My experience: Safety in Colombia
Just comming back from Colombia, I want to tell you about my safety experience during my trip. All what I write are my experience and I don't know, if it is really the fact.
I travelled all the road down from Ipiales to Cartagena via Pasto, Popayan, Cali and Medellin (Med.-Cart by night) and from Cartagena to Santa Marta, Bucaramanga and Bogota.
I visited Ipiales, Pasto, Popayan, Cali, Cartagena, Santa Marta, Bucaramanga, Tunja and Paipa.
ROAD SAFETY: It is very safe now to travel by bus, even at night. There are Military Checkpoint all along the road, sometimes they will check you Passport. The Road between Ipiales and Popayan has stunning view, really incredible! So beautyful. In all towns along this road I saw Police and often Soldiers. From Pasto to Ipiales, there are more Checkpoints than on other roads, maybe because of FARC-Activity in this area. (They attackt the town of Florida when I was in Cali only a couple of Kilometers away from Cali, so be careful.)
The biggest danger of the nightbus from Medellin to Cartagena is to catch a cold, the aircon works! Buses to Cartagena seems to be more expensive than to other destinations.
There are also many Soldiers between Santa Marta and Bucaramanga. In the first part, there is a soldier on every crossing. (Maybe to defend bus-robberies)
SAFETY IN CITIES:
There is Police everywhere!
Pasto: Police patrouls in the streets and there are even Soldiers . I don't know if this is a good sign. But the city is very friendly and I felt safe. In the morning. A few misterious looking people shouted after me. (Venga). I think they tried to make a bad deal whit me like money changing or so.
Popayan: In the night, I was the only one wander around exept a few policemen. Here in my dormitorio I gringo tried to steal my things. asshole!
Cali: Cali is a different story. It is not unsafe, but the city is ugly and you will see the poor searching the way to survive. You will see them searching for food in the rubbish. There is Police everywhere, a lot of Police. For my taste to match, I thougt there is something wrong. The Torre de Cali was closed and Police around him. On AV. 3 Policemen stand there every 10 Meters. The Old town is also full of Police.
I asked at the Busterminal a policemen if it is safe to walk to the city he said yes (policemen will always tell you its safe. For them it is, but maybe not for you). So I was stupid enough to walk along the Parque on Rio Cali. Locals were alert and shouted to me to take the next Avenida. In this Park, many homeless live her. In my mind, Cali is quite safe, you can go barhopping along Av. 6 without problems, but the poor will come to you to ask you for help. And if they are to friendly and speak english, you can be sure, there is something wrong.
Cartagena: Cartagena seems to be safe, but I don't think that all parts of the Getsemani area are safe in the dark, especially the roads near the river. Here, the homeless living in the pollution and dirt along the river. Which doesn't mean that they are automaticly dangerous, but they have nothing to lose.
Santa Marta and Tananga: Both towns are safe, but the beggars in Santa Marta can be more aggressiv than elsewhere. They come, like in Cartagena, in every shop, I-Cafe, Restaurant and don't accept a no. I tried to walk from Sta. M. to Tananga, but the road shortly after Sta. M. didn't look to safe so I took the bus.
Bucaramanga:
Bucaramanga is also a different story. The poeple are very friendly , the most friendly in the country together with Tunja and Pasto/Ipiales, but I was shocked. I didn' expect to see so many people in Bucaramanga searching for food in the rubbish, sleeping on the street or in a Park. In the first moment, I felt very unsafe, but it seems that this people work between 6 and 9 pm. Later, I felt pretty safe, especially in the zona rosa. But like in Cali, on monday and Tuesday I was almost the only guest.
Tunja:
Tunja was a really relight. The people are very friendly and you see no beggar nor poor. The only thing is, that its really cold in the night. Tunja was the only City I visited (exept Cartagena), where the streets are full of people walking around day and night.
Paipa
Paipa is like every town in boyaca very safe. Here are the hot springs, three kilometers south of the town (Locals told me 13. So one Kilometer is about 4 columbian kilometers:) )
Citys in the night
The centers of Popayan and Bucaramanaga are dead at night. In Santa Marta, is always something going on, of course also in Cartagena, inkl. Prostitutes or other working girls who try to make friend with you for whatever reason. But they are friendly and let you go if you refuse. Cali Av. 6 on monday and Tuesday there are not many people exept a few couples. I don't know if a disco was going on, I only visited some bars. There are beggars, but they are not allowed to come in the bars and they respect it.
