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Gringo hangouts in Bogota

Hi,

Where would a newly-arrived gringo go in Bogota to hang out with his own ilk and do something other than chug Club Colombia and yell to be heard over amplified Salsa? Unfortunately the advice from my employer's security department is that I'll get shredded if I set foot south of 80 or west of 20 w/o a bodyguard. I've got no local acquaintances to help me triangulate this advice, so I'm finding it a bit difficult to boot up some sort of social life. Yes I know about 93, yes I know about the "Irish" (ha!) pub, and that's not it - is there a Hash or something?

And for all you puerile xenophobes who like to mock turistas with mouthwatering descriptions of places we'll never hear about - go back to Daddy's house in Santa Ana, you ain't wanted here.

By fuerza_diastrofica on Sep 19, 2005, 18:56 in Friendly Talkzone.

Rubiazo says on Sep 19, 2005, 21:28:

First off Bars in Bogotá play their music LOUDLY. If you want to talk, don't go to a bar, it's that simple. Go to a café or a park or something.

I've never even heard of a specific gringo hangout here in Bogotá. To tell the truth part of what attracts me to this place is how much better the nightlife is here than in NY. I don't know why anybody would want to duplicate a boring American bar here! That's probably why it doesn't exist!!

If you do find a place that gringos tend to frequent in number it will also be full of gringo chasers. The last think you would find there would be tranquility.

Lastly, your employers security is full of shit. As a matter of fact I'd say the poorer the neighborhood the better the party is.

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cam0940 says on Sep 19, 2005, 21:47:

OK Rubiazo, so what's going on this weekend?

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Rubiazo says on Sep 19, 2005, 22:08:

Going back to NY on Thursday night. It's been a slice but I have to cut it !

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goosekirk says on Sep 19, 2005, 22:08:

Yeah If you're looking for gringos, you won't find them congregating south of 80 or west of 20 anyway. And until you do have local acquaintances, there's no reason for you to be wandering around by yourself outside those boundaries. Of course you don't need a bodyguard, but you do need someone who knows what's what and where it is and where it ain't. So forget about that for right now.

The only place I've ever been where I overheard mostly English being spoken is the English Pub, behind the McDonald's in the 93... but the last time I was there was over two years ago. Aside from that, I've never noticed any particular place that gringos seem to gather.

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Fionalatina says on Sep 20, 2005, 10:15:

Go to BBC If you want to find gringos, go to BBC in La Zona Rosa, they hung up there every day...

Fiona

Fiona

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Sep 20, 2005, 11:29:

I don't think you are going to find many gringos hangouts, that is why they go to Colombia cuz they don't want to hang around with their own species, that is what they said. they like free gringo zone.

engage brain before opening mouth

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toneloc24 says on Sep 20, 2005, 12:34:

LOL Kat!!! Gringos Stay Home!!!

Seriously, check out the Zona Rosa, DEFINITELY Bogota Beer Company and Mr. Babillas for gringo congregation. Or the Hard Rock Cafe in Atlantis Plaza. Or Parque 93. Just sit at the bar at either of the locations and listen for English.

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Sep 20, 2005, 12:37:

bring binoculors. And *wisper*bring binoculors. O-O

engage brain before opening mouth

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Mr. Hollywood says on Sep 20, 2005, 12:49:

Even there I live near the Zona and work near Parque 93 and have to say it's a rare day that I even see one gringo in those "gringo hangouts".

If I were actively looking for gringo friends in Bogota I think I'd call the US Embassy and see if they have some kind of activities for their staff that I could tag along on. But since Colombians are really friendly and social, I can't really imagine seeking out other Americans.

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caslug says on Sep 20, 2005, 13:06:

hit the casinos after 7pm.. i never fail to meet gringos in casinos when i play blackjack. Of course you'll have to do it days on end, but you'll meet them. Or politely invite some members of this board to meet you for a drink.

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tlop says on Sep 20, 2005, 14:11:

Mr. Babillas Not sure if it is what you are looking for, but you will definitely find the highest concentration of gringos at Mr. Babillas. For good or bad, about 90% of those are military.

Dan

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utopiacowboy says on Sep 20, 2005, 16:23:

Binoculars? You mockstress, Kat.

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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carter says on Sep 20, 2005, 17:52:

La Candelaria is full of gringos and QuiebraCanto on Wednesdays is the most popular of there joints

Other places around town are Crabs (Wed)
Thursdays ChaChas.

They are the three most popular gringo hangouts I know

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toneloc24 says on Sep 20, 2005, 21:56:

Are you an undercover voyeur, Kat? LOL!!! Stalking out the gringos from afar.

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Sep 21, 2005, 01:51:

A word of warning to fuerza -diastrofica be careful because instead of being the Hunter he maybe is being hunted by the CGC (Colombiana gringo chaser);-)

engage brain before opening mouth

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