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Retire In Colombia? Cail 1500 Mudered 2007

Colombia is still the most dangerous country in the world. I will not invest now in the country or live. So far this year over 1,500 people have been mudered in Cali. The city of Pereira has had over 450 murders. The state of Antioquia which has the city of Medellin has had over 4000 muders. (Antioquia) Here people are acting like everything is okay, retire in Colombia. Yeah, tell that to the thousand of Colombia women online trying to meet men to leave the country every day, hear them talk about whats going on.

Have a life insurance policy if you do retire in Colombia. these are the best people in the world, but talk to them and they aren't safe. So please stop all this joking telling people to retire there without giving them all the facts. The truth may hurt, but face up to it.

By papi52 on Nov 23, 2007, 04:24 in Friendly Talkzone.

kalder says on Nov 23, 2007, 04:34:

I have no idea as to the veracity of your figures. For that matter, I have no idea how Colombian murder statistics would be collated in the first place.

But for all its obvious perils (it is indeed very, very dangerous), a lot of people who have retired there are having a very pleasant time of it.

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

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kalder says on Nov 23, 2007, 04:39:

From reading this website, it soon becomes apparent that the greatest danger is levelled at the expatriate's mental health.

All that cheap booze, sunshine and charming female companionship appears to have driven some clear round the bend.

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

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webmanco says on Nov 23, 2007, 04:54:

papi52

You seem to had spend sometime lurking at PBH but maybe papi52 it is not your only handle. Don´t waste your time reading and worring about Colombia, google and lookout for WonderLand, or CampoAlegre.

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

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Chelesupercono says on Nov 23, 2007, 05:09:

Overall Colombia is far less dangerous than Brazil for example......not counting the FARC of course. Many Latin Countries are dangerous but Colombia gets a really bad rap due the combination of coke, civil war, etc. I think all who actually live in Colombia know the risks well......this topic will never go away and has become painfully boring.....enough already..

never go to bed with someone crazier then you are, you will do it and you will regret it.......

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ixent says on Nov 23, 2007, 05:09:

"I will not invest now in the country or live [there]. "

ok fine, just stay away!!! The fewer gringos (like you) in Colombia the better -- let's keep it unspoilt!!!

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gabolicious says on Nov 23, 2007, 05:16:

papi52 great post!!!

now get out of here!!!!

don't wast your time in Colombia...

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

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Lowell says on Nov 23, 2007, 05:19:

ixent. well said. as said before colombia is dangerous. more so for the locals. look at the incidents of recent attacks on GRINGOS in panama. should gringos have the same incidence of attacks here, we would have heard about it. GO AWAY AND STAY AWAY!

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

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gabolicious says on Nov 23, 2007, 05:21:

bueno papi52 tiene un gran punto, a veces pienso que los colombianos creen que atraer turismo es dejar que poco a poco (y eventualmente) nos conviertan en un basurero de los E.U como lo fué en su momento Cuba...

Sí los gringos que tengan algo bueno que aportar bienvenidos, los que no, quédense en la tierra de mickey mouse...

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

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dwmte7 says on Nov 23, 2007, 05:22:

hardly, HARDLY, the most dangerous country in the world....you haven't been keeping up on the news...much less researching in depth your stats. i've lived in colombia for 19 years, and to say it's dangerous, is in fact an understatement. it is indeed dangerous. HOWEVER, that comment must be clarified. it is a country conflicted, there are enough problems to go around and all need attention. BUT, if we call it dangerous now, what would we call it in the 80's? then, there were over 5000 homicides in medallo alone. now, not a third that. so things have evolved and a handle has been placed on all of the issues. with the exception of the die-hard pure criminal souls, colombians enmasse are commited to elevating their country and culture to first world status. and give them credit, they're doing an incredible, fast paced job. give credit where credit is due.

the problems which face her (colombia) are complicated and deeply engrained. that being said, time and resolution are the keys. colombians work hard at bringing up their country, and deserve a round of applause. if the state of affairs is not to your liking, then it's not the place for you. take the time to know her, before you chastise her. she's more than worth it.
douglas

dwmte

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vicshere says on Nov 23, 2007, 05:23:

what a troll...now go back to your coke

listo

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gabolicious says on Nov 23, 2007, 05:24:

dwmte7 don't waste your time amigo trying to explain this guy what your thoughts are... let him stay away from Colombia... might be better..

