PBH / Colombia / Forums (active)  Travelguide   Cheap hostels   Pictures

 
Share

Pepper Spray - Brass Knuckles - Stun Gun

Would like to get some input on which one or combination of these to bring for self defense for when people forget how to behave themselves. Will be traveling through Colombia, Ecuador & Peru.

All comments and suggestions welcome, thanks in advance for your response.

By youngmogul on May 25, 2009, 17:12 in Friendly Talkzone.


scumbuster says on May 25, 2009, 17:19:

dont feed the trolls...

Tomas Jefferson “When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.”

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Miguel_Clavo says on May 25, 2009, 17:47:

Leave the baby toys at home........bring a personal flame thrower...no one will F%^&(K with you holding that.....=)

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

2 funny, 0 helpful.

youngmogul says on May 25, 2009, 17:54:

jusjoseph,

Thanks for your response. So, I'm gathering that you shouldnt bring anything for self defense, because the officials will confiscate them. I guess i figured that in countries with random robberies and rapes that you had a right to protect yourself with something (Here in California, those things are all legal).

I agree that tourist generally exploit the country they travel with little regard, however, I am not that person. I believe in respecting and assimilating to the country and culture that you are visiting.

With that said, do you have any positive suggestions about protecting yourself if you are attacked. I know people and have read several stories where people have been attacked, robbed and raped not only on night buses, but in broad daylight in the city with people watching.

Thanks again for your response.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Miguel_Clavo says on May 25, 2009, 18:01:

Brass knuckles are legal in California??? dude, grab a mitt and get back in the game.....not hardly......

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

quantum says on May 25, 2009, 18:04:

youngmogul, I have brought pepper spray into Colombia every time I have visited with no problem. Ive never had to use it although almost in Cali one time. In San Jose Costa Rica it has saved my life. Plus gotten me out of hotspots quick varios times, once even with a stupid Tico cop. Dont hesitate to pack the peppergas in your checkin luggage. u shouldnt have any trouble with that. And chances are unless yur cruisin the redlight at 3a.m. u wont even need it........not a bad idea to be prepared. Its just insurance............

quantum

0 funny, 1 helpful.

Miguel_Clavo says on May 25, 2009, 18:06:

also, dont pack the personal flame thrower in your carryon......unless you like attention.....

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

2 funny, 0 helpful.

youngmogul says on May 25, 2009, 18:08:

The brass knuckle belt buckle is legal. I guess because its not concealed (not sure). Easy enough to take it off for self defense.

Always in the game ;)

0 funny, 0 helpful.

youngmogul says on May 25, 2009, 18:19:

Quantum,

I've never carried anything of the sort, but have decided to be more prepared this time. I've been in a few hairball situations, one of which was in San Jose, Costa Rica like you. I'm generally pretty passive and can handle myself, but I will be traveling with my girlfriend this time and want to be prepared to defend both of us with limited damage.

Thanks for the useful reply.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Miguel_Clavo says on May 25, 2009, 18:23:

Nope, illegal...12020 PC Prohibited Weapons.....Concealability has nothing to do with it.

Grab the mitt, or be a cheerleader..jajajaja..jk

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

durito2 says on May 25, 2009, 18:34:

Best way to stay out of trouble in Colombia:

Don't come. Stay in the USA.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

youngmogul says on May 25, 2009, 18:38:

Well I suppose a bong is illegall if you dont call it a waterpipe, maybe thats the loophole. I guess they get away from selling them here because they are made into belt buckles.

LOL... they make a plastic version too, which I'm sure can do the same damage.

http://www.kingofswords.com/Apparel/Knuckle-Buckles/Red-Plastic-Giant-...

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Miguel_Clavo says on May 25, 2009, 18:43:

there are a few other badasses here on PBH....i think you know who i am talking about......

plastic knuckles? hmmm...that i am not sure of...i dont remember if the material is limited to metals only....good question though.....metal knuckles will get you arrested in Californiam whether or not you use them to keep your pants up...they sell lots of things in California which are illegal to posses, but not illegal to sell....go figure..

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

youngmogul says on May 25, 2009, 18:47:

Durito,

I guess that means that its unavoidable to come to Colombia and not be harrassed. I'm not sure i agree with that. I think that most of the people in Colombia (and the world) are good natured and trustworthy.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Miguel_Clavo says on May 25, 2009, 18:51:

YM....lots of people visit Colombia every year and have no problems of safety at all...use common sense...no need to carry weapons....your brain and a sense of awareness of your surroundings should be enough.

