Low-Profile............Good idea I guess.....

gringoloid says on Jan 21, 2008, 08:39:

sorry, I tried to cut these fotos down to size.

his car is about 100 feet from the cajero and that is where he collapsed and died. i use this cajero all the time........bummer.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

gabolicious says on Jan 21, 2008, 08:41:

oh no gringoloid... that was a woman shot... sorry I post the same... "that was close"... I go to that gym when I'm in bogota... and my cousin does the same too...

"The new land of opportunities: Colombia!" ----- Mr Miguel_Clavo on PBH

0 funny, 0 helpful.

gringoloid says on Jan 21, 2008, 08:44:

sorry, my spanish is not that good!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

gringoloid says on Jan 21, 2008, 08:47:

gab.....when are you coming to Bogota again?

0 funny, 0 helpful.

gabolicious says on Jan 21, 2008, 08:47:

did you witness the shooting?

my cousin did too..

"The new land of opportunities: Colombia!" ----- Mr Miguel_Clavo on PBH

0 funny, 0 helpful.

gabolicious says on Jan 21, 2008, 08:50:

I will be in medellin within two months (for a couple of weeks)... and then I will go to Bogota to live permanently

"The new land of opportunities: Colombia!" ----- Mr Miguel_Clavo on PBH

0 funny, 0 helpful.

gringoloid says on Jan 21, 2008, 08:57:

I am directly across the street but I didn't see or hear anything. I studied my spanish for 2 hours, emailed/pbhed etc, and then went to use the body-tech and that is when I saw it.

You are probably aware of the shopping center adjacent to me called Porto Allegre. A policeman stopped me the other day and warned me that there is a lot of wierd crimes going on.......I dunno.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

de pronto says on Jan 21, 2008, 08:59:

¡Hola Gabo!

Can you tell me where I can find more info on this? My dearest friend lives in colina campestre, there is a blockbuster near the gym, right?

Please Gabo I need to know.

Thank you

... y viaje a Macondo todo pagado

0 funny, 0 helpful.

de pronto says on Jan 21, 2008, 09:02:

Hola gringoloid I always go to Portoalegre to have a pedi done ¿so you live near that place?.

My best friend lives in that area too, I was wondering if she is ok, I've tried to contact her but I get no answer, I am worried. I just need to know if she is ok. Do you have a link where I can get more information?

Thanks indeed.

... y viaje a Macondo todo pagado

0 funny, 0 helpful.

manINred says on Jan 21, 2008, 09:09:

Yes, that sucks indeed

0 funny, 0 helpful.

El Polo says on Jan 21, 2008, 09:11:

Sometimes simple is better.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

docwilliam says on Jan 21, 2008, 09:17:

.

"There's no time to panic"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

kalder says on Jan 21, 2008, 09:23:

Sorry to see it too. A rotten business.

"kalder- have you ever had a woman?"--Sam Salmon

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 21, 2008, 09:23:

According to the article in El Tiempo, she was killed by a sicario. I am not sure how they could know this, but if true it means that it at least wasn't a random street crime. Of course, this doesn't make it any less tragic.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

docwilliam says on Jan 21, 2008, 09:28:

.

"There's no time to panic"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 21, 2008, 09:31:

Sorry. A sicario is a hit man or a hired killer. Apparently, someone paid to have her murdered. Sadly, it is very easy to have someone killed in Colombia for very little money.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

webmanco says on Jan 21, 2008, 09:34:

Her husband got the same "luck" three years ago, that is what said the newspaper, she was into real state and car selling

http://www.eltiempo.com/bogota/2008-01-21/ARTICULO-WEB-NOTA_INTERIOR-3...

I does not matter low or high profile, the police can´t do much when there had been busineses going wrong.

(I really hate it when women get their panties all bunched up their butt, they can get so cranky!) Poor butt happy

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Waterdawg says on Jan 21, 2008, 09:35:

CG. Were is Porto Allegre.? .. I live up on the north end ...

0 funny, 0 helpful.

docwilliam says on Jan 21, 2008, 09:35:

Wow, how sad.

"There's no time to panic"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 21, 2008, 09:41:

This doesn't seem to apply in this case, but I don't like driving around Bogota in nice cars. It simply draws too much attention. My uncle drives around in a Mercedes S class and I usually try to avoid riding with him.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Waterdawg says on Jan 21, 2008, 09:43:

Well thats one I didn't know about .. There all over town , 65 & 7 .. 85 & 7 and so on !

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mr. Hollywood says on Jan 21, 2008, 09:46:

Shit, she had armored vehicles and usually travelled with two bodyguards EXCEPT when she went to the gym early in the morning. This was more than your usual 100,000 peso hit man.

Gringoloid, I don't usually give unsolicited advice, but speaking of low profiles, the details in your posts would make it pretty easy to find you.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 21, 2008, 09:51:

MH,

You're right. I took out the address of that bodytech from my last post. Of course, it would still be easy to find, but best to err on the side of caution.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Waterdawg says on Jan 21, 2008, 10:10:

Shoot CB me bad .. Sorry ! .. Better safe than sorry !

