Have you changed your appearance to visit Colombia?

Miguel says on Nov 9, 2004, 23:22:

My advice... Dress nice for going out at night; I never have worn jeans in Colombia. At 6'2" with green eyes and brown hair, I figure that trying to cover up my gringo looks would be a waste of time. Instead I concentrate on always improving my Spanish language skills, keeping up with current events in Colombia, BEING VERY POLITE IN ALL SITUATIONS, and keeping the street-smarts level elevated.

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adrimm (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 9, 2004, 23:41:

calipro says on Nov 9, 2004, 23:47:

Colombian disguise I dye my hair black. Shave my entire body and get three or four good coats of a dark spray on tan.

I almost forgot. A good manicure and pedicure is a must.

One of these days I'll work up enough never to go as a gringo. You know shorts, sandels and an unwaxed back and with really hairy arm pits.

hehehe !!

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emilyh says on Nov 10, 2004, 01:26:

I've noticed I've changed a little.... I'm back in Australia now, but going back in 9 weeks....YAY!

I've noticed that being a girl that never was particularly interested in dressing well or being particularly 'girly' after seeing all the beautiful girls in Colombia often with long hair, always well presented I have started taking more care with my own appearance now.
In fact I recently sent my boyfriend a pic of myself and he was shocked to see that I have grown my hair really long.

While there....well, it is very hard to cover up a face full of freckles, and with bright red hair I would look like an oompa loompa with fake tan and blonde eyebrows!

Nice topic! -Em

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kernow62 says on Nov 10, 2004, 03:57:

why bother I see plenty of Colombians in Bogota that look like me or are even lighter or fairer and I am from the UK, albeit I live in Florida. One word from me and everyone knows I'm not Colombian so I would feel foolish masquerading. Of course in Cartagena I stick out like a sore thumb, but hey it is a tourist town so no problem. Good post though, it will be interesting to hear what if anything others may have done.

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Munecabella says on Nov 10, 2004, 05:59:

I always go as myself. It works out better that way. I'm so versatile that I always blend in. My husband says I look very Colombian anyway. I've even had people in the U.S. mistake me as Colombian. In Cali and Bogota I've had no problem. In places like Buga and Buenaventura, It was a little more obvious that I wasn't from the area.

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sydneygirl says on Nov 10, 2004, 06:20:

My body has become leaner because I have more time to train at the gym...due to the fact that im not working.

But I wear less revealing clothes because the comments come thick and fast if I show any clevage, so i have taken to wearing my Boyfriends jumpers which are huge on me, and make me feel a bit daggy, but I blend right in, on Bogota buses that way.

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Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Nov 10, 2004, 07:32:

I change every time I am in Colombia. Then, I change back after a couple of weeks when I get back home. When in Colombia, I wear more make-up, go to the hairdresser's, mani/pedicurist more often, wear lighter clothing (the climate being very different), higher heels, more perfume...just to blend in a bit, I guess. My behaviour changes also: I spend more time at the malls, restaurants, clubs, friends than when I'm back home. I laugh more and talk more and faster. I feel more vibrant, more alive when in Colombia.
Cheers,
Desi

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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Gator says on Nov 10, 2004, 13:22:

It's Simple just dress like Simón Bolívar. Me, I just dress like the other 21 million Colombian men on the street-that seems to work.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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Colombia-Jane says on Nov 10, 2004, 16:46:

Ser Colombiano It's hard for an east-coast Canadian not to stand out in Colombia! Especially in rural areas. With the help of Naf Naf clothes and dark hair with red streaks I fit in well...from behind. It's the skin that gives it all away. "Mira la gringa!" If you want to fit in more in Bogota, Puma from head to toe (booo!) is a good way to go. And for the girls...nails! I don't remember seeing many girls without a manicure. hehe.

www.community.webshots/user/cjontheloose

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Atrevido (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 10, 2004, 17:38:

CasaSol says on Nov 10, 2004, 17:39:

Looking When I was here for the first time last summer I buzzed my head and was pretty tannned most of the time. I already have dark features, so I seemed to blend in. That said, there must be an built-in gringo-dar that some people have. You can see it in their eyes as they scan you over. Or maybe it's my good lucks, as my wife says. Either way, there are a lot of stares, which I have become used to now. These days the look is more shaggy hippy, with a mustache and beard with longish hair. My wife says it's better to go with the hippie look cause everyone assumes you are poor. I have also dressed the metro-sexual way and enjoyed getting some hard stares from the ladies. People tend to dress pretty much the same, kind of an off-the-shelf look not too different from any other place. Would like it if there were more freaky types, though the occasional punk with a mohawk does pop up here in Medellín. Guess it would be different in Bogota.



