Lonely Planet, NY Times name Colombia a top travel destination

goin_south says on Feb 9, 2010, 23:12:

yeah, well... Lonely Planet is a weird bunch.

This article is mostly meaningless.

Few-to-None are lining up to vacation in Colombia.
Believe me.
Some people were questioning me just today.

cara_de_mono says: REMEMBER THE FEEBLE FEW PWT!!!!!!!! The Feeble Few flageth, and the Moderators taketh away ... remember, cdm.

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marlydog1812 says on Feb 10, 2010, 03:09:

Not sure about few-to-none, I just met 3 non-related people in the States at a job fair who are visiting Colombia soon due
to recent hype about Colombia.

Also out of 140 World wide schools at the fair, the Colombian school was probably in the top 5 for most popular interest, the line was huge. I talked with the recruiters and they told me it has never been like this before.

Mali es pasion!

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marlydog1812 says on Feb 10, 2010, 04:01:

Keep in mind this is mostly between the 22-28 age range, heavy travels who probably own multiple copies of different Lonely Planets.

Mali es pasion!

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OcoeeG says on Feb 10, 2010, 04:41:

Word is getting out... for better or worse. One of the main reasons I decided to get a job in Colombia (other than the paragliding and women) was I met numerous people while traveling in Nicaragua that said Colombia was their favorite in S. America. This intrigued me.
I agree that less is more when it comes to the tourist hoards. Yes I will be adding to the gringo total in Medellin but I am not there to exploit. I will be working and blending in as well as I can, so I feel I am a positive addition.

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gamm2 says on Feb 10, 2010, 04:52:

Oh no Marley - it was that popular?? Aghhh - oh well at least I got in before that...

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marlydog1812 says on Feb 10, 2010, 06:08:

Yep, my boss also went to Iowa and told me it was by far the easiest year to recruit.

Mali es pasion!

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billyb says on Feb 10, 2010, 06:09:

"Some people were questioning me just today."



Yeah GS, but that is normal for you ;) BTW, GS, being a baseball fan you must know Jon Miller, recently selected to the HOF broadcasters wing, he just vacationed in Colombia and loved it.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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bufalo says on Feb 10, 2010, 06:37:

Oh, crap. More "good" news. Can't people leave well enough alone?

"Keep in mind this is mostly between the 22-28 age range, heavy travels who probably own multiple copies of different Lonely Planets" - which basically means there will be a wave of dipshits coming to Colombia. More young professionals asking for dumb shit like firm tofu and a gagillion different styles of coffee.

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor Avianca sucks major.

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Simon says on Feb 10, 2010, 08:46:

I know that good news for Colombia is painful for some of you to hear.

Suffer rednecks....SUFFER!!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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bufalo says on Feb 10, 2010, 09:42:

Simon, do you really want a bunch of tourists all over the place? This is how stuff like that starts.

Just as any native american...


and I'm not a redneck, my hair is to the middle of my back - won't be for long, my kid wants me to donate it to some cancer kids.

Hell, my neck hasn't seen the sun in about 12 years or so.

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor Avianca sucks major.

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theflatline says on Feb 10, 2010, 12:52:

Long hair can cover up a redneck,

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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bufalo says on Feb 10, 2010, 13:25:

jejejeje that's true (aaaaaaaaand it was a joke)

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor Avianca sucks major.

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Simon says on Feb 10, 2010, 15:48:

LOL!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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theflatline says on Feb 10, 2010, 16:00:

Learners,

Despite what you might think you are a gringo. You are just as insulated and ignorant as anyone wandering around North America.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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theflatline says on Feb 10, 2010, 16:11:

Learners,

Born in the US to Colombian parentage. And have been coming and living in Colombia for over 20 years. So that might just give me a bit of an edge over you here. And of course I am Colombian citizen, card carrying and all that. Plus I speaka da spanish.

My beef is people from other countries, especially white bred ones, calling people from NA gringos. When basically the majority of Colombians look at all English speaking as gringos.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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Monpirri says on Feb 10, 2010, 16:27:

Go Colombia, Go arepas, Go empanadas, Go caribañolas, Go sancocho de gallina, Go tamales and Go hormigas culonas...

