What not to wear in Colombia

utopiacowboy says on Dec 17, 2005, 23:13:

What is with this continuous desire to "blend in"? Is the idea that if you "blend in" you will be less of a target? Or what? If you're a gringo, you may as well forget blending in.

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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adela says on Dec 18, 2005, 01:50:

Ages
I'm going to advice you about Cali: to do that I should know your age. Are you a little hippy fashin wich is the tendency now? bring some "converse" tennis, t shirts, sandals, blue jeans with some holes etc. If you are in your thirths: pants style Gap, t-shirts in fresh colors, unformal leather shoes...well. I'm sleppy now. Tell us more about you, lets see there if there is a list of "what to wear".

Take a look to this site all these days:

http://www.calibuenanota.com/calidemoda/#

Màs fe, màs abrazos, màs besos, màs disculpas, màs visitas a nuestros amigos antiguos nos haràn màs plenos cada vez. (Wishing to practice my listening in English virtually)

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Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Dec 18, 2005, 02:31:

I'd also like to know what should I wear in Cali in february? Adela, wake up!
I don't need to blend in but I also don't want people staring at me and giggling. ("Look at the crazy gringa") At my respectable old age do I need to wear flower print dresses, black, low-heeled walking shoes, a little black-leather handbag, cut my reddish blond tresses and wear my hair short and wavy?

I mean, is it really that age-determined in Cali?
Is it ok for us gringas to break these rules? (Out of ignorance, of course)

Cheers,
Desi

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

-Kobi Yamada

A fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi

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dwmte says on Dec 18, 2005, 05:28:

andresmo... you just go t colombia and be yourself. dress how you want and feel comfortable. forget about pleasing anyone else. just be happy that you have a you to be.

colombians are wonderful and each one is unique. join them, be unique, be yourself. it's the best person you can be.

enjoy colombia

dw

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chachi says on Dec 18, 2005, 07:07:

Wear anything you want... You can wear anything you want cheap, expensive, designer people in colombia wear Diesel and Nike's jsut like here....Unless you are pale white and completely blonde you will have no problem blending in...Colombians have all colors, and heights and hair types, we are not just dark skin with brown/black hair. I hope you enjoy your trip and enjoy our culture is full of warmth and quality of life.

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Gator says on Dec 18, 2005, 07:10:

Do NOT!!!!!!!!!! if you are a gringo, wear panties and a bra. For the most part I think, in general, the Colombians are more concerned with appearence than gringos.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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quindioman says on Dec 18, 2005, 09:40:

andresmo ....dwmte puts it best.....
Cali can get pretty hot but it's standard fare....jeans, tennis (sneakers)...shirts, t-shirts...pretty bog standard fare.

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quindioman says on Dec 18, 2005, 10:01:

p.s don't wear shorts to office type buildings...banks as well seem to have a pretty incomprehensible dress code.

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jh816 says on Dec 18, 2005, 14:04:

futbol jerseys Have always wondered what the reaction would be if you wore other countries' futbol team jerseys around. Not just Colombia, but most latin countries feel pretty patriotic about their teams(remember the "soccer wars"). I've got a few jerseys from different countries, but never tested the theory.

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Gator says on Dec 18, 2005, 14:10:

Try The Local... bistro, say some where like Barrio Aqua Blanca in Cali, for a quick answer.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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zuan says on Dec 19, 2005, 23:54:

a final tip... Don't use Victoria Secret lingerie OVER your expensive pants, don't try to look like Secret Service agent and don't wear a Santa suit (bag included) to pick up a cab in the airport. LOL

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cali373 says on Dec 21, 2005, 15:07:

***WEARING FUTBOL JERSEYS*** I would highly recommend NOT to wear futbol jersey's of any team!!! The Colombian National team would be the only exception. I almost got my ass beat wearing a Deportivo Cali Jersey in Medellin because some Independiente fans thought I was wearing a Nacional Jersey.

Smile if you are a thinker!

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Saltador says on Dec 22, 2005, 12:25:

Futbol I walked around Cartagena and Barranquilla with my Real Madrid jersey on several times. Never a problem. Got the same number of "maldito gringo" stares with it or without it...

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