=)

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

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Lowell says on Nov 23, 2007, 05:33:

In in the small town of Cartago we average pobabbly 2-3 murders a week. In a lovers quarrel the other day some guy stabbed his wife 13 times. I think that he was a bit angry. It's the Colombian citizens who are still in dangerous times.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

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Lowell says on Nov 23, 2007, 05:34:

Not to say that we foreigniers don't need to be watchful and careful.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

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webmanco says on Nov 23, 2007, 05:39:

"I think that he was a bit angry"

I don´t think so. It is just the way we settle litlle arguments in Locombia.:-)

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

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expatriate says on Nov 23, 2007, 05:42:

Cali just celebrated a day last week where for the first time in memory, nobody was killed by a gun. Of course there are always traffic accidents, and other violent ways to die.
I think Cali averages about 24 murders per weekend.

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Lowell says on Nov 23, 2007, 05:46:

wanted to be very sure that she was dead

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

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podborski says on Nov 23, 2007, 05:46:

I don't feel like working today, so I'll put in my 2 cents, although I (and others) have all said it before.

Colombia isn't 'perfectly safe', but nowhere is, and if you don't do stupid things (drugs, bragging about your wealth to total strangers, wandering around late at night drunk and alone, although I have done that many times and survived, jaja etc., etc.), you have very little, if anything, to worry about.

The expats I see in Bogota live a great life, not sure it's for me, but sure looks nice.

1500 murders? I have no idea if that's right or not, but I am fascinated by the number of traffic deaths, which I think are far higher.

I am pretty sure Colombia and Argentina have similar rates of traffic deaths, and I know (but still find hard to believe) that over 20 people a DAY die in traffic accidents!

Not only is that number astonishing, but confirms what I though on my first trip to colombia: it's bloody dangerous all right, but only if you are trying to cross the street.

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Lowell says on Nov 23, 2007, 05:50:

25 a weekend. wow. aint cutin loose in that town. keep my pasty white ass here.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

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dwmte7 says on Nov 23, 2007, 05:55:

gabo...you may just be right...however, i feel that the best believer, is one who was previously buried in disbelief. conversion is always possible
douglas

dwmte

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Rob77 says on Nov 23, 2007, 06:16:

Although it's presented in an emotional way, what the poster states is true. Colombia is still racked by very high levels of violence. And what was once viewed as civil war is now clearly violence amongst various drug trafficking groups, under the guise of political motives. What's the difference? In theory, politically motivated armed groups actually care about some segment of the population. Armed drug trafficking groups with no real political motives care about no one but themselves and drug profits, making for pretty gruesome violence. An example of the latter would be the Aguilas Negras.

Everyone's perspective on the violence in Colombia is affected by where we decide to settle down, and what kind of life we lead. Here in Bogotá, aside from typical big city crime, you feel like the serious violence is far from home. That kind of improved sense of security in Bogotá is what helps Uribe keep his approval rating high. On the other hand, Valle is experiencing elevated levels of violence. A good Colombian friend of mine told me they are planning to pack up and head out of Valle due to the constant violence. They have witnessed murders in front of them in the streets, and say it is a daily occurrence.

The nice thing about being a foreigner, with resources, in Colombia, is that you can pick and choose where you want to live, and where you feel the most comfortable and safest. That makes foreigners lives here very different from Colombians, many of whom don't have the luxury of picking up and starting somewhere else. So many Colombians have to deal with the constant threat of violence in their lives. Many have been run out of their own homes and towns, seeking refuge in the major cities. Those Colombians are lower on the priority list for Uribe's battle to win back control of Colombia. It often seems like the city dwellers feel so safe these days, they forget how much suffering is still going on in the countryside.

I certainly don't mean to devalue the huge improvements already made in Colombia. They are palpable changes in safety and organization. But there is still a long way to go. Pride here tends to overshadow reality and that can mislead people considering moving here who do not have all the facts.

BOYCOTT CITGO - CHAVEZ SUCKS!!!

