Buenaventura, Colombia

Desideria (Moderator) says on Feb 20, 2008, 21:40:

There's only one hotel that anybody would recommend and that's Hotel Estación in Buenaventura. I wouldn't go to B/ventura, it's the most dangerous spot in Colombia right now not counting the main camp of Tirofijo. Ask your lady friend meet you in Cali instead.

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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Lisa Zee says on Feb 20, 2008, 21:46:

Yes, you do not want to go to Buenaventura.

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Lisa Zee says on Feb 20, 2008, 21:48:

If this is your first time in Colombia, please do not even think of going there. Listen to Desi.

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RAAAY says on Feb 20, 2008, 21:56:

The words.........Buenaventura, decent safe and clean ...........all in the same sentence...??...

Gripp..........I get furniture from the port there............it has to be escorted under armed guard out of Buenaventura...........seriously.

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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Monpirri says on Feb 21, 2008, 02:16:

Go to Buenaventura, follow caution as a tourist but do not be worry.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Monpirri says on Feb 21, 2008, 03:03:

Yep, as in any other city in the world a foreigner one must follow caution when visiting cities away from home. I would not say stay away from Buernaventura, I have relatives from there.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Monpirri says on Feb 21, 2008, 03:23:

Mi Buenaventura

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Monpirri says on Feb 21, 2008, 03:26:

Buenaventura Maritime Terminal & Port - part 1

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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lampltr says on Feb 21, 2008, 05:56:

RAAAY & the girls are correct, best to meet either in Cali or Armenia. Personally as with RAAAY, I have family that make continual runs with large trucks from the port and they do not desire me to ride along for my safety at this time....

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Morrongo says on Feb 21, 2008, 06:29:

First ,you can visit Buenaventura and enjoy a stay there,if you follow very strict guidelines on safety. Hotel Estacion is the best hotel there,but very expensive.There are other good ones in front of the park.Hotel Titanic is very good ,safe,has AC and will cost you about 39,000CP per night,as opposed to 140,000cp at Estacion
If you a not a seasoned traveler or dont know this girl well,meet her in Cali like Desi says.
I cannot stress this too much, if you go ,stay in the centre of town.If your girlfriend wants you to travel within Buenaventura be very aware, it would be very thoughtless of her on your first visit.

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poco says on Feb 21, 2008, 09:05:

You should make reservations (for two) with a hotel in Cali, pay room in advance. Tell the Hotel to expect Ms. ?????. Send her 50 bucks and tell her the room will be ready at 2pm.

She checks in, takes a taxi to the airport to meet you,, better yet, if you're on budget, tell her to take the airport bus that leaves from the Cali bus terminal.

Now you've got her where you want her,, oh,, ask for two beds,, you get double pillows.

PS: This is a good excuse to make sure the photo she sent you matches up with what she looks like. Tell her wear sneakers,, almost no woman will wear sneakers to the airport and she'll be easy to spot.

If you see a real dog,, take a cab to somewhere else.

You'll miss NOTHING in Buenaventura,, except maybe the swimming hole.

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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LDW says on Feb 21, 2008, 10:09:

grippm.........I concur with those in here who advocate caution............ESPECIALLY IF YOU SPEAK LITTLE OR NO SPANISH

My most frequently visited areas in Colombia are Valle del Cauca and Armenia, and I speak Spanish fairly well. My wife's entire extended family (who live mostly in Valle del Cauca) refuses to go anywhere near the place. I don't know how you have become acquainted with that girl from there (it's not my business), but if she really wants to meet you, make sure she meets you in Armenia.

You can make a good flight connection to Armenia from Bogota, register in a hotel, and wait. If she doesn't show, it means one of 2 things: (1) she really is not that interested in meeting you, or (2) she didn't make it out of Buenaventura safely.

My guess is that she wants to meet you precisely because she would want a reason to leave that place and live somewhere else.

If she doesn't show up in Armenia, at least you will be staying in a relatively safe part of Colombia that has an agreeable climate.

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Gator says on Feb 21, 2008, 10:24:

Hotel Estación is the only choice but we have not been in years, nor willo will go again until things REALLY improve. You will LOVE the Juan Paul Montoya wantabe's driving the trucks on the road over the mountains.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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sloopskipper says on Feb 21, 2008, 12:08:

I have read, even in The New York Times, that Buenaventura is the most dangerous place in Colombia, if not in all of South America. If you don't know her, you might be surprised, and also meet some nasty friends.

Much safer to follow LDW's advice.

