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Safe Travel for Females

Hii my boyfriend lives in Colombia, and I want to go visit him in Bogota, but my parents tell me I can't because it's too dangerous. He says that if you have money, you will be immediately kidnapped. I'm a 19 year old female. Do you have any advice for me, or is what he says true?

By mcb2303 on Aug 20, 2007, 10:33 in Travel tips.

Robert Jorge says on Aug 20, 2007, 10:40:

Unless your the daughter of a prominant politician or an oil baron, you are pretty safe. Judging from the little that you wrote, it sounds like your boyfriend doesn't want you to come visit and is making an excuse. He figures Americans would probably believe the kidnapping excuse. My guess is there is something in Bogota he doesn't want you to find out about. I will let you use your imagination. Sorry, but that is the truth.

He who farts in church, sits in his own pew.

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vicshere says on Aug 20, 2007, 10:45:

first of all who's "HE" boyfriend or father???

listo

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Philly says on Aug 20, 2007, 11:01:

I'm sorry, I can not stop laughing. I can't take your post serious.

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RussianFred says on Aug 20, 2007, 11:11:

Me and my boys will be waiting at the airport for you! How much are you worth, with and without your fingers? LOL

Annual Drug Deaths: Tobacco: 395,000, Alcohol: 125,000, 'Legal' Drugs: 38,000, Illegal Drug Overdoses: 5,200, Marijuana: 0. Considering government subsidies of tobacco, just what is our government protecting us from in the drug war?--Ralph Nader

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LA_MONA says on Aug 20, 2007, 11:14:

Yeah please let us know the flight number and time of arrival so we can come and "get" you.

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

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ozgringo says on Aug 20, 2007, 11:15:

On the off chance this is real and he is a "cyber boyfriend", I am guessing he is 60 overweight and married with 13 children and living in a very poor neighbourhood of Bogota. The photo you have is of one of his 13 children.

tried to think of something deep to write here.. but couldn't think of anything..

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panthdave says on Aug 20, 2007, 11:38:

Okay guys and gals be easy....

panthdave Miami

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christobeldawg says on Aug 20, 2007, 11:48:

Mona you can kidnap me anytime

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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mrgizmo says on Aug 20, 2007, 12:00:

In all truthfulness, this is NOT a very safe city: There are many homeless, there's a lot of poverty, you'll see many olderly people going thru trash cans looking for aluminum cans, there's graffiti in many parts of the city, and there's corruption in politics and even the classy neighborhoods are not very safe, I got shot twice in what's considered a very good neighborhood, there are drive-by shootings........OOOOOPS, sorry, I thought we were talking about Los Angeles, never minnnnnd.

Behind every successful man, there's a nagging woman

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JChrisusa says on Aug 20, 2007, 12:06:

I would recommend you to be careful not because it is Bogota but because you are a 19 yr old girl traveling alone. If you don't speak the language and don't know the custom, be careful. No matter what city you go to, make sure you know your contact well and you trust them, a foreign environment is always dangerous.

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LA_MONA says on Aug 20, 2007, 12:41:

Awww GIB so sweet ;-)

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

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vicshere says on Aug 20, 2007, 12:51:

hey gib the pic got anything to do with it hehehehehe:) just kiding

listo

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El Polo says on Aug 20, 2007, 12:59:

Here is some advice, mind your business, and enjoy yourself in the process. Its that simple

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vicshere says on Aug 20, 2007, 13:06:

too funny gib

listo

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houstongal (Trustee board) says on Aug 20, 2007, 14:02:

Hey, parents are always overly worried and cautious regardless of what age you are! At 19, if your parents are footing the bill for the flight to Colombia, then you've gotta work hard to convince them of the safety of visiting the country. If you're paying for the trip, then that's a different story (you are an adult) and you should just go and meet your bf. To make them feel better you can tell them your PBH friends in Bogota will be looking out for you! ;-)

"It is now official: there's no place on earth where you will not find a Peruvian band." David Sedaris

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Crazy4Cali says on Aug 20, 2007, 14:40:

My $.02 is with Robert Jorge.

a) Bogota isn't any more dangerous than, maybe L.A. (California). If you know your way around it's OK, if not, well, you pay your money and take your chances. I've been there several times and I'm currently in Cali, and I didn't get kidnapped the minute I got off the plane (neither did my family or anyone else I saw get off the plane). Sure you can get into trouble if you don't know your way around or actually go looking for it, so it's not "perfectly safe" but then I wouldn't say that about NYC or LA, either.

b) My guess is that if your Colombiano wanted you to visit him here, he'd be helping you make plans and reservations and helping to get you familiarized with the airport, taxis, etc. before you come here. That he's telling you it's too dangerous is actually telling you volumes about him and his motives (as well as his collection of Colombianas). Read the writing on the wall and don't let him break your heart any more than he has/will.