"Anyone who still thinks that Colombia is not a gastronomical paradise needs to have their head examined." Darloup

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theflatline says on Feb 10, 2010, 16:41:

Learner,

Could you please explain to me how you know more about Colombian culture than a Colombian?

I admit if argue with fellow Colombians on this board, but for the most part they admit, albeit grudgingly, that I am Colombian.

I might say that some other cultures cook better or have a higher level of organization, but in the end I am proud to be a Colombian.

I have met very few Colombians who do not like North Americans. And I dare say I know more Colombians than you do. Plus, I know more gringos as well. Here in Colombia.

Fuck yaself is the best argument you have? By the way, dweeb, is a gringo word.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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theflatline says on Feb 10, 2010, 16:51:

Learners,

Not really, I call a spade a spade. I refuse to sugar coat any thing that either of my countries do.

In Colombia, I have always been always known as someone who is calm, easy going, without a the typical Colombian "estrato" 'tude.

Real Colombians love their country enough to point out the short comings.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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Simon says on Feb 10, 2010, 16:58:

You said it Learners!

TheFlatline is about as proud to be Colombian as former US attorney general Al Gonzales is to be Mexican! And he's only of HALF-Colombian parentage, so don't let him fool you.

And yes, his comments do come across as very anti-Colombian to real Colombians! But that just goes in line with the general attitude on this website.

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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bufalo says on Feb 10, 2010, 17:03:

damn, this is getting a tinge heated.

I know blood Colombians that have been out of their country long enough that they're probably more gringo than I am. Not saying flatliner is like this at all, but I know plenty from one, or two parents from Colombia and they're way more gringo than I am (kidding of course). They don't speak the language, or very little and have no idea about customs there at all. What if a kid from two gringos go to Colombia when he/she is 6 months and lives their whole life there? I think they'd be pretty freaking Colombian.

Me? I see good and bad in all Colombian and the U.S. I don't feel I'm Colombian, and don't feel like I'm all that much an american (should say USy since both are american - hey! kind of like gringos are also european, but you know what I mean). I have spoken mostly spanish for aobut 12 years, taught my daughter it, wrote and made a film in Colombia, part of it's cinematography council, I think my residency is still good, maybe not, and I'm only recently getting used to speaking/thinking and doing math in English again - that'll change when I move back I hope. I used to fool people when I was in SM by my Spanish. Most bought it and were surprised a day or two later when they heard me say something in English - but I admit I think my accent isn't as good anymore... there's reasons for that, but why boreeeeeee

As far as anyone knowing more colombian culture than a Colombian, that's easy - who studies it, or pays attention to it. Some hick might be working a secluded hillside for all his life, yet a foreigner travels the whole country studying (now THAT sounds gringo, no?). I'd unfortunately have to say the traveller would probably know more.

Funny, that reminds me, here in NY, I don't know the exact numbers of the streets, because I just know how to get where I'm going, did it growing up. Yet, almost any foreigner that I talk to will tell you the exact street something is located on, why? They pay extra attention since they aren't from here. So who knows more? Me, who's feet do the walking, or them who know the address?

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor Avianca sucks major.

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billyb says on Feb 10, 2010, 17:49:

I never thought I would see someone make Pow Wow look intelligent by comparison, but I'll damned if LearnersDisability doesn't make him look like a genius.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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goin_south says on Feb 10, 2010, 18:20:

so many people going to Colombia.
One day, even Simon will get there

cara_de_mono says: REMEMBER THE FEEBLE FEW PWT!!!!!!!! The Feeble Few flageth, and the Moderators taketh away ... remember, cdm.

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Simon says on Feb 10, 2010, 18:23:

Yeah, I'll get there when I retire.

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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theflatline says on Feb 10, 2010, 18:27:

Simon,

You were born in the US and you live in the US, so you really only see the sunny side of the country. Trust me living here day, after day, year after year. Working for pesos as a Colombian, your atitude will change. Especially if you have lived in North America. I want Colombia to change, and that is why I am here in la lucha. And part of the good fignt is pointing out all the nasty bits.

You and I agree one many points. That Colombia should be safe and Colombians should obey the law and show proper respect for fellow Colombians. You have quite the eloquent statement that you post at least once a week concerning the subject, and I agree 100% with it.

I wish Colombians understood the meaning of communal living, obeying the law, following traffic signals, waiting in line. Because if you do not obey the little things, you will not obey the big ones.

However, I think part of the the change that needs to happen in this country is to not sugar coat everything thing because it is "Colombian".



Learner,

You equally praise Colombia and down it in the same breath, it really depends on your mood for the day. Did knocking up a Colombian girl give you some sort of vaginal osmosic epiphany that changed your way of thinking, from a few short months ago? Stick by your guns, do not be a flake. And are you really married? Because she was your novia up until a few months ago.

September 14, 2000 you were trying to visit the US with your girlfriend.

Not shortly after you said this " If there was a reputable study done about the trustworthy of a Countries people, then I think you would find Colombians would score pretty low. They might be happy,but many (and I mean many) are not trustworthy. I think this is very apparent to anyone who has dealt with the average Colombiano over an extended period - not the ones who put the red carpet out for backpackers."

Then you said this "Customer service and Colombia? Yer rigght! For every good customer service example here in Bogota there are probably twenty bad things one could list. I wouldn´t waste my time trying to highlight anything good when it is so blantantly appalling."

Then you said this "he problem not is about passers by not helping since she was being cared for already. The unfortunate state of Colombia is, as it is with many many other countries is their "so called" public services do not actually assist public without bias. Only those who can pay make it here. And pay very well. Colombianos pay medical tax like it's going out of style. Try getting employment being a pregnant Colombian woman. I have been a direct witness of such an emergency at a hospital and if you do not have 700000 pesos on you for deposit upfront well then forget about it. Charity hospitals may be different. That's just how it seems here. Based on my 6 months here, this story doesnt really surprise me. Many NOT ALL Colombianos are very skeptical about who they help. They do the Maths, it is not an automated response to help like in Australia for instance because they are very cautious about a lot. My opinion is their tainted history and their over reliance on family for securidad makes them awkward about such things."

Then you changed your mind recently about the healthcare system but had posted this before "have not had a smashing experience here with prescription medication. I am paying a lot dearer here than in Australia. I am looking at buying a heap on the internet from overseas and that should save me."

And then of course there is this beauty" would not move here long term unless it was a necesity ie you moved to marry a colombian. But as a tourist place, its a great passerby. Oh and another thing unless your Spanish is very good, do not even think of living here long term unless you have a Colombian wife or gf."

Then there is this comment about your racist girlfriend " do have a gf who i like slamming. But at the end of the day she is anti gay and anti negro. So I was hoping to find constructive help on this matter and not by apparant gays projecting their fantasies."


Bufalo,

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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cdy says on Feb 10, 2010, 18:40:

If I may add my 2 cents, certainly no expert on Colombia but have lived in Panama, the gringo thing, sure some of the locals will make a superficial judgement based on you being a gringo but they quickly move past that if you are a reasonable, respectful person. I don"t think they obeject to people from NA because they are gringos, they don't like some becuase they are jerks, doesn't matter if they are from NA, Europe or Asia, it is not a gringo thing it is more individual than that.

It is interesting, live in Florida when in the States, the worst bashing I have heard about Colombia is ex-pat Colombians who have been in the States for years.

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Simon says on Feb 10, 2010, 18:41:

Flatline, since you were nice to be, I'll be nice to you this time.

The last time I was in Colombia, I realized that they still have a long time to go and that perhaps I can do more for Colombia frome here (the US) than being there. Even though my father always tells me "Ellos nunca van a cambiar", I always have faith that they will.

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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makopp5 says on Feb 10, 2010, 19:06:

"I want Colombia to change, and that is why I am here in la lucha"
"Working for pesos as a Colombian, your atitude will change"

That sounds to me a little bit frustrated? How many years are you now in the "lucha para Pesos"?

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Robert Jorge says on Feb 10, 2010, 19:21:

Do you talk to your dad like you do us then?

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Simon says on Feb 10, 2010, 19:28:

No, I talk to him in Spanish only.

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Robert Jorge says on Feb 10, 2010, 19:32:

Jajaja. You got me there. What I meant, is that if I said what you just quoted your dad as saying, you would accuse me of Colombia bashing. You do it all the time here. I was wondering if your dad was treated the same way.

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Simon says on Feb 10, 2010, 19:36:

RJ,

My father and I always make constructive critism about Colombia. But we never bash her.

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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bufalo says on Feb 10, 2010, 19:50:

flatline:
I've also "lived la lucha" and worked for pesos in Colombia. I don't know what your problem is with me, but if you knew the projects I am doing and most importantly, why I'm doing them, you might see things a smidgen different.




and...

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor Avianca sucks major.

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theflatline says on Feb 10, 2010, 20:20:

bufalo,

Actually, I have no beef with you, the rest of my post somehow got deleted.

I was going to say that you are correct about saying that many people who step into another culture inadvertantly tend to learn more about that particular culture than their own, and in many cases more so than the locals.

Your opinions are always valid, because you do not waffle.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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bufalo says on Feb 10, 2010, 20:38:

OK, thought the legaleez/moron thing was for me and had no clue why. There seems to be a lot of hotheads lately on PBH and thought this had somehow turned to me as well.

Funny because when I go to other places I tend to be specific as well, where the locals are not. Here (NY)I speak generally and others are specific. For example, for me "42nd Street" is all of Times Square and I'm almost always corrected.

One is around their own culture so much, they don't see the details. I actually never went to the big sights in NYC until my Colombian friends started coming here and I took them around. True, the touristy stuff is real BS, but still.....

.... that could be why I don't do the touristy stuff when I hit Colombia (and try not to give away the really cool places to the tourists).

Glad I don't waffle. Not exactly sure what that means, but I think it better if I don't.

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor Avianca sucks major.

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excavator59 says on Feb 10, 2010, 20:52:

Flat & Bufalo I think that's true what you are saying my wife's Colombian friends were always amazed how I knew things about Colombia that they didn't (I just said I like to know about the places I visit ).
Waffle means to talk and talk generally with no general purpose,I think but then again it might not but some people might say so, whoops I was waffling!

Life is like a Pubic Hair on a Toilet Seat (Sooner or Later you get Pissed Off)

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cara_de_mono says on Feb 10, 2010, 22:43:

Hey Learner, get the fuck off this forum and get the fuck out of Colombia. You are one dumb motherfucker.

The Feeble Few flageth, and the Moderators taketh away ...

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theflatline says on Feb 11, 2010, 05:40:

bufalo,

You stick by your guns, all of your posts have parity.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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sanandressi says on Feb 11, 2010, 07:14:

Hey "learnersrealm". How many Colombians living here in gringolandia United States? How many ILLEGAL Latinos from all of Latin America living here illegally? How many Colombianos lining up at the US Embassy for the Visa? 1,000 a day Mon-Fri.

Maybe we gringos are tired of Latins that refuse to assimilate here annd learn English and milk off of our welfare system? Maybe we are tired of immigrants using their race to get a job over a gringo born citizen?

I myself have not been to Colombia since 2006. I never saw many gringos in Colombia. For every gringo living in Colombia, how many Colombians are in the United States and SPAIN. I understand the Spanish people are a little fed up with South American illegals there?

I like Colombia annd Latin America but until you people learn to take care of your own people I will always look down with disgust at your political systems etc. When Latins stay home then that will mean that there is opportunity for all and they don't have to run elsewhere. It is what it is......Maybe we American gringos do look down on Latin America with a degree of superiority but where do Latin Americans want to run too? Fix your own problems and quit whinning Leanersrealm.

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makopp5 says on Feb 11, 2010, 07:16:

tfl

"I want Colombia to change, and that is why I am here in la lucha"
"Working for pesos as a Colombian, your atitude will change"

That sounds to me a little bit frustrated? How many years are you now in the "lucha para Pesos"?

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theflatline says on Feb 11, 2010, 07:17:

Sanandressi,

LR says he is Australian.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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manINred says on Feb 11, 2010, 07:49:

In all of his inflammatory remarks that seem to have struck a nerve with so many people here (I wonder why??) Learnersrealm makes one good point: learn spanish. Without the language, and a good grasp of it at that, you miss out on so much, on most things actually.

But common LearnersRealm... You hate on gringos for sticking out like a sore thumb, and you're Austrralian! In general, Australians stick out more in a Colombian crowd than the people from any other english speaking country! Only Germans and nordic people stick out more.

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bufalo says on Feb 11, 2010, 08:06:

You have to be aware to NOT feel superior. For instance, I go to a dinky Colombian town, or big city even. I have a lot of people talk to me about US TV, movies, they know places even though they've never been there, politicians, and try to impress me by repeating how they can say the word "foot" in English. They also always ask how to get to the US

Go to any major city in the US, meet up with highly educated people, they probably won't know much about Colombia, nor much care to speak Spanish (or at least want to speak various languages), nor have an urge to leave their children behind to move there. A lot of gringos go to another place and feel just because they come from a...

...desired place? well-known place? hyped-place? whatever...

... then that makes them superior - which is definitely not the case.

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor Avianca sucks major.

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theflatline says on Feb 11, 2010, 08:42:

Bufalo,

You are correct, people need to learn to throw of the air of superiority when they come here. It was by luck, not divine intervention, that they were born in the first world.

However, I do know a lot of highly educated in people in the states who have traveled far and wide, and lived in Colombia and other countries. However these are people who have studied poly sci, humanties, languages, something other than business admin or computer science.

The flip side is when many Colombians come home after living in the exterior have a huge superiority complex they lord over other Colombians.

My father has been in Colombia for the last 35 years. But he lived for 27 years or so in the states, as a Journalist. So his English is impeccable as well is his spanish. No accent in either.

We were walking one day past a new burger joint and the sign in English "Buy a Smoothie" and said to me in English "what is a smoothie?" and this 20 something year old says in her heavy accent "dat is a mixture of juices, milk, and fruits in a cup, it is from the US" With a really snooty look on her face. My dad turns to me and says "You mean what we called an Orange Julius back in the day". Totally hilarious, and totally lost on her.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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bufalo says on Feb 11, 2010, 09:56:

You know I never had an Orange Julius, I will next time I'm in that area though, one of those things I keep putting off.

I can't believe they offer "smoothies" in Colombia now. It's amazing, everytime they want to sell something in Colombia, they put it in English - like it makes it better or higher class. One day I saw a billboard for a new housing complex and it said something like "El lugar mas happening en el Quindío".

I met this woman one day who spent less than a year in the states and for many years after she pretended that she had trouble speaking Spanish when she go back to SM. Everyone in the neighborhood said that was her thing to do - I guess she had an uppity complex or something.

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor Avianca sucks major.

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theflatline says on Feb 11, 2010, 10:02:

Bufalo,

When I flew in the past november, I was stuck between two born again christian colombianas who were going to Bogota to get lessons on how to tattoo makeup on people.

They each had lived in the states for 30 years, but only had a very rudimentary understanding of English.

The lady kept arguing with the steward on how she wanted her meal cooked. She seemed to think BeefEatears gin was a steak dinner.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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MitchAlvarez says on Feb 11, 2010, 15:33:

http://www.citytv.com.co/videos/42898/campana-vive-colombia-el-pais-qu...

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bufalo says on Feb 11, 2010, 16:04:

flatline: See, that why I don't always dread the end of the world.

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor Avianca sucks major.

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bufalo says on Feb 11, 2010, 16:08:

I like the video, although don't really get the shot of the metro - it's just a train after all. I hope they actually had real Colombians that made it. I know in El Quindío they had a video showing stuff like that and to get people's pride going. But hey, the governor had so much pride in his region that he contracted a company in Bogota to do it.

Nice head, mo!

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor Avianca sucks major.

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