous that in-room covid testing was an amenity, or it will be so commonplace that the welcome gift will be a complimentary test. Since I was leaving at noon, I declined the late checkout and booked a covid test for the following afternoon (see Room Service: I’m Here with Your Covid Test).

Welcome Amenity

Half a bottle of wine and a huge assortment of cheeses made me half-forget the cold treatment at check-in.

Suite

Back to Mr. Peterschmidt’s house. I used a suite upgrade and always regret doing so. The suite was uninspired. It is intended for a prototypical business traveler, a dinosaur that does not exist. Does anyone make use of the desk? I certainly do not.

Bedroom Curtains

As Peter would say, “You know what grinds my gears?” Let me tell you: blackout curtains that are not long enough. There was either a gap in the middle of the curtains or at the end.

a view from a high rise building — What a view

Room

After the friend’s house in Medellin (see Hostel v. Hotel v. Friend’s Home), a king-size bed with a bunch of pillows, a big blanket, and crisp sheets was in order.

Bathroom

Hostel or a friend’s home may be fine for a few nights, but an infinity shower with the little soaps is required to properly refresh.

Executive Lounge

Positive

Plenty of space

Unlimited Gatorade

Nice food spread

Negative

2 drink max

a glass with ice and lemon in it — Well liquor

Food was not as appetizing as the presentation.

Breakfast

I was underwhelmed by the breakfast. I did not go for a second round and barely finished the first. It was basic western fare. Where was the Colombian cuisine?

Spa

After a night out in this crazy town (see Bogota, a Party City? Who Knew?), I went down to the basement of the hotel for a tranquil time at the spa, by far the best feature of the hotel.

Overall

The painting of JW himself on the wall of every JW summarizes the brand. It’s boring and rigid while trying to come off as proper and dignified. Somewhere between the fakeness of the W brand and the pretentiousness of the JW is where I would like to stay. Back to the Aloft Bangkok!

Bogota, a Party City? Who Knew?

thepointsoflife

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November 8, 2021

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Bogota Party City is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement. It’s finally happening despite inconsistent policies, interruptions, and human stupidity as explained in these posts:

Do you recall the last party guide? I had to dig into the annals of TPOL to the Shanghai party guide (see TPOL’s Guide to Libations in Shanghai). Then I had to dust off my dancing shoes in preparation for my trip to Bogota. With only two nights to do damage and with light Covid restrictions in place (3AM last call, capacity controls), I cannot give a full assessment. What I can say is that Bogota is an overlooked party city. From what I saw, it has the potential to make TPOL’s Best Nightclubs in the World list.

Below is where I went. I have ordered it from Old Man Conservative to Clutch Cargos Pontiac, Michigan circa 2000.

Can’t Be Bothered

If you’re staying at the JW Marriott, you can have drinks at the lounge during happy hour. Only the first two are free.

Old Man

Like going to a nightclub, the last time I was in a proper pub was in Shanghai. In Bogota, I went to Cafe Verona and had a Delerium. This is a nice, quiet way to start an evening.

a glass of beer next to a bottle — Bad pour, best beer

TPOL’s TIP: The address is Cra. 11 ###70-05, Bogotá, Colombia.

Young Professional: Chapinero Area

Young professional is what I will call myself indefinitely. If you identify as such, go to the Chapinero Area to start your evening. There, I went to La Brasserie and sat at the bar sipping on Colombian rum. Surrounding this restaurant was bar after bar, each with a long line. Clearly, people were ready to go out and drink after this Covid ordeal.

two men sitting at a bar with drinks — Catching up with my friend from business school.

TPOL’s Tip: The address is Cra. 13 #85-35, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia.

18+

Feeling adolescent and unprofessional? Go to the Ghetto. That’s the name of the establishment. Was I the oldest person there? Hardly. But it did have the old school feel of the aforementioned Clutch Cargos, the club from my youth. There were four floors. One with hip-hop called Pantera, one with oldies and an arcade called Sector 9, a terrace, and the drug level. I stuck to the first two.

a staircase with neon lights — Stairway to my youth

a video game screen with a sign above it — The greatest arcade game of my youth

a video game on a table — A little too old, even for me #costanza

a game machines in a dark room — Def Donkey Kong over Pac-Man

two men taking a selfie — Another young friend from business school, by way of Dublin, Ireland

a large crowd of people in a room with lights — The drug level

a crowd of people outside a building with cars and cars parked — Mezzanine to the drug level

a can and a drink on a tile surface — Going really old school

a group of men in a room with a green and purple light — Maybe we went two nights in a row. It’s all a blur.

TPOL’s Tip: Check out the ghetto’s website.

Prices

The exchange rate was excellent. Even at the upscale bar, drinks were only $6-$7.

Diversity

The music was great. The prices were right. What makes Bogota a great party city is the diversity of the people. Everyone goes and everyone parties.