Buen viaje.

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Chelesupercono says on Aug 20, 2007, 14:48:

GIB.... you old smooth dog! Well done, you might as well soften up the sweet young Gringa before the Local guy breaks her heart........a man of style and class........now get that a# at ^&%

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

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houstongal (Trustee board) says on Aug 20, 2007, 14:57:

My guess is the "he" she is referring to is her father, especially since she said that her parents felt Colombia was too dangerous to visit in the previous sentence. And the line about kidnapping sounds like something a parent would say!

"It is now official: there's no place on earth where you will not find a Peruvian band." David Sedaris

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RussianFred says on Aug 20, 2007, 19:39:

Let's cut the bull. NYC and Bogota major differences. The chances of you being kidnapped in NYC is like hitting the lottery. Bogota it can happen if you are in the wrong area. You can drive anywhere on America. Sorry guys open your eyes Colombia is no America. They are building million dollar condos in harlem and houses in East LA are going for over 600k. Let's agree to cut the bull. Travel to Colombia at your own risk. This is not the place to go exploring not knowing anybody. It's safe beause PBH people travel in groups, mainly stay in the rich area and the know where not to go. Let's keep it real!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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chrispej says on Aug 20, 2007, 20:27:

Well, thank God Colombia is no America cause if it was, I'd be out of here in a New York minute. Does a Bogota minute exist? But I am intrigued. You just posted about whether your 'soon to be wife' will be discriminated in the good ol' United States of America but you seem to know much about Colombia.

Now, the original poster may have a ligitimate concern. Maybe not. All I could add is make sure you have a backup plan should you have doubts about your boyfriend. Use common sense. I wish you luck and hope everything works out.

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RussianFred says on Aug 20, 2007, 20:48:

I am not an expert on Colombia. I have been in Colombia since December 2006. I talk to a lot of Gringos that have lived here for many years. I am only trying to keep it real. Basically the best area in Colombia is like living in Harlem in New York City. Many whites have move there. Million dollar Condos, parties etc. It has changed like Colombia for the better. But you still have to be careful, poverty exist and in Colombia there is not welfare system. In America if you kill a dog you will go to jail. In a third world country money talks. I know the PBH people are in a fantasy world thinking Colombia is like America. Dream on, Colombia is a great place but it can be dangerous if you do know where you are going. I love it here and I am sure you will be safe if you follow people advise on this website. But always be on guard and aware of you surroundings.

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christobeldawg says on Aug 20, 2007, 20:52:

If the original poster is still around, I agree with Cpej, have a backup if things don't go well with your boyfriend, and stay in north Bogota. Try to develop some type of security network of friends, as in have someone from a trusted hotel pick you up at the airport. be sure to make some other friendly contacts to meet with on your arrival, and for your first couple of days. If you don't fully trust this guy, don't come. Get to know Colombia through PBH, get to know some good trusted people who will help you there, and then come if you like, once you feel secure. I have been 3 times, with no problems, but I made sure to have good support going in. Being a young female, you definitely need freinds, I my mind.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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christobeldawg says on Aug 20, 2007, 20:54:

in my mind, I meant

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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RussianFred says on Aug 20, 2007, 23:33:

If the original poster is still around, listen to Cpej and Christobeldawg. Also read the travel guides you can have a great time in Colombia. Don't let fear ruin your relationship.

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RussianFred says on Aug 20, 2007, 23:44:

Someone from Switzerland was kidnapped from his apartment last spring. Does anyone remember that incident?

