JustoXT has left 32 comments

JustoXT comments on Bolivia is Gorgeous!

how long were you there? where did you go? what did you do? why do you feel it is dangerous? If you are going to post smoething like that, you should explain yourself at least a shred.

JustoXT comments on Por que se escribe poco en español?

Y por favor, todos los gringos no son "Yankies" (en realidad se escribe "YankEEs"). Solo in el Norte y Este. Por ejemplo, soy de Ohio entonces soy un Yankee. Pero mi novia es de California y ella no es un Yankee. Yo no uso Costeña con la gente in Bogota. Jaja, claro que no es muy importante, pero si quires saber, aca tiene. Pero, es verdad que hay muchas personas en este sitio que no hablan español. Pero, ellos (y yo) deben aprender la idioma in Bogota, la cuidad con la mejor español en todo de Sur America. Pues, si la attemptamos, PBH es un beun opportunidad para aprenderla. Y por favor, disculpen mi Español tambien. ¡Todavia estoy aprendiendo!

JustoXT comments on Bolivia is Gorgeous!

Fauxman, very sorry about the lateness of this reply. The notice was sent to my girlfiend"s email, not mine. Plus we have been in the middle of nowhere patagonia for awhile. But OK, Bolivia as a retirement country; Bolivia itself is absolutely gorgeous. If you"ve heard anything about it, you have probably heard that it is a country of extremes. That is definately true. It has everything but a beach and some of the most beautiful and surreal scenary I have ever encountered. As for the living situations, they are some things definately worth pointing out. Let me precede this by reiterating I was there for 3 weeks only, therefore am not an outright expert. However, starting with La Paz, it is definately worth noting that it is a big city with essentailly everything you could want to find in a big city. It is not, however, on par with say Bogota as far as how well oiled it runs. I would say in comparison of the two, Bogota is more western in this aspect. There are definately more beggers in La Paz as well, but not an overwhelming amount. The people seem pretty receptive to foreigners and gringos. Of course this does not go across the board, as with anywhere, but we also did, on more than one occasion, get the clear impression that many Bolivians believe all Americans to be quite rich. Of course, living there and knowing people easily shakes off stigmas and what not. Outside of La Paz there are definately some gorgeous towns that I would absolutely love to live in. Sorrounded by jungle and mountains and amazing beauty of all kinds. Absolutely gorgeous. As for the cost of living, it is very, very inexpensive. For example, my girlfriend and I had dinner one night in the penthouse level restaurant of a 4 star hotel in the middle of downtown La Paz for a combined total of $9 USD, with tip. The food and service were amazing as well. Top notch. Also worth noting, the bus service sucks. They break down, get stopped by road blocks (piles of dirt, not people standing there) frequently and almost always leave quite late. On one occassion we had to get off the bus to go ask the driver to leave, as we were an hour behind. He was simply talking to his friends, that was why we had not left. South America Time runs very strong in Bolivia. Lastly, as I am sure you have heard, Bolivia is in a constant state of protest. While we were there, the President was attempting to ammend the constitution in favor of the indigenous. We had even read (on this website) that 2 police had been hanged in the political capital of the country, Sucre, over this. We heard some accounts of people seeing demonstrations in the streets. However, neither us nor anyone we spoke to ever felt unsafe. We didnt get involved in any protest, of course, but none the less, we felt completely safe while there. Of course I highly recommend you travel to Bolivia first, as I am sure you will, to get a feel for the place for a significant amount of time. There are nuances that I cant really accurately type out here, such as the world"s most dangerous road and what that really even means. (They have built a new road in part of it, so it is better now, but still I wouldnt take a major bus on it if I had my choice.) If you have anymore questions, feel free to post them on here. I am back in society now and can frequently check the board. Ciao

