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Colombia is not safe , but I like it

I have traveled most of south and central america and have lived a short time in Honduras.
I have lived in Colombia ( Cartagena ) now for about 3 years.
What keeps me in Colombia is my wife, a loving wonderful woman of Colombia.
A old fashion girl with strong family values.

When reading some of these post I cant help but laugh and shake my head.
I write this not to bash Colombia or some of the post but to offer my opnion of what I know of Colombia.

Colombia is very dangerous.
Crime is a problem the whole world faces and some countries more so then others, but what makes Colombia more dangerous then any other latin american countries is,
You got a army of bandits 200,000 + trained and well equiped by alot of coke money all over Colombia, bareing very few exceptions.
They will kill you our kidnape you in a heart beat if given a chance.

Thats my only dislike of Colombia , the lack of fredom to travel in safety.
So much of the country is restricked, well not restricked you can go there if you want but you just wont come back.

If your doing the tourist thing for a few weeks, cool , there some safe spots, alot of beauty and culture.
If your living here held up in one of the safe zones in one of the cities, cool , but for me that gets old fast.

Alot of my wifes family lives in the mountains in those ,you dont go there places,
People its thick out here ,FRAC and Parimiltery every where they have the whole country outside the cities. If it wasnt for her family I would be dead meat many times. Shes got family in alot of cities and its the same every where you go out side the citie.
If you do not have family down here to look out for you DO NOT travel into the mountains or many places outside the cities.
Use Airlines for citie to citie.

If your looking for work or start a business in Colombia,
Dont!
This isnt the place. If your looking for something to do just to kill the time, sure go for it.
And thats true of most of latin america. Its very difficuilt to make money down here unless you got a good wad to start with, there is no cerdit, well none that you want.
Realestate is hot in Colombia.
If you got a little cash and can buy right you can make some good money fliping
apartments now, 2007.
Small grocery store or bar or restruant thing is more the just to kill time, hey it could be fun if you enjoy that type of thing but not much money in it with alot of headackes.

I am worried about Colombia, the coke money is unreal, you see coke money being laundry every where. Construction everywhere ,and every one here knows its all coke money, and its really screwing up the goverment, coruption is deep.

Me and my wife have a good life here and her family is wonderful and I think I have seen alot of areas of Colombia that alot havent ,and yea it was sweet , but its not safe to travel.

Cdh

By cdh on Aug 14, 2007, 10:05 in Friendly Talkzone.

tompower says on Aug 14, 2007, 10:34:

so how do you make a living?
are you american?
remember, we're all in this together.

gabolicious says on Aug 14, 2007, 10:40:

sorry cdh when you say :"When reading some of these post I cant help but laugh and shake my head." what exactly do you mean?

I think you refer to those posts in which we state some good things that are already happen in Colombia... am I right?

"The new land of opportunities: Colombia!" ----- Mr Miguel_Clavo on PBH

Chelesupercono says on Aug 14, 2007, 10:40:

Thanks CDH,

Finally someone that really speaks the truth and doesn't sugar coat the facts.....I totally agree with every point you made.

never go to bed with someone crazier then you are, you will do it and you will regret it.......

imdarkangel says on Aug 14, 2007, 10:43:

i agree but conditions have improved in Colombia.
not safe but i like it too

BAQ says on Aug 14, 2007, 10:53:

CDH, DITTO...........DITTO..........DITTO

GABOLICIOUS, i think what he is refering to are the ones who tell those of us who LIVE HERE that we dont know what we are talking about when we try and explain to them the hazards associated with some of the activites they want to do when they come here.

It amazes me that people jump on here and ASK a question because they dont know how Colombia operates then tell US we dont know what we are talking about when we give them an answer they dont want to hear.

Semper Fidelis !

gabolicious says on Aug 14, 2007, 11:04:

Hey I agree with that... duality... let's say... but as I have always said, also in colombia things are improving... in this site we are telling the people: hey Colombia has good things as well.

Maybe those who you are referring to have another story to tell dude, as colombians (don't forget that. Simple as that, Colombia is not completely white nor completely black either...

Yes!!! I have read some radical people here... but for me at least as long you state your point of view with respect to the country you live in (this case Colombia) it is fine with me! I am pretty concious that also there is another side of the story...

Remember that in this site we are here to state our ideas and points of view, but nothing is absolute!
CDH said that he has lived in colombia for about 3 years now, that is a short term to realize whether things are changing for better or for worse in Colombia... I don't blame him, it's ok... finally he is stating his point of view..

"The new land of opportunities: Colombia!" ----- Mr Miguel_Clavo on PBH

wendell13 says on Aug 14, 2007, 11:16:

I agree wholeheartedly. I have lived here 3 years The casual gringo tourist thinks everything is cool and safe.

gabolicious says on Aug 14, 2007, 11:21:

another question just out of curiosity (not trying to pick up a fight) besides your wife and the fact you like it.. then why you stay?

why stay if you can have your wife with you in a safer country (whatever its name be)?

"The new land of opportunities: Colombia!" ----- Mr Miguel_Clavo on PBH

gabolicious says on Aug 14, 2007, 12:08:

"I can go in any barrio, and get 10 versions of something that happened 10 minutes ago."

tal vez eso se deba a que ni siquiera la "verdad" es absoluta...y cada quien va a tener "su" version de los hechos dependiendo de la perspectiva que tenga de las cosas, claro que hay gente que exagera (un amigo rolo solía decir que no hay nada mas exagerado que un paisa, sera?)

Creo que en toda Americalatina hay que tener cuidado como turista y como residente, cuando algun extranjero aqui en PBH dice... "quiero ir a Colombia que me recomiendan" yo siempre he dicho "have fun but keep your eyes wide open".

Codazzi no se te olvide que Mexico es tambien tercer mundo como dice mi amiga, y por ese simple hecho uno como turista tiene que ser precavido. Europa es una historia diferente aunque como dices tambien hay que tener cuidado... es mas yo me atreveria a decir (toma en cuenta que es solo un percepcion personal) que en Cancun hay mas peligro porque todo el que llega ahí sea mexicano (de otra parte del pais) o turista extranjero llevara consigo dolares y no pesos..

"The new land of opportunities: Colombia!" ----- Mr Miguel_Clavo on PBH

robi666 says on Aug 14, 2007, 13:03:

Good post, CDH! Thanks!

"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."

jcgd77 says on Aug 14, 2007, 14:20:

With all respect. I am sorry to say but obviously this person has been for a while in the country and does not know much about it.

panthdave says on Aug 14, 2007, 15:04:

Really cannot say anything because I have not been out of the so called Safe Zones which CDH has mentioned..I watch myself on the Taxi ride from Rio Negro..Airport into the City at night..