Besides, any belt with a decent regular belt buckle would make a nice defense weapon in a pinch...ballpoint pens make great weapons in a pinch as well.

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

durito2 says on May 25, 2009, 18:52:

Then leave the weapons at home.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

youngmogul says on May 25, 2009, 19:06:

Much thanks to everyone that took to time to comment on my post. I appreciate the perspective.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Rocco81 says on May 25, 2009, 20:27:

Hey seriously...just use your head and don't pop off at the mouth. Your head is always always always the very first and most effective form of sellf defense. Since you are with your girlfriend then you have to really stop and cool your jets. Acting tough will effect both of you now.

As far as worrying about bieng mugged, use the same common sense that you would use in any American city in the middle of the night with the only difference bieng in Colombia have some cash in your pocket for this occasion. Keep $20-30 American in your pocket and if this does happen to occur give it up and roll home..live to tell the story on OBH ;)

Brass Knuckles are a horrible idea. You are correct you can get some pressed plastic knuckles that don't show up in metal detectors but knuckles are a bad idea. Most likely you will only escalate a small problem to something that becomes very serious. If you can get close enough to punch him, remember he is close enough to stab, bite, kick or punch you back.

Of the 3 things you named the spray is the best idea because it can be used at a distance. It might not work if someone is heavily drugged. By the time the guy is up on you it will be too late to use it. I guess you could spray him once he has your goods and then retreive your losses.

Sic semper tyrannis

0 funny, 0 helpful.

youngmogul says on May 25, 2009, 21:42:

Rocco81,

I appreciate the level headed insight. I also respect the difussion approach.

I am prepared to die at any point to defend myself or my family, thats not a factor. Living to tell about my girlfriend getting raped or beat is not a concern either. Short of caring a gun around, im trying to find the best way to handle things beyond rif raf or difusable situations.

I'm really just concerned with what people do if diffusion doesnt work. Any plan for that?

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Rocco81 says on May 25, 2009, 22:39:

Ok well man.. You're not walking through the state pen ok? Colombians are pretty cool and laid back people. Use your head and stop worrying. If you expect to be intoxicated wandering around looking for trouble or taking stupid risks then you're probably used to what you're going to find anyways.

Enjoy Colombia and please don't be so dramatic ;)

Sic semper tyrannis

0 funny, 2 helpful.

youngmogul says on May 25, 2009, 23:16:

Rocco81,

I guess i should consider for every bad story there are a thousand good ones. I really am looking forward to South America and every person i have met that is from Colombia is warm and friendly. I'm probably letting the negative news get to me... lol. Thanks for the good wishes

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ddluzdelsol says on May 26, 2009, 00:27:

What do you think about a woman carrying pepper spray? From what I've read on this site, it can be dangerous. Wouldn't carrying pepper spray be like "Hoping for the best, but planning for the worst?"

Christmas and New Years in Ibague!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

youngmogul says on May 26, 2009, 01:24:

ddluzdelsol,

It seems that the general census is that carrying a weapon is not a good idea or unnecissary if you are mindful. I guess the reasons being, you will either escalate the situation, get busted by the police or it can be used against you.

After gathering feedback here, talking to people with bad experiences and reading expert advise on worst case scenarios, the following seems to be the best plan (taken from a Survival Handbook) along with a can of pepper spray ;)

How to survive a hostage situation (night bus hijacking):

1. Stay calm
2. If shots are fired, keep your head down and drop to the floor
3. Do not make any sudden or suspicious movements
4. Comply with all demands
5. Never look at the terrorist directly or raise your head until you are directed to speak to him or her
6. Never challenge a hostage taker
7. Carefully observe the characteristics and behavior of the terrorist (to help authorities later)


How to survive a mugging:

1. Do not argue or fight with a mugger unless your life is clearly in danger
2. If you are certain that your attacker means to do you or your loved one harm, attack vital areas of your assailants body.

- Thrusting your fingers into or above your attackers eyes
- Driving your knee in an upward direction into his groin (if the attacker is male)
- Grabbing and crushing the attackers testicles as if crushing a handful of grapes (if the attacker is male)
- Striking the front of his or her throat, using the area between your thumb and first finger or the side of your hand, held straight and strong
- Slamming the tip of your elbow into the attackers ribs
- Stomping down on the attackers instep

3. Use an object as a weapon
- Many common objects can be used as weapons if aimed at vulnerable body parts. A stick for eyes and groin, keys between fingers to slash and punch... etc.