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viajero says on Nov 23, 2007, 06:26:

I am sure, like in many countries around the world, the majority of these murders are committed in dangerous ghettos (barrios) or among people who had feud with others or even people who deal with shady people / businesses. If you are a common person, living in a nice neighborhood, socialize in decent safe places with decent working people, I think your chances of becoming a victim will be minimal.
Viajero

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podborski says on Nov 23, 2007, 06:30:

"The nice thing about being a foreigner, with resources, in Colombia, is that you can pick and choose where you want to live, and where you feel the most comfortable and safest. That makes foreigners lives here very different from Colombians, many of whom don't have the luxury of picking up and starting somewhere else."

Very true. You really can't say colombia is safe or dangerous, it depends on so many factors, one of the main ones of course being where you live.

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morphus says on Nov 23, 2007, 06:32:

Congress: The most dangerous neighborhood in America.

909opioi

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gabolicious says on Nov 23, 2007, 06:50:

Geez.... guys we have talked about whether colombia is dangerous or not several times before... I don't understand how come we (myself included) waste our time in proving or not whether colombia is or not dangerous...

douglas you are right.. conversion is always possible...

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

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Miguel_Clavo says on Nov 23, 2007, 07:11:

i guess i will have to move to Iraq where it is safer......i am glad the OP shared with us.....and morphus is right.....congress has the most criminals per capita.....

"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"

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gabolicious says on Nov 23, 2007, 07:13:

"I guess i will have to move to Iraq where it is safer"

LOL

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

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kalder says on Nov 23, 2007, 07:45:

Good post Rob.

A slight caveat, if I may: Some parts of Valle are fine. The upsurge in violence seems to be occurring mainly in its northern areas.

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

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john_stark says on Nov 23, 2007, 07:55:

You got that right, Morph.

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nueva york bombero says on Nov 23, 2007, 08:52:

Expat.... 24 murders in a weekend in Cali? I'll be there next month and I didn't want to hear that! Is that an accurate number?

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Morrongo says on Nov 23, 2007, 09:17:

bombero...dont worry about those figures here in Cali...come and enjoy Cali.....Yes Cali number is high..as commented already,these are outside of our lifes and will be no concern to you.One word of caution ,Christmas time is a silly season for people looking for extra cash,so dont be complacent.
Enjoy your holiday and Cali

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nueva york bombero says on Nov 23, 2007, 09:26:

Thanks Morrongo! I will. I'm excited to go finally. It's been a year since I have been to Colombia (Medellin) and I've wanted to go and visit friends in Cali. One question: is the hotel Torre de Cali in a good area? Thanks......

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goin_south says on Nov 23, 2007, 09:39:

expatriate.... looks like Rodney also had a few 'close-call' weekends in Cali, then....jeje...
Hell, I 'died' as many times a day as possible while while there. My gf kills me, man ;)
...and, then there was la_campina.... the way de guy writes, ...

! STOP IT MAN; YER KILLIN ME ! jejje

'what does it mean, when one of you (colombians) tell another: YOU WERE NOT/ARE NOT. 'COLOMBIAN ENOUGH'?? jejeje..a mixture, I think, of stupidity mixed with a false sense of arrogance.. How 'colombian' do you have to be? to be 'colombian enough

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Morrongo says on Nov 23, 2007, 09:41:

The area is ok..near Av 6a where most tourists tend to hang out..you will be with lots of other gringos at this hotel....and very near la Campañas stumping ground ,thats dangerous enough!!!! dont walk late at night, south near the river,its not safe.

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nueva york bombero says on Nov 23, 2007, 09:44:

That's what I've heard. Thanks!
AndI hope I don't bump into la Campanas in a dark alley!!!

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aztec says on Nov 23, 2007, 09:51:

The only time in Colombia I was in real danger of harm to my person was when I crossed the street in Bogotá. Yes I had the green light but a woman in a Mercedes almost hit me. She made no effort in stopping or missing me! She actually raised hell with me for being in the street. As for as she was concerned the incident was my fault.

That is when I learned the right of way in Bogotá belongs to the person with the largest vehicle.

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nueva york bombero says on Nov 23, 2007, 10:01:

Good rule to follow! The only problem I had was in Medillin by the clinica (La Mota) taking a taxi. I was solo and the driver was taking me the complete opposite direction I needed to go.
My pulse was elevated, but I reminded him a few times where I was going. He wasn't very happy!!! And one lessoned learned -- Never slam the door on a taxi!!!

