Safety in Colombia

LDW says on Dec 2, 2005, 22:18:

At the Feria Colombians will probably be staying out partying later than what even an Aussie is used to.

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platano says on Dec 2, 2005, 22:50:

I found Cali was safe, especially at night... I lived in Cali six years and regularly went to the Feria and during weekends (Thursday, Friday, and/or Saturday) I went to the Taberna Latina (in front of the Clínica San Fernando). This was during the 90's when there was more guerrilla activity than now.

The tavern closed at 3:00 a.m. and I would walk home, about seven blocks, past the Parque Pan Americana. I was always amazed that there were so many people on the street at 3:00 a.m....the place was hoppin' and I never felt afraid with so many people around... And from what everybody says the situation has only become safer under the command of Alvaro Uribe. So safety should not be a concern.

Not speaking Spanish should be a concern. Respect for host family regulations should be a concern.

When I went to the feria (during the Feria the tavern closing hour of 3:00 a.m. did not apply) I would get home at 7:00 in the morning after a full night of dancing salsa....

In my opinion Colombia is not a dangerous place... I lived there during the 80's and 90's and only had one minor kidnapping which was not a bad experience. (My prejudice is that Colombia is a paradise... better than Disney World... and during my kidnapping I walked a good part of that paradise... it is absolutely beautiful! Much better than Disney World).

Things are supposed to be even better now with Señor Uribe... so I wouldn't worry.

Go and have a blast. To enjoy it even more learn Spanish first, and be sure to respect the local customs. Colombians are the happiest people I have ever known and the rest of the world can learn so much from Colombians.

Cuando Dios pensó en El Edén y en el paraiso pensó en Colombia.

plátano

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aztec says on Dec 3, 2005, 06:56:

"In my opinion Colombia is not a dangerous place" Come on platano be real. There is a war going on in Colombia!

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Dec 3, 2005, 07:01:

platanin " only had one minor kidnapping which was not a bad experience."

you're killing me!
LOL
How can anybody be that cheerful and optimistic?

Cheers,
Desi


Embrace your uniqueness. Time is much too short to be living someone
else's life.

-Kobi Yamada

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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carter says on Dec 3, 2005, 09:24:

Muggles as a fellow aussie who lives here I say come along and have a blast.

The homestay will give you a better understanding of the country and the people and if rules are to strict you can always move to one of the backpackers in Cali where you will find plenty of foriegners partying. I recomend Iguana Hostal (SAFE).

Private message me if you want any more info

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platano says on Dec 3, 2005, 09:54:

Desi, Must be that I'm embracing my uniqueness. Time is much too short to be a pessimist. :)

plátano

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platano says on Dec 3, 2005, 09:59:

Aztec, reality is for millions "war" doesn't exist in Colombia.. This word "war" has been discussed at length elsewhere on PBH. There isn't a war going on; it's a minority insurgence with limited engagement, also called an armed conflict.

Gradually everyone will give up their arms through negotiations. Most people are tired of violence.

plátano

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Dec 3, 2005, 10:06:

LOL, platanin I know my signature is cheesy and boring...I'll drop it soon, I promise! (as soon as I have convinced myself of my uniqueness and got rid of this state of alienation)

Cheers,
Desi

Embrace your uniqueness. Time is much too short to be living someone
else's life.

-Kobi Yamada

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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platano says on Dec 3, 2005, 10:21:

Estimada, querida Desi, Para mi siempre serás una diosa única y bella dejando fluir a través de tu ser la energía de la Madre Tierra. Bendiciones de amor y gracia siempre te están lloviendo. Y como diosa las mereces todas.

plátano

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Dec 3, 2005, 11:32:

apreciado, adorado platano, you've left me speechless! That doesn't happen very often.
Cheers,
Desi

Embrace your uniqueness. Time is much too short to be living someone
else's life.

-Kobi Yamada

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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muggles_101 says on Dec 4, 2005, 05:43:

gringoinbogota i am 19 years old. male.

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muggles_101 says on Dec 4, 2005, 05:44:

gringoinbogota I am 19 years old. Male.

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dwmte says on Dec 4, 2005, 06:59:

GIB how can you be.... nineteen years old and still in the 29th grade?

dw

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bickerss says on Dec 4, 2005, 10:10:

There are good aparthotels next to the intercontinental - 65000 pesos a night for single person.

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muggles_101 says on Dec 5, 2005, 00:09:

GIB, i'm actually not sure now what i am thinking. but thanks anyways. to be safe, it seems to me like there is almost a 'checklist' of things which, if you do, you will be fine. is this correct?

how safe is it in Cali just to walk a few blocks from my accommodation to my school in the day time? would i need a local friend to accompany me doing this as well?

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muggles_101 says on Dec 5, 2005, 07:11:

GIB, thanks a lot!! i get what you're saying about painting a more realistic (or over the top) picture about what it would really be like for me in cali. i am 6 feet 2 inches with a fairish complexion, but of italian background. i only want to stay for 6 or 7 weeks since i start uni again in late february. i have no doubt that i could take so much from this trip, but i'm doubting now whether i could get back home to carry these things for the rest of my life, if you know what i mean. i'm really close to letting this trip go...for now. maybe cali is not for me! i want to dance so much, but i'm an inexperienced traveller, i'm young, i'm very white, i cannot speak spanish!!!! i'll keep on working on it! if i am in cali, i'd be ken to have a beer. cheers.

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adela says on Dec 5, 2005, 11:07:

Muggles:possible place to stay

The conversation is funny between you, gringo-Muggles. Muggles: If you look for a place into a family or a hostal stay with bilingual staff, I could help you. Let me know your time of arrive and departure.

Màs fe, màs abrazos, màs besos, màs disculpas, màs visitas a nuestros amigos antiguos nos haràn màs plenos cada vez.

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adela says on Dec 5, 2005, 11:09:

Desi

Where are you now? I can't find your post about the bus traveling question...Are you comming finally?

Màs fe, màs abrazos, màs besos, màs disculpas, màs visitas a nuestros amigos antiguos nos haràn màs plenos cada vez.

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muggles_101 says on Dec 7, 2005, 08:28:

GIB - Cuba for now, Colombia next year. i've decided i won't go to colombia...just yet. i'll work on it for early december next year - the airfare's too expensive and i'd like to be a bit more oganised!!! including speak a little spanish! so, in the meantime, i.e. in 2 weeks, i'm going to cuba instead! it's a lot cheaper to get there at this time of year, and it is also on my 'places to go' list. i feel a bit sad about not going to colombia NOW, but if i go later i'll being able to spend more time there and see more - have a better experience i think!

but thanks for all your wisdom anyways. i'll keep following PBH and let you know when i go to colombia in less than a year's time!

cheers,

mugs.

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Dec 7, 2005, 08:47:

adela, I'll know if I'm traveling to Cali in a couple of weeks, by the end of December for sure. I'll definitely need to get together with you. I'm really looking forward to it. We'll talk about all these people here in PBH and might even want to discuss some business...it'll be fun!

Cheers,
Desi
(Ps. adela I'll keep you posted about my travel plans)
Embrace your uniqueness. Time is much too short to be living someone
else's life.

-Kobi Yamada

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Dec 7, 2005, 09:07:

I don't know, gringo if it'd be a good idea. I'd be looking over my shoulder all the time, expecting bombs going off, people being stabbed in the back, bandidos walking in to kidnap me and sell me to the farcenos, elenos, whatever you have...

Just kidding! (We'll gossip about you after you left the building)

Cheers,
Desi

Embrace your uniqueness. Time is much too short to be living someone
else's life.

-Kobi Yamada

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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