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sloopskipper says on Feb 21, 2008, 12:12:

Read "Cocaine Wars Make Port Colombia’s Deadliest City" at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/22/world/americas/22colombia.html?scp=1...

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Lisa Zee says on Feb 21, 2008, 12:41:

Colombia is beautiful country, but Buenaventura is a sad, ugly place. I used to go there on my way to our finca in Ladrilleros/Juanchaco. we would drive to cali from Medellin and stay in Cali with my grand mother and pack.
I started to go to Buenaventura since I was 5 years old until I came to live here, and I never in my life sow, such filth, poor abandoned place!.
You know that Buenaventura is one of our biggest ports and brig so much money to Colombia, yet is it the poorest and neglected, very sad.
( now Monpirri will say, that is as beautiful as Taganga, and very safe) LOL

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webmanco says on Feb 21, 2008, 13:01:

As poor and filthy place there are many women who go there to work on weekends

...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ...

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Monpirri says on Feb 21, 2008, 13:06:

That's what they all used to say or still say, by some, about Colombia.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Mononoke28 says on Feb 22, 2008, 09:07:

We went to Buenaventura a few times when I was a child living in Palmira. The only cool thing about it was being able to go on the big ships to see what they looked like. Other than that, it was filthy, extremely poor, smelled funny and one time we saw poop on a "beach". It was disgusting.

Diana

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webmanco says on Feb 22, 2008, 09:11:

I went to JuanChaco and Ladrilleros the week before holyweek, it was pretty dirty, but I saw how locals where working hard to clean everything up for the holidays.

...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ...

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LDW says on Feb 22, 2008, 17:13:

grippm..................


Have you decided?

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RAAAY says on Feb 22, 2008, 17:16:

I imagine Grippm is back on whatever site he came across " his lady friend " looking for a refund...............

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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grippm says on Feb 22, 2008, 17:26:

WOW. What a lot of information ! Thank you all. Since I value my own skin I have decided to take the advice of the majority here and choose another meeting place. Yes maybe Cali. If things between my ladyfriend and me become more serious then I will think again about Buenaventura, but I think that it is likely that it is a place that I am not destined to visit. Thanks again all. Gripp

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LDW says on Feb 22, 2008, 17:30:

grippm...............

Go to Armenia. The weather is better, it's a smaller city, and it's safer.

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RAAAY says on Feb 22, 2008, 17:38:

safer........and beautiful..

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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Monpirri says on Feb 22, 2008, 18:25:

I second the motion!

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Robert Jorge says on Feb 22, 2008, 19:34:

I wouldn't "not" go to Cali because of security. Then, I am not the sharpest tool in the shed - just a tool. But, I have NEVER heard a negative comment about Armenia since I have lurked on this site. Armenia is on my long list of towns in Colombia to visit.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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Lisa Zee says on Feb 22, 2008, 20:57:

Mononoke: you just brought me lost memories!!!. I remember the first time I heard another language (other than Spanish) was in those big magnificent ships, I was just a child and I was fascinated by the sailors from many different countries, speaking in languages I never hear before!. they were so friendly and asks us to come in and gave us (all 7 children, mother and father) a tour inside and offer us chocolates and nuts. WOW, I totally forgot that.
That was my only good memory of Buenaventura, where we would embark for a 3 hour journey to Jaunchaco, where we would spend about a month around Christmas time every year.
My cousins in Cali still go to Juanchaco and have cabins to rent.

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Gator says on Feb 23, 2008, 07:38:

RJ

Believe me you owe yourself a visit to that part of the country-Departamentos de Quindio, Risaralda y Caldas. Coffee country (Eje Cafetero) is, to us, like an oasis of sorts. A trip back to a more traditional Colombia, when most people lived on farms and coffee was number one. A REAL contrast from Bogotá, Medellin, Cartagena and Cali. If you like a little tranquility plan a stay a many of the fincas or haciendas in this area.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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robi666 says on Feb 23, 2008, 08:59:

Buenaventura? Cali? You fool...
Meet her in Canada or Sweden, way more secure. Better, get a Swedish girlfriend instead, less probability that she is a scam. And they are beautiful.
Safer yet, do not get a girlfriend at all, order a real doll and stay home.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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LDW says on Feb 23, 2008, 09:06:

I second Gator's motion, and I suggest to grippm that he take time to visit a finca turistica

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Monpirri says on Feb 23, 2008, 09:27:

"Buenaventura? Cali? You fool...
Meet her in Canada or Sweden, way more secure. Better, get a Swedish girlfriend instead, less probability that she is a scam. And they are beautiful.
Safer yet, do not get a girlfriend at all, order a real doll and stay home."