0 funny, 1 helpful.

youngmogul says on May 26, 2009, 01:53:

Mongo,

Thanks for another helpful perspective. Ya, i think you're right about 3 before 2... lol

0 funny, 0 helpful.

dwmte7 says on May 26, 2009, 04:26:

listen young man......from someone who's been dealing with colombia for over twenty years. do what the REAL martial artists do......make your first line of defense a smile! forget all that nonsense.

i've seen it all and more or less experienced it all over these many years and you can take this to the bank, go with a smile, good intention and a clear heart. latins, the good and the bad, are good people. they grow up in some cases in very harsh surroundings, doing without, and struggling just to eat and have a roof over their and their familie's heads. KNOW THIS. that's why there's petty crime and worse. if you come armed, well you're enviteing worse than you imagine.

these are incredible--specifically colombians--they'll take you into their homes and hearts if that's the ground you meet them on...even the toughest ones. "even dirty old men like and need friends" go to explore and embrace their world. you will discover far more than you anticipate. take your heart and charity to them and they will respond in kind.

have a wonderful journey and use your common sense and you'll be fine...stay alert and you'll stay alive and get to know folks that you'll come to love. VIVA COLOMBIA
douglas

patriarch

0 funny, 1 helpful.

Miguel_Clavo says on May 26, 2009, 05:03:

Only if that guy killed in Cali by the trannies would have smiled......=)..sorry, doug, couldnt resist that one...jajaja

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

2 funny, 0 helpful.

Rocco81 says on May 26, 2009, 07:53:

Doug gets the post of the week (possibly even year) award. Kudos Douglas...with age and experience comes wisdom.


As far as weapons if you are going to carry them then know how to use them. Most muggers are not going around getting bonus points for hurting people. They want your cash. Simple as that. This will not be a heated emotional battle where fighting is beneficial for either party.(if fighting is ever beneficial really) This will most likely be a drug addicted and very hungry person who wants to take your money.

Trying to fumble around with brass knucles or bringing out a baton or the very worse a knife would escelate this issue and then your drugged up mugger becomes an assailant with some sort of somethng that he can most likely use with more effectiveness than you and remember, he most likely has a lot less to live for than you do.

Anyhow...just be cool and have fun.

Sic semper tyrannis

0 funny, 0 helpful.

gatogris says on May 26, 2009, 08:11:

How to survive a mugging:

"Grabbing and crushing the attacker's testicles as if crushing a handful of grapes (if the attacker is male)"

-Forcing your thumbs into your assailant's eye sockets until his eyeballs rupture like rotten meatballs
-Crushing your opponents larynx like a stick of celery and then watching him or her suffocate while grinning
-Dry firing a cocked revolver into your opponent's mouth until they evacuate their bowels and then shooting them for real
-Holding your assailant's head under the septic water in a filthy toilet, releasing them, but then shoving them out a six story-window
-Stomping your mugger's skull into the concrete until there is nothing left above the neck except what looks like a pile of broken eggs
-Calmly driving a pickax until the middle of his vertebrae leaving him a quad and then stealing his wife and forcing him to watch while you pleasure her over and over (if he is a married male Latino)
-Waterboarding him or her 183 times
-Gassing him or her with mustard gas until blood runs freely from the nose, mouth and ears

Any and all of these options are available to you, and should be resorted to at a moment's notice. After all, we should all be prepared to respond effectively. No Chamberlains, we.

1 funny, 1 helpful.

Loggi says on May 26, 2009, 08:30:

You can get pepper spray at any number of shops in the San Andrisito malls.

Live for the moments you can't put into words

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Rocco81 says on May 26, 2009, 10:19:

gatogris says on May 26, 2009, 08:11 (today): flag

How to survive a mugging:

"Grabbing and crushing the attacker's testicles as if crushing a handful of grapes (if the attacker is male)"

-Forcing your thumbs into your assailant's eye sockets until his eyeballs rupture like rotten meatballs
-Crushing your opponents larynx like a stick of celery and then watching him or her suffocate while grinning
-Dry firing a cocked revolver into your opponent's mouth until they evacuate their bowels and then shooting them for real
-Holding your assailant's head under the septic water in a filthy toilet, releasing them, but then shoving them out a six story-window
-Stomping your mugger's skull into the concrete until there is nothing left above the neck except what looks like a pile of broken eggs
-Calmly driving a pickax until the middle of his vertebrae leaving him a quad and then stealing his wife and forcing him to watch while you pleasure her over and over (if he is a married male Latino)
-Waterboarding him or her 183 times
-Gassing him or her with mustard gas until blood runs freely from the nose, mouth and ears

Any and all of these options are available to you, and should be resorted to at a moment's notice. After all, we should all be prepared to respond effectively. No Chamberlains, we.