Ricolombia.com | The Guide to Colombian Culture, Crafts & Travel

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adrimm (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 10, 2004, 22:19:

Dolfi says on Nov 11, 2004, 02:03:

Brazilians say they can identify a gringo even by the way they walk.

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kernow62 says on Nov 11, 2004, 04:43:

this is a funny topic I wonder if Japanese tourists try to disguise themselves when visiting the US, if so they aren't succesful. ;-)

What about British tourists, even tan ones are easy to spot, little things like tattoos, type of shorts, type of shoes, hairstyle etc.

Best thing to do would be arrive like a tourist, then go to El Centro, see what people are wearing, buy the same clothes and burn your clothes, then you might blend in a bit.

But again there is no reason to. Most Colombians love to meet foreigners and you may have a nicer time than if you were a local.

Try fooling those pesky street vendors in Cartagena, if you can make it down the main drag in Boca Grande without being hassled once, then you are officially "blended in". Perhaps this is the only reason to appear as a local.

In the old part of town I was given so many business cards to the emerald shops that as soon as I saw a guy coming towards me with one, I would whip out one of the ones I already had and give it to him first. That was the best fun I had that day.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Nov 11, 2004, 06:31:

When I came to Colombia... I was a really hot chick with tight pants, long dark hair, fake boobs and a cute Paisa nose when I came to Colombia. Then I realized that's a dime a dozen here, so I underwent a total makeover and changed my appearance to just another thirty-something gringo dude.

So far it's working.

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Angel_Gabriel says on Nov 12, 2004, 09:06:

Desi Has anyone ever told you that you're an interesting smart woman? At least that's the vibe I get when reading your posts, which transpire a sense of you.

One question, should I stay on the northern section of the city (where supposedly the feria de Cali action is) or stick around the sexta avenida area? Thanks!

Regards,
Angel

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Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Nov 12, 2004, 09:17:

why thank you angel for your kind words:) just coming home from work and going through a multitude of posts you put a smile on my face in spite of November gloom outside.
I haven't been in Cali for the Feria for a number of years, so I might not be the right person to give you any advice. Caliescali site gives you tips and recommendations of the events that take place in different parts of the city; "atrevido" lives in Cali and will be able to tell more.
I have heard that most of the action takes place in the northern areas of the city, but they are planning to extend to San Fernando and near south this year. Avenida sexta might not be the best place to hang out all the time.
Cheers,
Desi

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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cintiamay says on Nov 12, 2004, 09:33:

Had to be said Wow, another nice comment about Desi... Gee Desi, Calipro seems to like you a lot too, he mentions you in almost every post he makes. you've made quite an impression with him...

;-]
cintiamay

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Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Nov 12, 2004, 10:05:

LOL cintia, we're "old" adversaries with calipro from another board. The reason he mentions me in his posts is because he's baiting me...and sometimes I'm foolish enough to get into an argument with him.
Cheers,
Desi

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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afq says on Nov 16, 2004, 12:05:

Avenida Sexta vs North? Hi, My name is Andres, Im from Cali and I don't understand that question since Avenida Sexta covers only a large part of the north of Cali, so Avenida Sexta = North.

Good Luck!!

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Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Nov 16, 2004, 13:04:

yes, I know that Avenida Sexta covers large portions of the "North". The way I understood the question was that the poster was referring to other areas in the North where things might be happening, like Chipichape Mall, Ave.6A-Ave.7 area, or in the Avenida las Americas area.
Cheers,
Desi

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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villdkatta says on Nov 16, 2004, 15:37:

I'll probably do what Miguel does... I was going to go get a tan, but I look Swedish/Irish any way you look at me. I plan to make sure my Spanish is impeccable (and I've learned some colorful stuff here from certain individuals!), continue to dress neatly and be polite, and be aware. I'll never pass for Colombian even though my mom was Latina. No use even trying.

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Mi_lukea says on Dec 1, 2004, 22:00:

As an Australian its hard to blend in .... I am with Emily.

Though I am yet to arrive into Colombia. There is no dye, tan or makeup that could make me appear any less "gringo".

Like emily, I have freckles. But I have brown hair with pale skin.

So I am never going to blend in. But I come from the land of multiculturalism and so I dont really feel the need too.

I just bless my fortunate life ... and hope that it will continue so.

Besos

luka

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adrimm (☼Travelguide writer) says on Dec 1, 2004, 23:20: