Embassy message for American citizens in Colombia

kernow62 says on Apr 6, 2006, 19:11:

Does this mean thay only go after Americans? ;-)

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MacGringo says on Apr 7, 2006, 05:06:

Yeah, looks like , according to this , being Scottish I can flag down a taxi anywhere and not worry about it.

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. says on Apr 7, 2006, 05:25:

MMMM? American embassy? America do not have an embassy, because America is a continen that which divided in many countries. How ever, this kind of robbery could happen to any one. I lived in bogota for 20 years and nothing happened to me. it is just to be in the wrong place at the wrong time where ever you are in the world. ah! in Bogota, no taxi driver asks for passport or ID before giving a lift to a client, so do not worry if you are Estadounidence, Scotish, French, English etc. ah!, if you are some one who like showing off or being Arrogant, please leave it behind, it will avoid many trubles, and if you want to get a taxi, it is better to hire it on the phone.

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Albatross says on Apr 7, 2006, 08:23:

Excellent Advice Also, by locking the doors and sitting directly behind the driver, one can gain a limited advantage. If the driver slows to pick up other passengers, put a knife to his throat and tell him to keep driving.

I've never done this (the knife I mean) and I'm sure there are ways it could backfire, (and then you'd be really fucked) but its sure better than sitting like a lamb waiting to get slaughtered.

P.S. Juan, no somos Estadounidense, somos Americanos... get used to it.

“Democracy - a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance." - H.L. Mencken

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Habanero says on Apr 7, 2006, 11:55:

American Embassy It is The United States of America that is the is the American Embassy. There is also the United States of Mexico. Would you call the Mexican Embassy the US Embassy also?

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Habanero says on Apr 7, 2006, 11:56:

American Embassy It is The United States of America that is the is the American Embassy. There is also the United States of Mexico. Would you call the Mexican Embassy the US Embassy also?

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. says on Apr 7, 2006, 12:00:

Es mejor dejar lo de "Americanos" a la ignorancia. Los que tienen un minimo de educacion dirian Estadounidenses, porque America es un continente. Bueno, no tengo ni idea la calidad de educacion en EEUU, pero lo que si se es que el resto del mundo sabe que America es un continente y no un pais. Como sea, eso lo dejamos para el foro llamado..."Donde es mejor la educacion primaria y secundaria, en EEUU or Colombia". Un honesto abrazo.

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. says on Apr 7, 2006, 12:15:

Viva la vida Why to compare Mexico with United States, Mexicans have delirious of arrogance, they do not want to show that they are just Mexicans (with all the respect), Mexican and no more that Mexicans, just imagine how down sounds “Mexican Embassy�, I am sure you will imagine two “bandoleros� at the entrance with an ambassador with a big sombrero. But If you say “United States of Mexico� it sounds big!, they think they are part of the EEUU, they think that Mexico is one of the EEUU states. For the rest of America (from Canada to Argentina), Mexico is Mexico and United States is United States, You will never listen in the news something like….The President of America George Bush…instead you will listen….The President of the Unites States. How ever, if you feel that being called American make you feel cool, all right, you are American.

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Habanero says on Apr 7, 2006, 12:15:

American Embassy It is two continents north and south separated by central America that is why you would say the Americas plural. Witch are in the western hemisphere. Study geography a little more.

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. says on Apr 7, 2006, 12:20:

yes you are right it is the Americas or Continente Americano wich is divided into four sub-continents, Noth America, Central America, South America and Colombia or United States of Colombia, but United States Of Colombia is too long so we decided just to use Unites States hence, we are from United States.

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utopiacowboy says on Apr 7, 2006, 12:25:

I've always thought we should start calling ourselves Columbians and then see how you like that. Say you are introduced to someone and he says his name is "Bob", do you start calling him "Tom"? Maybe you think he looks like a "Tom" or his first name is Thomas so he really should be called "Tom". No, simple courtesy dictates that you call him by what he prefers to be called. So Bob it is. Rightly or wrongly, we prefer to be called Americans.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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utopiacowboy says on Apr 7, 2006, 12:30:

I've never heard either a Mexican or a Canadian lay claim to the term American. If you called either an American, I feel certain they would straighten you out in a hurry. The South Americans are the ones with this "problem". I always advise them to go to Iraq and start loudly telling everyone that they are Americans.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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. says on Apr 7, 2006, 12:34:

Weeeeeel! The only people who got use to it are the people from United State, how ever if you want to be called "joe" I will call you "joe", my friend Felipe want to be called "pipe", my friend Laura want to be called "negrita", and I like to be called Robert de Niro. If you want to be called American, it is fine! I will call you American. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America. How ever, it is better to hire a taxi on the phone, are you able to rent a car? I am not sure, but if you can, it would be better.

