Suacha

Pete in Bogota says on May 10, 2004, 17:14:

Sucha is not safe? Are you fluent in Spanish? Sucha is not a real safe area unless you go with people you really trust.

I will tell you 2 things that happened to me in Soacha not to bad on Colombia, I LOVE THAT PARADISE, rather to keep you aware.

It was 8:30pm and we (a friend and I) were walking up the infamous Soacha hill trying to get one of thoes Willies (Jeeps)to take us to the top. And out of the blue this robberes surrounded one on the Willies and shout the tires and pushed it over. It started rolling down. I dont know what was going on, but it was one HELL of an rush. Just dont stay out late.

The other time I was in SOACHA at a friends house in an apartment on the 3rd floor I cant remember this was 4 years ago and there was this pareja arguing we could hear them. The man was drunk and had a gun to his girlfriend or wifes head. The started arguing more about the crying child and never being enough money so we all went to the window and he pulled the trigger while it was directly against her temple. Not pretty. The last time I went to Soacha during the evening.

Soacha is like a offically not part of Bogota but it basically is since the busses take you there.

It is safe during the day when it is sunny but depending on which part you go to how dangerous it is. The dangerous part is where there are these holes dug in the sides on the hill with a tin rook that goes over them and that is their house just try to avoid those areas especially if you look really gringo/european.


Some of my best friends are from Soacha and when I am in Bogota Ii always go there. These insidents are most likely isolated just be careful in that area. These things happenes over 4 years ago and the Country has gotten much better so don't be freaked out "the people I love and the violence I try to avoid" for me is my unwritten motto of Colombia

Take Care,

Pete

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litost says on May 10, 2004, 18:05:

Soacha is pretty much the image that pops into your head when you hear the word "slums". It is awfully ugly and notoriously dangerous, so my advice would just be to avoid it if at all possible. It looks like Pete's been around there, and well he had friends there and I'm sure the whole neighborhood can't be totally bad, but I personally never had a reason during my 5 years in Bogota to go there and honestly never had the desire. Though I never set foot there, I would pass by on bus very frequently as it is along the exit of Bogota towards my hometown where I would go very often, and looking out the window while in that area was always very depressing for me. If for some reason you MUST go, then remember to be extremely careful and make sure you're with someone who knows the terrain.

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rca_rodrigo says on May 15, 2004, 18:47:

Soacha Hey
I used to study at Los andes but i wasnt quite well and i finished my career someplace else.
All i have to say about SOACHA its that its a place i dont want to be, and i live just 15 min from it.

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Pete in Bogota says on May 19, 2004, 00:50:

Los Andes and Suacha Hey Rodrigo,

I too study at Los Andes, but to me it is funny Los Andes and Suacha noemally don't go in the same sentence. You know because there are many spiled students there. I know many people that say Los Andes atmosphere is too competitive and some people are unfriendly, but the professors are awesome for $2000 a semester.

Pete

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villdkatta says on May 19, 2004, 09:21:

A bit off topic, but... in general, can a gringa/european appearance be offset by a good mastery and pronounciation of the Spanish language? I'm going to Manizales by myself in a few years. I'm hoping I will run into less trouble if I use lots of common sense and get my Spanish back well.

Kim

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Desideria (Moderator) says on May 19, 2004, 09:58:

appearences can deceive What kind of trouble do want to avoid? Speaking fluent Spanish and being sensible and courteous would keep you out of harms way in many places. But, if you hope to pass for a Colombiana it'll take more than total command of the Spanish language :) believe me! I'm from Northern Europe, and speak near-native Spanish, and still people in Colombia ask me every time where I'm from, even if after I've opened my mouth they georaphically limit their guesses to a Spanish-speaking country not in the nearest vicinity:)
Learning Spanish is absolutely your best bet if you're planning to go to Colombia, especially if you're planning to go alone.

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

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villdkatta says on May 19, 2004, 10:30:

Thanks! I don't expect to pass for a Columbiana, but would like to avoid anything bad happening, and the only reason I suspect that probability is because I don't know all of the neighborhoods (although things happen all of the time in every neighborhood, especially mine). Over here, I know what to do and what not to do, and Columbia is totally new (but I can't wait to see that beautiful country). You're right - it will help if I learn Spanish again. I'm studying right now with my CD. :-)

Take care,

Kim

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Desideria (Moderator) says on May 19, 2004, 10:46:

there's trouble...and trouble You're right, of course, all kinds of things happen everywhere. I live in a very "safe" environment, but I still watch over my shoulder when I walk alone late at night. About Manizales I know very little, having been there only once, and that was a long time ago. Anyway, from what I hear, it's not one of the most dangerous places in Colombia. You'd have to be careful and listen what is being said locally and after a while your friends will take care of you and keep you posted about the neighborhoods where you should not venture to, especially after dark. When you have learned enough Spanish and have gotten your bearings in the city read the news, listen to the radio, watch tv. Bad news travel fast, and you'll find out soon enough how to avoid trouble.
Don't worry overmuch, and best of luck,
Dd.

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

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