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goin_south says on Nov 23, 2007, 11:29:

yeah, jjejj.. ask em for a 'rebate' for closin the door carefully.

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nueva york bombero says on Nov 23, 2007, 11:33:

A few of those guys in Poblado wanted to choke me!!! Gringo Borracho!!

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goin_south says on Nov 23, 2007, 11:35:

I think a youtube is in order here..... of you slammin the door as hard as you fokin kan and the taxista's arse hitting the ground as the taxi crumbles into a thousand pieces ;)

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nueva york bombero says on Nov 23, 2007, 11:37:

Now That would be funny! Not for me though. Don't know if I'd make it out of Parque lleras alive!!!

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Simon says on Nov 23, 2007, 12:07:

Papi52 is an AntiColombian !!!!

HERE'S SIMON!!!!

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nueva york bombero says on Nov 23, 2007, 12:16:

Shoot em Rambo!!!

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john_stark says on Nov 23, 2007, 13:39:

I always make a habit of slamming doors in Colombia. It drives them crazy. They don't mind the sound of gunfire or the mayhem in the streets but the sound of a door slamming shut is like fingernails on a chalkboard to them. Slam away, gringos!

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Gator says on Nov 23, 2007, 13:46:

Gee, this guys FIRST post and some of you take what he says as gospel??? Thank you,Papi52! We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view. Now, if you care to apologize for wasting my shamefully wasted time, I'll consider accepting it.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

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juancegomez says on Nov 23, 2007, 14:12:

Talking about the entire world when your experience doesn't quite go that far is pretty funny.

Now, some (not all, by any means) of the most dangerous locations in the world may indeed be inside Colombia, but that's not really the same thing.

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miamimike says on Nov 23, 2007, 15:49:

Utopia--Better to SLAM a taxi Driver's Door! They like it ; they claim it helps with the Door's Alignment! So next time you are exiting a Bogota Taxi, instead of leaving a Tip, give the Taxi's Door a Slam as if your Mother-in-Law's head was there! He'll like it! LOL

"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.

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billyb says on Nov 23, 2007, 17:03:

"They don't mind the sound of gunfire or the mayhem in the streets but the sound of a door slamming shut is like fingernails on a chalkboard to them"

jaja, that is the gospel truth, specially if the door belongs to their car.

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Chelesupercono says on Nov 23, 2007, 17:23:

the sound that utterly scares the crap out of Latins is by far.....THE SOUND OF SILENCE.....they cannot understand it......never

never go to bed with someone crazier then you are, you will do it and you will regret it.......

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john_stark says on Nov 23, 2007, 18:49:

I have had taxi drivers run frantically around the car trying to get to me before I could slam that sucker shut.

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christobeldawg says on Nov 23, 2007, 19:16:

My first trip to Bogota, that was the only thing I did that totally ticked off a Colombian. I didn't know what the big deal was. By the second or third time, I had definitely learned my lesson.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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JumboBond007 says on Nov 23, 2007, 19:22:

Violent crime

Murder is the most suitable crime to compare between countries. There are few definitional disputes about what constitutes a murder and most murders are recorded because the evidence of the crime, in the form of the body of the victim, is rarely concealed permanently. In 1998 South Africa had the highest recorded per capita murder rate of the countries selected in the 1998 Interpol report. In 1998 there were 59 recorded murders in South Africa per 100000 of the population, followed by Colombia with 56 murders per 100000. While Nambia’s murder rate was high (45 per 100000) the murder rate in Swaziland was approximately a third of South Africa’s and Zimbabwe’s less than one-sixth (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Number of murders recorded per 100 000 of the population, 1998

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JumboBond007 says on Nov 23, 2007, 19:23:

http://www.iss.co.za/PUBS/CRIMEINDEX/01VOL5NO1/World.html

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christobeldawg says on Nov 23, 2007, 19:24:

Things have changed dramatically in Colombia since 1998, so that data is no longer very helpful.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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slguy says on Nov 23, 2007, 19:36:

What IS the big deal about slamming a car door in Colombia? I assume it's like these nimrods in the States who come to an almost complete stop in their bigassed SUV's - for a little speed bump?