I was in Pasto on saturday night and they are a few discobars, but you have to look for it. There was also a free live-concert at the plaza narino (maybe the only mainplaza which is not called Pl. Bolivar in whole SA.) And there are Bars whit live-Music.
In Tunja the thing are the Cafes which are full in the early afternoon. A good palce to meet some of the friendly people. I don't know whats going at night. It was so cold, so I went to my Hotel early :(
Nightlife
An excurse for Nightlife. I felt quite bored. Apart from the neonlight-discos with working girls inside (and the headache because of the dark light) there was not much to do. The Colombians seems to go out only in pairs. On every table a girl and a boy are sitting talking. Popayan, Bucaramanga are dead at night. Cali on monday and tuesday to. In Tunja, there are bars, but only couples sitting in. You have to start early in the cafes to meet people. On the Av. Arsenal in Cartagena all the outdoor-bar where empty (on weekend!). You have to search to find a bar with people inside (couples of course)
Only in Santa Marta on Saturday I found good nightlife on Calle 17, but even here in the discobar with popmusik. Almost only couples are dancing.
This are my experience and I hope I could people help not knowing If they should go to Colombia for safety reasons. There is no need not to go. In my mind, apart the guerilla-activity it is not more dangerous than Ekuador, Peru or Bolivia
By RKE on Oct 8, 2006, 06:59 in Friendly Talkzone.
|
RKE says on Oct 8, 2006, 07:02: Error FARC Activity is not between Pasto and Ipiales, It is in the Valle di Cauca around Cali (Popayan-Cali Road)
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
webmanco says on Oct 8, 2006, 08:05: Thanks for the safety update, it is indeed sad to see people asking for help or searching in the trash in order to find something of value. ...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ... 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
Desideria (Moderator) says on Oct 8, 2006, 08:16: More exactly, The FARC has been very active south of Cali in the Cauca province between Santander de Quilichao and Popayán. All towns in Cauca are unsafe due to guerrilla activity, except Popayán. There's guerrilla activity un Valle del Cauca too, on the western Farallones (between Dagua and Buenaventura), in the northeast in Pradera and Florida and in the south, in Jamundí. "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth) 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
goin_south says on Oct 8, 2006, 12:10: Desideria Is the MIO going to be the equivalent of the El Metro in Medellin? What does the MIO stand for, exactly? Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
tomtom33 says on Oct 8, 2006, 12:19: transport I didn't realize that something was going on in Cali.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
Miguel says on Oct 8, 2006, 12:22: Don Gringo wrote: "I do wish though that people who travel here could post their experiences and not suddenly become a Security Consultant for passing through the country" No sh~t, Sherlock. And to the OP, what was "your read" on Barranquilla?
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
goin_south says on Oct 8, 2006, 12:28: Looking at his trail, Miguel maybe someone rubbed some of that magic dust on him, as he left Cartagena and he completely forgot what happened between there and Santa Marta Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
Desideria (Moderator) says on Oct 8, 2006, 13:12: El MIO Is the MIO going to be the equivalent of the El Metro in Medellin? What does the MIO stand for, exactly?(galecito) "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth) 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
thur says on Oct 8, 2006, 13:15: Thanks. Despite of the people here always having unfriendly remarks, I liked the post. It seems honest and gives a nice idea. I also have plans to bus from Bogotá to Medellin, Cartagena, Santa Marta, Bucaramanga, Cali and Pasto (perhaps). I'd also like to squeeze in Tunja, the Manizales area and perhaps Villavicencio. My niece is excited to go with me and family and people around me say it can all be done safely by bus. So... I'm pretty excited too :-) - pbase.com/thur 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
Miguel says on Oct 8, 2006, 13:27: "Despite of the people here always having unfriendly remarks" Try skeptical.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
goin_south says on Oct 8, 2006, 14:15: RKE mostly just gave his observations. Pretty fair. I don't think he made any claims, just reported what he noticed. Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
|
goin_south says on Oct 8, 2006, 22:52: Dongringo wrote: "Wouldn't it be better to just post your experience and let others decide if they want to come or not?" Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