Yep, don't be a fool and stay in the safety of your home and save yourself headaches and money.
You must be nuts trying to go to a place like that, down there in Columbia?

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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sloopskipper says on Feb 23, 2008, 11:43:

"Buenaventura? Cali? You fool..."

That is very unkind to someone who doesn't know the territory (and I don't). Shame on you, Monpirri.

Sorry, I guess that was Robi's quote

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Monpirri says on Feb 23, 2008, 13:36:

Yeap, stay away from Columbia because it's very dangerous and keep reading here on pbh how dangerous it is.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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poco says on Feb 23, 2008, 13:39:

Quote: I value my own skin I have decided to take the advice of the majority here and choose another meeting place.

Well,, maybe someday you'll make a trip.

Another poster said remembering the ships.. yes, I'd forgot about them.


Probably a cruise ship?


Oh,, the beachs,, try wading in the surf.


BTW: Armenia is pretty nice but not for a first meeting. If you want to visit Armenia the bus trip from Cali is probably,, 4 to 5 hours. Maybe 30,000 COP round trip per person.

Another thing, the chances of you being killed riding a bus is MUCH greater than being killed (instantly) by some other method,, like the F.A.R.C., Paras, Mafia, criminals etc.

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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robi666 says on Feb 23, 2008, 14:12:

Sloop, of course, I was just joking about it.
If I had a serious story with a woman from Choco, and being sure about her, I would not hesitate to visit.
But, if someone wants to be REALLY safe and if safety is a main concern, well, just do not got to Colombia.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Feb 23, 2008, 14:33:

For somebody going to Colombia just to meet a lady friend there's no reason to direct him to Armenia, about 8 hours away from Buenaventura (by bus) when Cali is just an hour and a half away with plenty of good, safe hotels and all the restaurants and night life you can wish for.

I'm not dissing Armenia or surroundings; I'm sure it's some of the most beautiful scenery in Colombia but it's several hours from Cali and worth a trip on it's own merits. As a meeting place Cali will be just fine.

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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la campiña says on Feb 23, 2008, 16:14:

take heed of the wise Morrongo his words are invaluable especialy regarding B/ventura

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Lisa Zee says on Feb 23, 2008, 16:28:

Poco your pictures disappeared?!
Could it be `cose there was a native bathing in the nude!? or because now my computer can`t display them?. (I was at another computer earlier)

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Lisa Zee says on Feb 23, 2008, 16:32:

I think this the poster got the message by now.
Monpirri, nobody is saying that Colombia is bad, blah,blah.. Just Buenaventura!
Cali makes perfect sense, since it is closer.
Armenia is beautiful, but it is way too far, and maybe the girl can`t afford it.

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Monpirri says on Feb 23, 2008, 17:07:

"Monpirri, nobody is saying that Colombia is bad, blah,blah.. Just Buenaventura!"
That's a very cute statement, just Buenaventura! It's like saying only my toes have Gangrene but not my whole body, but it's ok I understand your fear and your point of view as well.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Lisa Zee says on Feb 23, 2008, 19:06:

You can cut your toe off.
Have you been to Buenaventura???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????.

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sloopskipper says on Feb 24, 2008, 08:42:

Robi, you are forgiven, go in peace, my son. ;)

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nueva york bombero says on Feb 24, 2008, 09:25:

I was in Buenaventura last month with a friend for the first time. It looked like Haiti!
Very poor, dirty, but not a problem. And I'm as gringo as they look!
Sure, my friend knows Bvntra like the back of her hand, but still.
We spent the entire day there, ate lunch at the hotel, walked down by the water,
I bought some cream liquor.....what do they call that stuff again? Help me out.....

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grippm says on Feb 25, 2008, 02:22:

Thank you to everyone for your advice and humour. For better or worse I think that Cali will be the place. I have been to Colombia once before and don't have a bad word to say about the place or the people. (Of course I didn't meet anyone from FARC) . Best food I have ever eaten in my life and I have travelled the world. We won't mention the women... let's just say that you wouldn't be blind for quids. If this thread is not too old I wonder if you can can give me advice about Tulua and then a bus down the mountains to Cartagena along to Santa Marta. I reckon I will fly back to Bogota from there - barring any sensible suggestions.

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nueva york bombero says on Feb 25, 2008, 11:10:

I don't know about Tulua, but the bus system from Cartagena to Santa Marta is real easy and cheap.
$6 from Cartagena to Barranquilla, switch in Brqlla for Santa Marta for $5. Under 4 hours total time.
Not a bad ride either. You can sleep or take in the sites.
Enjoy!