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

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billyb says on Nov 23, 2007, 19:51:

The doors to taxis in colombia are no thicker than a tin can and they don't form that little air cushion that you get when you close most car doors that kind of lessens the impact, so when you slam them, you really slam them.

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christobeldawg says on Nov 23, 2007, 19:53:

Don't know why it is a big deal, but as a help to travelers to Colombia here, as is this site's primary intent, I can tell you that is one thing to know. Do not slam taxi doors when you exit the taxi. From the looks I got from the drivers, before learning, I felt that I may have been experiencing soon what everyone worries about when first traveling there, Dr. Death.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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goin_south says on Nov 23, 2007, 21:43:

NO SOLO LAS TAXISTAS!

Christo......now, I'm gonna bring that one step closer to home.
My first trip to Cali jus over 2 years ago,.... my gf of 9 months had her own car at that time.
She picks me up at the airport, after driving from Pasto......7 HOURS through and around the carreterra full of HAIRPIN TURNS AND POTHOLES....
We drive to Hotel Intercontinental.
I get out of the passenger's side and thinking as an american is prone to think: shut the door with enough force, so you don't have to do it twice. Right?
I close the door, not with SO MUCH FORCE BUT, JUST AS WE MIGHT DO IT AS USUAL HERE IN THE USA......
..................................SHE COMES UNGLUED!!!!!! jejjjee.... I can laugh now.... but then....
I had no idea what the hell I had done wrong!!!! You would have thought I had just taken 10 swings with an axe, into the top and hood of her car! jjejjjjee

It took me the better part of the first three days of a four day vacation to get it down and done RIGHT!

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christobeldawg says on Nov 23, 2007, 21:50:

jaja. they are very serious about that door slamming thing. I think that just goes to show that they value their cars more than we do, as in knowing that their cars are a part of their financial independence, and are obviouly more sensitive about losing that.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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goin_south says on Nov 23, 2007, 21:53:

and.... I think, as billy says,.... the doors may be built quite abit more thin, on those cars they are shipping to Colombia and other similar countries, perhaps, than elsewhere

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slguy says on Nov 23, 2007, 22:12:

so slamming the door is gonna hurt the car? I'm still mystified.

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

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goin_south says on Nov 23, 2007, 22:18:

slguy..... THEY are afraid.... their car will be 'MYSTIFIED'....jajjejej.... by slamming the door....

I also remain.... mysitified... but, I understand their ....'Feeling'..... so..... everytime now... (no quierro problemas).... I put the door about 1/2 inch away from the car....... and then........
BAMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jjjeje

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slguy says on Nov 23, 2007, 22:23:

The first rola I dated, early this year, gave me the wooly eyeball every time I got out of the car- but she would never tell me why.

I guess I have my answer, now. jajajajajjajajaja

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

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goin_south says on Nov 23, 2007, 22:29:

from now on.....jus leave the fokn door ........................'cracked' open a half inch.... and then.... see what she says! jajj

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goin_south says on Nov 23, 2007, 22:33:

This whole issue of the 'cerratars fuerte las puertas de coches'.... really is one of the peculiar issues, totally initially misunderstood,..... by each of the two parties involved.... that is quite humorous to us gringos.....

sorry muchachas.....oh welll..... I sorta remembe my dad screamin at me when i was a kid, not to close the car door so damn hard, too...... hummmmh... wonder what he's got so in common with ... 'las colombians'....... humh..... maybe THIS IS SOMETHING I WILL/CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF.... as mi colombianita comes strollin (not trollin) to los estados unidos......

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slguy says on Nov 23, 2007, 22:38:

And they all back into parking spaces, too. WTF?

There's a gorgeous paisa who lives right across from me here in Florida who does this - so I guess it's not just a rola thing.

jajajajajajajaa We pretty much took this thread out for a walk, no?

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

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goin_south says on Nov 23, 2007, 23:22:

with a loooong leash!

what was the title???

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goin_south says on Nov 23, 2007, 23:23:

RETIREMENT IN COL.........................2 SLAMMIN DOORS IN COL!!!!!!!
jjeje

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Robert Jorge says on Nov 23, 2007, 23:59:

It took a while for me to learn - but I also realized eventually taxi drivers in Colombia are extremely sensitive of their doors. One time, I had a taxi driver almost want to fight me because I closed the door too hard. After that, I would close the doors so lightly, that some drivers would have to reach across the car and pull the door shut. It is amazing - taxi drivers in Colombia protect their doors like they were their first born.