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Blue says on Apr 7, 2006, 12:43:

So would you think calling a cab company directly reduces the risk? Maybe always write down cabbie/car info. Get out and run if picking up others? jaja

Blue

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Tinto (Moderator) says on Apr 7, 2006, 12:52:

Au Contraire, Mon Frère Try a few Google searches using "America Sucks" vs. "The United States Sucks" or "Death to America" vs. "Death to the United States." The usage of "America" is hundreds of times more common. Apparently, all those protesters and sign-painters and bloggers around the world need geography lessons, too.

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Christian88 says on Apr 7, 2006, 13:03:

What I find interesting is Juan's obvious disdain of Mexico. Have you ever been there, Juan? Or are your opinions primarily driven by what you see in the media, in telenovelas, and through friends of friends?

If it's the latter, and assuming you're Colombian, there would be a fantastic irony.

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Habanero says on Apr 7, 2006, 13:04:

? ¿Are we United Statesenz?

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ixent says on Apr 7, 2006, 13:54:

I guess many USer’s call themselves “American� without even thinking twice. I refuse to call USer's “American�. It’s a misnomer that has caught on, probably because it’s the easiest thing to say. It’s similar to calling everyone from the UK “English� (hey, there are Welsh, Scottish and even Northern Irish too!) I’m originally from Portugal, and I can imagine if the Germans started calling themselves “European� I’d be thinking… hey, wait a second… I’m also from Europe!!! They may be the largest economy in Europe, but it’s just plain wrong.

Maybe this results from the self-righteous mindset some (a minority, I like to think) USer's have adopted, dating from the days of Manifest destiny/Monroe Doctrine, etc. A reflection of wanting to take over the whole continent, perhaps?… I was shocked the first time I learnt about the Monroe Doctrine during my history classes… How can any nation legitimately decide it has control over other nations’ affairs, and call this decision a doctrine (as if it is some kind of religious dogma?).

I’ve even heard some Colombians call people from the US “Americans�, if you do, shame on you!!

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caslug says on Apr 7, 2006, 14:05:

ixent.. you're(UK/Portugal) person critizing US expansionist history? That's a laugh, considering Portugal/Spain did a deal w/ the POPE to split the New World for colonization. So among other things Portugal got Brazil and Spain got the rest.

" How can any nation legitimately decide it has control over other nations’ affairs, and call this decision a doctrine (as if it is some kind of religious dogma?)."- Ixent..

British/Portugese trader were BIG time slave traders, plus colonizer. If a colonization isn't about one nation controlling another, then what is. And Spain/England/France/Portugal/Dutch were the biggest of them all, far outpacing US.

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ixent says on Apr 7, 2006, 14:11:

caslug... I cannot disagree with you, you are 100% right in that respect, and it is a shameful aspect the histories of many European nations. Our ancestors plundered, raped, killed,... basically, probably fitting the modern-day definition of a terrorist. I will not even try to defend it.

Having said that, remember that most of you guys in the Americas are our offspring to some degree :)

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Simon says on Apr 7, 2006, 15:37:

This is what Wikipedia says... "In the U.S., America is more commonly used to describe the United States and less often to refer to the Americas, the lands of the Western Hemisphere (North and South America). American as a noun to describe an inhabitant or a citizen or national of the United States, and as an adjective meaning "of the United States," has no straightforward unambiguous synonym in English. Many other words for American have been proposed, but none has been widely accepted."


Even the entry in Wikipedia about the USA recognizes what a misnomer the term "american" is to describe people from the US.

It also says this:

"It is also referred to, with varying formality, as the U.S., the U.S.A., the U.S. of A., the States, the United States, America[1], or (poetically) Columbia."

"Columbia"? In their dreams! That name is already taken!

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"Where have you traveled in this world. I have traveled it quite a bit and everywhere in Europe I am refered to as an American, Russia, China, Japan do I need to go on'

GringoInBogota,

It's no surprise those people referred to you as "american', those people are not from the western Hemisphere (America), they don't know any better!

"Now keep pushing this and soon Americans will be content with the English or US spelling of your country being ColUmbia, which is actually correct spelling for an American."

No, that is not the "correct spelling for an american", Colombia is spelled ColOmbia, whether it be in spanish or english! Don't be ignorant!

"No wonder latins have trouble in the states. They ignorantly beleive that somehow we stold the US from them."