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RussianFred says on Aug 21, 2007, 00:09:

Colombia rebels kidnap Swedish citizen
POSTED: 1635 GMT (0035 HKT), May 18, 2007

. A Swedish national was kidnapped from his home in Colombia
. Police and governor's office blame the leftist guerrilla group, the FARC
. The man had been helping build a hydroelectric plant in Cordoba province
Adjust font size:

BOGOTA, Colombia (Reuters) -- Colombian leftist guerrillas have kidnapped a Swedish citizen and his female companion from his home in a northern province, authorities said on Friday.
Six gunmen took the man, identified by a police official as Erin Larson, from his home in Cordoba province, where he had lived since working on the construction of a hydroelectric plant in the area, said Manuel Jimenez, an official at the Cordoba governor's office.
"It appears that it was a group from the FARC," he said.
Abductions by FARC -- the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia -- have decreased under President Alvaro Uribe, but the guerrillas still kidnap for ransom and political leverage.
The police official also blamed the FARC for his kidnapping. A representative at the Swedish Foreign Ministry would not identify the man, but confirmed the abduction of a Swede in Colombia on May 16.
The FARC, which began as a peasant army in the 1960s, is fighting a four-decade conflict, but has been pushed back into the jungles by Uribe's U.S.-financed security campaign. U.S. and Colombian officials say the FARC is deeply engaged in country's cocaine trafficking trade.

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RussianFred says on Aug 21, 2007, 00:21:

The above would never happen in America. Last year we had a Latin gang doing home invasions in Atlanta. They broke into people homes and robbed people at gun point. Atlanta Police Department established a taskforce and the problem no longer exist. I am sorry Colombia is not America. Colombia is a great place but you always have to be on guard.

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RussianFred says on Aug 21, 2007, 00:37:

My point is just know where you are going. Read other post and the travel guides. Stay in safe areas. It can happen anywhere in Colombia. Always be aware of your environment.

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Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 21, 2007, 00:54:

So to answer your question: it's very safe. 10,000s of tourists visit Colombia each year without problems. And additionally, your boyfriend won't let you go to out-of-the-way places where you could get into problems. So don't worry about it, perhaps your parents just don't like the idea of your boyfriend-in-colombia :)

Poor but snappy

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durito says on Aug 21, 2007, 01:05:

RussianFred says.

Basically the best area in Colombia is like living in Harlem in New York City.

Not even close.

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john_stark says on Aug 21, 2007, 05:34:

That news item is old news. It turned out that his girlfriend was involved. She was released very quickly and the real story came out soon afterwards.

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Chelesupercono says on Aug 21, 2007, 08:09:

There are parts of South Central L.A. were the police only go when escorted by SWAT TEAMS!!! Just as dangerous as any part of Colombia........would I go there? No, I use my head........not the PINHEAD........

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

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Jomama says on Aug 21, 2007, 14:27:

Chelesupercone,
In defense of South Central LA, you are exaggerating! I never heard of such a thing; yes, I wouldn't be driving down Crenshaw and 54th St or 18th St in the middle of the night. As far as the swat team is concern; they would laugh at such request. That's a waste of tax dollars.

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mcb2303 says on Aug 21, 2007, 19:36:

Sorry, I didn't clarify it well...My dad said that it wasn't safe, not my boyfriend

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mcb2303 says on Aug 21, 2007, 19:43:

and I know my boyfriend very well and he's incredibly trustworthy, and I know a few other people there too. I come from a family with a pretty prominent last name, and my dad says that will be what gets me kidnapped. I've heard that you only get kidnapped there if you show off your wealth, and I would never do that. But he says that in the airport when I show them my passport even they will see my last name and I'll be kidnapped before I even leave the airport. I think all of this is untrue, but I guess I'm just looking for some people to back me up.

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RussianFred says on Aug 21, 2007, 19:47:

You need a new boyfriend. I am sure others will be happy to explain.

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christobeldawg says on Aug 21, 2007, 19:50:

ok mcb let's talk. I have just returned from Bogota. I had a good friend meet me at the airport and drive me to the hotel, where I also know several people. The airport security is pretty professional, but you definitely need someone to be waiting on you when you walk out of the baggage claim area. and you need to be staying in a secure place. I don't buy that your prominent last name is going to matter. Stay quiet about your plans, act confident. Stay with people that you trust, and stay in north Bogota. Don't take cabs off the street, only take those that the hotel or restaurants call, and make sure they record the taxi numbers, etc., before leaving. Don't get drunk, and relax and enjoy yourself, but always be cautious. I had no problems at all, but I didn't do anything studid.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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christobeldawg says on Aug 21, 2007, 19:53:

the only stupid thing I did was typo studid.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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christobeldawg says on Aug 21, 2007, 19:53:

any other questions that might help?