Anyways enough feel very comfortable in Medellin...

panthdave Miami

tomtom33 says on Aug 14, 2007, 16:10:

I can honestly say that I never think about safety in the US except for very isolated pockets.

In my 4 plus years in Colombia, I am on alert quite often. I have never seen anything bad nor has anything bad happened to me. However, I listen to Colombian friends.

I do not feel comfortable hailing taxis from the street in Medellin. And there are many areas in Medellin where I do not travel. Walking around Laureles, I feel quite safe.

cdh says on Aug 14, 2007, 16:26:

Why stay in Colombia?
I am a retired American, Main reason is so my wife can be with her family, other benfits are
I am able to aford a apartment on the beach and cost of living is much lower.

Things are alot better.
I agree, they say things are alot better compared to ten years ago. and its true, but that doesnt change how things are.

The Bandits/FRAC/PAR.. arent worried about the average tourist,

O man this is one Iam shaking my head on, If you live here you know thats not true.
These people shake down the locals that have nothing and you think they wont grabe you , lol, get real. They are holding two or three average touris in the mountains now for what three,four years now.

Europe and Cancun Mexico are worse.
I dont know maybe they are, I was talking about Colombia and I am not doing a worse list.

This site is used to talk about the good things of Colombia.
Sorry didnt know that, I thought it was for information of Colombia.

This post wasnt written to bash Colombia, I live here and I like it, If you live here you got street smarts and know the score and take procautions and think about your safety and you do ok , but more for the newbies. The threat outside the cities is very real. By all means vist Cartegena Bogota ect... very beautiful alot of culture ect...You can have fun in Colombia just do your homework and know the does and donts.

Cdh

larryrn says on Aug 14, 2007, 16:41:

Dude, I am in Envigado now, and have been roaming around Medellin for the last 3 weeks and feel more safe than I did in Coral Springs. I was at the University EAFIT in El Poblado and every day walked or took cabs around Medellin/El Pablado and Envigado and didn't feel at all to be in a threat like condition. I even spend many hours in various local bars in Envigado many blocks from the main avenue (El Poblado at all hours of the night). So my friend, I disagree with your statement that Colombia is not safe. And yes, I have been in La Costa many times for as much as 3 weeks at a time..

I can take you to bad places in Ft Lauderdale and Miami.

Larry (larry at rn.org)

--- Larry Snyder - http://www.rn.org - Your Source for Online Nursing Education!

robi666 says on Aug 14, 2007, 16:59:

Larry, so you know Envigado and El Poblado and also EAFIT and you say that Colombia is safe... jesus!

tomtom33 says on Aug 14, 2007, 17:23:

And, Larry, just because you feel safe doesn't mean that you are.

If I was a taxista looking for an easy hit, where would I go? You got it - Poblado. Ignorance can be bliss.

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 14, 2007, 17:27:

There is a saying that reads "Misery Loves Company", and after reading some of the comments on this thread, it is obvious "Paranoids Love Company" as well.....if you are afraid of your own shadow, or to leave the safety of your own home, then stay the FoQ in your home! How sad is a person who is afraid to venture out of his "comfort zone", or rather, how pathetic.....As a foreigner to any country, including your own, you can be killed/robbed/punked/stabbed/kidnapped/or forced to become a biaaachhhh........so it is only a matter of the Paranoia Factor......the tourist death rate and victimization rates pales in comparison to all the successful visits and living expats in Colombia....so if one is STUPID, one becomes a victim in any country......if one in a P at ssy and/or a coward, then stay the Foq out of another country if you are not a native......it is VERY possible for a foreigner, whether a visitor or expat in Colombia to live a long life, and to die of NATURAL CAUSES in Colombian....actually, quite a few Colombians die of NATURAL CAUSES in Colombia too.....

and to put any credibility on the handful of PBH people living in Colombia who have their own inherent paranoias to begin with, is laughable...For the People thinking about visiting or relocating to Colombia, there is no need to pack a box of Depends, bring a bulletproof vest, garlic, or a silver clavo for Colombian draculas..........(jaja)...........go there yourself, see for yourself, you will survive, and probably die of NATURAL CAUSES, then come back and post how Colombia really is, except for the Paranoids......who are paranoid no matter where they live.....

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

gabolicious says on Aug 14, 2007, 17:47:

people, all your experiences here are welcomed... as long as you state them with respect... saying that Colombia is still dangerous is because you have felt that way... maybe I see it in a different way, maybe not...

The thing is that yes Colombia is getting better and yes there is still so much work to do about it, we know it!

Some people will agree or disagree with us, but as I said before, as long as you state your point of view with respect, it's ok with me... whatever it is a good or bad experience in Colombia, I am very interested in listening, cause at the end of the day is my country you're talking about, because it the way a foreigner sees Colombia, very different from a colombian's point of view.

Some people here will judge you.

So let's be plural and do not take for granted an opinion, let's be tolerant, and let's pay attention to someone else's experiences.

"The new land of opportunities: Colombia!" ----- Mr Miguel_Clavo on PBH

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 14, 2007, 17:51:

hey Gabo, anyone ever call you Henry Kissinger? jajajajajjaj

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

gabolicious says on Aug 14, 2007, 17:57:

Jajajajajajaja compadre!!!! don MC!!!!

well no, actually you are the first one....

"The new land of opportunities: Colombia!" ----- Mr Miguel_Clavo on PBH

gabolicious says on Aug 14, 2007, 18:15:

jajajajajajaja no codazzi I don't think so... I don't think I would stay alive that much, cause I will always be trying to be concealing people... and a diplomat works for "some" interests... I could not be a diplomat, they will kill me at once!!!... LOL

But I am a voluntario for the poorest people here in Mexico... y cuando llegue a Colombia, no sé si pueda cambiar la situación, pero pondré mi granito de arena para que las cosas cambien poquito a poquito... en eso se trabaja todos los dias...

=D

"The new land of opportunities: Colombia!" ----- Mr Miguel_Clavo on PBH

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 14, 2007, 18:18:

i think Gabo would be either a great Diplomat for Colombia, or a great Moderator for PBH...jajajjaja......he has great wisdom, lots of common sense, and has outstanding arbitration skills.......now, i can compliment another male poster without calling him "BIG".....now that was Disgustingggggggggggggggggggggggggggg..even worse the recipient willingly accepted it.....gross....jajajaja..

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

gabolicious says on Aug 14, 2007, 18:23:

Nah!! lo que pasa es que vos Don MC eres mi amigo!!!!

