After forty years of social upheaval, Cali, Colombia is refocusing its attention on urban planning and revitalization. A steadily stabilizing economy has led to investment in the renewal of the public realm and transportation systems. Working to promote Cali’s natural heritage, West 8 has teamed up with the Municipality of Cali to design the Rio Cali Park as part of an initiative called “A Dream to Cross a River.” The project aims to integrate a safe, well-connected public space with a thriving urban center.
Dr. Rodrigo Guerrero is the mayor of Cali, Colombia's third largest city, and a Harvard-trained epidemiologist, first served as Cali's mayor from 1992 until 1994 and returned to office less than two years ago, is the first winner of the Roux Prize, a new US$100,000 award for turning evidence into health impact and the largest prize of its kind. The Roux Prize is given by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington and is named for David and Barbara Roux. David Roux is a founding board member of IHME. Launched in November 2013, the prize drew nominations from around the world in its inaugural year. Dr. Rodrigo Guerrero's work has had an impact far beyond Cali as well. When he left office in 1994, he established the Pan American Health Organization's Violence Prevention Program and also worked for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Details on the nomination process for the Roux Prize are available at http://www.rouxprize.org. Congratulations Mayor Guerrero! Salsa dancing. It’s a skill many desire to have but few actually possess. The swift movements of salsa dancing are impressive enough to be featured on dancing competitions all over the world. The intricate twists and turns are enough to confound anyone with two left feet. Regardless, we continue to admire the talented people who have mastered this dance. In fact, there is an entire city in Colombia which claims to be the salsa capital of the world: Cali. Alvaro Osorio Once you get a glance at the skilled feet and hips of the citizens of Cali, you will truly understand why it is considered the salsa capital of the world. This view might even urge you to start investing in salsa lessons. Cali: A Branch of Heaven In the midst of a valley lies a city bordered by mountains to the west and a river to the east. As the only major city in Colombia with access to the Pacific coast, Cali is an obvious destination for those who wish to explore the country’s west side. One of this city’s greatest characteristics is that it is not a typical touristic destination. Instead, Cali is a booming metropolis in which you can enjoy city life without the hassle of tourist traps. Tourists can easily become travelers in Cali by engaging in activities involving the locals such as visiting nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and sights. The most famous sight in Cali is Cristo Rey, or Christ the King, a tribute statue to Jesus Christ. Similar to Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer, Cristo Rey is situated atop the Hill of the Crystals. The trip to the monument is not exactly the most convenient to reach since there are no bus routes that go there. The best way to reach Cristo Rey is by either renting a car or taking a cab. Once there, however, it becomes obvious the experience is worth the trip. The hill atop which Cristo Rey sits offers arguably the most spectacular view of Cali and its vicinities. Museum fans are definitely in for a treat while in Cali. The city offers its visitors a plethora of options from which to choose. These include the Travelers’ Choice winner Museum of Cane Sugar, La Tertulia Museum of modern art, Caliwood Museum of Cinematography, and Aero Phoenix Museum among others. With such a myriad of options, the culture lover is certainly not to get bored in Cali. Colombia’s Party Central As a whole, Colombia is known for its extravagant and versatile party scene. The country’s ultimate party central, nonetheless, is Cali. This may come as no surprise given the city’s reputation as salsa capital of the world. Since you find yourself in this flavorful city, you might want to start your trip by seeing a Delirio salsa show. Called by many as the Cirque du Soleil of salsa, Delirio’s shows incorporate expert salsa dancers in a mystifying combination of dance, circus acts, and a lively orchestra. A Delirio show will certainly be a booming start to your Cali experience. If Delirio’s shows give you a case of happy feet, there’s no need to worry! You are in the salsa capital of the world, after all. Salsa parties are everywhere to be found in this city. The city has an entire strip dedicated to after party-style nightclubs and bars; it’s called Menga. The establishments located on Menga are open until 6 am, so you can be sure to party until the wee hours of the morning. One of the most popular nightclubs in Cali, Living Nightclub, is located in this particular strip. Living Nightclub’s neon colors, flashing lights, and booming music will make even those of you with two left feet dance the night away. For a more traditional salsa experience, visit Zaperoco Bar. It is there where you can enjoy a night of live salsa music among salseros from all over the world. It is no wonder Zaperoco is considered one Cali’s best salsa bars. Another suggestion to quench your thirst for salsa is Tin Tin Deo. Similarly to Zaperoco, Tin Tin Deo is among Cali’s best salsa bars. You’re likely to encounter both locals and foreigners exploring their salsa dancing talents at Tin Tin Deo. On the other hand, if all this salsa is making you