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Question

I am visiting Colombia for a week on business. I have lived in Mexico and Egypt, so I am accustomed to travel. I usually like to get away from the touristy places and get with the people in my free time. Of course I have read the many warnings on Colombia and I want to get a feel for my limits, that is, what should I avoid (activities, locations, etc.) in Bogota? My tendency is always to start out walking and exploring, but I also don't want to avoid doing something or going somewhere where the liklihood of finding trouble is quite high. I don't mind taking resonable risks.

I'll be traveling alone so I'll probably go out at nights and try to meet people and have fun. But I am not at all sure of the customs and how one goes about doing this in Colombia.

Finally, I have heard so many great things about Medellin and Cali, if I had two days to go somewhere else in the Country for a cultural event-we have lots of beaches near where I am from-where would the readers suggest I go: Cali, Medellin, Santa Marta, Cucuta, Bucaramanga? In those two days I would want to meet local people and experience a unique part of Colombia that isn't just about sand and surf. It might include those things but what I don't want to do is go to a place created for foreign tourists.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

By ithacandy on Jul 9, 2004, 19:18 in Friendly Talkzone.

ColombiaBoard says on Jul 12, 2004, 13:09:

Where to go In Bogota:
Go to the downtown area, specifically to the Tequendama Hotel (Intercontinental) and from there walk to the south along La Septima (it´s the street next to the tallest white skyscraper), just walk along La Septima, there you can see shops, typical Bogota people, keep walking and you´ll see a park across from a really old church, that´s where the Gold Museum is, also visit the churches, they have beautiful gilded woodwork inside, keep going along La Septima and eventually you´ll be at the Plaza de Bolivar where all the government buildings are, if you walk toward the mountain you´ll be in La Candelaria, the colonial area of Bogota, there are many interesting places to see but the best is perhaps the Botero Museum.
Another interesting part is Usaquen, in the northern area along La Septima. Beautiful small town (colonial style) "engulfed" by the city but without losing its charm.
For partying go to Zona Rosa.

If you have time go to Medellin.

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utopiacowboy says on Jul 12, 2004, 13:21:

Medellin is definitely NOT a place created for foreign tourists. In fact, you seldom even see a tourist there. My recommendation is to stick to areas like El Poblado, Laureles, Belen and you will have a wonderful time.

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.

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Hunter says on Jul 12, 2004, 16:11:

Tourists in Medellin I was in El Poplado today, meeting a gringo friend that lives near the Zona Rosa, he says that he regularly sees foreigners walking around there now. When he goes to Parque llares there are normally 6-20 foreigners there in any one evening, they seem to be visiting for a few days to a week, although some are staying there for several months.

Hunter

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utopiacowboy says on Jul 12, 2004, 17:25:

I was amused to read your comments, Hunter. Looks like the beginning of the end for "unspoiled" Medellin.

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.

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Sam Salmon says on Jul 13, 2004, 01:24:

"I was in El Poplado today, m "I was in El Poplado today, meeting a gringo friend that lives near the Zona Rosa, he says that he regularly sees foreigners walking around there now. When he goes to Parque llares there are normally 6-20 foreigners there in any one evening, they seem to be visiting for a few days to a week, although some are staying there for several months."
Yup-there goes the neighbourhood!;)

' a la orden!'

' a la orden!'

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aarwyatt says on Jul 13, 2004, 10:05:

Ithacandy,

you're from Ithaca I take it? I grew up in the Homer/Cortland area. Last time I was in Medellin I saw an "Ithaca is Gorges" t-shirt. You really can't go wrong going to Medellin, I think it will satisfy what you're looking for.

Aaron

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ithacandy says on Jul 14, 2004, 10:18:

THANKS Yep, I am from Ithaca and that is funny that you saw someone with an Ithaca is Gorges t shirt. I guess those shirts get around.

Thanks for your comments

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