O ya te echaste para atrás cabrón? =D

jajajajajajajajajaja

(vos sabès que "cabron" es con cariño no?) jajajajajajajaja

"The new land of opportunities: Colombia!" ----- Mr Miguel_Clavo on PBH

billyb says on Aug 14, 2007, 18:23:

OP, has called them FRAC twice so far, maybe in another three years in Colombia he will realize it's the FARC :)

robi666 says on Aug 14, 2007, 18:23:

Ok mr. Clavo, in two years and half of living here I:
personally witnessed two gunshot (no, not in a bad barrio but in the fucking Rodadero)
three person I know pretty well has been victim of attack and almost murdered
a close friend is threatened of kidnapping by ex AUC (with actual names and alias of the ones who was going to kidnapp him)
paras going in the finca of a good friend, gps at hand, looking for a "fosa comune" (no, not far in the sierra, but in front of the fucking entrance of Parque Tayrona)
paras saying to population to stay in after 9PM because they are doing "limpieza" (same fucking zone)
a good friend threatened of murder by paras sent by a well known politician
my wife's uncle shot down in Barranquilla because of an atraco
another friend, who's hiding himself from the AUC, in the Puerto Aziz area
been offered to smug drugs at least four times in Cartagena (when I had my sailboat there)
But I could go on, and on, and on... and not to mention what you just HEAR and KNOW talking with Colombians here.

Mr. Clavo, in 40 years of living home I did NOT witnessed, even once, anything like that! now, you were a policeman, so maybe it is different from your perception...
But, this is far to be a safe country! This is not a safe country, but the fucking madre de la MALDAD y de los torcidos in the fucking world. So, put on the CORRIDOS PROHIBIDOS cd and try to think you're in Puerto Berrio, Colombia and not in fucking Stockolm, Sweden!

goin_south says on Aug 14, 2007, 18:24:

oohhh, come on, codaffi;
a bottle of Sailor Jerry's, por favor.

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

robi666 says on Aug 14, 2007, 18:47:

Oh, but just read the reports from HRW, from Amnesty, from whateverorganization and go on telling us that Colombia is a safe country... numbers you read is true case of persons you can meet living here.
So you live in your box in El Poblado or in Bocagrande and go and see the beauty of Quebrada Valencia in a day, and you'll feel completely safe. Stay and live in Quebrada Valencia and you know in a moment that it is rough down here.

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 14, 2007, 18:48:

i must really have struck a nerve with you, robi..but as you only commented on the posts of others, i was not really directing my comments towards you personally.......But since i do not know you to be one who tends to fabricate stories like the Bogota Storyteller, i will address your comments on the basis that you are providing accurate summaries to complex situations......

i am not saying that your experiences cannot happen...i am saying that in general, not every foreigner has the type of experiences and encounters that you have....a old car partner of mine, a veteran of 18 years of police work and a real good street cop, got shot on three (3) separate occasions during his career.....the last being a shotgun blast to his right chest area....each time his kevlar vest saved his ass....(((and, btw, made a great decision to leave police work and become a high school teacher in Bakersfield, CA where got stabbed in the stomach))))..is being a bullet magnet the typical experience of cops? No...98% complete their career without having to kill someone or getting shot...to my old partner was San Jose an unsafe city? hell yes.....to the other 98% was San Jose an unsafe city? hell no......so, everyone with active brain cells knows shit can happen in Colombia and other places....is your experience the same as the rest of the non-PBH posters living in Colombia the same? i dont think so...and i dont know what your individual Paranoia Factor is, either..as everyone has a different level at which the Pucker Factor kicks in......

and only the 2 shooting witnessed by you are actual first hand events..all the others are second hand info, and are not as reliable if offered as proof in support of your assertions.....

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 14, 2007, 18:52:

and dont be trying to pick an argument with me just so that you can get out of buying me a beer when we meet!!!!!!!!!! jajajajjaja...

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

lapaisadegabo says on Aug 14, 2007, 18:54:

gabo quiero conocerte mandame tu foto yo se que estas bien papy rico

se que bas a venir a bogota son panameña pero me gustan muchos los colombianos

te kiero conoser

robi666 says on Aug 14, 2007, 18:55:

Codazzi, I know a LOT of good family's Colombians that are sadly planning to move from SM because the city had got too dangerous!
I know a swiss guy who had to move from Taganga because he was helping too much the locals and the locals started to pretend from him more. Taganga is one of the worst place to be living, thanks to the locals, and 99% of Samarios would even accept to live there if they give a Villa to them as present.
So, go on burning your pale ass there, but do not try to live there or you'll burn too much! :-)

robi666 says on Aug 14, 2007, 19:02:

i mean, 99% of Samarios would NOT even accept to live there if they give a Villa to them as present.

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 14, 2007, 19:02:

lapaisadegabo......your handle is TFF! jajajaja....

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

gabolicious says on Aug 14, 2007, 19:10:

"lapaisadegabo" me parece de muy mal gusto que estes poniendo ese tipo de comentarios...

te agradezco tu interes en conocerme pero ya tengo planes en Bogota

"The new land of opportunities: Colombia!" ----- Mr Miguel_Clavo on PBH

jaramillo says on Aug 14, 2007, 19:10:

There is a lot of fiction about Colombia. Today's New York Times has an article about Medellin and it speaks about the city's "Beautiful colonial architecture". LOL!!! I grew up in Medellin, and with the possible exception of the Veracruz I think there is not a single colonial structure left. Medallo has been PAVED from one end to the other. What a joke!

robi666 says on Aug 14, 2007, 19:12:

Well, Clavo, when we'll meet, I'll give a tour for the real Costa!
I own the most beautiful finca on the sea, 4 kms from Parque Tayrona. It is a really nice place. I have been sailing all around the world (ehm... just half) but dropping the anchor in Bahia Cintho and see the snowy peaks of Sierra Nevada from the sea, made me fall in love with that place.
We dive for barracudas and pargos and we'll look at the locals stealing copper from a big sunken ship at 20 mts.
You know, you climb a hill, I made a nice house on the hill, and you look at the sea, you feel the fresh breeze blowing from the Sierra and... wait a moment... what's this parfume? Jesus, cocaine, chemical and cocaine, there must be a lab really near... yes, it must be really near. ;-)

danronian says on Aug 14, 2007, 19:14:

I don´t agree.

I am very much a gringo, with no Spanish skills yet, and I have had no problem here even when walking down the dark streets and visiting some of the countryside.

There are sections that shouldnt be visited, but that is common to any country.

The only difference with being here, and being in the US, is that here you need to be more alert and keep up on the news in certains areas to keep yourself safe.

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 14, 2007, 19:14:

so Gabo has a soulmate already....????.....you heartbreaker, Gabo!!...all those PBH hotties after tu cuerpito are going to be upset with you........jajajjajajaj...sort of like when Mrs PowWow posted her hilarious shit....jajajaja...

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

gabolicious says on Aug 14, 2007, 19:18:

LOL Don MC, Gabo will be in trouble if all these PBH ladies read the stupid comment of la paisa... ademas que nombre!!!