This is awesome!!!!! Hahahahaha

Sic semper tyrannis

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ronmoore4 says on May 26, 2009, 11:19:

I am English and have lived in Bogota for 2 years and travelled a lot. Once in Bogota 2 clowns tried to convince me they were Tourist police and to go with them. They were very unbelieveable and they were trying to get me to leave a busy street and go down an alley; no way.
Twice now in the center of Bogota some street urchin has stolen my wing mirror when I have been stuck in traffic, once a young man just run up stole the mirror and run off. The other occasion I refused a guy's begging so by not giving him 500 pesos I lost 100,000 pesos mirror.
No big deal and common sense keeps you out of most danger, however 10 guys with guns turned up to my neighbors house with the intention of kidnapping his son who advertised his wealth by owning a Porsche. When the guys are serious like this believe me you do not want to be armed.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

quantum says on May 26, 2009, 13:10:

Hey Gatogris, U and Dick Cheney would get along great together. Naaaah, I know u just have an overactive imagination but were just joking, right?

quantum

0 funny, 0 helpful.

dwmte7 says on May 26, 2009, 13:10:

i don't know if it's valuable advise for the world, but i've worked and lived in some of the most GOD forsaken, violent, dangerous, shitholes on this planet...through central and north africa, the middle east (all over) india and the americas. and it was always a smile that pulled me out of the crunches. being tough would have got me real dead. but being respectful, calm, courteous--not cowardly--kind and friendly, did it every time...i lived to talk about it. and after over thirty years in those, oft times horrific places, i realize that by not treating my adversaries like 'gods' or deamons, just folks, and not being fearful and being respectful and nice, i walked away and i've seen some really weighty shit.

d

patriarch

0 funny, 0 helpful.

quantum says on May 26, 2009, 13:12:

and ronmoore4 says, "When the guys are serious like this believe me you do not want to be armed." Right Ron, u need to know when to fold up.........

quantum

0 funny, 0 helpful.

gatogris says on May 26, 2009, 13:16:

Quantum,

Yeah, it was a joke about how close the pleasures of sadism and fear are linked in the imaginations of many gringos. Ha. Ha.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Rocco81 says on May 26, 2009, 13:25:

In the words of the great KRogers himself:

You got to know when to hold em, know when to fold em....know when to walk away and know when to run ;)

Sic semper tyrannis

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ronmoore4 says on May 26, 2009, 17:42:

Mr Mongo you are so right to say you only live once so do you really want to die young for the sake of $20?
Mike Tyson is no coward but I have even seen him beaten. Sometimes it just aint worth the risk.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

youngmogul says on May 26, 2009, 23:24:

Here's the plan:

1st Common sense (no night buses or dangerous barrio strolls)

2nd If there is a situation, try and diffuse it with words.

3rd If that doesnt work, 3 feet gets pepper spray, closer gets to fight for his life.

It seems like most people have the attitude that you will lose if you stand up for yourself. I do not believe that. If you are threatening my life, i will take yours or die trying, end of story, no fear, no regret, no hesitation. Meth heads and glue kids dont get any special treatment.

Some people value living another day over standing up for what is right. I believe standing up for what you believe, even if it costs you your life. Ask any great leader that question. The reason these thugs pull shit is because they get away with it.

Maybe you'll read about me in the paper, maybe you'll read about him, life is temporary anyways and death is just another transition.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Miguel_Clavo says on May 27, 2009, 05:44:

if in Bogota you can always call on Gringoinbogota......he will find the nearest phonebooth, and fly to rescue you, killing the aggressors with the little beady eyes with the touch of his one finger.....=)

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

dwmte7 says on May 27, 2009, 05:45:

i still fall by my own life history....i never looked for trouble and trouble rarely found me. i didn't oppose the problem but flowed with it and we all went our way in health. and without laboring history, i've been in some GOD awful situations. thanks to calm and cool...i'm still here and i'm pressing 70. now if ya'll find yourself in the face of fray, let out a yell and i'd like to come watch.

d

patriarch

0 funny, 0 helpful.

davidslc46 says on May 27, 2009, 06:57:

I am with douglas on this one. But I am not completely free of security concerns. I do occaissionally carry in a belt pouch a nice knife. I have produced it before getting searched by police and they give it back when they are done searching everyone for weapons.

