Convince my parents

bradenmiami says on Jul 16, 2007, 20:53:

Ohh yeah...I'm the first one to respond?

They simply need to know, in not so many words, that the Colombia of the 70's and 80's is long gone. To travel here is the same as travelling to Detroit, Miami, New York or Los Angeles. Be smart, know where to go and how to stay out of trouble! This country has made an amazing turnaround over the last 10 years...

As for the travel advisory? Before I came here the first time I read the travel advisories, however when I saw that almost EVERY country has advisories, I lost my "concern" over the details. That is the U.S. Government covering their ass from a liability standpoint - so they can say "We told you so."

I have traveled throughout the U.S., Mexixo, Costa Rica, Panama, Argentina and Chile. Colombie by far has been the kindest to me, and I have never experienced any problems. Sure this country has them, but again....know where to go and how to stay out of harms' way...just like they would where they live now!

The hardest part is NOT to get a friend or family member to come and visit....it is to get them to LEAVE!

The "lovemedellin website" is a piece of crap made by some moron who has only been to Medellin once...you'd be better off reading the Lonely Planet advice from a guy who never even came here!

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Robert Jorge says on Jul 16, 2007, 21:15:

Thanks for the quick comment Bradenmiami. I agree with everything you say, and have told my parents the same thing. They just can't get past the fear of what the media has etched in their brains over the past 30 years. That's why I appreciate all input from different sources about this. If my mom and dad see that 20 different people said that they have nothing to worry about, I might have a better chance getting my parents to come to our wedding, and having the time of their lives in a great country.

BEWARE of gold diggers.

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jinksmiester says on Jul 16, 2007, 21:44:

Colombia is not bad...im a blonde haired gringo that has been down and around all over colombia a dozen plus times...never had a problem of any sort except beating off the latinos that were trying to put there hooks in me and learning spanish.There is a lot Colombia could teach the west about family morals and values.Its like anywhere you go...you use common sense.Hmmm so two americans (supposedly) got killed in Colombia....gee i wonder how manny got killed in the safe old u.s.a......wake up...bad things happen everywhere.Go to the wedding..exsperience a wonderful culture and great people and see the beauty Colombia has to offer.Exspect it to be different(different is not bad).You are in for the time of your life if you can allow yourself to see past the politics and haze of over exzagerated b.s. .
But then again polititions never lie do they?....ya and if you glue chicken wings on a pig you can teach it fly...
go live...go exsperience
hope this helps robert...if they don,t go its there own loss...there missing out on a lot.

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

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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 16, 2007, 21:52:

just tell them they did not raise a child to have poor taste and bad judgment.....from what i can tell from reading your posts, etc, you have alot of common sense and exercise good judgement.....and i doubt you would take your parents to a dangerous place...and you have been there...i have gone to Colombia about 18 or so times in the last 4 years, more than some but less than others....and i have never had any safety problems there.....exercise common sense, be aware of your surroundings, but the important thing is your new Colombian family will undoubtedly go to great lengths for your comfort and security....Chances are you will want to return again....they always do.....=)

"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"

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adrimm says on Jul 16, 2007, 22:36:

Well I can send you to some useful links:

Kernow's Blog: http://www.gringoincolombia.com/

The Lonely planet Thorn Tree - They can post questions to their hearts content and get answers from strangers (vs Colombia afficionados like us)

The University of Washington is sending field school students to Bogota:
http://depts.washington.edu/explore/programs/2007/colombia.htm

NYTimes travel articles:

Bogota Not Just for the Brave: http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/02/12/travel/12bogota.html

Coffee Trail: http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/02/12/travel/12coffee.html

Globe and Mail article:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070622.whappyurba...

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scotty says on Jul 17, 2007, 01:50:

I have had the same experience as Jinks, I have blond hair, green eyes, and have traveled to Colombia many times. I have never had a problem of any kind, the people are friendly, and the country is beautiful.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

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Cerealkiller says on Jul 17, 2007, 02:50:

Robert I think this is the best opportunity for your parents to see Colombia, as it is clear it is booming but it still has its very own flavor, unlike many Central American nations. I agree with what another poster said, your parents should trust your judgement, they raised you...chances are they know you wouldn't put them at risk.
My parents in law are very experienced travellers and decided they would not travel to any country that does not get tourist cruiselines stopping in. To them, that is worth more than the US government's travel advice. And Colombia is already getting cruise ships stopping in cartagena...
Plus its your wedding, awww I cant believe they would miss out on your special day...plus its always important for any parent to meet the family youre marrying into. Oh well, I certainly hope they reconsider, Colombia is a wonderful country to visit and live in...Good luck!!!