LOL

"The new land of opportunities: Colombia!" ----- Mr Miguel_Clavo on PBH

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 14, 2007, 19:22:

but robbi, if i lived next door to a Hells Angels clubhouse, i would be shitting bricks too......but, if i dont mess with them they dont mess with me......you have to be aware of your surroundings no matter where you visit or live......Colombia is no different......in California we have had a HUGE theft of aluminum problem on the freeways.....many guard rails that follow the curves on the freeways are made of aluminum....the bad guys, in the middle of the night, unbolt those 30 and 40 foot aluminum tubes which are the road barriers!!!....so metal theft is not exclusive to Colombia......now, i will be the first one to admit that if a foreigner gets whacked in Colombia, that for him/her, Colombia is unsafe and really sucks...but, for the other 99.99% of the people who die of natural caused, i would say it is safe......not 100%, but more safe than not......

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

robi666 says on Aug 14, 2007, 19:22:

Jaramillo - yes, I noticed that too, but being living in medellin just for a year, I thought I was missing something.
Codazzi - you're also right! Surely it is not that bad, surely not enough for me to leave... :-) But, it is surely pretty different from the rest of the place in the world that I've been living in. By the way, it seems that you have something in common with that guy who wanted to meet me at Buenavista and was posting FARC pictures on this site? ;-) Or should I ask it to M_C? ;-) If you still live in SM we can meet there, then. For a beer, not for the church, please.

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 14, 2007, 19:26:

wow, estoy muy celoso, Gabo...it must be that killer avatur you have....i think a clavo and the verb clavar scares many chicas away.....jajajjaja...but what can i do? es mi nombre....sue my parents???

where did you meet lapaisadegabo??? parejas.com? inquiring minds want to know the inside scoop? and get ready for the PBH hotties to put you on blast! ajajajajjaaj..

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

gabolicious says on Aug 14, 2007, 19:32:

"where did you meet lapaisadegabo??? parejas.com? inquiring minds want to know the inside scoop? and get ready for the PBH hotties to put you on blast! ajajajajjaaj.."

bueno de hecho no la conozco... aun.

me caes bien... tu ironía me hace reir! por eso eres mi compadre Don MC!!

"The new land of opportunities: Colombia!" ----- Mr Miguel_Clavo on PBH

gabolicious says on Aug 14, 2007, 19:35:

good night gentlemen...

"The new land of opportunities: Colombia!" ----- Mr Miguel_Clavo on PBH

manINred says on Aug 14, 2007, 19:37:

I generally agree with Miguel Clavo, it's easy to be paranoid wherever you are. Well, if you are generally paranoid to bto begin with. I thought Colombia was safe when i went, well I felt safish, never in inherent danger, but i didn't wander into the slums.

HOWEVER, Medellin and Antioquia had 150 homicides last week (feria de las flores induced) which is 3 times the amount that Toronto gets in a year, so I have to say, Colombia is quite a bit more dangerous in that respect.......................................

lapaisadegabo says on Aug 14, 2007, 19:37:

¿te acompaño?

no te ballas Gabo

robi666 says on Aug 14, 2007, 19:37:

No, no, no, M_C, I was not meaning to talk about stealing copper... that's not really stealing anyway, it's just business, it's just a sunken ship!
I mean that place can be the most beautiful place on earth... it is just that it is one of the main corridor of drugs, you must know that your neighbours' name are Hernan Giraldo, Pacho Muso, etc. Oh, you do not read it in the Parque Tayrona guide in the PBH guide section...
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Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 14, 2007, 19:40:

hey Robbi, since you live in SM did you ever run across that PBH poster who rented an apartment in SM, advertised that he was a professional photographer and was there on assignement to take photos for the Samaria of the Month calendar. He promised the girls, and i say girls, as several were underage, the customary fame and fortunes that comes with Calendar and Cover Girl publicity? Then once he bagged them en la cama, and got it on film, posted the photos (both decent and indecent) of such girls on a well known whore mongerer website under an alias? you ever run across him? he doesnt post here much since he was exposed for what he is and has done ...apparently the police were involved, and the mayors office as well........just curious if you ran across him...he is supposted to be in Manizales right not doing the same pervert scam..........

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

jinksmiester says on Aug 14, 2007, 19:45:

I feel colombia has its share of dangers and problems but common sense can go a long way if a person uses it.I follow advice and ask advice from people i know and trust there who will steer me in the right direction.Its very different from where i live (CANADA)...here i would,nt need to worry if i want to hop in a car and travel right across the country....still there,s places here that can get you in trouble too...but its not a comparison to colombia.Living period ..involves some risk ,but i want to see and exsperience( as in living and having a life).
I do have concern about where i travel and what i do in colombia..id bet everybody does,but i also believe great strides have been accomplished and colombia is on the right track.
Hopefully in time colombia will continue to improve to the point that it loses the reputation that its not safe that is still very prevalent here in canada ...the u.s. and elsewhere.Believe me ...ive had manny people ask ..is it safe?....

A man is not old until regret takes the place of dreams

jinksmiester says on Aug 14, 2007, 19:53:

My answer is that its beautiful and that using common sense ive never had a problem...and i also say that its a lot different and secure than it was 20 years ago...and not to believe everything you may read in a news paper.......colombia is not the only country that requires common sense....shit happens everywhere

A man is not old until regret takes the place of dreams

robi666 says on Aug 14, 2007, 19:55:

No, M_C, I always forgot to ask for a chisme about him... I will next time I'll be there!
For the moment, good night and take care everybody!

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 14, 2007, 19:56:

take care, robi......and make codazzi buy the beer, he has lots of PBH Gringo $$s....jajajja..

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

billyb says on Aug 14, 2007, 20:00:

Robi, that pic of the cove is killer.

podborski says on Aug 14, 2007, 20:04:

you have to think some day, people will pay a fortune to live near a place like that.

But will it be in 5 years or 25?

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 14, 2007, 20:04:

damn...i have to add SM to my list of places para "checkiar" ....jajajja.....great photo, robi......

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

billyb says on Aug 14, 2007, 21:40:

Nice pics, Cod.

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 14, 2007, 21:48:

hey Cod, isnt billyb just talking up a storm tonight????.....i sure wish he would just stop talking so much.......no one can get in a word edgewise!!!!!!!!!!!

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

billyb says on Aug 14, 2007, 21:58:

So it's not Creditazzi? Don't get me started MC jaja.

billyb says on Aug 14, 2007, 22:02:

Actually watching a documantaryon the Marie Celeste, pretty weird stuff.

goin_south says on Aug 14, 2007, 22:06:

one of those coves look like the ultimate place for a PBH MEETUP.

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 14, 2007, 22:07:

hey, anyone hear from goin_south lately??? havent heard from Daffy Duck lately??? anyone???