famsearch says on Oct 8, 2006, 23:28: all i know.... is that we had a couple of really fun experiences with security people while in colombia during the first trip. the first was after we decided to go out, and got pulled over by military police at a checkpoint. they were polite, and professional. the squad leader asked the usual questions, id, where we were going, etc. we told him and he said we were headed into a safe area, and not going into el centro (bello or medellin, not sure which), as that was a dangerous area at night. he said we were good to go, and after we got back in the taxi (driven by a family member), i mentioned to my sis in law, that the squad leader had the same last name as her mom. next thing i know, she's hanging her head out the window, calling the guy over. turns out that even though they have the same last name, not a common one at that, that he wasn't a relative. the other happened on the way to piedra del peñol. we stopped at the bridge just before the rock, to take pics with the lake in the background. when who should arrive, but mp's on a motorcycle. after showing id, and agreeing with us that we were just taking pics, my sis in law asked the guys if they would take pics with us. they politely declined, as they were about to go on duty, but said the guys they were about to relieve might help out. we didn't see anyone, and then they popped out of the area they were in, and apologized, that since they were there all day, and looked rough, they wouldn't feel right about it, but maybe the other guys would. we looked the other way, and sure enough, more guys, and they declined too, as thier uniforms weren't clean enough. we finished up, thanked them for being there, and went on to the rock. i guess it's a matter of who you're dealing with, and the manner of approach. i've found that when treated with respect and appreciation for doing thier jobs, soldiers and police are usually a bit more sociable. dan 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
goin_south says on Oct 8, 2006, 23:35: Ditto, famsearch! i've found that when treated with respect and appreciation for doing thier jobs, soldiers and police are usually a bit more sociable. Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
kat1 (Moderator) says on Oct 9, 2006, 06:03: On the Villavicencio - Bogota road you will find lots of checkpoints so if you travelling that way dont forget to take an ID with you. the bus or van will be stop and they will take the id from each of passenger, everybody is order to leave the bus except women with small children after they do the check they call each one of the pasengers and give them their respective ID. THEY ALL ARE VERY POLITE PEOPLE.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
kat1 (Moderator) says on Oct 9, 2006, 06:27: First DonGringo sorry about you experience but I have two question
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
kat1 (Moderator) says on Oct 9, 2006, 06:44: so they wanted to robbed the so they wanted to robbed everybody in the bar? did you see the door? how many people were in the bar? what time it happened I am not saying is not possible for this thing to happen there, but I am just curious. so the owner must have been part of this, I will reported it if I were you.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
kat1 (Moderator) says on Oct 9, 2006, 06:50: sorry I edited the last post DG, no I am not saying you have to fight them i would not recomended and as I said this thing can happen in Colombia, but i am sure you have to report it because it will happened to somebody else if somebody don't do nothing about.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
Gator says on Oct 9, 2006, 06:51: Rule Number One. Never go to the basement with a stranger(what the hell was down there-a three-headed monkey?). "Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" . 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
gabo4ever says on Oct 9, 2006, 07:06: DG... Maybe if you re-wrote the experience we could understand better without the need for more questions. The description is sketchy at best, it almost seems like you were writting it straight after the event. Y por si se atreven: Watsamatamaracuya? 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
poco says on Oct 9, 2006, 07:18: Clone So now let's hear the "Colombia protectors" (who by the way most have invested in some way in the tourist business here, so consider the source)so make light of it or make light of me. Go ahead I don't give a crap since I know I have more street smarts in my little finger then most of you critiques in your poor little heads. "When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
webmanco says on Oct 9, 2006, 07:25: Sorry to heard that history by DonGringo it is a shame the couple of gringos who got killed a Luna Bar (GIB) didn´t have your street smarts. Fortunaly one of them cameback from the dead as DonGringo el 7 vidas hehe. ...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ... 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
kat1 (Moderator) says on Oct 9, 2006, 07:54: I do agree wit gabo4ever, we would need more details, but I don't think you were going to be kidnapped DG But I think you were going to be robe BIG TIME!