I also am paying a fortune for a dog actually two dogs; Raskan and Tanny

http://www.mrazovack9.com/all/dogs_for_sale_pictures.php?lg=us&id_dog=...

http://www.mrazovack9.com/all/dogs_for_sale_pictures.php?lg=us&id_dog=...

But whether you are talking a knife or the dogs they are worthless in the face of a couple shooters. Thats why I do everything I can to not have enemies in Colombia as you can win the battle but lose the war.

David

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Rocco81 says on May 27, 2009, 08:26:

Ohh boy. What a thread.

Mongo, I always respect your opinions and you know that I am not afraid of a fight. BUT...if you are with your Novia and there are a couple muggers, you would be very foolish to endanger yourself and her. If you're with a guy friend ok go for it. If you're armed and ready for the attack and have a chance to mount an attack of your own..Then even better. Best would be if you know how to find these guys and you went back and surprised them with some aggression of your own.

If its about having Nads then fawk it...be a vigilante and go string the son of a bitches up once they have crossed your path and Fawk them up properly. Now that takes nads. But this is not the movies and you are not Chuck Norris ;)

The thing is though, these muggings aren't like in the movies where the guy stands 5 ft away with a knife and a crazed look in his eye. They aren't like fights where you can think and plan out what you might do and have a good punchers chance.

When I was in Bogota, one memory in particular comes to mind and it was on the news. A couple are coming from the train and a few guys are walking up the ramp while they are walking down..in the moment they pass WHAM a knife right to the throat of the man and the guy is backing the victin against the rail feeling him up for money. The guy doing the mugging didn't look down trodden and poor, he was not little and weak either. He also had an accomplice who kept an eye on the girl and she would have most likely been smacked around or stabbed as well if the man had tried to resist too much. End Result they took the dudes wallet and shoes and walked off. Now as bad as that sucks the guy and his novia are alive and unharmed. Plus, there are only a few things they could have done here.

A) To not be in that shit neighborhood at night. (best option that we've been saying all along)
B.) To have not walked close to this guy in the first place. (keeping your eyes open, knowing you're a guest and giving people space)
C.) To have a weapon spray or a gun and hit him once he gets your money and retrieve your stuff. (least likely especially for us as tourists in Colombia)

Sic semper tyrannis

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Robert Jorge says on May 27, 2009, 11:46:

Clavo, same deal here in Florida. You can purchase a "paper weight" that is really a brass knuckle, which more commonly made from lead. The law here considers possession of such a weapon outside of the house an illegal, concealed, deadly weapon. The penalty for merely having one in your car is in the same ball park as having an illegal handgun.

I actually was with somebody who took a stun gun to Colombia. DAS didn't bat an eye. It was carried on the streets, in bars, discos, etc. Of course it was kept in a purse. The real value of a stun gun is that it could help prevent a potential attack. Fire it up and it crackles VERY loudly and the arc can be seen night or day. Actually having to "apply" it to an attacker would suck as you would be in hand to hand combat at that point.

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

0 funny, 0 helpful.

dwmte7 says on May 27, 2009, 13:11:

basic training....."what's the spirit of the bayonet fighter?.....to kill!" "what kind of bayonet fighters are there? the quick and the dead! " and the dummies we'ld run through with our bayonets, were all painted up like japanese...slant eyes and all! so if you're in a quick in the streets of colombia, decide quickly if you're gonna be the 'quick' or the 'dead' and as quickly, evaluate how much either is worth.

patriarch

0 funny, 0 helpful.

FreakyG says on May 27, 2009, 13:45:

Years ago a good friend of mine and his wife were walking to their car after a concert. They were approached by two men who demanded jewelry, purse, wallet, etc and were held at gunpoint. They didnt put up a fight but handed everything over complying with the muggers demands. Once these d-bags had the loot, one of them shot my friend point blank in the face partially removing the back of his head. This of course sprayed his brain matter and blood over his wife who was then beaten and raped by both of the guys. She survived but they beat her real bad. Their kids had to stay with their grandmother while their mom was in the hospital -for weeks. These people were the nicest friends I could ever ask for and I could not for the life of me figure why these men did this.

Before this happened, I always thought complying with the mugger's demands was the way to go and once they had your money or whatever, then they would leave you alone and be on their way. I am not so sure anymore as these types of senseless attacks seem to be on the rise. I guess the best deal is to give the goods over, but be prepared to throw down if you didnt give enough or pissed them off somehow.

