PBH / colombia (travelguide, pictures) / post

Barranca, anyone?

I have been married to a Colombiana for approx. 2 years. This coming August, I am finally going to meet the family. We are flying to Cartegena for the first week, then flying into her city of Barrancabermeja for 2 weeks.

Now, I have heard that Cartegena will be no problem, however, people have told me of the violence and lawlessness in Barranca. (within the past year, her good friend was murdered as well, so this may have skewed her opinion). Will I stick out or what? I am only 6'4", and 245 pounds. My head looks similar the wrestler Bill Goldberg (Bald, Goatee, etc.)

I have heard it all: "you better grow some hair, and die it black" or "dude, you will be a tourist attraction", and finally "you better stay away from those small towns"

I am very excited, and I refuse to get nervous or alter my plans. Will travel in, out, and around Barranca be a problem during the day? While in Barranca, we plan to visit Bucaramanga and maybe Barranquilla? Also, should I stay in her barrio, or rent a house in a small gated community nearby. Any suggestions or advice out there you guys?

P.s. I have been reading y'alls comments for a little while. What a great site!

-Alex

By Frijole3 on Apr 8, 2005, 21:04 in Friendly Talkzone.

arturo says on Apr 9, 2005, 02:14:

your wife's relatives should know very clearly what's going on in barranca currently...just follow their advices. colombian use to be very conservative when advising foreigners on dangers.

i understand that most of the violence in barranca is conflict related, auc and guerilla militian were known to kill listed people happily more frequently then in any other colmbian city of that size: i'm not sure things are still so bloody. but i doubt you'are on the "list".

so dont worry too much :your wife's family will be a safer adviser than most of the people around that forum. enjoy your stay!

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ReidEnter says on Apr 9, 2005, 08:01:

violence in colombia i agee with the previous commentator that you should listen to the advice of people in the city where you intend to travel. yes - people are conservative with respect to their security advice and i would listen to it.

however, you are in danger whereever there is violence and especially guerillas or criminals. of course you will stick out. there is not question about that regardless of what you do to change your appearance. word of mouth alone will let everyone know that there is a gringo in the barrio.

but in the end, trust the advice of the colombian people you know with respect to the local situation.

reidenter

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carter says on Apr 9, 2005, 12:41:

visiting barranca in the next few weeks I have some friends from there who tell me that its safe, but I am concerned. I'll let you know what I think when I get back.

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william_andrew_channell says on Apr 9, 2005, 13:07:

As long as you stay in Barranca and follow their advice, you'll be OK. The dangerous part is the area outside the city, especially the highway between Barranca and Bucaramanga.

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GAP says on Apr 10, 2005, 18:37:

Possibly, no-one will bother you During my 3-week visit to Colombia last December and January, nobody bothered me. It was obvious that I was a foreigner, as I just don't have hispanic facial features. However, it may be that nobody bothered me, as I weigh roughly 205lbs and am 6"3. Who knows?

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Apr 11, 2005, 02:30:

Barranca is no a safe place, but there are some foreigner workers due to Bp being close, Another thing Barranca is as Hot as hell and ugly.

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elmodefoque says on Apr 11, 2005, 06:51:

Hey frijoles, you’ re 6’4�? and 245 pound gringo in Barranca, damn right you’re gonna stand out. You’re gonna stand out like a strawberry size hemorrhoids.

any colombianita willing to date me, IS UP TO NO GOOD

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oldbongo says on Apr 11, 2005, 08:06:

speaking of which... the oldgringo can attest to that.
his proctologist is a midget,... and with his gun,..
he can bring you to submission in a second.

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graduke says on Apr 16, 2005, 14:52:

Last year I visited a girl and her husband in bucaramanga and we drove to barranca ( in a 4x4), and when i left i got a bus from barranca to medellin. on my second visit 2 months later i got the bus in the evening from bucarmanga to barranca ( hanging around the bus staion for ages to get picked up- no problems), and when i left i caught a bus from barranca to bucaramanga.My colombian friends didn't once mention anything about safety in the region so i assume it is relatively risk-free. They are middle class, work at the refinery as proffesionals, and often commute by 4x4 between the 2 places.

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