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
webmanco says on Oct 9, 2006, 08:01: Maybe DonGringo and his friend were going to do conejo ...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ... 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
famsearch says on Oct 9, 2006, 11:08: let's take a minute and add this all up... from what i've read, this is how it adds up: 2 gringos, in a bar, probably in a less than desirable area, very late at night, probably drunk and stupid (liquor is a liquid stupidity enhancer) enough to listen to, and believe such a story that would normally make no sense at any other time. you say: " This is my experience in Colombia as a gringo for almost four years now." and "I have more street smarts in my little finger then most of you critiques in your poor little heads.", you sound like you should have known better, but walked right into it. speaking for myself, i may not know my ass from my elbow in colombia, but even on the first day of the first trip, i knew enough not to allow myself to get into situations like that. to me it sounds like you and your friend thought you had the corner on the papaya market, and were throwing it around left, right, and center. as the man once said to the monkey, if you're gonna hang your tail from a tree, don't yell when someone pulls it! dan 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
toneloc24 says on Oct 9, 2006, 11:13: I mean, sorry to hear it happened. I don't doubt your story at all. HOWEVER.... "Don't tase me, bro!!!!" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
goin_south says on Oct 9, 2006, 13:22: Dongringo! Got yourself up to your ears in alligators, there and here. Oh-oh! It does sound like a good part of a movie; but all the Colombians would take exception (Mr & Mrs Smith) just as they did to the opening of that movie. But, I understand. Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
webmanco says on Oct 10, 2006, 10:43: DonGringo AKA GIB your were so drunk you didn't recognize the PBH Swat team comming to your rescue. ...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ... 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
toneloc24 says on Oct 10, 2006, 12:12: Hilarious Why are you mad at us??? "Don't tase me, bro!!!!" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
famsearch says on Oct 10, 2006, 17:49: like i said before... as the man once told the monkey, if you hang your tail from a tree, don't yell if someone yanks it. well dg, your's got yanked right off. dan 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
goin_south says on Oct 10, 2006, 23:05: DG "angry faces and scared out of their underwear drunk Colombians who weren't going to do much to help other than stink up there panties. jaja" Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
goin_south says on Oct 10, 2006, 23:07: famsearch, maybe DG is the one doing the yanking, though. jejejej. Look in reverse. Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
Crazy4Cali says on Oct 11, 2006, 10:07: They're all right I find the balance between the views of DG/GIB and, say, Desi, for example, a healthy, and often entertaining in that "from a safe distance" sort of way.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
kat1 (Moderator) says on Oct 11, 2006, 13:45: There are places in Colombia that even me a Colombian won't go. Usually if somebody is going to be kidnapped, they follow that person for days or you are a regular in certain place. unless you are travelling along the road and you will get farc checkpoint
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
tomtom33 says on Oct 11, 2006, 14:41: I have never even had a close call. I have spent 7 or 8 months a year in Colombia for over 3 years. However, the vast majority of that time has been spent in the tourist zone of CTG. And I don't drink or stay out late.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
kat1 (Moderator) says on Oct 11, 2006, 14:44: I don't mind staying late at night in a good and safe place. I have never like even before I married the center of Bogota late at night.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
utopiacowboy says on Oct 11, 2006, 22:18: You don't always know if you've had a close call or not. Late one night we had dropped off my sister in law at the bus station in Medellin and we were going to take a cab home. We got in a cab and the driver, instead of asking us where we wanted to go, got out and moved off a little distance away and began speaking into a cell phone. My wife immediately nudged me and said to get out of the cab. We got out and went to a different cab, got in and driver took us home. Was the first cabbie setting something up? Maybe. Maybe not. We weren't going to stick around to find out! Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 11, 2006, 22:28: I think DG was looking for love in all the wrong places.... and walked into a gay bar, and the DG/GIB fan club members (of which there are many since he has spent 4 years there) were just about to punk him until he used all those street smarts that he claims to posses to escape....Another one (almost) bites the dust!..damn,,,,first, the demise of John Wayne, and now the self-proclaimed PBH Security Expert and Consultant on All Things Colombian!!! Consider the Source? Just did, and i think some people suffer from paranoia and other mental health issues.....=) "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" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
goin_south says on Oct 11, 2006, 23:51: He'd probably agree with the first part if the second part were true Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
gabo4ever says on Oct 12, 2006, 02:48: DG... Im sorry but what a load of bullshit you talk. There is such a good thing as having a good time and YET STILL have your senses awake and alert to possible dangers. Y por si se atreven: Watsamatamaracuya? 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