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 14, 2007, 22:08:

salsa lesson #2 coming up on thursday....woooohoooooo! jajajajjaaj...

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

goin_south says on Aug 14, 2007, 22:13:

I'm quite worried about one of our pbh members.... M_C... (or, was it C_M???, ... no se)... I have not seen a post from 'm in quite a long time... ANY ONE? ... ANY ONE HEAR FROM HIM? Eres mejicano.... no? More reason to worry... Gabo??? UUUU noooo????

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

billyb says on Aug 14, 2007, 22:16:

meant to say "documentary on" So, has anybody heard from Clavo or Going-south lately?

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 14, 2007, 22:24:

what duck???

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 14, 2007, 22:32:

isnt that video from the payaso who owns that whorehouse in Medelllin, the Medellin Mansion? and claims it isnt....???? who also posts on all the whoremonger websites???

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

goin_south says on Aug 14, 2007, 22:33:

This is 4 U all,....including Mario... who I can't get through to:

Una Mejicana Linda: "Algo está cambiando"

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

goin_south says on Aug 14, 2007, 22:35:

Not bad, 4 a Freakin Mexican!!!
eat yer heart out, gabo...M_C... Strobers... where R U?

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

goin_south says on Aug 14, 2007, 22:37:

COLOMBIA IS NOT SAFE.
I'M READY TO RIGHT MY OWN POST.

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 14, 2007, 22:43:

cuidado...the evil anti-mexico forces of darkness will be going after you for that.......

how about this one?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9INIKltDfs

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 14, 2007, 22:44:

whats the big deal? i have four chicas hanging on the coat hooks in my house? you dont!!!!!?????........jajajjaja

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 14, 2007, 22:49:

C U tatertots laters......going to Arnold Town in the morning....to tell Governor Schwartzenegger what a bungholio Governor Potatohead he is....jajajjaj

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

goin_south says on Aug 14, 2007, 23:37:

That ahappend 2 me 1X 2... and now U don't have 2 wonder any more.

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

goin_south says on Aug 14, 2007, 23:39:

But, I was pullin on her head....and, it jus came off.
BUT I DID GIVE IT BACK TO HER ON A SILVER PLATTER.

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

gabolicious says on Aug 15, 2007, 06:07:

"if you are gringo and want to live here you better adapt to your environment very fast and not think you are transplanted from the US to Colombia"

good advice GIB

calling the police in Latinamerican countries whenever you have a problem...sadly GIB you are right that does not apply for most of latin countries

"The new land of opportunities: Colombia!" ----- Mr Miguel_Clavo on PBH

paisa29 says on Aug 15, 2007, 06:12:

Mainred... where did you get that?
HOWEVER, Medellin and Antioquia had 150 homicides last week (feria de las flores induced) which is 3 times the amount that Toronto gets in a year, so I have to say, Colombia is quite a bit more dangerous in that respect.......................................

It was 4 people killed ,3 because one stupid drunk in la cabagalta and 1 for stealing the horse.
We have more deaths caused by car accidents than violence these days, even adding this they were not 150.

billyb says on Aug 15, 2007, 06:20:

I read the same thing as Paisa29, 3 killed by a jealous drunk and one for his horse. Manlred, can you post a source for your 150 killed in a week in Medellin?

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 15, 2007, 06:38:

That is the number of killed using the GIB Factor: 3 deaths times (X) the GIB Factor of 50 (blowing it all out of proportion) = 150.............i thought everyone knows that Colombia times the GIB Factor = IRAQ!!!!!!

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

billyb says on Aug 15, 2007, 06:47:

GIB, unfortunately the one shot was not the thief, but the owner of the horse.

LA_MONA says on Aug 15, 2007, 06:51:

Ah que pesar ;-( que mas paisita como estas?

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

billyb says on Aug 15, 2007, 06:56:

It is kind of strange getting killed in the middle of a modern metropolis for your horse. Only in Colombia kinda thing.

paisa29 says on Aug 15, 2007, 06:56:

bien, gracias y tu monita?
Aquí leyendo los chismes, imaginate fueron 4 asesinados en la feria y estan hablando de 150, eso si que es un chisme.

LA_MONA says on Aug 15, 2007, 07:00:

Yo bien paisita. Los chismes nunca faltan, y como te fue en la feria? Un dia tendre que ir a Medellin y me enseñas tu ciudad que piensas?

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

billyb says on Aug 15, 2007, 07:01:

Paisa, some people are just full of BS.

LA_MONA says on Aug 15, 2007, 07:02:

Billy just say how you feel, express yourself ;-)

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

billyb says on Aug 15, 2007, 07:06:

Jaja Mona, I will make an effort to express myself more forcefully in the future :)

gabolicious says on Aug 15, 2007, 08:07:

150 got killed???

sería muy bueno que nos pongan un link de la fuente de donde surge este rumor...

que 150 personas hayan muerto sería una masacre a nivel internacional, y al menos acá en México no se ha dicho nada, solo hablan de lo bonito que es la fiesta y punto.

So if you guys can share with us where you got the news... that will be wonderful

thanks!!!

"The new land of opportunities: Colombia!" ----- Mr Miguel_Clavo on PBH

paisa29 says on Aug 15, 2007, 08:08:

Mona... pues la feria estuvo muy buena, hubo muchismimos eventos diferentes mas que todo culturales,parece que cada año tenemos un número mas alto de visitantes especialmente de el exterior, a pesar de que algunas personas paranoicas siguen enlodando la imagen del país con sus comentarios.
Yo solamente pude ir al desfile de chivas y flores, a Santa Elena y al desfile de silleteros, fue dificil asistir a mas eventos porque trabajo todo el día y ahora tambien estoy estudiando, pero en general la pasé super bien.
Pensé que conocías Medellín, bueno entonces cuando regreses a Colombia con mucho gusto te muestro mi hermosa ciudad.

Como van los masajes?

miamimike says on Aug 15, 2007, 08:21:

larryrn says on Tuesday August 14th, 2007 16:41:

Dude, I am in Envigado now, and have been roaming around Medellin for the last 3 weeks and feel more safe than I did in Coral Springs. I was at the University EAFIT in El Poblado and every day walked or took cabs around Medellin/El Pablado and Envigado and didn't feel at all to be in a threat like condition. I even spend many hours in various local bars in Envigado many blocks from the main avenue (El Poblado at all hours of the night). So my friend, I disagree with your statement that Colombia is not safe. And yes, I have been in La Costa many times for as much as 3 weeks at a time..

I can take you to bad places in Ft Lauderdale and Miami.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Larry my Friend, we are going to read about you in the News someday or see your story on te 11pm news some evening,,,

Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." GW Bush

droble77 says on Aug 15, 2007, 08:28:

GIB, just one thing. I don't think anyone here (except for maybe one guy I noticed above) is saying Colombia is "COMPLETELY SAFE" as you shouted out all in caps (although "This is not a macho thing either" your post sure sounded like the typical wanna-be alpha-male of PBH posturing you do all the time here).