Next Time

We tried to go to Theatron, but it was at capacity. It really looks like a place for young interns, not young professionals.

a group of people standing outside a building — Denied entry due to capacity.

TPOL’s Tip: Calle 58 #10-32, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia

Overall

Most go to Medellin and Cartagena and skip Bogota. While the city center of Bogota is not aesthetically pleasing, it should not be discounted as a party destination. In fact, I’m more inclined to return to Bogota over the other two.

Welcome to Bogota: Almost Robbed in Broad Daylight

thepointsoflife

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November 5, 2021

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Almost Robbed is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement. It’s finally happening despite inconsistent policies, interruptions, and human stupidity as explained in these posts:

Given the miscues of this trip thus far, it seemed inevitable that I would eventually catch up to me (see TPOL Forgets How to Travel). My friend came to visit me at the JW Marriott. While feasting on the welcome platter of wine and cheese, we had a discussion about stolen phones and what an inconvenience it is when it happens. From there, we went out for more food and drink.

After lunch, I stopped to take a photo of the restaurant sign so I could include it in my Guns & Butter: Bogota Travel Guide. As we were crossing the intersection, I had my phone in my hand when a guy on a motorbike cut made a left turn and cut us off. While idling by, he dropped his left hand and dragged it in the air. I hopped back thinking maybe we had crossed the street at the wrong time. He sped off like nothing happened.

Moments later, my friend stood in disbelief recounting what just happened. In our debrief, we concluded that he must have tracked me with the phone and waited for the opportune time to strike. While I was not carrying my phone like a loaf of bread, I also did not have it tucked away like Thurman Thomas.

When I travel, I am hyper-paranoid of having my phone stolen. I never put it on a table in a restaurant, especially outside. I always hold my phone with two hands when I snap photos in public areas, fearing someone will strip it away like a tenacious cornerback.

I never take photos in a taxi with the window down in a busy street because I envision someone on a motorbike flying by and taking my phone. What I never contemplated was someone slyly attempting this maneuver when I am simply walking with my phone in my hand.

I commend the would-be thief for his ingenuity. I can’t say I blame myself too much because my behavior was not unreasonable. There have been plenty of times when I have had my phone out following Google Maps’ terrible directions not fully engaged with my surroundings. Not once has such a thing happened.

What’s the solution? Go old school and get a chain wallet contraption for my phone? Phones are used so frequently for everything that having it inaccessible is not sustainable.

My plead to thieves is to go ahead and keep trying to steal my phone. It keeps me sharp. But if you are successful, please ask for a bounty and return the phone to me. I will pay. It is too much of a hassle to lose my phone when I travel. Even if I am at home, the inconvenience of downloading all the apps, moving them to the right place on the home screen, and reentering all my passwords is pure torture.

To my bitter readers, go ahead and lie by saying you keep your phone locked away in your hotel safe and that this would never happen to you. To everyone else, the Travel Lesson is summarized best by a popular Colombian saying: “No dar papaya.”

a sign on a building — Taking this photo almost cost me my phone.

Viva Air Colombia: Discount Carriers & Baggage Fees

thepointsoflife

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November 4, 2021

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Viva Air Colombia Flight Review is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement. It’s finally happening despite inconsistent policies, interruptions, and human stupidity as explained in these posts:

The Bag Drama

Continuing with the train wreck of logistics that is this trip (see TPOL Forgets How to Travel), I present to you my almost misstep. Originally, I had booked an afternoon flight to Bogota for $25 Since I woke up promptly at 7AM and since I had nothing left to do at my friend’s house in Medellin (see Hostel v. Hotel v. Friend’s Home), I booked an earlier flight so I could enjoy the JW Marriott Bogota. I saw one was available on Vivair, a budget carrier, at 10AM for $54.

In a little bit of a hurry, I accepted all terms, booked my flight, and called Uber. And that’s where the dumb begins. First, I forgot that my trusty Blackberry did not update the time. It was actually 6AM, not 7AM. Not only was there no rush to get to the airport, but also I would be stuck there for three hours, hoping the Priority Pass lounge would be open (see Back in a Lounge: Priority Pass Medellin Review).

When I arrived obscenely early, I followed the crowd to the security checkpoint, not realizing that this was the line for security screening. With no boarding pass, I was turned aside. I went to the check-in counter and was told to put my backpack in the carry-on bin. Of course, it did not fit and the agent said I would have to pay to bring it as a carry-on. What’s worse is that my overhead roller would also be an additional cost. Why I brought this oversized backpack for a short trip is yet another example of my absent-mindedness.

Waiting in line to pay the shameful fee, I went on Viva’s website and was able to check-in. Boarding pass in hand (phone), I hopped out of the line and went back to the security checkpoint.