gabo4ever says on Oct 12, 2006, 03:10: DG, One last thing If the Colombians in the bar did not help you, it wasnt because they were shitting their pants...it was cus they were thinking 'dam stupid gringo, getting into such a mess, I aint busting my balls for him' which translates to a golden rule in Colombia, one which you with so much experience in Bogota should KNOW very well, Dont try to be a hero, in Colombia hero's get KILLED! Y por si se atreven: Watsamatamaracuya? 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
miamimike says on Oct 12, 2006, 04:38: A Friend of Mine 3 years ago Caught a cab At Santa Barbara Mall and he got taken for a wild ugly ride. Anyone here probably would attest that Santa Barbara is a pretty nice and secure appearing area. This friend of Mine was Born in Bogota but resided in the USA and was a US Citizen who worked for Xerox Corp. He traveled SOuth America for 25 years as a Tech Rep for Xerox so he was street smart, never flashing a Big Wad of Money, wearing real elegant clothing, jewelry ect. He was visiting his family who still resides in Bogota maybe 5 minutes from the Santa Barbara Mall. When he caught the Taxi at the Mall , a few blocks down the street immediately another car pulled up behind the Taxi which had also pulled over. Two guys got in beside him in the back of the Taxi , Tied his wrists and blindfolded him and drove him several miles south close to where the Bogota Tourist's Train station is, Not a nice neighborhood at Night and very deserted at 10 pm. They searched him, took a small ring and his watch(no flashy rolex btw), His ATM and credit card were in the bottom of his shoe so they missed these. They stole maybe $30 he told me.They told him to stay blidfolded with his nose to a building for 15 minutes or they would kill him, they were armed of course. Another person came by and helped untie him as by this time the Robber's Car had left but he stayed completely still nose against the building. This Person spoke SPanish like the Bogota native he is, he looks Colombian(which he is), not some white Gringo, this guy was careful, called a Radio Dispatched Cab-the driver later denied he was in on the Sting and said the Robbers were watching Patrons at the Santa Barbara Mall(for a likely victim) as they think anyone going there has Money. They are right in most cases also as you don't see many Bums(vagos) frequenting the Santa Barbara mall-I go there a lot when I'm in Bogota, never had a problem but my Friend found it for sure. Two of his family members since then have had their Cars stolen at Red Lights(at night but not very late) by guys with Pistols-give up the car or get killed, maybe 10 blocks south of Santa Barbara. You can't be too careful,,, On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
kat1 (Moderator) says on Oct 12, 2006, 06:22: I always on my guard wherever I go, specially in Colombia, but even so thing happend to you, but if one day something nasty happend to me it wasn't because they got me off guard!! Gabo4ever that is one of the thing I 've got where ever I go the first thing I checked are the emergency exits or an escape route, even here at home, i think if in case of a fire how i would plan my escape with the Kids. I've got this instint since I had the kids, maybe is the sense of protection towards them. I always make sure that when they are in an airplane or cinema to checked the exist and plan an escape route and I tell them that whatever happen don't look for me just get out! that I will find them.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
juancegomez says on Oct 12, 2006, 12:03: Well... I think that DonGringo has a point, in the sense that Colombia's not the safest place on Earth, by any means not. There's always a chance that something horrible can happen to you if you're not careful or simply unlucky. Colombia's not hell, but it's not paradise either.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
elmodefoque says on Oct 12, 2006, 12:18: "That said, it's not as if you're predestined to be kidnapped or killed just by living in Colombia. I'll get there, when I get there! 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
elmodefoque says on Oct 12, 2006, 12:28: I’m back from Barranquilla almost three weeks and thought New York City es la verga mas grande, I came pretty close to jumping out my apt window. I missed Barranquilla so much I got really depressed I'll get there, when I get there! 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
kat1 (Moderator) says on Oct 12, 2006, 12:32: Elmo you could tell your upstair neighbours to lend you A window for a minute, i am sure they are happy to help for such a good cause :P
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
elmodefoque says on Oct 12, 2006, 12:36: i love you too, mi reina colombiana I'll get there, when I get there! 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
Crisspe says on Oct 12, 2006, 12:50: Everybody relax!! My dear people! there is not need for so much anger in your comments. Don Gringo was just telling his story. Whether it was silly or not, I'm sure he was only trying to make people aware that you have to keep your eyes open, as you would anywhere else in the world. And Don gringo, dont get soo mad at people's comments. They are just that: comments. After all, after living in Colombia for soo long I'm sure you know Colombians are very hot-blooded and passionate about their things and their country.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
RKE says on Oct 12, 2006, 19:25: Colombia-picture The problem I had before I started travelling to colombia was, that there are so many stories. Some of them are true and some are not, some are true but don't tell everything. I really did not know what is waiting for me in Colombia. I think, many travellers have the same problems and they ask themself if they should go to colombia. Who can give the real picture of colombia?
