Safe in Colombia? Yes...the question is: Is It safe to live in the U.S.A?

slideways180 says on Mar 12, 2004, 09:24:

Miami Last I check Robbery and Assualt can happen anywhere in the world, but how many kidnappings and random acts of war did you expierience in Miami. Exactly I understand Colombia has a bad rap for being unsafe, but the truth is that the country just isn't stable. Yes I know it is beautiful my girlfriend tells me about it all the time and I am going to visit, but don't try to say that Colombia is just as unsafe as the U.S.A, becuase it isn't. Thanks for the stereotypical look at cubans also, I never thought I was so egocentric, but what do us Cubans know?

"The sweet ain't as sweet without the sour!"

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vladimiro says on Mar 12, 2004, 09:37:

No kidnapping in the US? I thought that children getting kidnapped, raped, and dumped in the desert was not an uncommon occurance in the US.

I still can't convince my relatives that live outside the US that the shows COPS and Jerry Springer are real. They think car chases, shootouts on the freeway, women joggers getting raped in the park, etc. are just Hollywood movies.

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Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Mar 12, 2004, 11:43:

I'd sign up Tell me tinto when you have won the lottery and start your free education program. I already have a library card. I still watch tv, occasionally, but not even every day, I promise!

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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ColombianoX says on Mar 12, 2004, 19:47:

Spanish people means people from Spain, period. "Want to enjoy real spanish people,"

If you want to enjoy real "spanish" people then you should go to Spain because those are the only "real" spanish people. Why is it anglo-american's always refer to all hispanics as "spanish people"? A spanish person is a person from the country of Spain, period. That would be like calling all english-speakers (Brits, U.S.-americans, canadians, jamaicans, etc.) as "english" people just because they speak that language.

ColombianoX 'Defensor de la Colombianidad'

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slideways180 says on Mar 12, 2004, 19:51:

Kidnappings When I spoke of kidnappings i meant those for ransom, but yeah there are kidnappings here in the US.

"The sweet ain't as sweet without the sour!"

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ColombianoX says on Mar 12, 2004, 21:34:

slideways,

Of course there are kidnappings in the U.S., like little Jimmy Ryce, who was kidnapped and murdered by some demented 'balsero'. And there's that poor girl who just last month was kidnapped and murdered in north florida by another lunatic. There is no place that's devoid of danger. By the way, I hope you go to Colombia soon, believe me, you'll have such a good time you won't want to come back!

ColombianoX 'Defensor de la Colombianidad'

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slideways180 says on Mar 13, 2004, 20:06:

Can't Wait Yeah I can't wait to go visit I'm sure I'll have a great time, I am not scared of going despite the bad rap Colombia has, my time may come no matter where I live or visit. It just tworks me when people try to say Colombia or the U.S. is better or safer, I personally lived in Miami for 20 years and it is a great melting pot atmosphere you can find people there from all over the world some here for fun and some for opportunity, that is what makes it so great. Unfortunatley crime is a by product of desperate times. It just seems some people spend there entire lives trying to come to the U.S. to make a better life for themselves and yet many people talk about this country like it was the worst place to live, I am grateful to be here and despite what happens here I will stand up for it.

"The sweet ain't as sweet without the sour!"

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utopiacowboy says on Mar 14, 2004, 21:00:

I have to laugh at the headline of this thread. For the last 10 years I have lived on a ranch in a house that you cannot lock. It's always open. In a few weeks I am going to be closing on selling it and I guess the new owners are going to expect a key but I haven't got one to give them! So yes, it is safe to live in the USA. At least here in Utopia, Texas, it is.

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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dwmte says on Apr 5, 2004, 11:14:

going to colombia raven...go! make up your own mind. being an american, having lived in colombia 4 1/2 years, i will be the first to tell you to go and see the marvels that are colombia...it's people, the country, the food, music and customs. the art and architecture, clothing, businesses,restaurants and museums. every last drop of her charms will amaze and entertain you...romance you.

you have the best of luck, being envited by a native and asked to go to his home and meet/live with, his family. this is an honor and should be thought of as such.

i apologize for some of the posters who chastized you for your original post. they, for what ever reason, misunderstood what i felt to be a truly honest, concerned post. not something 'racist' (of all conclusions!), ethnocentic, superior, etc. i felt none of that from your enquiry.

i am a moderator on cali gringo (don't post much, have problems logging in imagine a moderator with this problem) and i would highly recommend the site as a source of observations by foreigners who have visited and--for the most part--fallen in love with colombia. you have the raw, often uninformed/misinformed views of folks who find themselves in one of this earth's greatest treasures. don't let comments about cali gringo dissuade you. it's a good site and does a good service to colombia, colombians and foreigners alike.

as for safety. yes, safety in colombia is an issue...especially for foreigners, wet behind the ears, who don't have 'ships legs' and really don't know their way around, nor the customs. but this comes in time. the key to your safety, primarily starts with you. you must be responsible for yourself and conduct yourself wisely, using good common sense always and letting your smile and positive attitude proceed you. there are dangers amany in colombia. i have seen murders and witnessed bombings right before my eyes. and they don't just happen in the 'jungle'. anybody believing that, colombian or foreigner, is foolish and false speaking. my years have been spent in el poblado (medellin) and in llano grande, about 50 miles away. i will be retiring there permanently in about a year and although full aware of certain dangers, i give them no vent and live my life happily and fully. my wife is a paisa, born in envigado (south medellin) and our youngest daughter, laura, was also born in medellin.
you may trust this. there are dangers living there, in the cities and in the country. get to know the country by learning the rules and following them. wait til you know your way around before venturing into areas and situations unfamiliar to you. stick with your beau and his family and you will see/learn much more than you would on your own and your safety will be basically insured.

