PBH / colombia (travelguide, pictures) / post

listen to your instincts

I got on a buseta kinda late, I had a bad feeling about the kids, they looked ansty, nervous and excited about what they were getting ready to do. They were all in cahoots, even the driver. A girl presses the button to get off and the punks take out knives and start raiding people, I get punched and one of them tries to pry the bookbag out of my hands, but as soon as I realize he doesn't have a knife I hold on to it, I would've kicked him in the face, but it all happened so fast. The kids get off and run away with some guy's cell phone.

I could've avoided the raid and some broken glasses by just listening to my instincts, that kind of stuff happens so I am not losing that much sleep but I do regret not breaking someone's face. In case of things like that, you should always have a plan, don't carry too much with you, and always, always be vigilant.

By dtapia on Jun 17, 2006, 20:32 in Friendly Talkzone.

Miguel_Clavo says on Jun 17, 2006, 20:45:

I didnt realize Chicago was that bad!!!!! =) Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo...faltan 16 días...Colombia es pasión!

"F.A.R.C..S.U.C.K.S"

"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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miamimike says on Jun 18, 2006, 00:10:

A Long Time Ago, early 90s-mid 90s, The Old Owner of the Intercontinental Agency, a Swiss guy married to a Colombiana, who's name was Leo Wernli, was big on security. His office was two blocks north off the old US Embassy. I met him on my first journey to Col way back when.(peso exchange was around 400) I used to think he went overboard on Security in Bogota but after reading your post, I am not sure. Every time he stepped out of his office into the street, he had his little can of mace Aersol cupped in his hand, finger on the spray nozzle, even it was midday. He never let his guard down for a second. While he was well prepared, who wants to live like this, finger on a Mace Button wherever you went on the street. Still considering the downside, a small price to pay.... BTW, where did this happen, Sorry to hear of your trouble!

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

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expatriate says on Jun 18, 2006, 08:01:

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robi666 says on Jun 18, 2006, 10:00:

DonGringo, really good post.
I would add to stay away from suspicious characters that will offer you this or that, great business or a simple shortcut to get something, as you are a stranger. Avoiding bad companies is one of the main safety point.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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dtapia says on Jun 18, 2006, 10:03:

It happened.. It happened in Bogota, on a Galan-San Rafael buseta. I got on 13th avenue at 39th street. The passengers said the hoodlums got on about 44th street with 13th. The robbery took place at about 22nd avenue, I don't know the place so well, so it didn't occur to use my cell phone, a real pity.

Bogota is a great place but there is a lot of trash, you just got to be smart. You really develop a sixth sense here and you really got to count on it. Fighting can be dumb, better to lose a few things than your life. Thanks for the responses.

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kernow62 says on Jul 2, 2006, 04:39:

DonGringoInBogota please do tell more.

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