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Should I take the whole family with me?

Here goes. I'm a university professor who has a good chance of getting a sabbatical to go to Colombia if I choose to apply. I lived in Mexico for four years over 15 years ago when I was single and still attractive (i.e. still had hair) and crazy. I survived two major earthquakes and 5 peso devaluations which were more painful than the earthquakes. I have been assaulted at knife point in a dark alley and extricated myself from an attempted kidnapping on a major blvd in downtown Mexico City. Despite these experiences, I love Mexico and go back every chance I get for short visits. I don't walk alone down dark streets, I watch my surroundings, and take other precautions in the country that adopted me. So what's my point?

The only information I receive from the media about Colombia is "total anarchy." I'm not frightened for my well-being but that of my wife and 9-year-old daughter. If we were to go there, it would be for about six months to a year with a university. My daughter and I speak Spanish, my wife does not. We don't look like gringos (we' African American) so there's a good chance that we wouldn't even be noticed. However, I am still fearful for my wife and daughter. It's either they come with me or I don't go. Any advice, insights, insults, sarcasm, or prayers would be appreciated.

In the timeless words of that famous philosopher, "Should I stay or should I go?"

-Howard

By Xobart on Nov 4, 2005, 22:25 in Friendly Talkzone.

dtapia says on Nov 4, 2005, 23:20:

Depends where you go Bogota is safer than Charlotte, NC, the city where I used to live. There are just so many people, that arbitrary crime rates are low compared to other rural areas. In general Colombia's people people are very amiable, the kind of people that say g'day, good evening, etc.

The media reports are often exaggerated but help in educating people. If you do stupid things you will often have to face the consequences, however, if you live normally (you don't have to live paranoid either) than life is normal.

People told me I wouldn't be able to wear my gold chain in public, that I couldn't wear a Santa Fe jersey in public, and that I couldn't speak english because I would become a target.... all gross exaggerations. Just be smart and the Colombia you see on the news starts to look like a cheap farce.

Getting to see a new country is an awesome experience, so your daughter and wife might fall in love with Colombia. If fear of danger is what's stopping you, than that's understandable, you have a family. But there is danger everywhere, and in many places of America it is far more prevalent, though being a professor I doubt you worry too much about that.

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platano says on Nov 5, 2005, 00:18:

My advice, since you asked... Take the whole family. Go to a university in a smaller city, like Manizales.
Manizales has several universities.

Universidad de Caldas
Calle 65 nº. 26 10
Manizales, Caldas (COLOMBIA)
Rector D. Guido Echeverry Piedrahita
Dtora. RRII. Dña. M. Carmen Parrilla
Tlf. 57 861250 FAX 57 810155
Correo electrónico wwwmngr at cumanday.ucaldas.edu.co
- WEB http://cumanday.ucaldas.edu.co

Universidad de Manizales
Carrera 19 n. 19-03 Campohermoso
Manizales, Caldas (COLOMBIA)
Rector D. Hugo Salazar García
Dtora. RRII. Dña. Ligia López Moreno
Tlf. 57 841450 FAX 57 841443
WEB http://www.umanizales.edu.co

Universidad Autónoma de Manizales
Antigua Estación del Ferrocarril
Manizales, Caldas (COLOMBIA)
Rector D. José I. Restrepo Abondano
Tlf. 57 810450 FAX 57 810290

Universidad Católica de Manizales
Ap.357, Carrera 23, nº.60 63
Manizares (COLOMBIA)
Rectora Dña. Gloria del Carmen Torres
Tlf. (57- 68) 810407 FAX (57-68) 854744
Correo electronico rec at ucatolicamz.edu.co - WEB http://www.ucatolicamz.edu.co/

Universidad Nacional de Colombia
(Sede)

Plátano X
Oxigeno Verde ¡Libertad por Ingrid y los demás!

plátano

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utopiacowboy says on Nov 5, 2005, 06:23:

Platano has some good advice. Do you get to pick where in Colombia you will be? The safety situation varies widely. Many places are as safe or safer than back home while other places are extremely dangerous. In these matters it is best to rely on the advice of trusted local Colombians who are familiar with the area.

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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ColombiaBoard says on Nov 5, 2005, 08:53:

Bogota I suggest that you come to Colombia first and have a first hand impression, specially of Bogota, a large urban center (not as big as Mexico City though).
Then you can make up your mind.

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YTO SAN says on Nov 5, 2005, 09:04:

Medellin I Suggest Medellin, very nice town and lovely people. You will enjoy a lot in Medallo, and many places to go too.

=======YTO SAN

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cam0940 says on Nov 5, 2005, 09:26:

I may have some helpful input for you, but as other posters have suggested, a lot depends on what city you're coming from in the United States (e.g. what are your wife and daughter are used to) and which city you will be going to in Colombia.

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Xobart says on Nov 5, 2005, 19:56:

Should I take the whoe family I appreciate all the comments and suggestions. Platano was especially helful with the names and addresses of possible universities. Gracias a todos

Bart

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Xobart says on Nov 5, 2005, 20:01:

Bart
Thank you so much for your perspective.

Howard

Bart

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