You are quite the REDNECK, aren't you? The only latins who claim this are some overly nationalistic mexicans. I don't see people from Colombia, Argentina, Brasil, Venezuela, Chile, Uruguar, Peru, Paraguay, etc, making such a ridiculous claim.


"So I think you should lighten up a bit. I have never heard any COlombia refer to themselves as anything but a Colombian.'

You would need to be able to understand spanish first, can you?

"That is all it is you are just picking at the giants toe nails."

Giant? That's pretty funny considering the entire continental US can easily fit within Brasil's borders.

HERE'S SIMON!!!!

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johna says on Apr 7, 2006, 15:51:

semantics suck Most people understand that when a gringo says "American" they are refering to an "esatadounidienso". So the word did what it was suppose to do, it communicated. It is not a political statement, though it does say something about USA's political mentality now and in the past. Having said that, lets quit being so nit picky. Take the European Union, surely they aren't and haven't been the only "union" in Europe, but who cares? People on this site are a little up tight, lighten up (I am looking at you poco.)

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jmbone says on Apr 7, 2006, 16:22:

This post began with TomTom telling us about an alert by the U.S. Embassy regarding taxi robberies. So far so good. Quickly, however, the subject changed to pure B.S. about the word: American, etc.

Let me offer an attempt at re direction toward TomTom's well intended warning.

Try this out. So far, it's worked for me. It's based on the very small size of todays cel phones, and a way we all can use technology to our advantage...

When you see a taxi approaching from down the street, quickly put your closed fist up to your right ear and keep it there. Move you mouth as though you are talking. Hail the taxi with a whistle or wave your left hand. As the taxi stops in front of you continue to talk into your right hand. Got it? Now look down at the taxi number on the side door...be obvious as you repeat the taxi id into your closed hand. With your hand still closed, put your non existant cel into your right hand pants pocket. Get into the front seat of the taxi. Buckle up, and from here you will be in a better position to watch the drivers eyes and motions...and, from here you have an option of grabbing the wheel or doing what ever you think right under the then current circumstances. Try it.

good luck.

jmbone

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kernow62 says on Apr 7, 2006, 17:14:

Unless he asks to use your mobile phone. ;-)

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el norteño says on Apr 7, 2006, 17:34:

lesson Here we go again.
It's very simple.
The USA is the only country with the word America in it.
Therefore, we call ourselves Americans. Get it?
There is no nation called North America, or United States.

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el norteño says on Apr 7, 2006, 17:36:

Taxis Is this primarily a Bogota problem?

I've hailed taxis off the street in Medellin dozens of times without incident.

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Simon says on Apr 7, 2006, 17:50:

The USA is the only country "The USA is the only country with the word America in it.
Therefore, we call ourselves Americans. Get it?
There is no nation called North America, or United States."

I see, so since South America also has the word America in it, then we can also call ourselves Americans. Get it?

HERE'S SIMON!!!!

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utopiacowboy says on Apr 7, 2006, 18:04:

Go ahead. Call yourselves Americans. I invite you to go to the Sunni Triangle of Iraq and proclaim that yes, you are an American.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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huskie says on Apr 7, 2006, 20:13:

Embassy for American Citizens in Colombia You are the typical arrogant Colombian who do not know what you are talking about, so hush!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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huskie says on Apr 7, 2006, 20:29:

MMM.....juanpbadillo The comment about you * being a typical arrogant colombian was made by me

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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calipro says on Apr 7, 2006, 21:07:

Not to mitigate the dangers of riding in taxis or to quell the fears of the poor souls left to defend themselves in public transportation, but I was actually saved by a taxi that was waiting outside of a bar in Cali with the passanger door open no less.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Apr 7, 2006, 23:45:

Call me what you want, but dont call me late for dinner!! "The USA is the only country with the word America in it.
Therefore, we call ourselves Americans. Get it?
There is no nation called North America, or United States."

I see, so since South America also has the word America in it, then we can also call ourselves Americans. Get it?...Simon

Yes, Simon, if you want to call yourself American because you live in South America, i dont have a problem with that......its a big enough world....."Why cant we just get along!???".....

but, if you want the name of a very reliable taxista privada in Bogota, just ask. I have been using the same guy for over 4 years now, very professional, reliable, hardworking family man.....you have to ask yourself one thing.......what is your safety and life worth?

Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo

"Ignorance is a Weapon of Mass Destruction..."

"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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ixent says on Apr 8, 2006, 02:12:

Huskie "You are the typical arrogant Colombian who do not know what you are talking about, so hush!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" - HUSKIE

Remember that in this forum we suppposed to discuss the idea, personal attacks are not on. Also, I am sure that relatively speaking there are just as many US people who don't know what they're talking about as Colombians, and your choice of words implies that typical Colombian are like that. Please don't generalize, and especially in this forum, be respectful to Colombians.

