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Kidnapped backpackers finally free

A Briton and four Israelis have been released by Colombian rebels, 102 days after they were taken hostage. Two others -- a German and a Spaniard -- were released in November.

The backpackers were kidnapped while doing the popular trek that goes from the coast through the jungle into the mountains to the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) close to Santa Marta.

The mountains of Santa Marta are home to many rebels and coca is grown there. Trekking there is not considered safe, but the Ciudad Perdida trek was always considered a safe trek and was popular with backpackers. In general, the Carribean coast is a pretty safe area.

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By Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) on Dec 22, 2003, 12:24 in Friendly Talkzone.


Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Dec 28, 2003, 15:25:

Bogota me Notice where he says in the article that many had gone before him and had a good time so he thought it not to be a problem. Pay attention to this if you are smart. I am often approached by many who say these things to me about visiting places I know it best I not visit. They say, "oh I have gone there many times and never had a problem." Then you find out that they did have problems in past just never told you. Stick to the major cities in Colombia, fly between them and for God sakes don't go back packing through the damned jungle! Kidnapping is some of the better things that can happen to you. Bandits will rob you and if they don't go to the trouble of selling you to the FARC they will just kill you on the spot and take whatever you have. You aren't in Kansas anymore so be smart!

Poor but snappy

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ColombianoX says on Dec 28, 2003, 21:19:

Why should we be ashamed of ourselves? I don't live in Colombia and I feel I'm in my right to tell people not to go hiking in mountains that most likely are infested with gun-toting terrorists. So why should I feel ashamed of myself?

ColombianoX 'Defensor de la Colombianidad'

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Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Dec 29, 2003, 11:49:

hmmm I was speaking to those, you included who give advice after 1. never visiting here. 2. visiting here for a vacation or for a short period of time. Then feel they can give advice based upon their own experiences which is limited in scope and should not be listened too. I only say this because I experience pressure from some here in Colombia even, to visit areas I know I should not. The element does exist here of the like kind to sticking your head in the sand and blathering how much you think things are safe. I suppose some want to beleive that these problems don't exist so they pretend it does not. The same goes for poverty here I have noticed. Some people in my neighborhood for example when I describe recent hands on experience with poverty here in Colombia want to just ignore all the problems and pretend they live in paradise. This is why I felt I should write something on this site. Of course people can beleive whatever they want but I just don't understand why if you are in the states and want to back pack you don't either do so in the states (Just as Beautifull as here) or somewhere else that is not in a war. Now if you want adventure then join the army.

One more thing if we stopped living in a fantasy maybe just maybe some who have the means to help will help the poor here in Colombia and maybe just maybe make a difference for the better for all of Colombia.

Poor but snappy

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Rick Lester says on Jan 2, 2004, 07:58:

Need some advice I meet a Colombian girl 8 months ago on a visit to Costa Rica. She has been living and working in Costa Rica for over a year and a half. I have been back to Costa Rica 3 times. She is currently back in Bogota visiting her family for one month. I will be going to Bogota on January 15 for 4 days to see her and her family.

I live in San Antonio, Texas USA, and want to bring her to the USA for a visit for one month. Is this possible? I would appreciate any comments on this subject.
Thanks, Rick

0 funny, 0 helpful.

susanita tien un raton says on Apr 28, 2004, 13:23:

ui si hi there
i have just found your offer to lift the secret about the recipe of ajiaco. i would be very interested aswell as the first time i tried it it was great.
thanks so much and saludo desde londres hasta estados unidos
susan

0 funny, 0 helpful.

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