I know NYC like the back of my hand, and I know there are things I can do here (like walk alone on certain streets I'm familiar with at 3:00 in the morning, and then hail a cab) that I would never do in Colombia. Even in Poblado, after about nineish, except for the obvious areas where the clubs/bars are clustered, the streets are pretty dead and don't look particularly welcoming.

I'm not going to be comment on places I haven't been to. But it's been said on this site a gazillion times already: the typical areas where visitors go are relatively safe AS LONG AS you take the normal precautions that have been discussed here ad nauseum. . . !!

I always watch what I'm drinking, I always go out assuming I might get cased or robbed, I follow a protocol that minimizes the risks. If something does happen, it'll be because of bad luck, not from being stupid. I can only control so much, the rest I don't worry about. I try to blend in, I find it amusing when locals ask ME for directions. . . and no GIB, I doubt it was a burundanga or casing scam. :-)

In short, I don't think anyone here is saying that they are free to act like I've seen some people in Cancun, or some of the smaller mellow Caribbean islands like St. Maarten. A local might be able to get away with making a drunken ass of himself on the street, but not a turista. ;))

In conclusion: something bad and scary may very well happen to me but I'm not going to obsess over it either. If I did, I'd be in my NYC apartment all the time listening to music but that gets boring after a while. :-)

Lowell says on Aug 15, 2007, 08:58:

Now the peso is rising. If it rises enough, more Gringos will be in Colombia. More Gringos means more honey for the bees. More honey, more bees.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

tomtom33 says on Aug 15, 2007, 09:01:

When is the last time you had a gun pulled on you? It's amazing how many Colombians carry them. And they are not afraid to brandish or use them.

tomtom33 says on Aug 15, 2007, 09:02:

Luv dem bees!

Lowell says on Aug 15, 2007, 11:01:

When I spot a person with a concealed weapon, I exit stage left. Don't want to know them ,be near them ....

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

vicshere says on Aug 15, 2007, 11:14:

so Lowell if we meet for a beer your not going to join me...cause I am usually packing

listo

vicshere says on Aug 15, 2007, 11:19:

here's one BIG last year I was standing outside my local near the market...the neighbor pulled up in his car...he owns the bolo place across the street.....anyway the guy parks in front of his place.....goes and opens the door to his bolo place..then he calls out to the wife to come inside...the wife I guess were pissed off with each other and doesn't want to exit the car....the guys screams to her a few times but she is not getting out..the guys finally gets so pissed... he pulls a revolver from his belt and fires 2 shoots into the air...scared the shit out of me as I wasn't waiting for it...anyway the wife got out of the car dam fast

listo

panthdave says on Aug 15, 2007, 12:01:

Would of been interesting if the wife then pulled a gun out too...That would of been a show...

panthdave Miami

Lowell says on Aug 15, 2007, 12:12:

Vic maybe an exception for you. Depends on the place.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

Lowell says on Aug 15, 2007, 12:13:

I packed a gun every day for nearly 20 yrs. It's now kind of a relief not to do that anymore.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

Lowell says on Aug 15, 2007, 12:17:

Went to the range with my wife who had never held a gun in her life. The first eight that she shot all hit body mass. The second eight were in the black. I took the gun away from her and never let her shoot again. With an eye that good I'd need all the chances I can make, should I ever have needed to make a run for it. Did I mention that she was a very firey redhead?

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

droble77 says on Aug 15, 2007, 15:26:

GIBster, you said:

"giving advice to run out of a bar at the first sign of a argument or stating that I have ran out of a bar when senior gun made an appearance??? This is macho male posturing to you??

Shit! Where do you live in NYC? Greenwich Village?"

Actually, that is good advice. I've done it several times myself in NYC. . . but that applies in many places in the world, not just Colombia. You just don't get it. The posturing comes from your entire attitude, it's seeped with it. But I don't really care all that much, I just like to mess with you that's all. . . ;0)

Where do I live?
I've lived in the Lower East Side all my life. It's made quite some changes over the years though not as dramatic as Colombia's. But still, there's always a sad story. Some years back, a 19-year old kid who lived on my floor was stabbed and killed in a stupid fight over a girl. He wasn't that bad of a kid, but he hung out with the wrong crowd. . . and it ended up costing him his life.

So I know something about young hispanic delinquent kids robbing people, and then getting killed at an early age. Happens in the States. Happens all over Latin America. Remember dude. I'm not all gringo. If it wasn't for my upbringing, that 19 year old kid could have been me.

Robert Jorge says on Aug 15, 2007, 15:30:

Noticed a comment or two about the number of Colombians who own and carry weapons. It is amazing the differences in perspectives two different people can have, depending on the area they live or the people they are around. When I lived in Villavicencio, I NEVER saw anybody carrying openly or concealed. (I am pretty good at spotting a concealed gun too) I am not including obviously the police, military, or private security. I just didn't see it with normal citizens. I saw gun-play one time. Actually, I heard it. The people across the street got in an argument and some dude shot a .38 in the air. But besides that, nada. (Which is more than fine for me) Private security sure likes their pump action, 12 gauge, short barrel shotguns though. Even outside of Club Kuarzo, the parking attendants carried scatterguns.

panthdave says on Aug 15, 2007, 16:44:

Ready GIB get your ass to Medellin for a weekend...Will have that beer and shot.....

panthdave Miami

vicshere says on Aug 15, 2007, 19:33:

woow just back from work missed all the comments yippers....Lowell anyday you want to have a beer bud.....I only carry now when I go to the bank or to some unsavory areas...unfortunately I can't carry at school...dam school wouldn't allow guns in schools ...but its ok for the kiddies to bring them in their backpacks...Lowell I actually made my own carry system... I have actually made into the Bank Republica a couple of times after a pat down by the dumbass security guy and I have also passed a pat down by a dumb ass cop on the street when I was riding my moto.....anyway.....back to the OP...some areas of Colombia are safe some areas are unsafe.....just like anywhere else.....1)you have to watch where you are and who's around....and 2)know enough when its time to get out of dodge...and normally you shouldn't let yourself get into such trouble to pull out your gun...if you have to pull your gun you have fucked up 1&2 and your going to be in big shit

listo

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 15, 2007, 20:16:

everyone has a sad internet story to tell.....we are all victims in life......whoa is me....poor poor me.....forced me to be Bad Bad Leroy Brown.........pobrecitos.......=)...pura caca....

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

manINred says on Aug 15, 2007, 22:13:

Yes, I was perplexed when I was told about 150 deaths in a week, it is hard to believe to say the least.