--"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

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Buongone says on Nov 24, 2007, 02:18:

This papi52 sure got everybody going. As for the car door thing. Same shit here. Novia just flips. And I don't shut them so hard. Maybe it's from the ole Ford pickup days when the hinge was just a bit off.

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Rob77 says on Nov 24, 2007, 05:24:

Funny, I have the opposite problem. I have a large American SUV and everyone who rides in it tries to close the doors so lightly that it never closes. They are so afraid to damage it or offend me.

With everyone who rides in it, we have to go through a learning curve. I tell them, it's a tough American made car, so don't be afraid to slam it hard! No matter how much I emphasize this, they still close it gently and have to do it a few times till it connects completely.

There is no doubt the taxis and many small cars here are made much cheaper. Many are Korean, made with minimum support, to keep the cost down and the mileage high. So, I understand the concern, though I think they are a bit exaggerated.

BOYCOTT CITGO - CHAVEZ SUCKS!!!

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Lowell says on Nov 24, 2007, 06:37:

back in = easier to get out. IE: spot jerks doing 50mph in a small parking lot, people walking along as if they were the only one on earth, people driving along the wrong side of normal travel........

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

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Lowell says on Nov 24, 2007, 06:50:

On another note, I don't understand why people in cars and motos have to pass so close to you when you are walking in the street. When there's 10 feet of space on the other side. My hearing is a bit off and when someone does it to me from behind, I often don't here them coming and have been nearly hit several times. It instantly pisses me off and I feel like bitch slapping them. The first person that does tag me is in for a world of shit.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

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slguy says on Nov 24, 2007, 07:13:

"My hearing is a bit off and when someone does it to me from behind, I often don't here them coming"

Damn, Lowell, I'm not so sure I'd fess up to that! jajajajjjajajajaj Sorry- couldn't resist.

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

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nueva york bombero says on Nov 24, 2007, 07:28:

As funny as it's been, I'm sorry I brought up slamming the taxi door yesterday! For some reason these posts always veer off topic!!! Funny shit though! I gotta teach my gringo friends this lesson before they meet me in Cartagena!!!

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Lowell says on Nov 24, 2007, 08:37:

Wow, I sure set myself up for that one. Good observation! Yikes!

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

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Lowell says on Nov 24, 2007, 08:38:

No sence in editing it. I think it's funny.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

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nueva york bombero says on Nov 24, 2007, 08:52:

I couldn't hear you, could you repeat that?!

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goin_south says on Nov 24, 2007, 10:38:

Rob77..... "I tell them, it's a tough American made car, so don't be afraid to slam it hard! No matter how much I emphasize this, they still close it gently"

I was thinking maybe you would get more of a reaction like a ...
...............SUDDENLY-LIBERATED, HELL-FOR-ARMS, LOUDER-THAN-LIGHTNING, DOOR-SLAMMIN MODEFOQUEN COLOMBIAN!

.....another good YouTube sequel to nueva york bombero's crumbling taxista! jajj

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goin_south says on Nov 24, 2007, 10:41:

....jejje... maybe even a 'COLOMBIAN DOOR-SLAMMIN' CONTEST! MAKE EM PAY TO SLAM THE FREAKIN DOOR!'

"Señor,.....tiene muchas frustraciones? CERRA DE GOLPE!! POR FAVOR!"

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nueva york bombero says on Nov 24, 2007, 10:58:

Funny Shit!! Are they that serious in Cali too?

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goin_south says on Nov 24, 2007, 11:10:

NYB.....Cali was 'my first trip to Colombia' 2 years ago. It didn't happen, with a taxi driver, but with my very first visit with a lady I'd met online 9 months prior, who happened to have her own car. Quite funny (jajja....but NO LAUGHING MATTER TO HER!)...I'm like RJ and probably yourself.... I barely close a door in the States, enough for it to close. I don't slam car doors. But that equated to SLAMMIN ... while in Colombia.....and, it catches you off-guard, particularly with someone you know (not the taxista!)..... They are (she is) staring you down, as if you have JUS NOW LOOKED AT ONE-TOO-MANY OTHER COLOMBIANITAS! jejjje... and, then come around and show you how to do it properly.....and you try, .......AND THE FREAKIN DOOR WON'T EVEN CLOSE LIKE THAT... special touch....jejje

...And, then because it is not yet HABIT..... you get caught on it several times over the next three days...jajj

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goin_south says on Nov 24, 2007, 11:11:

......and, then suddenly.... you remember reading this chit on pbh..... and inside, the laughter begins.... YOU DARE NOT LAUGH AT THEM OUTWARDLY ABOUT IT!