What really gets me is how some of you say "have some balls" and to not give in to these guys. I have been in plenty of situations (mainly due to where I worked and lived at the time) and every time I stood up for myself I was shaking like a leaf, just scared chitless. I was mugged one time and the dudes actually gave me back my wallet sans money and let me be on my way. I guess you really have to make the call when dealing with this stuff.

Thank You Eversomuch, and then some

0 funny, 0 helpful.

dwmte7 says on May 27, 2009, 15:33:

that's a tragedy and sounds more like the good ole u.s.a. pity.

patriarch

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Rocco81 says on May 27, 2009, 16:24:

Exactly dwmte...senseless acts of violence happen sometimes. And FreakyG I do agree that to an extent fighting back is THE ONLY thing to do. For instance a few years ago 2 married couples were kidnapped by some thugs and the men were forced to watch as the women were raped over and over while they were beaten and pistol whipped etc. Now at this point when its obviously not about some small cash, then yes fight back. At that point you're as good as dead anyways so go for it.

In the US the atmosphere is different. For the most part people are a litle safer and crime is more calm, but when Americanos go apechit they really lose it and its not just the poor. It could be your officemate, college student and so forth. I am all for going for broke when the time calls for it. Be brave, save a life...alll good.

What I think most of us have been saying though is that in a 3rd world atmosphere 99% of the time its over after you give up your dinero. These guys are not out to beat on you or rape your woman. They want money for bazuco and they're out. But on the same token you can bet that they will not hesitate to stick you quickly and leave you for dead if you are trying to be tough about it.

Further more..for you guys who are talking about fighting back. Just make damn sure you're able to do it. Its easy to say what we all would do and could do, but when it comes down to actually fighting someone with a knife, gun or other weapon its not the movies.

Sic semper tyrannis

0 funny, 0 helpful.

youngmogul says on May 27, 2009, 21:11:

Enjoying the beauty. Its sad that you are forced to take these kinds of precautions when your intentions are good.

I wish it was as simple as media hype, but unfortunately its true. Every country has problems, but ignoring them doesnt solve anything. Colombia is on the right track, but things will take time. Until then, I'll have my backup plan.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

dwmte7 says on May 28, 2009, 04:57:

young man.....once again i recommend you put a smile at the top of your list. been livin there since the killing was rampant, right in front of your eyes, bombings and more. i used street smarts which had been developed from working in third world countries for years and kept my cool about me and NEVER challenged those who would harm me. i didn't ever cower to them...at times even being bold, but i never thought i just get about 'kicking ass and taking names'. these/those folks are desperate for reasons we could never imagine nor identify with. growing up in poverty, always on the defensive, under threat at every turn, living as they were taught. by not singleing them out as 'pricks', 'assholes' and the like, and not challengeing them, nor their "plans" i managed to ultimately go along my way and they, their's. no blood, no conflict and--if you can believe it--never robbed. there's some latent desire in the desperate to wax 'macho' and without thwarting that intention and without putting them down, we parted company no less for the wear.

i wish you good luck in your travels and growing experience and from my own experience, i'd say that if you approach colombians with an open heart and open mind, you'll be met with the same.

happy trails.

douglas

patriarch

0 funny, 1 helpful.

Rocco81 says on May 28, 2009, 17:58:

Listen to Doug. Really that is the most enlightened advice you could hope to get.

Sic semper tyrannis

0 funny, 0 helpful.

More posts by the same author:

Lonely Planet (PDF) Travel Guides? 1

Lonely Planet (PDF) Travel Guides ? 2

Vaccination Clinic in Quito ? 0


All forums

Americas:

Mexico

Cuba

Colombia (travelguide)

Venezuela

Ecuador

Brazil

Bolivia

Peru

Chile

Argentina

Africa:

Kenya

Congo

Malawi

South Africa

Asia:

China

Japan

India

Nepal

Thailand

Laos

Cambodia

Vietnam

Malaysia

Indonesia

Philippines

 

Travel:

Travelguide writers

Travelicious

Travel with kids

Around the world trips

Learn travel Spanish

Other forums:

About PBH

Off topic: your thing

Travelers

If you're not a part of this travelicious experiment just yet, just sign up here. It's free & easy.

 

About PBH | How PBH works | History | PBH Projects | Community rules | Travelguides | RSS feeds

This site in other languages: (automatically translated)
Spanish | French | Catalan | Chinese | Filipino | Greek | German | Hebrew | Japanese | Korean | Polish | Portuguese | Russian

© 1998 - 2009 Peter Van Dijck, all rights reserved.