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MacGringo says on Apr 8, 2006, 03:15:

So Miguel Clavo, what are the details for the taxi then?

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kernow62 says on Apr 8, 2006, 04:08:

Ah but MacGringo; how do you know that Miguel is not part of the scam?

He sends the punters to the taxista and off they go to hit every ATM in Bogota.

Geez you guys are making me paranoid now. Already I don't trust anyone in the police dept in the US, nor local state or federal govt. I don't trust car salesmen, doctors or coworkers.... now I can't trust taxistas in Bogota either! Next I suppose I will not be able to trust those little chappies in the green wellies.

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montesdeoca says on Apr 8, 2006, 12:22:

taxi I am Hondu/Gringo presently working in Cali. When taking a taxi in Bogota, Cali, New York. etc. use common sense, the least common of all senses.I think that the idea of talking on cell phone is a very good one,I would suggest to anybody taking a taxe anywhere, to take advantage of your cell phone and call anyone to tell them the taxi number and any other details that you may deem necessary. I just lost some important papers in a taxe in Cali becouse I failed to look at the number.

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montesdeoca says on Apr 8, 2006, 12:26:

They go after naive people from al over the world

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Miguel_Clavo says on Apr 8, 2006, 19:21:

MacGringo and kernow62 ....heres the Bogota driver info: His name is Fabio Arias Medina.....Cell #1: 311-590-6560, Cell #2: 315-885-7785, and home # is (1)-366-8106....He normally works as a private taxi driver for the Hotel Andino Royal and Andino World Trade Center locations. A good backup driver is his partner Isauro Barette Pinilla Cell: 310-297-4409 and home: (1)-252-3855....I bought Fabio the first set of the Pimsleur English for Spanish Speakers CDs, so his English is better, but it would behoove you to learn some spanish, if you dont already. I have referred several friends and partners to him, and every one has been really positive about him.

Kernow62....being in law enforcement myself, i know what you mean, but if Fabio doesnt strike anyone as being honest, dont use him. One should always go with their gut instinct, right? And if i wanted to run a scam, it would be selling winning lottery tickets to the Spanish Lottery to ignorant internet users......who are more than helpful in parting with their money...i know an Indian engineer in California who lost a total of, get this, $990,000 to such a scam.....even refinanced his home here.....ignorance, pure and simple.....but those hideous used car salesman are a different breed, i agree!!! hahaha....


Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo

"Ignorance is a Weapon of Mass Destruction..."

"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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el norteño says on Apr 8, 2006, 19:24:

Amerigo Vespuci I see, so since South America also has the word America in it, then we can also call ourselves Americans. Get it?

Actually, I could not care less what you call yourself, Simon.
I'm just curious where the nation of South America is located. I can't find it on the atlas.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Apr 8, 2006, 19:27:

About Cell phones.... the tip about using cell phone to advise or act like you are advising someone of the taxi number is worth noting, but if you did have a cell phone, and it has a camera, let him know you are taking a photo of the vehicle ID number as well....that photo can be emailed to a zillion people in a matter of seconds.....

Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo

"Ignorance is a Weapon of Mass Destruction..."

"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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kernow62 says on Apr 8, 2006, 19:36:

I don't even know a zillion people!!! ;-)

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Miguel says on Apr 8, 2006, 22:31:

Hey kernow Be specific on what "Miguel" you refer to (and give kat1 a big ___for me.

I wonder if the all mighty US Embassy will issue an advisory about the dangers of riding buses in Bogotá. It certainly was a few days ago.

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Blue says on Apr 10, 2006, 07:42:

Who exactly is being referred to when the term "Ugly American" is being used?

Any female cab drivers in Bogota?

Blue

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Rubiazo says on Apr 10, 2006, 16:30:

I had one or two female drivers in the time i was there, nothing to write home about. Otherwise I might have took them right back home and had a trio :)))))

That taxi-robbery thing USED to be a much bigger problem in NYC, it is very very rare now. In any city, taxistas are in much more danger from the general public than the public is from taking them under almost any circumstances. There are taxistas in Bogota who only work privately and won't take dispatch calls for that very reason.

GIB's advice about walking a block is universally good. And I really don't know why the hell the banks couldn't change the day start time for getting a new withdrawal limit to 6 or 7am. Albatross's suggestion is a little less useful, as most taxis have glass partitions making anything short of a high-caliber weapon next to useless these days unless maybe you have a second clip handy :)

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