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nueva york bombero says on Nov 24, 2007, 11:25:

This will be the biggest adjustment my friends will have to make. Not getting used to aguardiente, sancocho, or bandejas typicos; closing doors the right way!!!

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carlosnd says on Nov 24, 2007, 12:56:

what is everyone talking about.. a damn taxi door?

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slguy says on Nov 24, 2007, 13:13:

yep. fascinating, no? ;)

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

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Chelesupercono says on Nov 24, 2007, 14:45:

I think we have finally reached the lowest ebb.......lol

never go to bed with someone crazier then you are, you will do it and you will regret it.......

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john_stark says on Nov 24, 2007, 15:02:

It's not just taxi doors. It's any door. They hate to hear any door being slammed shut. It's just fun to mess with the taxistas.

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goin_south says on Nov 24, 2007, 15:04:

yeah, we could talk about SLAMMIN otro cosas, eh?
where's elmodefoq?

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Atrevido says on Nov 24, 2007, 18:46:

I don´t think slamming a taxi door could do any measurable damage to it, not even the new Chinese ones...maybe if you kicked it shut with your foot...Anyway those seventeen hundred fatalities mentioned a hundred posts ago? They were mostly all scum.

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Gator says on Nov 24, 2007, 20:02:

The FIRST thing I learned in Colombia was NOT to slam that DAMN DOOR.

"It's just fun to mess with the taxistas."
'Bout the last thing you want to do is mess with the brotherhood."

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

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goin_south says on Nov 24, 2007, 20:12:

We took NOTHING BUT TAXIS... this past week, in Cali.... and This is simply something that sticks out in my mind EVERY FREAKIN time I get out....

.........MY GUT INSTINCT IS TO PLAY 'EM LIKE UTOPIACOWBOY.....SLAM THE FREAKIN DOOR AS HARD AS I CAN!!!!!!!!!

...but, I really don't want/need any trouble in Colombia... never had it; never willl....
I'm like RJ.... I slowly..... slowly.... creep the dooor to within about a half inch of being closed........ and by that time the taxista is leaning back to help ya close the damn door.....

That Tooooooo.... must keep em a bit crazed....... thinkin: another damn door-slammin gringo... .... only to find.... the damn gringo can't even get de door closed.

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john_stark says on Nov 25, 2007, 08:43:

I usually act like a big stupid gringo who just doesn't know any better. I laugh like hell about it later though.

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tomtom33 says on Nov 25, 2007, 16:43:

"They hate to hear any door being slammed shut." That has to be the only noise that they don't like. I was in CC Monterey in Medellin yesterday morning when a live band started playing so loud that I had to run out of the mall. Only in Colombia.

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john_stark says on Nov 25, 2007, 16:45:

Did you slam the door on the way out?

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manINred says on Nov 25, 2007, 18:37:

This is ridiculously congruent with my experience of taxi doors in Colombia. My exnovia would constantly tell me not to slam the taxi doors, she'd get really frustrated at me since I'd continually do it. Some of these god-damn doors simply wouldn't shut properly, so you'd have to find a strategic milieu between slamming and shutting hard enough to close the door properly, without looking like an idiot and opening and shutting a door that refused to fully shut.

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Tinto (Moderator) says on Nov 25, 2007, 18:42:

If you used "strategic milieu" with your girlfriend when describing the difficulty in closing a car door, it's no wonder she's now an ex-girlfriend.

Just kidding...

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manINred says on Nov 25, 2007, 18:51:

hahaha, touchee!!!

however i can definitely say that my spanish does not permit me such diversity of lexicon, alas maybe in several years...