JustoXT comments on Medelin is now infested with gringos :(

well for more, I am from the North in the states, I never went to a whore house, am not gay, have been to Costa Rica (no hookers for me there either) and the only thing i ever mail ordered was a soccer jersey that came in a size so small, it could only fit my dog. I had no interest in seeking out seedy elements, which can be done anywhere in the world, be it a city, town or something even smaller. My girlfriend and I did spend our time there learning about the culture and going to local stores, bars and restaraunts (as well as museums and such) As for the people from Medillin, they were very friendly, outgoing and welcoming by a vast majority. We spent a good deal of time in Bogota, went to alot of cities and towns throughout Colombia and the people from Medellin did not seem any less civilized than other places. I don´t know medillin extremely well, but I from what I do know, I don´t see why the people are being painted as a majority of whores and drug dealers in this thread. hmph

JustoXT comments on Medelin is now infested with gringos :(

Thanks Simon!! My girlfriend and I arrived in Peru today after 2 months in Colombia (5 weeks with her family in Bogota and 3 weeks travelling) and we miss Colombia already!! Can't wait to go back and see more!

JustoXT comments on Medelin is now infested with gringos :(

I went to Med. and loved it. Spent my time in the museums, plazas, el Penol and chatting with locals and other travellers volunteering at orphanages. I went to mango's once for the experience, hung out for an hour with my gf, then we left. I spent 0 time and 0 pesos on any hookers. I spent decent time and decent pesos on local food, juice and besos negros. I am a gringo, and was called and welcomed as such. Take that for whatever you will...

JustoXT comments on Re: Gringos in Med

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JustoXT comments on American traveling to Medellin

Day: casual- a tank, jeans and flip flops..its warm enough for shorts but not as many people wear them Night: A little more dressed up. like everyone has said the women from Medellin take pride in looking goo so I would put on a pair of heels and a tad nicer shirt or tank with jeans

JustoXT comments on

to bad we didn't know about it! this is one of our last nights in Medellin!

JustoXT comments on megs622

In response to your comment on my post: Meg: Hey my bf and I found a room in Barranquilla we are staying at Hotel Los Angeles. We have the room for 4 night but we don't know if we are staying all four, we think just the 2nd and 3rd. They require you to book it all though Carnaval. We are paying 200US for a room with air conditioning. Anyways we are going to meet up with some people from the hostel we've met on our travels who are also staying at the same hotel. If you would like to meet up with us let me know. Also if we dont stay for the third and 4th you could possibly take over our room.

JustoXT comments on Yellow Fever Shot in Medillin

we missed the metro salud by minutes.... is there another location we can get the shot?

JustoXT comments on Yellow Fever Shot in Medillin

i can't find anything online that says not to drink afterwards...

JustoXT comments on Carnaval in Barranquilla

nice work! we did find one for about $40 just outside, but you have to rent it for 3 nights, and we will only be there 1, 2 tops. still though, looks like it'd be cheaper than 1 night elsewhere... need some people to guard your couch for you that weekend, cause we'll do it!

JustoXT comments on Yellow Fever Shot in Medillin

paisa29, muchas gracias. Iramos in la manana. Sabes si es verdad que nosotros no podemos tomar tragos para 3-5 dias? Yo oi no y si.

JustoXT comments on Carnaval in Barranquilla

maybe we'll see you all there then!

JustoXT comments on Australian girl kidnapped in El Rodadero Santa Marta

Gracias!

JustoXT comments on Ciudad Perdida , Is the area more or less safe right now?

I guess my boyfriend already asked this more or less but any other comments would be appresiated

JustoXT comments on Australian girl kidnapped in El Rodadero Santa Marta

ok thanks. I think all in all we will still go. At least once we are there we can get a feel for whether or not we want to stay for the trek. But many people have said they say military guarding pretty much the entire trek.

JustoXT comments on Carnaval in Barranquilla

we're also working on scoring a hotel that costs less than $200. Only found one so far. Any places someone could recommend?