There are a bunch of links i think can help you:
Investing in Colombia:
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_22/b4036001.htm

Interesting stuff by The Guardian:
http://business.guardian.co.uk/insidecolombia/


Let us know if they changed their minds...and ask them to not tell anyone about the great time they had in Colombia. I am kinda selfish about it. :P

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

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panthdave says on Jul 17, 2007, 02:57:

I have asked my Mom to meet my GF and really she doesn't have any problems with that now but she has lived in Miami since 1987 and has worked with Colombians,read horror stories in the Herald and heard of horror stories from Colombians here in Miami but she now admits that Colombia has turned around and is much safer... My mom is 62 and is planning to come down with me since I have a place in Medellin and also now that my GF and I have been together for 8 months she wants to meet her..So my saying is after a person that is totally American and old fashioned like my Mom reading and hearing all these stories and now finally admits she feels comfortable to go to Colombia with me is great..She has worked with Colombians in Miami and Philadelphia..so she heard some horror stories..
I am sure Robert but don't know..my Mom is old fashioned and for her to say now she feels comfortable to go to Colombia is great..

panthdave Miami

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aztec says on Jul 17, 2007, 05:24:

Robert Jorge, I venture to say that I am as old or even older than your parents. I love visiting Colombia and go as often as possible! Having said that, I can understand their fear and trepidations. We older people don't, as a rule, have the spirit of adventure that younger people may have. All things different are often threats to our "comfort zone".

I would say to your parents that they should go to Colombia and enjoy the experience of a lifetime. The visit with Colombians will broaden their appreciation of other peoples cultures and make them appreciate their own even more.

Of course Colombia has it dangers, but with care these can be minimized. There is absolutely no way your wife's family would place them in harms way. If anything they would most likely be overly protective!

Because your family speaks no Spanish someone would need to be with them at all times. Otherwise they will feel adrift in a sea of foreign, unfamiliar and thus to them dangerous surroundings. To someone of any age first arriving at El Dorado and its confusing hustle and bustle can be alarming. Get them successfully through that and you should be safely on your way.

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jaramillo says on Jul 17, 2007, 05:32:

"Plus, they said they saw on the news about two US people getting killed recently (I never heard of it) in Colombia."

Just tell them that the day they killed those two Americans in Colombia (if they did), they also killed 110 American in the U.S. (average murder rate per diem). They would have been safer in Colombia ;)

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slguy says on Jul 17, 2007, 06:09:

I'm frankly a little surprised to hear that they prefer to trust media accounts over the word of their own son- especially regarding his wedding...but be that as it may- I'm 52 (no spring chicken!) and have made 5 trips to Colombia in the past year.

Regarding safety - not ONCE have I seen a crime, much less felt victimized.

Over and over, I have been reminded why I think the Colombian people are the most friendly, welcoming folks on the planet. For example, on my birthday, a couple that I had never met opened thier home to a surprise birthday party for me - simply because their son is dating the daughter of my friend, and without their help, the party would not have been a surprise! Where else could this happen, really?

Unless your parents have an aversion to being made to feel VERY special, they will miss the opportunity of a lifetime by not going. I'm guessing they become Colombia's biggest advocates after the wedding! ;)

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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Simon says on Jul 17, 2007, 07:41:

Here we go again with the anti-Colombian bigotry!

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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Simon says on Jul 17, 2007, 07:46:

Here's a nice website about my country BTW:


http://theotherlookofcolombia.com/

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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gringainbogota says on Jul 17, 2007, 08:34:

Ditto to all the above comments on friendliness of Colombians and general safety in Bogota and surroundings. In might be helpful to know that the drive from Bogota to Villavicencio is on a super new highway that is as safe as any in the U.S. It only takes 90 minutes and the views are breathtaking. Your parents are in for a wonderful suprise if they allow themselves the opportunity. I am probably your mom's age, I've lived here 11 years, and all of my U.S. visitors are blown away by how safe they feel here and how glad they are that they made the trip.

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Simon says on Jul 17, 2007, 08:56:

Me too!

You know GIB, I was actually going to respond to her thinking it was you, I was gonna say something like 'you're awfully nice today...what did you eat', hahaha!

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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panthdave says on Jul 17, 2007, 09:03:

Thats what I am saying....They should not be afraid..on Colombia anymore..or listen to the State Departments Warnings which I ignore and so does my mother..

panthdave Miami

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Simon says on Jul 17, 2007, 09:15:

Robert Jorge,

You gotta show your parents this article from a guy from the Travel Channel who went to Colombia recently:

http://5takes-blog.travel.discovery.com/2007/06/vinnie_misconceptions....