dizzy you could pay Route 66 a visit. Not THAT Route 66, but rather a rock and roll-themed bar in Cali. Route 66 is famous for its live rock concerts in which bands cover 80s, 90s, and current rock music. Cali for Foodies Perhaps the people of Cali are such great salsa dancers as a form of exercise due to their magnificent cuisine. Cali’s gastronomy is as unique as its cultural landscape. The city’s indigenous, Spanish, and African ancestry have had a strong impact on the cuisine. While in Cali, it is imperative to try the sancocho de gallina, or chicken soup. Don’t be fooled by the name. This isn’t the chicken soup you drink when you’re sick. This particular soup contains chicken, cilantro, onions, tomatoes, corn, plantains, yucca, and potatoes. Colombians don’t necessarily drink it only when they’re sick, but on normal occasions as well. Another Cali must-eat are the pandebonos. These flour and cheese bagels are often enjoyed for breakfast with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. No trip to Cali, or even Colombia, is complete without trying pandebonos. If you’re seeking a Colombian fast food variation on a well-known dish, you must try Colombian hot dogs. Don’t be fooled, however. They’re not simply a bun with a sausage in the middle. These succulent hot dogs are adorned with cheese, tiny chips, pineapple spread, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, and pink sauce (a combination of ketchup and mayonnaise). You can get your hot dogs with all or some of these toppings. Either way, they’re delicious and will certainly make you question all the times you’ve sworn the hot dog stand next to your house was the best in the world. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable salsa experience, delicious food, or just friendly locals, Cali is a can’t-miss Colombian destination. In a new development geared to help developers, investors, and builders, the POT will allow to build up to 13 to 14 stories in some of Cali Orient areas. El Pais Article dated September 23, 2014 on new fifteen year plan. According to the El Pais article, next Thursday will be a decisive day for the new Land Use Plan that will set the roadmap for the city over the next fifteen years. That day, the 21 city councilors, who have studied during the last weeks the scope of the proposal, decide whether or not to approve the document, which so far has been 180 modifications. According to Leon Dario Espinosa, director of Planning Cali, "these changes are not the last word. On Thursday there may be more changes, the fact is that we are optimistic that approval because it is a POT that serves the city. " Councillor Michel Maya stands, for example, that "from the Green Alliance 28 changes that improve social, environmental and competitive proposal for the city accepted. The inclusion of environmental fund liabilities are managed, updating the Master Plan Bicycle tours, among others. " Meanwhile, the bill's sponsor, Councilman Roy Barreras said that "many things that there were difficulties were corrected. Now is a document that will allow us to transform the city. We hope the proposed avails. " These new proposals will surely help the developer of our three prime development lots in Paso Ancho, just a few blocks north of the Universidad del Valle; a major university with over 30,000 students! Cali, Colombia is a city of just over a million people. It is the fourth largest city in Colombia, a country of about 55 million, in a land area the size of France or twice the size of Texas. Cali has a vibrant and young populis, a strong middle class with disposable income, a large international airport, modern public transportation systems, good roads and infrastructure; surrounded by mountains, rivers, and lush valleys. Salsa dancing has its capital center in Cali. Energetic, precise, fast paced, vibrant, exotic, youthful, colorful, elegant; the same adjutives that depict the dance style are those used to describe magnificent Cali. Oeaneo Pacifico (the Pacific Ocean) is only 50 miles from Cali. Colombia's largest port is just over the mountain. To the southeast is the Amazon, where the biodiversity of species is unparalled anywhere in the world. Cali is located in the Valle del Cauca, an agricultural cornucopia of natural goodness, which includes coffee, mangos, corn, sugarcane, beets, orange groves, wheat, yucca, soyabeans, rice, flowers, and rich, productive soils at various elevations and climates. Water resources are clear and abundant! Cali's people are educated, savy, energized, articulate, technologically literate, and sophisticated. Cuisine is rich and healthful. Art thrives. Business happens at a fast-pace. Incomes rise. Cali is happening and driving into a bright future...now! Resource rich, with oil, biofuels, emeralds, gold, coal, as well as various industrial metal industries, which are well established, Cali's real estate market is poised to grow exponentially. Office buildings, luxury hotels, retail districts, distribution centers, and industrial zones create a collage of financial activity to attract domestic and foreign investment for years to come. If you have interest in Cali investment opportunities; regional demographic info; commercial or residential real estate; business sales; incorporating in Colombia; personal referrals to local attorneys, accountants, insurance or other known professionals, please call David Newton: 1-(812) 345-1264 a U.S.A. phone number. He will put you in touch with his Colombian partners. |
AuthorDavid Newton Archives
December 2014
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