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LDW says on Feb 25, 2008, 15:03:

grippm.....

Best thing to do is just fly from Cali to Cartagena. It's cheap enough, much safer, and your time is worth money anyhow. I assume you have a finite amount of time to spend in Colombia.

I cannot comment on the idea of taking the bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta. If you have your lady friend from Buenaventura on the ride with you, I would think you will probably be OK.

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nueva york bombero says on Feb 25, 2008, 15:06:

This is exactly what I did. It was dirt cheap to fly to Cartagena from Cali.
I actually got a free flight because I booked it all with my NY/ miami flights.
Good Luck!

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grippm says on Feb 25, 2008, 16:19:

ok - thanks again. By the way - yes I do have a finite amount of time, paradoxically that is why I prefer the bus. I want to see the country and meet the locals.

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RAAAY says on Feb 25, 2008, 16:33:

grippm..............This being PBH........might I suggest.....no big words..........the paradoxically
thing has some people confused..............please remember........there are Italians on this site......

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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robi666 says on Feb 25, 2008, 16:34:

para... que?

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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nueva york bombero says on Feb 25, 2008, 16:37:

Then by all means... take the bus... stop in Armenia, Pereira (Santa Rosa), Manizales, Medellin, and journey up to Cartagena.
I've gotten an immense amount of info from this site.
People genuinely want to help you along the way.

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Morrongo says on Feb 25, 2008, 17:21:

Bus trip from Tulua to Cartagena is 24hrs......you can also do it in two legs...stay in Medellin and go to Cart from there....also you can go by shared taxi car from Tulua to Medellin ,bit more expensive ,but faster 6/7 hrs.

flights costs from Cali 500,000 there abouts ,i personnally dont think its that cheap for a 1hr 10min flight,but certianly beats the bus, once you have done the trip by road....
Cartagena to Santa Marta you can almost walk it ,if you have the wind behind you....paradoxically you could do it on a one wheeled bike

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robi666 says on Feb 25, 2008, 17:47:

"Cartagena to Santa Marta you can almost walk it ,if you have the wind behind you"
Morrongo,
Cartagena - Santa Marta = wind right in the face, like every good sailor knows... :-)

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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Mr. Hollywood says on Feb 25, 2008, 19:24:

That's why you need the one-wheeled bike, Robi, it reverses the prevailing winds.

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romy says on Feb 26, 2008, 01:32:

There's not much to Tulua, except if you are going during feria. They do the horsebackriding, beauty pageants, agro-shows, and great dancing at night. Then again I love ferias in the towns, Buga is very cool as well. The pueblo girls all come out it's great times. Usually they'll have a couple of good concerts too.
I wouldn't go to Buenaventura for a girl, now if you meet there but go to pianguita then that's all right. You definately don't need to go all the way to Armenia to stay safe though, Cali in the right areas is completely fine. And if you want to put yourself through hell (or on a budget) take the bus to Cartagena. Otherwise fly.

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Morrongo says on Feb 26, 2008, 06:44:

Dam...robi...you are right..five years in the Merchant Navy as a Navegador i have forgotten the basics..but a least its all downhill.......:)

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Mononoke28 says on Feb 29, 2008, 10:40:

My husband is from Tuluá and it's aight. Their Zona Rosa is pretty cool with a long street with all kinds of clubs and loud music playing, it's pretty fun. It's hot as hell but you can go to any of the "estaderos" and dip in the pools and eat grilled meat with beer. You can also go to a nearby town called Riofrío to go swimming.

We took Expreso Arauca from Tuluá-Medellín. Left at 9am, stopped at around noon somewhere in between for a deliiiiicious meal, and got to Medallo at around 4pm. It was an excellent trip with a gorgeous scenery.

Diana

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poco says on Feb 29, 2008, 12:31:

Quote: You can also go to a nearby town called Riofrío to go swimming.

Ah, didn't you know? Lots of displaced persons from Riofrio,, at least according to "official data" from an NGO referenced on this site.

Kind of makes me glad I don't pay much attention to NGO data,, but some will stake their reputation on it,, because they just don't know any difference.

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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Mononoke28 says on Feb 29, 2008, 13:05:

Riofrío is your typical Colombian small town. It's got the church with the plaza with the street vendors around it, small cantinas playing guascas and old boleros. Then the river is a few miles from there where you can see a ton of people from neighboring towns swimming with the big pots of sancocho and big liter bottles of soda for lunch. It's pretty fun. =)

Diana

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