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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Simon says on Jul 17, 2007, 09:39:

And show these videos to your parents too:


http://travel.discovery.com/video/video.html?videoRef=728a9f5fc1bbfb16...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qx_OVnpm5g4&mode=related&search=

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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durito says on Jul 17, 2007, 09:56:

I´ve never been to Villavicencio, but I have spent much of the last 4 years traveling through much of latin america and can say that I feel a lot safer in Colombia than I do in a lot of other places (some that are frequented by us tourists, ie guatemala & costa rica). You obvisouly know how to conduct yourself here, as long as they listen to you, they will be fine. My parents (late 50´s americans) are planning on visiting me in Medellin sometime next year.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 17, 2007, 10:47:

Tell your parents not to listen to the paranoid and delusional alarmist in this thread.


"So let me say this. I have been in Colombia in the absolute worse times the country has experienced. I am here now." PR

hmmm...5 years in Colombia......doing the math...2007-5=2002......worst times in Colombian history.....i thought La Violencia and the 90s were the worst.....

"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"

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jul 17, 2007, 11:59:

Robert. My parents are probably close in age to yours. They've travelled all over the world including places like Cambodia and Peru, but when I picked my parents up at the airport the first time I could tell my mother, at least, was terrified. I really think she was worried about getting kidnapped straight from El Dorado.

For a few days she was leery of leaving the house on her own or exploring around. Then, suddenly, it dawned on her that she'd built up a fear of Colombia based on years of negative perceptions and that it had very little to do with the Colombia she was experiencing NOW.

They've now been to Colombia several times and each time have better experiences, including traveling outside Bogota. I hope your parents do too.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jul 17, 2007, 13:41:

I should have tried that trick with my mom... "Here, put this sack over your head so the kidnappers will know you're already taken..."

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cobbook6104 says on Jul 17, 2007, 15:50:

C-mon Mom And Dad,

You will find yourself in the most beautiful country there is. Originally from Indiana, now living in Florida. Don't miss this opportunity to see the culture and meet the friendliest people ever.

Been in the country many times, no worries !!!!!!!!!!!!

By the way, enjoy the new family, have a great wedding day with your son.


Florida Bob

florida bob

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scotty says on Jul 17, 2007, 18:12:

Simons right, you can always depend on the media to fire up the anti-colombia talk.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

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Robert Jorge says on Jul 17, 2007, 23:41:

Thanks everybody for the comments and encouragement. Hopefully with all these comments from you guys, my parents will realize I am not just blowing sunshine up their *****. What is wierd, is that my parents have traveled around the world. My mom has been from India to Egypt. Dad from Spain to Germany. For some reason, they just let the US news hype influence them into thinking Colombia is a total war-zone. It crossed my mind also, that when my mom said she had read that 2 Americans got killed somewhere in Colombia recently - that 200 got killed right here in the US. A day without a murder in Miami is like a day without sunshine in Miami - a rare event.

I love the drive from Bogota to Villavo. I want so bad to pick-up my parents at El Dorado, and watch their reactions once we leave Bogota. Well, anyway, thanks again, keep 'em coming. I sent the link to my mom, so hopefully she will read your comments, if she hasn't already. Oh, and by the way, dad will be 69 this year, mom 65. I think they gotcha beat GIB in the age game. jajaja

BEWARE of gold diggers.

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goin_south says on Jul 17, 2007, 23:52:

Don't cut us off jus yet. I've got tons on this thread to write... jus giving extra-concentrated thought.... incubating.... give us another day.

Where do we go from here?

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msaucey says on Aug 2, 2007, 15:56:

So, Robert were you able to convince your parents to visit?.... I'm sure with all the wonderful reviews above they should feel safe and welcomed.... It's one of those experiences that shouldn't be missed.... Hoped, PBH has helped in changing their mind....

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. - CS Lewis

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goin_south says on Aug 3, 2007, 00:03:

Hey, Rob!

This thead got lost. And, I had promised to contribute... So, what's the story about your parents going to Colombia? Did they give in ? They're going? or, You need me to call them??

Where do we go from here?

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Robert Jorge says on Aug 5, 2007, 01:36:

I still haven't been able to get an answer from them. The date is still a ways off. We can't even start planning until my wife gets her permanent residency. But, my mom did comment that there were a lot of people who seemed positive about Colombia when she went to this link. And, just getting her to check out this site was a major accomplishment in my opinion. So, there is hope, but no definite answer yet as to what will happen.

BEWARE of gold diggers.

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