It was my exGirlfriend who gave me the number, she told me about a bunch of horrible stuff happening right now. I'll ask her to get the source and then post it.

That aside, I still maintain that Medellin is much less safe than Toronto, however I've had bad stuff go down here. Actually, Toronto gets less safe it seems with each passing month.

manINred says on Aug 15, 2007, 22:22:

Mad cow? not as far as I'm aware. SARS yeah, but at least it brought the city a great concert.

manINred says on Aug 15, 2007, 22:22:

Mad cow? not as far as I'm aware. SARS yeah, but at least it brought the city a great concert.

manINred says on Aug 16, 2007, 06:11:

Yeah it is, with upsides and downsides like everywhere. I like it at least.

deathnova says on Aug 16, 2007, 08:09:

On the subject of "packing," is one allowed to carry in Colombia? Permits required?

vicshere says on Aug 16, 2007, 08:18:

yes and yes

listo

Rubito says on Aug 16, 2007, 15:42:

MIR you went from Popayán to Pasto to Ipiales. Now THAT is dangerous. MUCH more dangerous than Medellín. And I think your gf probably got the decimal point wrong in the number of murders.

Here in BOG the ZR is dangerous as far as pickpocketing and muggings go. When getting out the club do NOT get in the first taxi you see, unless it's somebody you called yourself. And don't stagger around the streets drunk because at the very least your pockets will be picked.

As far as I'm concerned the cities are it for me. The countryside can go fuck itself. Fortunately for me I love cities and hate the countryside anyways.

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

manINred says on Aug 16, 2007, 18:02:

"the countryside can go fuck itself"

hahahaha, that's one of the funniest things I've read on this site. I agree to an extent, I could probably never live in the countryside, too narrow for me, however I love chillin' there sometimes, if there's water.

I was shitting bricks after I realized how dangerous it was for me to go from pasto and popayan on the nightbus 2 years ago. 3 of the 6 buses that night were stopped and robbed.

Still waiting on that source... i doubt a real source will come though by the sounds of skeptism here ;)

manINred says on Aug 16, 2007, 18:56:

Local radio news is the source. I can therefore neither confirm nor deny the accuracy of the 150 deaths in a week.

Robert Jorge says on Aug 17, 2007, 00:40:

I love the countryside. I feel much more comfortable around or outside of Villavo, Acacias, or Grenada than traipsing around Bogota. Not that what I feel more comfortable doing is safer necessarily than hanging out in a giant city, but that is just me. Everybody has their comfort-zone. I guess I am a country boy ... can't help it. I am sure (Heaven forbid it ever happening) a run-in with some FARC or other nasties would change my outlook.

bickerss says on Aug 17, 2007, 03:07:

What is safe to someone is not safe to others. I have wandered around many cities in colombia, in various parts, at various parts of the day / night and have yet to have a serious problem. Does that mean everywhere is safe - no. Does that mean something will never happen to me - no. Do i take precautions - yes. Are there some areas I will be sure to get mugged etc - yes. Are the areas I cant go - yes. But that is also the same for every place in the world. Do I feel safe in Colombia yes.

IMO - in general as a tourist or someone living in colombia, you will not have problems normally, as long as you are sensible, take general precautions etc. If you try and take on the locals, abuse the women, hassle into the drug trade - then yeah; I think you will have a lot more problems tthan you would in say Australia, the USA etc.

I was just back in my country two months ago and felt much more unsafe there. I was really surprised at how thuggish it was; people brawling in the streets, gangs of young adults harrassing people at night, youths trashed out on drugs. People very aggresive during the day. Everything is relative.

For me Colombia is much safer than Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina. I get far less hassle here than I do there.

billyb says on Aug 17, 2007, 06:39:

The countryside is the soul of Colombia, anybody that just wants to stay in the city is missing a vital part of what makes Colombia what it is, both good and bad. Might as well stay in NY or Toronto or wherever.

robi666 says on Aug 17, 2007, 06:45:

To live in Colombia and do not go to the countryside... quite funny! Comer la cascara y dejar el jugo...

billyb says on Aug 17, 2007, 07:08:

Robi, exactly.

manINred says on Aug 17, 2007, 07:35:

Obv you gotta visit it, or spend considerable time there. Pues que lastima no estar en un lugar tan hermoso, como Colombia hay tanto campo divino...... but if you are going to live somewhere, in my opinion, cities are where it's at, and cities are very different by nature, so staying in TO or NY is completely different from staying in Buenos Aires or Medellin, so I don't know where you're coming from billyb by implying that all cities are the same.

billyb says on Aug 17, 2007, 07:42:

My point is that if you blindfold someone and drop them off in the middle of any large cosmopolitan city, they'd have a hard time telling what makes one different from the other (of course i'm exagerating a bit for effect), but the heart of a culture starts in the countryside. I love living in cities, but have to get away as often as I can, after a while every building looks like the next, but you never get tired of seeing beautifull paisajes.

BAQ says on Aug 17, 2007, 11:19:

GUYS, ok, try this, when you are here, BUY A COPY OF EACH NEWPAPER that is sold on the street in the city you are in. You will see DAILY the photos of poeple laying in a pool of blood with a bullet or two in their head. AND FOR WHAT, so someone could steal their TWENTY DOLLAR CELL PHONE, or because the bandit got mad because the victim only had 10 or 20 thousand pesos on him. ect ect ect.

I dont want to put words on anyones mouth, but I THINK what most of us who live here are trying to say is UNDERSTAND the country you are in, UNDERSTAND this is not America, UNDERSTAND that the paras have come into the cities after disarming and have now formed violent gangs which is making the streets more dangerous.

If ya still dont believe me, come over to Barranquilla NOW, I will personally show you what I am talking about. It is SO BAD here right now that 600 police have been brought in from Bogota, the military has transfered an entire BRIGADE here and ON AVERAGE, 2-4 people are heing assasinated in the street every day. AND, this does not count the amount of armed robberies and assaults that do not result in a shooting.

I am not paranoid, I am only stating the FACTS, in real time, as they exhist TODAY. I dont hide in my home, I get out in my car every day, in fact last sunday the wife and I I drove to Cartagenia for the day. So its not being paranoid when we tell you it is dangerous, we are only giving those who ask THE FACTS so you will be more aware of your surroundings, understand the risks and hopefully have a safe trip while you are here.

Semper Fidelis !

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 17, 2007, 11:40:

THE SKY IS FALLING!!!!!!!!! THE SKY IS FALLING!!!!!!!!! THE SKY IS FALLING!!!!!!!!! THE SKY IS FALLING!!!!!!!!! THE SKY IS FALLING!!!!!!!!! THE SKY IS FALLING!!!!!!!!! THE SKY IS FALLING!!!!!!!!!

~~~ Sr Chicken Little

people are murdered everyday in the US....give me a break...but the photos are not printed, because US citizens are more interested in Macy White sales, American Idol, Jerry Springer dramas, Oprah's diets, and Paris Hiltonettes......it may be news to you guys, but shit happens everywhere everyday.....it is all in ones perception....

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

robi666 says on Aug 17, 2007, 11:53:

You're right BAQ. Things abruptly changed in the last months on the coast. Santa Marta was having one of its worse moment... but it is changing again, infact it all changed a week ago. You'll notice it... ;-)
We will witness some "limpieza sociale" and that's it!

robi666 says on Aug 17, 2007, 12:00:

Clavo, you go around Santa Marta and you see police and army everywhere! I mean a real fucking "reten" every and each 100 mtrs of street. And it is day and night. You can bet that it is for a reason.
It was not like that 4 months ago! You tell me that in the US is the same? Well, i don't know... Italy is not like that for sure!

Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 17, 2007, 12:28:

in the US unless you are a deranged nut who kills multiple people at a time, who in the US gives a rats ass about it? certainly not the national media, and most definitely not the local media.....people want to know the lottery and powerball numbers, which celebrity is nailing which celebrity.........not the killings...how boring! ..the US is a big place, and the awareness factor of what goes on here with regards to crime victims is almost negligible .....just another fact of life......and life goes on and goes on...now, of course, there are spike in crime, like you mention...but that is "normal" so to speak in many areas......killings go up in hot weather, full moons, etc......

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

robi666 says on Aug 17, 2007, 12:43:

M_C, what I am suggesting it is that what we got now it is not a "spike in crime" but a main political problem. In Colombia, we've got an army with no wars and soldiers without a salary. And we got generals that sold their own people that will recover back their freedom in 8 years and lots of money left to live like kings.

robi666 says on Aug 17, 2007, 12:51:

And we got new generals that you cannot talk to, because they cannot even read or write, and 3000 people who their own skill is with an arm, and are used to have good money and have their children attending good schools.

eldorado says on Aug 17, 2007, 20:29:

Colombia may not be the safest place on earth but it has so many positive things
But things must be taken in perspective....is South LA Safe? is DC safe?
If an American will be killed in Bogota the state department will issue a travel warning alert to Colombia
Innocent citizens are killed daily in LA, Phoenix, Houston, DC, New Jersey... to say the least....does the state department issue a travel warning alert not to visit these cities?

I do believe that in any country where you have many poor and few very rich and fairly small middle class you will find it to be unsafe...maybe Asia is the only exception

RussianFred says on Aug 17, 2007, 20:54:

A major reason we all are here is the "Chicas". Colombia has the most beautiful women in the world - my opinion.

Eldorado, South LA has no organization that is Anti-American. The FARC will kill anyone. Sorry terrorist and murderers are different. Murderer don't bomb police hqs.

Annual Drug Deaths: Tobacco: 395,000, Alcohol: 125,000, 'Legal' Drugs: 38,000, Illegal Drug Overdoses: 5,200, Marijuana: 0. Considering government subsidies of tobacco, just what is our government protecting us from in the drug war?--Ralph Nader

billyb says on Aug 17, 2007, 21:20:

"A major reason we all are here is the "Chicas". Colombia has the most beautiful women in the world - my opinion."

Yes, if you are a foreigner, but there are a few million Colombians that live there for other reasons, although if you are male, your reason is amongst the top ones :)

robi666 says on Aug 18, 2007, 02:24:

Good point Eldorado!

panthdave says on Aug 18, 2007, 06:34:

Comes down to Pro's and Con's...everywhere end of story...If we didn't have pro's and con's the scale will be lop sided...and life would be boring..

panthdave Miami

BAQ says on Aug 18, 2007, 11:37:

MIGUEL, you are correct, homicides occur in the large cities all the time in the U.S. And ELDORADO, you are also correct, colombia has MANY POSITIVE things, I LOVE THIS COUNTRY, in not, I would move back to Texas, the point I and others are trying to make is that at this moment, VIOLANT CRIME has spiked here at a very alarming rate. Also, consider factoring in the size of these cities compared to the USA. When you factor the number of violant crimes per day vs the population of the cities, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, cartagenia, Bogota ect. the % in mathmatical numbers is much higher than the U.S. I am not crying the sky is falling, nor are the others who are posting on this thread. I will repeat what I said earlier, we just want those of you who are planning to visit here to be aware of the problem and keep it in mind. Don´t be scared, just be INFORMED.

On the rise on the coast, PUBLIC BUS TAKE OVERS. This is what they do, One guy enters the bus, pulls a gun, ususally a 9mm and tells the driver not to stop, he then cleans out the passangers, taking money, jewelry, cell phones, watches ect. Then tells the driver to stop, he gets off the bus and hops onto the motorcycle ridden by his buddy who has been following the bus and they are gone. In the most recent incident an off duty cop here was on a bus when it happened and was shot twice in the chest when he tried to stop the robbery. Am I telling you not to take the bus, NO, am I suggesting you keep this in mind when you know you are going to take the bus regarding to how much cash or jewelry to wear, YES.

I think in the big picture everyone here on PBH wants the others to have a good time while visiting here, get good info about plans for moving here or ehlp with a specific issue, and that is what PBH is all about. Yes, the occasional TROLL pops up to stur up the shit, but the vast majority of us are trying to help the others. We may not always agree but I dont think most who post here do so with malace. Just a thought.

Semper Fidelis !

eldorado says on Aug 18, 2007, 11:43:

Thanks BAQ !
I always respect honest reports that tell the truth and do not paint everything rosy...and by that can misleed persons

RussianFred says on Aug 21, 2007, 00:22:

Colombia rebels kidnap Swedish citizen
POSTED: 1635 GMT (0035 HKT), May 18, 2007

. A Swedish national was kidnapped from his home in Colombia
. Police and governor's office blame the leftist guerrilla group, the FARC
. The man had been helping build a hydroelectric plant in Cordoba province
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BOGOTA, Colombia (Reuters) -- Colombian leftist guerrillas have kidnapped a Swedish citizen and his female companion from his home in a northern province, authorities said on Friday.
Six gunmen took the man, identified by a police official as Erin Larson, from his home in Cordoba province, where he had lived since working on the construction of a hydroelectric plant in the area, said Manuel Jimenez, an official at the Cordoba governor's office.
"It appears that it was a group from the FARC," he said.
Abductions by FARC -- the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia -- have decreased under President Alvaro Uribe, but the guerrillas still kidnap for ransom and political leverage.
The police official also blamed the FARC for his kidnapping. A representative at the Swedish Foreign Ministry would not identify the man, but confirmed the abduction of a Swede in Colombia on May 16.
The FARC, which began as a peasant army