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
bufalo says on Oct 12, 2006, 20:22: I actually refrain from telling a lot of my experiences here in Colombia to the newbies. They tend to look at me like I have two heads, I guess they just haven't spent enough time here nor have seen the same stuff. Don't get me wrong, I have seen plenty of good, but plenty of f-ed up stuff as well. I do agree with what I think Dondiego said, or whoever, that a lot of the defenders have something to do with the tourism business. I got some private emails from some after I asked about certain places I used to go to. "If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
|
Robert Jorge says on Oct 13, 2006, 01:44: Hey Kat1. Just wanted to chime in. I have been on the road from Bogota to Villavicencio quite a few times. Every time, except once, has been in a van ... the other was a common taxi. I have been stopped once. The reason we were stopped, was because a military guy wanted the taxi driver to deliver a package (pots and pans), to the Villavicencio stop for his relative to pick up. Anyway, knock on wood, because I make the trip this Sunday, I never have been stopped or questioned ... maybe just lucky? Not that I have anything to hide, but it would be nerve-racking. But the drive is beautiful. I have said on this site before, the drive from Bogota to Villavo is out of a National Geographic. Rob He who farts in church, sits in his own pew. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
kat1 (Moderator) says on Oct 13, 2006, 10:46: Robert, sometimes around christmas sometimes around christmas there is lot of checks, you musn't be affraid they will take your id and when they checked everyone they will tell you to go back on the bus or taxy and off you go, my husband show a photocopy of his passport, some just joke some don't said anything and let you go, one day they nearly left my sister behind because she forgot her ID. but she conviced them and they let her go.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
webmanco says on Oct 13, 2006, 11:25: from anywhere to anywhere  Villavicencio  Paisaje en Villavicencio  Viaducto de pipiral, Road Bogota- Villavicencio ...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ... 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
Robert Jorge says on Oct 13, 2006, 21:04: Hey Kat1. Yes, I know Villavicencio is popular with the people of Bogota. We have a festivo going on this weekend. Yesterday, they shut down calle 15 for 3 hours and it seemed every horse in Meta was clip clopping down the main drag with a drunken Llanero riding. People throwing eggs, water, and flour on each other and having a great time. My fiancee' said that most of the people in the crowd were from Bogota, down for the partying. There are condos going up everywhere, and from what I understand, a lot of the buyers are from Bogota, buying a vacation home. Maybe a good time to buy a place here? I heard about the old road from BOG to Villavo before they built the tunnels and bridges. 9 hours! Unbelievable. He who farts in church, sits in his own pew. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
aussiesam says on Oct 13, 2006, 22:28: Getting back to the original comment by RKE. You say u felt bored with the nightlife?? i have been told that the parties and nighlife all over Colombia is insane!! awesome!! Best party countries in the world...