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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christobeldawg says on Aug 21, 2007, 20:01:

and also, remember how it is that a crazy dog only tends to be agitated by, and therefore bites, those people who are most uncomfortable with it. same with the crazy people. and treat people with genuine respect, never act superior. Noone is better than anyone else on this planet, and people of all walks of life detect if someone is looking down at them. I don't believe that you would, but just in case, don't ever do that, anywhere. ok no more preaching young lady.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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RussianFred says on Aug 21, 2007, 20:07:

Sorry MCB I did not read your first message. Many people in the USA have the same last names as someone famous. No one will know who you or who your parents are unless you tell them. I have a friend named George Bush, no relations to the President. What do your boyfriend say?

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christobeldawg says on Aug 21, 2007, 20:35:

I think the young girl needs the traditional accepted reassurances as a first step. relax. jeez

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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christobeldawg says on Aug 21, 2007, 20:47:

ok Rubito send her to south Bogota on her first trip. I'm sure her dad will thank you. She is already scared to death to leave the airport. one step at a time please. I know what you are saying is mostly true but try to have some compassion for the young girl and her father.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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houstongal (Trustee board) says on Aug 21, 2007, 21:34:

Look guys, she's got a boyfriend who will most likely meet her at the airport and will take good care of her (and probably his family will as well). At 19, of course her parents are worried! But as I said earlier, if her parents are paying for the trip and Dad is not comfortable in her going, it's gonna be really difficult to change his mind. But if SHE paid for the trip out of her own money, sure they would be upset with her, but she's an adult now and she is entitled to make her own decisions.

Is it safe for her to be with her bf in Bogota? My guess is that he'll do his best to protect her and ensure her safety (as long as he's a decent fellow and is conscientious about safety). It's highly unlikely that he'll let her wander off by herself. But it doesn't sound like she's going to be going anywhere unless Mom and Dad agree to let her go.

"It is now official: there's no place on earth where you will not find a Peruvian band." David Sedaris

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Robert Jorge says on Aug 21, 2007, 21:35:

And, though I don't think she directly answered every body's big question, it looks like the "he" was her dad, not her boyfriend. I misinterpreted her original post as her boyfriend trying to talk her out of visiting Colombia. Your dad saying you will be kidnapped ... big difference and I take back what I said about the boyfriend. I thought you were saying your boyfriend said that you would be kidnapped.

I wouldn't be any more nervous about visiting Bogota than any other large city. Don't worry about your last name. I can't think of any last name that would actually get you in trouble. What is it anyway, Gingrich? jajajaja And Rubi is correct. There is as much street crime in the north than anywhere else in town. Why? Because that's where the targets are. If you want to have a blast, have your boyfriend take you down to primero de mayo to party and dance. Rubi will confirm what I tell you I am sure. Slap your boyfriend if he takes you to one of the TGI Friday's in Bogota. Tell him you want to see real Bogota. Go up to Monseratte. Check out candelaria barrio. Visit the museums. And then have a blast down in primero de mayo. (That is a south Bogota barrio with great clubs, dancing, real people, and it is cheap compared to the snooty north)

He who farts in church, sits in his own pew.

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houstongal (Trustee board) says on Aug 22, 2007, 14:31:

GIB - Nah, you're not an arse hole. You're just being perfectly reasonable and make some valid points (regarding blueblood money). But then I'm about as conservative as you are regarding safety. Now if all she has is a prominent name (what? Rockefeller, Kennedy, Mellon), who cares. There's lots of prominent names around with no $ behind them. Regardless, I still don't think daddy will let her go. I noticed that she said, "...my parents tell me I can't..." I doubt anything that we can say would change their mind. She should give up this battle and move on. Plus at 19 I'm sure this is not the only bf she'll ever have! There's plenty of other fish in the sea!

"It is now official: there's no place on earth where you will not find a Peruvian band." David Sedaris

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Crazy4Cali says on Aug 22, 2007, 14:44:

Well, I don't know your dad or your last name, so it's entirely possible that you could be kidnapped leaving the airport.

Like anything, while the random odds of any one person being kidnapped are small, the specific odds of YOU being kidnapped or worse depend on a lot of specific factors that only you (or your Dad) know. It could very well be that your Dad knows something we don't (like maybe he's received threats or information of threats) and he isn't telling you. Or he could just be a big-fat chicken. You know better than we do.

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Chelesupercono says on Aug 22, 2007, 15:36:

FLASH REPORT!!!! All females are safe to travel with me!!!!! No kidnapping, violence......only good food, lodging, dancing, drinking, culture and then the really fun stuff......

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

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tomtom33 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 22, 2007, 16:43:

Right...a good night's sleep.

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Chelesupercono says on Aug 22, 2007, 17:52:

Man.......busted again.....thanks tomtom!!!

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

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