0 funny, 0 helpful.

jorgegdiaz says on Jan 21, 2008, 10:39:

Clues gathered so far

http://www.eltiempo.com/multimedia/video/judicial/VIDEO-WEB-PLANTILLA_...

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 21, 2008, 10:48:

I was wondering if that surveillance camera in the first pic had caught anything. Apparently,it did.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

miamimike says on Jan 21, 2008, 10:53:

Wow, what a Sad case! Not to mention she lost her Husband Victim to the same fate 3 years ago. Why in the world did the Perp need 7 Shots from a 9mm is my question? Either a lousy shot or she was running and dodging bullets until he connected with a Vital Hit. It must have sounded like a War Zone with that barrage of shooting. One cannot be too careful when using an ATM, either in Col or Miami. If I need one at night, I go to a inside Citibank ATM at our neighborhood 7/11 store. Thats a nice ride she had, wonder he didn't take that also.

"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.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

gringoloid says on Jan 21, 2008, 11:28:

Mr. Hollywood......if you knew what I looked like....I couldn't sneak into the soccer stadium in a crowd! If someone wanted me they would have no trouble finding me.......I keep a very low profile here.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Portena says on Jan 21, 2008, 11:28:

That looks like a nice part of town. Stick with your low profile approach...

I feel better! I can smile at it now, I feel better. Ohhhh, better! Gnarls Barkley

0 funny, 0 helpful.

gringoloid says on Jan 21, 2008, 11:38:

depronto.....yea, porto allegre is pretty cool......they have so much in such a small place. did you know a sushi bar opened in there recently.....pretty good too.

portena......this is the suburbs as far as i'm concerned. i'm not used to this kind of stuff though.

our 52yo portero was pistol whipped and robbed in almost the exact spot from where this lady was shot just before christmas. he was in the hospital for 3 days.

but every single person in the building, even the 80yo retirees, kicked in some cash so his holiday wasn't ruined.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

MaFe says on Jan 21, 2008, 11:39:

That does look like a Nissan Z..isn't that car expensive there...
mucha suerte...

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

0 funny, 0 helpful.

gringoloid says on Jan 21, 2008, 11:49:

When it first happened, I got the info from the people standing there and what they told me was not accurate. I was lead to believe that this was some kind of a regular person using the cajero.

this woman and her husband who was knocked off 3 years ago must have really pissed off some people.

people here tell me it is rare for a regular person to need 2 bodyguards.

i'm sure that Z cost a few bucks.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

webmanco says on Jan 21, 2008, 12:14:

85% of the crimes like this one is because of doing the wrong kind of business, maybe with the right people but something in the deal went wrong. Not far away from La Colina another guy was killed, he was hiring Colombian military to sent to Iraq.

Just like the one in Cali on his way to the airport.

(I really hate it when women get their panties all bunched up their butt, they can get so cranky!) Poor butt happy

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 21, 2008, 12:17:

It seems like Avenida 100(calle 100) is the best place to see people driving incredibly expensive cars like Porsches, Range Rovers, etc. If that isn't "dar papaya", then I don't know what is.

My aforementioned uncle drives around in a car that costs over $200.000.000 and hands out packets of cookies to beggars at street corners. I feel extremely uncomfortable riding with him. What's worse is when we get out at parking lots and I just see the way the attendants look at us like hungry predators. Honestly, I liked it better when my relatives all drove crappy Renaults.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mr. Hollywood says on Jan 21, 2008, 12:19:

I think the guy killed in La Colina wasn't just hiring Colombian military to go to Iraq; he was complicit in the contractual bait and switch that was pulled on a bunch of Colombian military when they got there. I'd expect someone involved in that to last exactly 15 minutes.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

webmanco says on Jan 21, 2008, 12:21:

The guy (Iraq contractor) was killed by Bulevar

(I really hate it when women get their panties all bunched up their butt, they can get so cranky!) Poor butt happy

0 funny, 0 helpful.

robi666 says on Jan 21, 2008, 12:39:

Funny GIB, I was giving exactly the same advices to some friends today, then came back home and log in PBH and this.
It all can happen in a heartbeat here, one day you're in heaven, the next you're in hell.
Colombians know how to look for signes and to see when it is coming. Maybe it is just a friend or one of your girlfriends asking too much and you are warned.

"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."

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 21, 2008, 12:46:

You're absolutely right GIB. Colombians can be some jealous ass people in country or abroad. I grew up in a wealthy neighborhood outside of Houston and when I was younger, Colombian "friends" of my parents were all spreading rumors that my dad must be a narco because he had money.

This is despite the fact that my dad is the most straitlaced dude you could ever meet. Forget the fact that he came to the US and worked his way through school to get an MBA and has busted his ass since he was eleven years old. People's mentality is that he has more than us, so he must be a criminal.

We run into the same shit in Colombia even with distant family members. My mom's side of the family is particularly bad about it. Most of my mom's sisters married some worthless bastards, so everybody hates on us despite the fact that we have helped everyone out financially at one point or another. It's like everybody has this inferiority complex and jealousy all rolled into one.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

docwilliam says on Jan 21, 2008, 12:46:

.

"There's no time to panic"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

robi666 says on Jan 21, 2008, 12:50:

No matter 9 or 40, in Colombia they just shot you in the face.

"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."

0 funny, 0 helpful.

gringoloid says on Jan 21, 2008, 12:52:

in the first picture, next to citibank cajero, is a Blockbuster video and there is a bullet hole in the window.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

tejasmarcos says on Jan 21, 2008, 12:54:

hmmmmmmm. i think i'm gonna stick with my bicycle ;)

for real!

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

0 funny, 0 helpful.

webmanco says on Jan 21, 2008, 12:54:

No todo lo del pobre es robado. With the "estrato" divisions here, half colombians must be paying extorsion to the low classes. Should I be scared for the comment that "some" Colombians are jelous just because I might have a couple of pesos more than them??

Should many colombians who obviously got more money than me be scare of me or anyone who don´t macth his/her wallet?? I don´t think so.

I don´t think so because not all Colombians are the same. So ColombianoGringo you are generalizing, I bet same thing could think your neigboor from other nationalities, a Colombian with lots of money in other countries either is a drug dealer, a corrupt politician, a DEA or FBI agent, nowdays it could be paramilitar or guerrillero, but then again no todo lo del pobre es robado.


No everybody is killing left and right just becouse your neigboor got more money, that is a poor aproach of reality, most killing in Colombia are not due to jeausly over money, it is because a bad deal went wrong, and second to that is jeauosly, "lios de faldas"

(I really hate it when women get their panties all bunched up their butt, they can get so cranky!) Poor butt happy

0 funny, 0 helpful.

docwilliam says on Jan 21, 2008, 12:54:

.

"There's no time to panic"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 21, 2008, 12:59:

It's not usually the poor who harbor the most resentment and jealousy. My observation has been that a lot of people in the upper estratos of northern Bogota in particular are the most hateful, arrogant and jealous.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

gringoloid says on Jan 21, 2008, 13:02:

this was some really sloppy shooting......i would like to think i could handle a gun better than this.

the body tech is packed at 5am in the morning so there were lots of people around even at this early hour.

i'm surprised no one else was hit.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

jorgegdiaz says on Jan 21, 2008, 13:16:

That sounds like a vendetta of some sort, no ATM robbery.
Come on people, from Quincy to CSI haven`t you learned anything?

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

miamimike says on Jan 21, 2008, 13:18:

D.Williams--the report says 7 Shots(disparos)! Doesn't say how many connected!

"A Hernández le propinaron siete disparos con una pistola 9 milímetros",,,

"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.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

robi666 says on Jan 21, 2008, 13:19:

Of course was not an ATM robbery.

"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."

0 funny, 0 helpful.

webmanco says on Jan 21, 2008, 13:22:

This is not the case You got more money than me, take this .....................

Probabily whoever paid for the job got more money than the "victim" and y/o lost a lot from her.

(I really hate it when women get their panties all bunched up their butt, they can get so cranky!) Poor butt happy

0 funny, 0 helpful.

droble77 says on Jan 21, 2008, 13:23:

GIB may have a point, but I don't see why we shouldn't discount that this lady probably was involved in a number of shady business deals over the years and ended up making too many enemies, just like hubby. There's a LOT of secrets in Colombia, some people can live double lives down there!

Of course, in the states you have the courts to handle situations where you feel you've been wronged in a business deal. Colombia doesn't work that way. ;) And to complain about that is just pointless and a waste of time. This lady probably knew her number would be up sooner or later.

I was also surprised, like CG, by a Colombian guy I befriended with a sporty coupe, "pimped out" with the flashy wheels, tires, and spoiler. Claimed he never ran into any trouble like vandalism, theft, etc. . .

Definitely not something I would do down there. Of course, I've lived in Manhattan my whole life, so I've grown immune to the desire of owning a nice car. . . :0)

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Frank Rizzo says on Jan 21, 2008, 13:25:

Possibly it was this guy... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwFaHxWJjBo

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 21, 2008, 13:34:

I personally wasn't implying that this is a random ATM killing. As my first post stated, this was quite clearly a sicario killing and was commissioned by someone who knew this woman's comings and goings. It could have been caused by anything from a business deal gone bad to a perceived disrespect on the victim's part or any other stupid reason. Sadly, human life has very little value in Colombia. It is so easy to have someone killed that people do it for even the silliest reasons.

My point was simply related in that I find it somewhat foolish to drive an expensive car in Bogota. This isn't to say that everyone with a nice car is going to get killed, but even Colombians have to avoid "dar papaya".

0 funny, 0 helpful.

robi666 says on Jan 21, 2008, 13:54:

I was reading the article on El Tiempo.
The story smells a "prestanombre"...

"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."

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mr. Hollywood says on Jan 21, 2008, 13:59:

This is exactly why I take my horse cart everywhere.

And change horses weekly.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 21, 2008, 14:02:

Como asi que "prestanombre"? Alguien que pone su nombre para lavar dinero o que?

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Leeroy says on Jan 21, 2008, 15:07:

Low profile? Screw that...

I am driven around in my convertible whenever and wherever possible showing off my gold chains, designer clothes and hoes either side of me.

That way everyone respects me.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

slguy says on Jan 21, 2008, 15:49:

It always amuses me when people object to "generalities". Generalities are what we humans use as guidelines, since knowing every individual in every city where we might live is impossible.

So yea- generalities can certainly be unfair sometimes. Doesn't necessarily mean they're wrong, or that we're stupid to pay attention to them.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

0 funny, 0 helpful.

gringoloid says on Jan 21, 2008, 16:10:

My girlfriend just got home from work and she left early this morning; she walked up and saw the body there; she couldn't tell how many shots.

She did say that there are only 9 cars in Colombia like this one and it costs $170.000.000.

by colombia standards she must have been pretty well off.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mike19 says on Jan 21, 2008, 16:15:

Sadly, human life has very little value in Colombia. It is so easy to have someone killed that people do it for even the silliest reasons.

I never been to Colombia but I thought things have changed and crime has been down...If this continues how can colombia promote growth when you cant walk down the street with a new t-shirt and good job?

Correct me if i'm wrong?

0 funny, 0 helpful.

robi666 says on Jan 21, 2008, 16:41:

Well, prestanombre.. a common story here in Colombia.
A narco puts his properties in the name of a few people. He can do it directly but more often he uses a "proxy agent" as his interface. The "agent" will be responsible of a part of his properties. Let's say he has one in Bogota, one in Medellin and so on.
The narco has problems, get killed or extradited to US.
His family or his right hand comes back after years to get back the properties and not often everything go in the right direction and the "agent" used too much of the narco's money.

I can be wrong, but because of her husband was killed too, her activities, her profile and that's my bet and I've seen it before.

Yes Mike, human life has a very little value, but the value depends on who they are going to kill. I bet that it was not that cheap to kill that woman. She is high profile, bodyguards (with no problems you do not have bodyguards) and sure has connection. If you think that it will cost you 100mil to kill a person like that, you do not know how things go here. You don't want to risk that all you family get buried for nothing.

A cheap sicario no haces esas vueltas.

"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."

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mike19 says on Jan 21, 2008, 16:50:

I see....

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 21, 2008, 16:59:

Does it really matter how much the sicario costs? I agree that this was not some barrio kid making $100.000. Colombia has a lot of professional killers. A job like this involved patience and research. That definitely costs a lot.

Unfortunately, there are many more cases that are the result of a jilted lover or a perceived slight or disrespect of the wrong person. About six weeks ago I was in the city in southern Colombia that both my wife and my mother are from, and a sicario killed a 16 year old girl riding on her motorcycle the day we were leaving. The guy just walked up to her when she stopped near her house and shot her right in the face. This was just some poor, seemingly unconnected neighborhood girl. Maybe she got in with the wrong people, but it is just as likely that she broke up with some guy that just wasn't having it.

This type of thing is not random street crime, but that does exist as well. As some of the more realistic and experienced people around here will tell you, Colombia has gotten a lot better, but it is still easy to get yourself in trouble. Am I crazy for not wanting to drive around town in an insanely expensive car? I don't think so.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mike19 says on Jan 21, 2008, 17:06:

I've heard and read alot about colombia's change but as a tourist still haven't booked my airline ticket yet....I've had my finger on the button a few times.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 21, 2008, 17:10:

Please don't let this type of event discourage you from coming to Colombia. There are many areas where you can be safe as a tourist. However, you do need to be alert and not be stupid about the choices you make and the things you do. You go flashing money around and acting like a big shot, you will definitely attract the wrong kind of attention.

These rules apply anywhere. Have you ever been to Washington D.C.? It is a great and fun town with lots to see and do. However, not a few miles from the tourist areas are some neighborhoods that are extremely dangerous. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't go. The trick is to inform yourself and not do stupid shit.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

john_stark says on Jan 21, 2008, 17:15:

I don't think anyone is looking for you yet, Mike19.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mike19 says on Jan 21, 2008, 17:22:

hahahahaha - on a serious note I thank you for your comments CG and JS. I have been to Washington DC and got my stuff robbed from my hotel room (inside job). I agree that these things can happen anywhere at anytime.

When I go it will probably be in el poblado area in medellin. I will try not to dress like a gringo and have someone else hold my money..hahaha. My spanish is getting better.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

gringoloid says on Jan 21, 2008, 17:30:

My girlfriend has been talking with the neighbors and this dead lady had many, many clothing stores and boutiques. She not only had the two body guards but she had security in her real estate office and car dealership.

Now this contradicts the newspaper but I'm told this is the first day her bodyguards weren't with her at the body-tech.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 21, 2008, 17:38:

Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I would have a hard time trusting bodyguards. You are supposed to turn over your safety and wellbeing to some stranger. Even if you pay them a lot, how do you know they won't turn on you or simply not show up on a specific day. This isn't just in Colombia. I'm sure Indira Ghandi trusted her bodyguards.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 21, 2008, 17:39:

Mike,

In Poblado, you should worry less about street crime and watch out for the girls. They can steal your wallet and your heart.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

gringoloid says on Jan 21, 2008, 17:40:

CG, exactly what i was thinking; body guards don't show up, eh? those would be the first two guys i would want to question.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mike19 says on Jan 21, 2008, 17:45:

thanks ColombianoGringo - I heard about that already. I heard its safe their and the women are hot. I met a paisa in ny and dated her a 1 year until she had to go back to medellin. She was very polite and had alot of fun with her. We keep in touch online and she wants me to visit but haven't gone yet.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mike19 says on Jan 21, 2008, 17:46:

I agree about putting too much trust in bodyguards in any part of the world.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

LilaM says on Jan 21, 2008, 17:57:

Well she used to have one of the two 350z nissan vehicles in Colombia, her husband was killed in 2004...

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don´t try" B. Sills

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 21, 2008, 18:01:

I am actually seriously considering buying one of those. Luckily, in the US, they are a dime a dozen and don't attract much attention. I had wanted an M3, but I might just go for this. They have a track model that is wonderful. I really want to get my SCCA license and do some amateur racing.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

manINred says on Jan 21, 2008, 18:26:

". I met a paisa in ny and dated her a 1 year "

Mike19, you don't happen to be a gringo do you???

0 funny, 0 helpful.

billyb says on Jan 21, 2008, 18:47:

Jajaja, ManINred, I see where you're going with this.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

manINred says on Jan 21, 2008, 18:52:

lol! yep, you know it ;)

0 funny, 0 helpful.

robi666 says on Jan 21, 2008, 18:52:

LOL

"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."

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mr. Hollywood says on Jan 21, 2008, 19:11:

So, Robi, just so I'm clear, is the prestanombre is the person who manages all the testaferros? Or are they the same thing?

Ah, the things you learn in Colombia!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

robi666 says on Jan 21, 2008, 19:13:

prestanombre = testafierro

"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."

0 funny, 0 helpful.

miamimike says on Jan 21, 2008, 19:28:

CG--those cars and their Parts are a "Hot Item" in Miami's theft Rings!

"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.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

houstongal says on Jan 21, 2008, 19:31:

jejejee miamimike...there was an article in the Sunday Houston Chronicle that the hot auto for theft in Houston is the Ford F-150 and F-350 (?). They're being stolen, driven to Mexico and back to the US with illegals. So CG will probably be OK with a Z in Houston!

Culture is language and language is culture - Dr. Annamaria Napolitano

0 funny, 0 helpful.

lpdiver says on Jan 21, 2008, 19:33:

Oh crap. I drive an old F-150. Probably just the truck they are looking for. Maybe it is time to carry comprehensive. Nah, it cost me all of $200.00. jej jej jej

t

"cook some rice!"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 21, 2008, 19:35:

Mike, That's what insurance is for. I lost the very first car I ever bought myself in a flood and have not gotten the least bit attached to a car since then. I had gone out and bought myself a Geo Storm back in 1990 when in college. About a year into having it, one of the bayous in Houston overflowed into the freeway and a whole bunch of cars were totally lost. In a span of twenty minute, we went from a traffic jam on a dry freeway to looking down at our submerged cars from an overpass. It was a pain, but I got a replacement with a lot less miles so I came out on top.

HG, That would be White Oak Bayou spilling into the North Freeway at N. Main.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

miamimike says on Jan 21, 2008, 19:35:

Seems like she made herself a pretty easy target as the link to the paper wrote she habitually went to the GYM in the Mornings by herself. You would think after her Husband was whacked, she would have varied her routine or changed Gyms or least went to a number of different Gyms as she obviously could have afforded multi memberships. Or simply set up a home Gym/Spa. Sounds like she violated a basic cardinal rule--don't be a creature of Habit,,,Take a different route,,,

"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.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

houstongal says on Jan 21, 2008, 19:38:

jaja lp....apparently they're being stolen b/c they're big and can hold lots of illegals.

Culture is language and language is culture - Dr. Annamaria Napolitano

0 funny, 0 helpful.

lpdiver says on Jan 21, 2008, 19:40:

Well mine doen't look too nice and the air doesn't work. They would probably turn their noses up at it.

t

"cook some rice!"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

houstongal says on Jan 21, 2008, 19:40:

You know CG, I often wondered how those cars end up submerged (i.e., what idiot would drive into water that deep), but I now get it! Sorry to hear about that. It always amazes me how Houston roads flood so quickly.

Culture is language and language is culture - Dr. Annamaria Napolitano

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 21, 2008, 19:47:

Yeah. It was pretty bizzare. It wasn't even raining at the moment. I came up on a traffic jam on a bone dry freeway and after being completely stopped for about 20 minutes, I noticed that the water was quickly rising. I climbed onto the HOV divider and kept out of the water. Most people were up to their waists in water in no time flat.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

houstongal says on Jan 21, 2008, 19:48:

OMG. That is really terrible when you know you couldn't even turn around or do anything but escape.

Culture is language and language is culture - Dr. Annamaria Napolitano

0 funny, 0 helpful.

miamimike says on Jan 21, 2008, 19:53:

They(police and insurance investigators) find those types of cars all the time in Canals around Miami. When the Guys(many) get in over their heads debt wise, in the Midnight hours, they simply drive the vehicle to a Canal and set a brick on the Gas Pedal and off it goes into the Canal. Other times, the cars are doused with Gasline and Torched along Krome Avenue or Okechobee Rd, often right by the roadside. The Guys then report them stolen or some other BS lie to collect the insurance and payoff their car Debt. Happens all the time here in Miami,,,

"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.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

lpdiver says on Jan 21, 2008, 19:58:

Happens here is South Louisiana as well mike. I think thats different from being caught in a flash flood on the interstate in rush hour traffic though.

t

"cook some rice!"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Robert Jorge says on Jan 21, 2008, 22:36:

The cars they find in deep south Dade are amazing. I used to go target shooting south of Palm Dr. near Turkey Point when I lived there. It was great - anytime I would go down the dirt road, there was a recently abandoned and stripped car to shoot at.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 21, 2008, 22:45:

"It was great - anytime I would go down the dirt road, there was a recently abandoned and stripped car to shoot at."

Sweet!

Wow RJ, you're up late. I am not normally not on this late, but I'm up working on some stuff for my side company and need the occasional PBH distraction.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Robert Jorge says on Jan 22, 2008, 00:08:

I'm off to bed now. See you tomorrow.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

0 funny, 0 helpful.

webmanco says on Jan 22, 2008, 02:43:

yea doing things wrong like buying and selling realestate and cars....

How could someone living in Colombia for 5 or 6 years be so out touch of reality, yet claims everyone else is wrong.


Enero 21 de 2008

Esposo de mujer asesinada en el norte de Bogotá tuvo líos por narcotráfico

http://www.eltiempo.com/bogota/2008-01-22/ARTICULO-WEB-NOTA_INTERIOR-3...

Un oficial de la Policía, que ayer asumió la investigación de este caso, comentó: "todo encaja en el modus operandi del crimen organizado salvo por un detalle: la cantidad de disparos hacia la víctima. Un asesino profesional usualmente hace uno o dos tiros mortales, y se va. Pero en este caso fueron siete: hubo sevicia"

(I really hate it when women get their panties all bunched up their butt, they can get so cranky!) Poor butt happy

0 funny, 0 helpful.

robi666 says on Jan 22, 2008, 03:49:

"Esposo de mujer asesinada en el norte de Bogotá tuvo líos por narcotráfico"
Uh, the smell is getting stronger :-)
My best bet is still well alive...

"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."

0 funny, 0 helpful.

aztec says on Jan 22, 2008, 06:30:

"It is just not worth it to have money here." GIB

A reluctant decision we made after investigating for several years whether or not to move full time to Colombia. If you have significant resources you cannot live there permanently without fear.

One must be temporary (rent) or buy a small apartment. If you are a gringo it is better not purchasing an auto.

In my own case, my wife is a mental and emotional wreck every time I go out without her. She maintains that even after all this time I am like a child in Colombia.

Americans born and raised out side urban areas are ill equipped to function in this kind of environment.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

diabloblas says on Jan 22, 2008, 08:43:

while i have not yet given up...i have found no place to live full time... many i would like for 4 to 6 months

..all of them require keeping a low profile

...as an old friend of mine always said...it's best to be rich & anonymous.. &.most deeds are invalided by being found out...which leads to no good deed goes unpunished

0 funny, 0 helpful.

diabloblas says on Jan 22, 2008, 08:59:

agree gib...but low profile goes for any country...especially today...& getting more so with each passing day

...be ready to move at anytime...it's an enjoyable game in any case

..my best toys are passport & atm card...the rest i rent or they become anchors & the function the same as porceline on an electrical circuit

0 funny, 0 helpful.

webmanco says on Jan 22, 2008, 09:08:

Low or high profile when it is time to go, you don´t have time to even pack :-)

Violence create jobs, sad but true

(I really hate it when women get their panties all bunched up their butt, they can get so cranky!) Poor butt happy

0 funny, 0 helpful.

droble77 says on Jan 22, 2008, 09:09:

Well we just don't know whether she "deserved" it or not. . . ;0) Maybe this was payback for something she had done in the recent or distant past. Didn't a woman admit on some tv show a few months back she almost got her husband killed using a sicario? If you can scratch under the surface of this lady's life, I'll bet you'll find a lot of interesting stories. . .

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mike19 says on Jan 22, 2008, 09:36:

ManINRED - Yes, I'm a gringo.....Why do I feel I will be getting the good speech now on colombian women....hahahah

0 funny, 0 helpful.

diabloblas says on Jan 22, 2008, 09:37:

webmanco..disturbing video but one that smacks of reallity in many places around the world

...however...oliver north is against civilians having access to bulletproof vests...he has a financial interest in selling them but will only to governments

0 funny, 0 helpful.

diabloblas says on Jan 22, 2008, 09:44:

agree with the first part gib...but not the preachy ending

0 funny, 0 helpful.

diabloblas says on Jan 22, 2008, 09:49:

i learned one thing in life gib...when you got the order...made your point..etc...shut the fuk up

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mr. Hollywood says on Jan 22, 2008, 09:51:

GIB, you know as well as I do that in Colombia some people have a lot invested in believing that the victims of violence were somehow "wrong" or "dirty". It's just a psychological defense mechanism, their way of convincing themselves that they're somehow immune.

I know way too many good people in Colombia who have been victims in one way or another to buy into that way of thinking.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

webmanco says on Jan 22, 2008, 09:54:

No human being deseves to die from another human being, but most Colombian do not deserve to be generalize for those killings.

"You do not have to be into somehting bad here (Colombia) to be killed. All you have to do is have money and no protection. Which means that you like to drive around in your Z and bragg about how much money you have so you attract more than one extortionist. You can not pay them all and still keep your Z. So all it takes is one not getting theri payment and your dead."

(I really hate it when women get their panties all bunched up their butt, they can get so cranky!) Poor butt happy

0 funny, 0 helpful.

gringoloid says on Jan 22, 2008, 10:02:

everything is back to normal; the gym was packed; i took this picture of one of the shots that landed on the window of the blockbuster video.

i know this is reinforced glass but i would have expected a lot more damage from a nine millimeter bullet. this was about 25 ft away and at a 45 degree angle.

you mean all i have to do is start bench pressing, put on my Harley-Davidson jacket and the bullets will bounce off?

0 funny, 0 helpful.

miamimike says on Jan 22, 2008, 10:54:

How about that one Bogota based tailor whose Business is Booming with those Bullet proof Suits? Seems he really was on to something when he developed this Concept. He's swamped with Orders not only from Colombia but the Mid east and rest of the countries in the Americas.

"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.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

droble77 says on Jan 22, 2008, 12:29:

LOL, I stand by my posts. ;) Si tu crees que esa mujer tenía olor de santa. . . well, that's just incredibly naive. Doesn't mean that I think she deserved to go the way she did. If this woman was doing some funny business in the states, maybe she'd get a little jail time, or pay a fine, or even just a "slap on the wrist." But this ain't the states, and it doesn't matter what you or I think, it matters what the locombians think! A 36 year old woman with an assasinated hubby and at least one insanely expensive car (not to mention all the other assets) must have some idea of what she's getting into when she's wheeling and dealing in Bogotá, and yes it's the innocent kids who have no say in the matter that end up suffering the most. Her problems, whatever they were, are now over. For the kids, the nightmare is just beginning.

I know some people here don't want to hear it (maybe because they're not exactly boy scouts either??), but often enough, these people who get killed in what was practically an open spectacle were involved in something shady.

Now could I be gunned down in Bog innocent and pure as the snow? Sure. Since I believe they're more good people than bad, it's true many innocent people die every day.

But if I do get killed, it will NOT happen after stepping out of a $170K dollar sports car, at least not one that I own, LOL!! :0)) The differences in lifestyle, associates, well, I can't even bother to compare. . .

0 funny, 0 helpful.

slguy says on Jan 22, 2008, 12:31:

Know what amuses me the most about this thread? The continual "but this can happen anywhere" contingent.

Yea- one can get robbed anywhere. Bad stuff happens everywhere.

But you apologists for the low value placed on human life in Colombia ought to be ashamed of yourselves. In my experience, there are no parallels in other latin countries. Nowhere else is it so friggin' easy to have someone killed - or get killed, over bullshit.

Yea- danger everywhere, blah blah blah. Sao Paolo and Rio are dangerous, without question. But ask a few questions, pay a hundred bucks, and have someone dead the next day? Nowhere but Colombia, unless one moves in those elements all along.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

0 funny, 0 helpful.

jorgegdiaz says on Jan 22, 2008, 12:55:

shit SLGUY, you scare me, you know so much about it !
how many have you order to take down?

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

jorgegdiaz says on Jan 22, 2008, 12:55:

shit SLGUY, you scare me, you know so much about it !
how many have you order to take down?