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
kat1 (Moderator) says on Oct 14, 2006, 01:30: What a nice view Robert! and yep I think is a good time to buy there, you have seen how many condos are being built at the moment, how much is going on there, and with the arrival of Unicentro and llanogrande is even better for the region. Did you know they are going to build the biggest Aquapark in colombia there? it's going to be on the road Villavicencio-Pto Lopez.and don't forget that on the same road a carrefour its going to open too. I already bought my property there!!:)
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
Robert Jorge says on Oct 14, 2006, 02:42: Hmmm. Might be time for me to look at getting a Cedula! I know about the malls being built. I have been to Vivero many times actually in the Unicentro. I didn't know about the water park. The road you said it will be off of, has all my favorite carne' de Llano roadside eateries! Nothing like a huge chunk of greasy meat with potatoes and yucca for $4.00 US! That must also be near the military bases I guess. I have been out in that area of the countryside many times to go to the pools / recreation areas. He who farts in church, sits in his own pew. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
bufalo says on Oct 14, 2006, 09:52: Rubito, if you asked me, it was Santa Marta. The place has changed greatly (from what I've heard) from about 4 years ago. Newbies there have no idea what went on. "If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
goin_south says on Oct 14, 2006, 10:52: what happened to that marvelous view down the valley that was here three or four hours ago? Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
goin_south says on Oct 14, 2006, 14:22: thanks for putting it back up; that is an awesome view/photo! from the top of a mountain of the route from Villavo to Bogota. Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
utopiacowboy says on Oct 14, 2006, 16:06: It's interesting to me how many people post on PBSH about the commercialization and money grubbing in the US compared to the "purity" of Colombia. Yet here we are crowing about how much development and commercialization is occuring in Villavicencio. I guess people are people everywhere you go. Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
Robert Jorge says on Oct 14, 2006, 16:44: Bingo UC. All cultures have unique characteristics, but wanting to make a buck or a peso is pretty common for people in general. And all the developement hopefully will provide jobs for the people here, and then they will spend that money, and there you have a growing economy and hopefully standards of living increase. It is damn hard for people to find even simple, starter type jobs here. My fiancee' doesn't have a job, her 19 year old brother can't find work, and on and on. By the way, I find your observation on people comparing the "purity" of Colombia to the US interesting also. Like Elmo said in another thread, he lived a simple and traditional childhood, and it sucked. Hungry, occasional electricity, selling crap to try and scrap up enough money for dinner. I bet people who are living like that welcome a little "non-tradition" if means money in their pocket, and food on their table. He who farts in church, sits in his own pew. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
Desideria (Moderator) says on Oct 14, 2006, 16:58: And yet, I wish it didn't have to be like that. Yes, having money is necessary but it doesn't always bring the sense of accomplishment that we hoped for. We're always longing for so much unnecessary stuff that brings no happiness to our lives. When you have all the basics covered you need to take it really easy to see that what you prayed for isn't just a bit over your head. "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth) 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
goin_south says on Oct 14, 2006, 20:53: "When you have the basics covered", Desi then, you need to pilfer and plunder, move forward, and...get a little ahead Why Colombianitas? Personally... I just don't like pink areolar tissue. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
kat1 (Moderator) says on Oct 15, 2006, 03:51: I think this Soppin centers I think this Shopping centers and new business are welcome in Villavicencio, remember that Villavcencio was not a very popular destination and to get there was a nightmare, they relied on everything that came from the Capital and near towns, i bet jobs were dificult to find, but since the new road many business opened, tourism increase and more jobs are comming, can you imaging how many jobs that 2 shopping centers are bringing to Villavo. and I heard many hotel are opening so more jobs for the locals, Villavicencio needed it that, since them more money is comming in to the town and we starting seeing the improvements on road that were in a very bad state, i know is a bit sad because with all of this going on bad thing are coming on the way too, because it's so close to Bogota many thieves from there come to Villavo around christmas they come very early do their job and go back to the Capital at night, although there is a lot security you have to start to be careful with your belongings know.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
|
|
kat1 (Moderator) says on Oct 15, 2006, 05:48: the same in Bogota, and many of this people knows where to shop cheap, they leave the mall to the posh, and in Villavo are plenty of wealthy hacendados and comerciantes some of the poshes areas in Villavicencio are El barrio El Buque and El Barzal, plenty of money there. there were thieves in Villavo of course but not as much as now specially around christmas, if you go to Villavo from Bogota the exit route is the autopista sur and you will find the poorest area along this road, for some of this people it will take them just 1 hour to go to Villavo, than to go to the north of Bogota , some comes on motorbikes. That is why when you leave Villavo there are lots of police on the exit road to Bogota checking specially around christmas, this was a problem and was in the news so they put more extra security. the thieves have to be very skillful jiji because Villavo being small town everybody tends to help each other so if they catch one of them it would be hell for him. I don't know Robert by I do feel safe in the Villavo town center and even going out at night.
0 funny, 0 helpful. |
More posts by the same author:
None.Americas: |
Africa: |
Asia:
|
Travel: Also: |
If you're not a part of this travelicious experiment just yet, just sign up here. It's free & easy.
About poorbuthappy | About the travel guides | Travel guide editing | Community rules | RSS feeds
This site in other languages:
Spanish |
French |
Catalan |
Chinese |
Filipino |
Greek |
German |
Hebrew |
Japanese |
Korean |
Polish |
Portuguese |
Russian
© 1998 - 2008 Peter Van Dijck, all rights reserved.