JustoXT comments on Australian girl kidnapped in El Rodadero Santa Marta

"Out of all the places in the world you could choose to go to you choose to come here. Then you want to know if it is safe or not? Wrong place to come and ask that." GringoInBogota, You don't need to be an ass. I asked if there was an increase in situations as of late regarding that area, not whether or not Colombia is safe. Cities experience crime waves, I was wondering if this was an increase (which would mean that is is particularly bad time to visit the area), if this was an isolated incident or if it was typical. All important things to know. If you don't like something I've asked, feel free to not respond in the future. Robi666, Thank you for the info. I've been talking around with people that were recently there to try and get a feel for the current situation in the area. Sounds like there has been a recent increase in situations, and subsequently an increase in military presence as well. No?

JustoXT comments on Australian girl kidnapped in El Rodadero Santa Marta

My girlfriend and I are planning a trip to Ciudad Perdida in about 2 weeks or less. Is this typical or semi typical events or is the an additional reason to think twice about doing the trip at this point in time??

JustoXT comments on

still no on the pics, sorry. I've got a full day trip today to Guatape and then Santa Fe tomrw. But here is the telephone number: 388 15 16 Zona de Vuelo is the company. If you call, they will tell you when is a good time to go. Yesterday started out a little rainy and overcast (first day so far) but by 1 they said it would be beautiful, and it was. By the way, Paragliding is called "Voladero" Its not scarey at all (for me anyway), even when you take off you catch flight before you go over the edge. They will do some flips and stuff at the end if you want them to though. Really fun. Enjoy. I'll try and get some pictures up tonight maybe.

JustoXT comments on America bashing

this is becoming more and more polar.... Robert Jorge: Apologies. I am not sure if that statistic is for Nazis alone or Germans as a whole. I realize of course the difference between them. I believe the statistic is regarding Nazis, but I am not 100%.

JustoXT comments on

Yes. No. Yes! But I have to upload them, which takes about a million years. But I can put some on soon. Only 80,000 for about 30-45 minutes of flight, plus I got to steer for about 10 minutes! My girlfriend and I both went. (i'm justo, she's XT)

JustoXT comments on America bashing

again, somewhat see what you are saying, but you really should think more about this. Quick and probably only note: The Russians killed more Nazis than the Americans... But yes, I love America. No, we are not the only beacon of awesomeness in the world

JustoXT comments on

Gorgeous. Took an hour bus ride to a mountain with a breath taking view, then jumped off with a parachute to go paragliding. FANTASTIC. you should do that

JustoXT comments on

1. Yes, they have pizza delivery, even have Dominos. Yes, some restaurants deliver as well.] 2. No, abortion is NOT legal, but there was a recent movement in Colombia to legalize it under circumstances such as rape. They motion lost but there are many supporters. Therefore, Taboo. 3. Don't know who that is. 4. Far as I can tell, on leashes being walked. 5. Don't know, Girlfriend would be mad if I did. 6.Not sure about the number, but believe it is not 911. Yes there is help. Luckily haven't needed it. 7.Don't know, but there are plenty of churches to go to. 8. They are growing flowers. Flowers are a major export of Colombia and quite beautiful here. 9. The mall I went to didn't really have any stores, only a food court and furniture stores. I don't plan to go back, maybe that's why they are empty?...

JustoXT comments on America bashing

hmmm..... think you should've thought a little more about this one. But I can kinda see where you are coming from, kinda. -American

JustoXT comments on BOGOTA SPORTS BARS

I am sorry I dont understand the last post but thank you all..lastly is the BBC really loud

JustoXT comments on BOGOTA SPORTS BARS

the problem is that not every fox sports has it

JustoXT comments on Colombia Security Post.....Enough Already!!! Please Delete ASAP!!

The ¨people, places and culture¨¨ arent going do be enjoyed if people are too scared to come and enjoy them. So my answer is no, people should continue to be educated.

JustoXT comments on Bussing from Bogota to Cartagena - advice wanted

Thanks for the advice. Anyone else have any pointers or advice about the SAFETY OF THE TRIP? We´re thinking this time of year will be even safer due to all the vacationers traveling as well. Although she is part Colombian we BOTH LOOK LIKE GRINGOS...