Three hours later, I waited for Viva to begin boarding. Unlike Allegiant or Ryanair, which will stop you at the gate if you have one ounce or one centimeter more than you are allowed, Viva’s agents did not care. I boarded the plane with no issues.

Smuggling bags worked out for me this time but the incident will go on my Travel Lessons page. I refuse to endure the stress of wondering if I’ll be slammed with bag fees and would rather be responsible and pay in advance. A better alternative is to avoid discount carriers altogether.

The Flight Experience

Say you want about discount carriers, but when they run smoothly, they are a model of how airlines should be run. Fifty minutes before the scheduled departure, the plane was still not at the gate. I thought there was no way we would take off on time. Then the gate was changed and the herd moved. At the new gate, there was a queue of people paying cash for what I thought was luggage. There was another line with people with other requests. There was a third blob of people loitering around. As the departure time drew closer, I regretted, bags aside, not flying a normal carrier that presumably had more structure. “How is this company allowed to put planes in the sky?” I wondered.

After calling a few rows to board, the go-ahead was given to all passengers. Everyone got on board and, as indicated on my ticket, we took off right on time. It was like the chaos from before did not happen.

As for the flight, it was 30 minutes. We went up, we came down.

Back in a Lounge: Priority Pass Medellin Review (Domestic Side)

thepointsoflife

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November 3, 2021

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Priority Pass Lounge Review Medellin is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement. It’s finally happening despite inconsistent policies, interruptions, and human stupidity as explained in these posts:

I could not recall the last time I was in a lounge. I had to look it up. It was actually January 2020 at the Global Lounge in SJU en route to NYC (see NYC Twice: A Recap of My 2020 Travels). I also forgot how silly I feel taking pictures in the lounge of alcohol and snacks. The embarrassment may help explain why past posts have blurry pictures. “Hurry up, take the pic before you creep someone out.”

Despite some delays gaining access (see Priority Pass Registration: Remember Not to Forget), I was pleased to find that the Priority Pass lounge in Medellin was empty when I arrived. I had plenty of time to take pics of the lounge, the planes, and the seats.

I also took special care to photograph the worst poison in the world, aguardiente (see Mystery Solved: TPOL’s Disappearance in Medellin). The light snacks were not worth documenting.

Overall

Blogging aside, this is one of the better lounges I have visited. Then again, it’s been so long since I’ve been to a lounge, I can’t recall what is good and what is bad.

TPOL’s Tip: Use Skype for 800 #s Abroad

thepointsoflife

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November 2, 2021

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Here’s a good reminder that when things go wrong, 800 numbers won’t help you when you are in a foreign country (see ATM Issues Abroad & P riority Pass Registration: Remember Not to Forget). The best way to avoid roaming calls and, more importantly, be able to get through to 800 numbers is to use Skype. It’s free and it works. Given the multiple issues I have had this trip (see TPOL Forgets How to Travel), I thought it was important to document this in TPOL’s Travel Lessons, so next time I will remember not to panic.

an airplane at an airport — Cool and collected in Medellin

Simply The Best: October 2021

thepointsoflife

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November 1, 2021

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I have had a life breakthrough in October. When I travel, I will not do the following:

Work
Workout
Post

Accordingly, I didn’t post much in October. And that’s just fine. Here’s the best:

TPOL Is Out of the Office
TPOL is out of the office through October. If you do not see daily posts as is required, I am either in quarantine dealing with a breakthrough infection, or having a great time.
And Stay Out (of the Office)
Formal posts will resume when I return, whenever that is.
IQKhameleon in Medellin for the Final Stretch
While there are so many more steps to go, I have a great sense of accomplishment for getting this far.
COVID Test to Come Home Is S-T-U-
My nose is still sore from my last trip. Enough of this bullshit.
Guns & Butter: Medellin Travel Guide
I’m still haunted by my first experience in Medellin. I went back a second time for work. Perhaps I will go back a third time for a combination of the two.
Hostel v. Hotel v. Friend’s Home
Hostel, hotel, friend’s house? I believe a mixture is the best course of action. What say you?
TPOL Is Back!

a wall with a map of the world — TPOL is back from Punxsutawney TPOL Tour. I’m sure you are wondering the following:
Where have I been?
Did I get COVID?
Did I buy a villa in Italy?

Priority Pass Registration: Remember Not to Forget

thepointsoflife

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October 29, 2021

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Priority Pass Registration is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement. It’s finally happening despite inconsistent policies, interruptions, and human stupidity as explained in these posts:

Rust is not the word to describe how unprepared and disorganized I have been on this trip. The corrosion of my travel skills from almost 2 years of travel was apparent even before I left (see TPOL Forgets How to Travel) and continued at Medellin airport (see Viva Air Colombia: Evading Baggage Fees).