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

jorgegdiaz says on Jan 22, 2008, 12:55:

shit SLGUY, you scare me, you know so much about it !
how many have you order to take down?

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Frank Rizzo says on Jan 22, 2008, 12:55:

"In my experience, there are no parallels in other latin countries." Ever been to Caracas??

They can give Colombia a run for the money in this dept. anyday.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

slguy says on Jan 22, 2008, 13:04:

Spent a couple years pre-El Payaso visiting Caracas every month. Wasn't true then. Can't speak for now. If Caracas is close now- I imagine it's due to economic/political circumstance, not a "business as usual" attitude of long standing.

JD- I don't claim to know any more than anyone else who has visited Colombia, or has a circle of friends there. I don't have to put my hand on a hot stove to recognize that it's hot, either.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ujay says on Jan 22, 2008, 13:44:

great colombian company,here in bogota a show room in mexico ,opening in the usa ,the only company in the world doing this kind ,i bought 2 pilot jackets ,well worth the money ,takes a month to make,
http://www.miguelcaballero.com/

www.unionjackedfilms.com

0 funny, 0 helpful.

manINred says on Jan 22, 2008, 14:08:

"ManINRED - Yes, I'm a gringo.....Why do I feel I will be getting the good speech now on colombian women....hahahaa"

Mike 19, you will get no such speech from me. In fact, you should not listen to most people here concerning Colombian women, considering the fact that you just basically discredited the whole New York contingent of this website and their preposterous theory that Colombian women living in New York will never date or hook up with gringos. They even had me wondering, but they certainly don't anymore.

Well, logic and reasoning prevail as always in the end... Thank you!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Frank Rizzo says on Jan 22, 2008, 14:54:

It's pretty rough now slguy. Recently a taxi driver picked up a director friend of mine at the airport then another guy got in at the airport. The 2 were working togther, pulled a gun with him and took his money, etc. Drove around for 2 hours looking for a dark enough place to kill him and leave him. They didn't know he spoke spanish. Finally, he convinced them to let him go. They dumped him off outside of town. He's well experienced traveler in SA and said he felt better in Colombia any day.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

slguy says on Jan 22, 2008, 14:55:

I don't doubt you even a little, Frank R. I have friends in Caracas, lifelong residents, who long since stopped trying to convince me to visit.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mr. Hollywood says on Jan 22, 2008, 15:08:

Those bulletproof coats and swell and all, but the victim in this case would have needed a bullet proof face mask and scarf, too, judging by the foto.

I agree with Frank about Caracas. It's not a pretty sight. And there's nobody you can trust in authority, either. If bad stuff is happening, it's just as likely it's the police doing it to you.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

miamimike says on Jan 22, 2008, 15:53:

While Caracas is dangerous as any other Big City in this day and Age, once outside of the Capital, it is reletively safe to travel city to city in rural areas such as Merida. The same cannot be said about Colombia. Look at Santa Marta's Post here as Evidence ,,,,

"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.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mike19 says on Jan 22, 2008, 18:11:

thanks ManINRed. I think Colombian women are the nicest and most beautiful women in the world - except for when i'm in miami and the cubanas change my mind a bit ;))))...

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Robert Jorge says on Jan 22, 2008, 18:43:

Gringoloid, I had an "accident" in '92 with a 9mm. Lets just say a 9mm will not penetrate a Sears 21" TV tube. jajaja

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

0 funny, 0 helpful.

manINred says on Jan 22, 2008, 20:00:

No problem Mike19.

Personally I'm just happy (and smug) to hear of a guy on this site who bagged a Colombian novia in New York, a feat that was painted as impossible on this site. In fact, I think you'd achieve 'hero' status according to several people here ;)

Have fun in Medellin if you go, I've stayed in the city for extensive periods of time, it is a gorgeous gorgeous place. Try and get outside of Poblado, there's so much more to the city.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mike19 says on Jan 22, 2008, 20:09:

thanks ManINred,


I will try to get to medellin one day..I met her in a brooklyn bar and we didnt speak much english - she did understand me when I said I love shakira and sophia vergara ;))))).....me made a deal that we would both help each other learn a bit more on how to speak spanish/english....she knows more english than I know spanish..hahahahahaha

0 funny, 0 helpful.

robi666 says on Jan 22, 2008, 20:12:

I don't understand.. it's not possible. Was she desperate? Some mind problem? We know it is not possible...

By the way, wasn't there any bet with big USD on it by Morphus?

"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."

0 funny, 0 helpful.

manINred says on Jan 22, 2008, 20:33:

LOL robbi! it was a few who had big bucks down. shhhh, we'll make it official then earn a few easy dollars

0 funny, 0 helpful.

billyb says on Jan 23, 2008, 06:29:

Maybe she wasn't really colombian, I mean after all, it was supposed to be impossible. Could it be that it all depends on the, to quote Clyde, "playas" involved?

0 funny, 0 helpful.