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Gringo needs advice

First I want to wish a happy new year to all. In short, I would just like some general advice or comments. I have began a friendship with a girl over msn messenger and have been talking to her on the phone and messenger for two months. I would like to travel to Cartagena to see her in person. In short, I am not nervous about her authenticity nor her families. They are a religios family and very humble people. I have spoken on the phone to her mom, aunt, brothers and sisters and I do trust that they are "buena gente". My concern is more about traveling in Columbia. I am fluent in Spanish and have lived in Mexico and Costa Rica without incident. But my cautios nature has found me looking for advice. She lives in a pueblo outside of Barranquilla (Fundacion). My plan would be to fly to Cartagena, meet her their. If we click as well in person as on the phone, I would go to her home to meet her family. Would this be safe traveling from Cartagena to a small town (Fundacion) outside Barranquilla? If so, what method of travel should I use. I would sincerely appreciate advise and any other comments you might have. I know that their are misconceptions about Columbia. But I also know (from a Columbian friend in the states who lives in Bogota) that it also has the potential to be dangerous. Is Barranquilla as safe as Cartagena? I do not look american and do not walk around like a nieve toursit, but still am nervous.

I would like to thank you all in advance.

Gratefully

Daniel

By smiles92600 on Dec 31, 2004, 14:38 in Friendly Talkzone.

oldbongo says on Dec 31, 2004, 14:48:

you'll be fine.. first of all, look at colombia/columbia thread.
i assume you've seen her on webcam?
your plan to meet in cartagena is a good one,
and you can easily travel by road,(i always use a driver),
when the time comes.you'll be fine.

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utopiacowboy says on Dec 31, 2004, 15:09:

What does your novia think? Do you trust her? If she thinks it's fine, it's fine. She's got a lot more interest than any of us do in seeing that you remain alive and safe.

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.

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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Gomezman5 says on Dec 31, 2004, 16:17:

Yes and No It is not too often that I take exception with Utopiacowboy, but this time I feel I must. La novia is Colombian and colombians have a tendency to substantialy underestimate the degree of danger that exists in their locale. While, I agree with Utopia that her interest in your safety is genuine, she also recognizes the aomount of bad publicity her country has and therefore, she would like you to come there, in spite, of the problems, so she can show you that her country is safe.

You need to do some research from some independent authority that this pueblito you seek to venture into is safe---at least relatively so. I know areas less than hour away from major Colombian cities that are infested with guerillas that would kidnapp you in a New York Second. On the other hand there are many safe areas out of the major cities that are as safe as the city itself.

In summary, this Colombian girl is probably really happy to meet someone who is flying if from another country to make a future with her in your country. Therefore, it is obvious, she will do everything she can to get you there.

So do yourself a favor, and get an informed independent opinion from someone familiar with the region. You can always double and triple check that once you are there.

Good Luck

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kernow62 says on Dec 31, 2004, 18:34:

I've found that Colombians actually seem to either correctly tell foreigners about the dangers or if anything pile it on a bit. Perhaps looking out for the visitor's safety & well-being. I was told that it is unsafe to walk in Santa Barbara in north Bogotá on a Sunday. I suppose had I stayed longer something may of happened to me, but compared to Liverpool it was a safe paradise.

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isaactraveler says on Dec 31, 2004, 20:04:

man I got it thick before I came to Colombia I was basically lectured about everything from talking to strangers, taking drinks or food from people I dont know and not to trust anyone who is overly friendly. Her main concern was that I would be drugged with a rohypnol-type drug and robbed. She also told me what not to wear, where not to go and on and on.

the whole time I was there, she was like a mother hen watching her babies.

I would say that if she seems to caution you ( not say "no problema") then trust her. As U.C. says, she has more interest in seeing you safely there and back.

me on the other hand, would like to hear a first-hand story about someone who got drugged, robbed and back-doored. ok, last part not necessary.

Good luck on the trip. Be smart, be polite and dont be flashy.

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skyblue says on Jan 1, 2005, 06:41:

Safety first I have traveled that road on several occasions and have had no problems other than being stopped every couple of miles at the road-blocks. The friends that I have traveled with are more like the "mother hen" types that were mentioned before and they never seemed to be concerned.
I don't know that neighborhood that you mentioned and (as in the states), things can change form barrio to barrio. It is only a couple of hour trip (depending on the road-blocks) and you could always make the first visit a day trip to check things out. If you feel uneasy, you would have a totally rational reason to return to Cartagena for the night.
Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

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malcolm says on Jan 1, 2005, 07:40:

Good Luck Good luck with your girl, tell us how it goes. I have no idea about dangers in colombia but I guess you can always carry minimum money or valuables.

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utopiacowboy says on Jan 1, 2005, 18:27:

Speak for yourself, Isaactraveler, I want to hear how he got it up the tailpipe repeatedly. The ultimate El Chiquito story.

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.

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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lpdiver says on Jan 3, 2005, 00:14:

First Learn to spell Colombia.

"cook some rice!"

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