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goin_south says on Nov 25, 2007, 19:05:

hey, no one wants to answer the question in the other thread about CLOSING THE DOOR ON RELATIONS WITH COLOMBIA....

I jus thought it was misappropriately entitled, and should have been:

CHAVEZ SLLLLLAAAAMMMMZZZ EL PUERTO !
Or, .... was it Uribe? No. He should know better, eh?

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gold digger says on Nov 25, 2007, 21:45:

Proper way to close the door. Close it to about an inch away then back kick it closed. LOL

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goin_south says on Nov 25, 2007, 22:42:

jejjjje.... acuerdo!

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Lowell says on Nov 26, 2007, 07:17:

Colombians do have the tolerance for very very loud music. My wife plays it so loud my ear drums rattle. New years eve last year I had to use cotton in my ears.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

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slguy says on Nov 26, 2007, 07:25:

"Colombians do have the tolerance for very very loud music. My wife plays it so loud my ear drums rattle. New years eve last year I had to use cotton in my ears."

Seems to me to be a latin thing, in general. I've never been to a latin country where I didn't wonder about hearing problems. ;) Puerto Rico is TERRIBLE about this...I always wondered
why they thought everyone on the planet wanted to hear the same music as they did- just like the idiot cars here, with those concert-quality sound systems.

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

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webmanco says on Nov 26, 2007, 07:26:

I got litlle tolerance for loud music and for drivers "Pitando" with the horn all the time.

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

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Lowell says on Nov 26, 2007, 07:38:

in panama they like to blast music from blown speakers.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

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aztec says on Nov 26, 2007, 10:35:

We never travel to Colombia without a box full of ear plugs.

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goin_south says on Nov 26, 2007, 14:14:

I always feel... 'challenged', when she expects me to hear her voice and understand her spanish ABOVE THE VOLUMINOUS SOUND OF THE SPANISH NOVELAS EN TELEVISION..... por favor! menus la ruidosamente... TURN IT DOWN NOW!

TV... an issue.... since I have none... imagine... A Colombiana sin television??? Am I crazy? (within context, please)

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morphus says on Nov 26, 2007, 16:50:

Sin television? She's looking at the ceiling as we speak.

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goin_south says on Nov 26, 2007, 21:28:

a television in the ceiling?
Simply Ingenious!

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christobeldawg says on Nov 26, 2007, 21:34:

or one on the bed's headboard?? and some ear plugs, at least for the neighbors, if not for me.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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john_stark says on Nov 26, 2007, 21:52:

My wife hardly ever watches television but she's a devotee of any kind of horror flick she can get on DVD.

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christobeldawg says on Nov 26, 2007, 21:58:

Doesn't she get enough of that at home already?

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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john_stark says on Nov 26, 2007, 22:01:

Could be. She might be a masochist.

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goin_south says on Nov 26, 2007, 22:05:

rah! rah! -Dawg

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christobeldawg says on Nov 26, 2007, 22:05:

Those dolls you highly recommend seem a bit horror show, not that there's anything wrong with that.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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goin_south says on Nov 26, 2007, 22:05:

I'm encouraged; it's only Monday night

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goin_south says on Nov 26, 2007, 22:05:

Isn't it?

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BAQ says on Nov 28, 2007, 11:14:

BARRANQUILLA, we got ya beat, yesterday, we had three murders in ONE HOUR. Average here is usually about 3 a day, so less than Cali, and YES, the further south you go, the worse it gets.

BUT, as my wife says, AHH MI AMOR, ES COLOMBIA !

Semper Fidelis !

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elmodefoque says on Nov 28, 2007, 11:16:

PARACOS cleaning house

over 5 million colombianos in USA and only 27 barranquilleros, i'm one.Curramba, el mejor vividero del mundo!

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Rob77 says on Nov 28, 2007, 18:56:

Maybe retribution for people not voting the way they were paid to vote!

BOYCOTT CITGO - CHAVEZ SUCKS!!!

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bill230 says on Nov 28, 2007, 19:06:

right on

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goin_south says on Nov 28, 2007, 22:53:

Wondering... is the birth rate higher or lower than the homicide rates? in BQ? Cali? Much higher, I presume, but.... I've been wrong before.

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christobeldawg says on Nov 28, 2007, 22:55:

among Catholics, generally, two or three in, one out.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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