don't miss the opportunity of a life time to see colombia as colombians see it, live it, know it. then you'll see why they all speak so proudly and fondly of her. she's the best. don't be afraid, be excited, go and see a world that will challenge the previous experiences of your life, where you grew up, your feelings of family, your traditions and customs. you'll probably come away feeling that maybe, just maybe, you've been cheated all your life. i did.

and for desi out there. i find your posts on this subject well thought out (except for when you take offence at other's readings of your posts), rational and meaningful. keep up the good work. don't identify with other's opinions, nor defend yourself. it appears clear to me that your thoughts are true and from your heart and show a deep respect for not only colombian women, but all women.

forget the 'naysayers' and continue with your observations and help to the problems which face us all.

all the best to all of you

dwmte

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ColombianoX says on Apr 5, 2004, 12:53:

dwmte,

Wow, I take my hat off to you!

" she's the best. don't be afraid, be excited, go and see a world that will challenge the previous experiences of your life, where you grew up, your feelings of family, your traditions and customs. you'll probably come away feeling that maybe, just maybe, you've been cheated all your life. i did."

You certainly hit the nail on the head with this comment! After my visits, I remember myself thinking too bad my parents had to leave Colombia. Thanks for your kind words!

ColombianoX

PROUD AS HELL COLOMBIAN

ColombianoX 'Defensor de la Colombianidad'

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saint says on Apr 5, 2004, 14:25:

Great post DWMTE Great post! I recently just found that other site you were talking about that you are a moderator on. There are some interesting posts and some good information as well as some links to some good pictures. I'm finding a lot of resources online about Colombia. It's funny that I'm on another message board and one of the members thought he was such a resource on Colombia when in reality he probably knows nothing about Colombia. I really have enjoyed reading about the deep history of Colombia. I'm on my first of 9 books I ordered thanks to some of all of your recommendations on this site.

I'm reading Colombia: Fragmented Lane, Divided Society now. It's quite interesting. Thanks to all the great posters on this board.

P.S. I also agree with one of the previous posters. The USA is one of the safest places in the world. I don't think anyone can dispute that fact. I live in a major metropolitan area (albeit in the suburbs in a nice area). I feel comfortable not even locking my doors at night and often don't. I can leave my garage door open all night and everything will be there in the morning. The same unfortunately can't be said about many places around the world.

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AngelGabriel says on Apr 5, 2004, 15:57:

Link What's the link? Can you share it?

Siente el Mambo YoYo

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saint says on Apr 5, 2004, 18:19:

CaliGringo.com http://www.caligringo.com/

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goosekirk says on Apr 5, 2004, 19:37:

Nowhere is 'safe' Life is dangerous, and it always ends the same way. I understand basic security concerns, but... which place is more or less safe? I don't think I really even understand the question. Who really lives their lives based on the safety odds? If we did, we'd all be driving Volvos and bacon would be outlawed.

I was in Bogota last fall with my Colombian girlfriend. I have a picture of us sitting on the exact spot where a hand grenade was dropped at the BBC just a few weeks later.

She stayed with me in the US for a month over the holidays. One evening, in Los Angeles, I was helping her out of the car in front of our hotel when I heard a distinctive clattering sound right behind me. A guy walking by had dropped his handgun on the sidewalk. Whoops! 'Scuse me!

I can tell you that she felt less safe in the US. Me, I think it's all dangerous. Ultimately, what difference does it make? It's a big planet and a short life no matter what you do. Might as well enjoy it while you can.

Yeah, yeah, I should be a motivational speaker...

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AngelGabriel says on Apr 5, 2004, 19:42:

Might as well enjoy it while you can "Might as well enjoy it while you can"
Si Señor!
Might as well enjoy it while you can
Might as well enjoy it while you can
Might as well enjoy it while you can
Might as well enjoy it while you can
Might as well enjoy it while you can
Might as well enjoy it while you can
Might as well enjoy it while you can

Siente el Mambo YoYo

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dwmte says on Apr 6, 2004, 08:40:

might as well...... might as well enjoy it while you can spend every living moment improving your life/bieng and positiely influencing the life and lives surrounding you....

might as well enjoy it while you can...

dwmte

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dwmte says on Apr 6, 2004, 08:42:

might as well.... might as well spell positively correctly!

dwmte

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Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Apr 7, 2004, 10:25:

dw Thanks dw for your support. I guess you and me and some others writing here are a rarity: we have actually lived in Colombia, as one of them, not just partied and flashed greebacks around to attract the opposite sex...or the same sex, whatever. I know I have attracted some unwanted attention here with my bluntness. I feel that I have little in common with a lot of posters here; and I guess I feel in a disadvantage languagewise, and thus feel that I have to clarify some points that I make, which of course, can be interpreted as being defensive.

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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SlmieBall says on Apr 11, 2004, 12:13:

GOT THAT RIGHT! BUT THEN AGAIN, I AM A TOTAL LOOSER AND HAVE BEEN DEPORTED FROM MORE NATIONS THAN MOST PEOPLE KNEW EXISTED AND REJECTED BY EVERY WOMAN WHO EVER LOOKED AT ME.

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SlmieBall says on Apr 11, 2004, 12:15:

Whatever they're smoking, put some in My Bags after I get rejected again by the Colombian Princess that I am hoping will not reject Me! I think you get the idea.

"Jerry Springer" and "Cops" not real!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! They really must be stuck very far away.

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