Learning from my experience in Warsaw (see Churning Cards? Don’t Let Your Priority Pass Lapse), one thing I did not overlook was enrolling in Priority Pass with Amex before my trip began. If not done ahead of time, Amex would not be able to provide a Priority pass number immediately. The membership number alone is not enough to access the app. A pin is also required. When I tried to generate the pin using my cc as validation, it did not work. I ended up having to call Priority Pass directly to obtain the pin (see TPOL’s Tip: Use Skype for 800 #s Abroad). Thirty minutes later I was back in the lounge, promising myself that I wouldn’t be this unprepared again.

TPOL’s TIP: Don’t be unprepared. Skim my Travel Lessons Page.

a bottle of alcohol on a counter — Remember: Avoid Aguardiente even if it’s in the lounge.

Guns & Butter: Medellin Travel Guide

thepointsoflife

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October 28, 2021

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Medellin Travel Guide is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement. It’s finally happening despite inconsistent policies, interruptions, and human stupidity as explained in these posts:

TPOL’s Guns & Butter Travel Guide is the best way to see as much as you can in as little time as possible. Here’s how it works – A trip is composed of two factors: Labor And Lazy. The opportunity cost (what is given up) for relaxing and being Lazy is gained by being adventurous in the form of Labor and vice versa. The guide includes inefficient activities i.e., tourist traps that should be avoided and aspirational activities that are worth doing but may be impossible to see given the constraints of time and resources.

Despite visiting Medellin two times, I have not done everything I would like to do. I didn’t gather enough information about the city the first time, which was not my fault (see below). The second time I was there for work (see IQKhameleon in Medellin for the Final Stretch). Since the objective of Guns & Butter Travel isn’t to be comprehensive, I can still present this Guns & Butter Travel Guide.

Avoid

Avoid going to the hospital in Medellin. It will ruin your time. The best way to do this is to not drink aguardiente (see There’s Such A Thing as Too Much Aguardiente & Travel Advice: Mistakes in Medellin)

And more importantly, do not drink aguardiente with strangers. I later learned that I was the victim of a hyoscine drugging (see Mystery Solved: TPOL’s Disappearance in Medellin).

Invalid request error occurred. — Beware when you are here

Parque Lleras

Before checking in or after checking out of the hospital, head to Parque Lleras. Though I had trouble there, I would still recommend it.

Eat

The best part of going to Colombia is the exchange rate. Everything is cheap. A great exchange rate and great food is a recipe for success (see Where to Feast: Medellin).

Stay

The first time I stayed at the Four Points. I have no pictures to prove it. The second time I stayed at my friend’s house (see Hostel v. Hotel v. Friend’s Home). Here is a picture of that wonderful place.

Local Recs

The Provenza neighborhood was recommended as was the Envy Roof Top bar.

Transport

Stick to Uber. It’s illegal at the airport (see Uber Is Illegal in Medellin Airport, Unless Your Brother Is Picking You Up) but it’s safe.

If You’re Into Microfinance

Popular investment firms include:

La Isla
Loutron Medellin

TPOL’s TIP: Prostitution is legal in Medellin but only in government-sanctioned brothels.

Overall

I’m still haunted by my first experience in Medellin. I went back a second time for work. Perhaps I will go back a third time for a combination of the two.

Hostel v. Hotel v. Friend’s Home

thepointsoflife

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October 27, 2021

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Hostel v. Hotel v. Friend’s Home part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement. It’s finally happening despite inconsistent policies, interruptions, and human stupidity as explained in these posts:

The question used to be do you stay in a hostel when traveling to a foreign land or do you settle for a hotel?

In the old days, I would sleep anywhere. After being fired from General Motors (see “You’re Fired!” Guess I’ll Go to Eastern Europe), I went on a European odyssey. From 40 person hostels in Vienna to a broom closet in Hvar, Croatia, I did not care where I passed out, so long as I could keep the party going. Grown-up and points rich, hostels have lost some of their appeal, especially since paying for a single at a grimy hostel costs more than a free points redemption.

On the other hand, the benefit of a hostel is the inevitably of meeting new people and having an instant social circle (see Bounty Hotel Bali: For the Young at Heart). Setting aside the debate of when is old too old for hostels, the opportunity to make new friends trumps the luxury of a lonely suite.

In Medellin, I had a third option: stay with a friend. On paper, this is the best option. The room is free, a friend is included, and I don’t have to figure out where to go and what to do (see Pub Crawl Warsaw: An Excuse to Promote Sex Tourism?). The issue in this scenario is trying to be a respectful guest, one who doesn’t make too big of a mess in the bathroom, and one who doesn’t have too many requests e.g., what’s the wifi password, do you have any clean towels? To that end, length of stay could also be an issue. Three nights may be fine, but beyond that I would feel like a squatter.

On this trip, I was in for a pleasant surprise. The penthouse was ridiculous. Check out these views:

So now for the revised question: Hostel, hotel, friend’s house? I believe a mixture is the best course of action. What say you?