Neiva

Grateful Dead says on Oct 30, 2007, 10:19:

I asked this a few weeks back, It has a population of about 400 thousand, it is HOT, not only in temperature but also in FARC activity, there are places to hang out but not anything like Medellin or Cali etc, etc, not a good place for gringos.Or so I was told.

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ColombianoGringo says on Oct 30, 2007, 10:50:

I travel to Neiva quite a bit. My wife and my mom are from there.

GD, I don't think we told you it wasn't safe for gringos. There is a lot of FARC activity in the Huila department, but Neiva is pretty safe. As an obvious gringo, I wouldn't venture off into the rural areas of the department unless you are with locals that you know.

There are quite a few good places to eat and a few good nightspots as esanch mentioned. Just be prepared to sweat as it can be quite hot and most places do not have A/C. The temps right now are in the 80s so it is relatively mild compared to most of the year with temps in the 90s.

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Grateful Dead says on Oct 30, 2007, 11:03:

"GD, I don't think we told you it wasn't safe for gringos"

Thats based on what that Canandian guy said.

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ColombianoGringo says on Oct 30, 2007, 11:08:

GD

Well, don't let that guys advice stop you from going. Honestly, If I were you, I would probably choose Medellin to live and teach English. It's a bigger, more modern city with more to see and do. However, you should definitely visit Neiva. Your mom lives there right?

I'll be there in a few weeks. Can't wait!!!

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bickerss says on Oct 30, 2007, 11:09:

Thanks, I had heard that the department was dodgy however that the city was fine, and that it was alot of fun (although that is from people who are from there). Every girl I have met from there is hot too!!! must be good for nightlife then jaja.

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Grateful Dead says on Oct 30, 2007, 11:10:

Thanks Bud

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ColombianoGringo says on Oct 30, 2007, 12:01:

There are a good amount of hot women in Neiva.

You can also check out http://neivamigos.com
It's not the greatest site, but it does have some useful info.

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Grateful Dead says on Oct 30, 2007, 12:04:

I like white Colombianas

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ColombianoGringo says on Oct 30, 2007, 12:07:

Well. Most of the hot girls in Neiva are "trigueñas. In other words, the typical tanned, dark haired latina. However, they are not very indian looking. There are some white girls, but if you like the almost gringa looking white girls, then Medellin has a lot more.

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Grateful Dead says on Oct 30, 2007, 12:34:

There are some white girls, but if you like the almost gringa looking white girls, then Medellin has a lot more.

Yeah that's my personal preferance (sp?)


Like this one.

http://www.tabascohoy.com.mx/imagenes_notas/2007/07/16/137532_Ysqz4OxS...

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Alma del Norte says on Oct 30, 2007, 12:49:

You'll be as safe in Neiva as any other Colombian city. Even trudging round the countryside, in my experience, you are unlikely to encounter problems.

La vida es una rutina

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Grateful Dead says on Oct 30, 2007, 12:54:

This one too.

http://es.geocities.com/geni19_bcn/2582761.jpg


"Spirit of the North" When are you leaving for Great Britain , did you get your Visa issue resolved?

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Alma del Norte says on Oct 30, 2007, 12:59:

Still pissing about in El Eje Cafetero. I'm clinging to the hope that DAS will just give me a 30 day extension. If not, I'll just wing it. Nice to know you care!

La vida es una rutina

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Grateful Dead says on Oct 30, 2007, 13:03:

Of course I care dude , I like British people .

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ducaticole says on Oct 30, 2007, 17:17:

Neiva? Bring your jacket! Haha, that seems to be a popular joke among the locals there. A lot of my friends here in Bogota are from Neiva so I've visited a few times. It's fun but I like Bogota a lot more.

There is an amazing lake, I forget the name, about 45 minutes outside of Neiva. If you get the chance, go!

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Chriscan says on Oct 30, 2007, 18:22:

I didn{t like it. Some hotels wouldn't do buisness with a gringo, and the one we stayed at didn't like the idea. My Girlfriend thought that maybe they thought I was FARC or AUC.

************* WARNING ************* my words often come from my ass

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bickerss says on Oct 31, 2007, 03:14:

Thanks for the replies - I am going to bus it there on the way to Cali to check it out.

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ColombianoGringo says on Oct 31, 2007, 07:47:

The lake that ducaticole mentioned is called "El Embalse de Betania". It is actually a huge reservoir. In a small town called Yaguara, I believe you can get boat rides, rent jet skis, etc. I would not go out to Betania by yourself. You would probably be fine, but it would be best to be with someone that knows the area. There is also a big waterpark near Neiva called Playa Juncal. I have never bothered to go, but it's supposedly nice if you're into waterparks.

The hotels in Neiva aren't particularly nice, but there are a few that aren't bad. The Hotel Pacande is pretty good. A room is about $175.000 COP a night with taxes, but you have to ask for their corporate rate. I have heard that the Hotel Chicala is good, but I have not stayed there. The prices should be about the same. I also stayed at the Hotel Sulicam. It was decent, but I would recommend the others before this one. These hotels all have A/C.

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