KyleHanky has left 31 comments

KyleHanky comments on Great hostel! I recommend it to anyone and everyone!!

Well, $18000 is about $10USD. They have three dorm rooms; one I believe with 3 beds, another with 8 and another with 10. There's also one hotel-like room with your own bathroom and privacy. I think it costs a little more but how much, I'm not sure. I think it's about 30.000 pesos per night, which is about $17USD. A currency converter tells me that 18000 Colombian pesos is something like 266,500 Ecuadorian Sucres. I have no idea if that's right because I've never been to Ecuador, but that's what the converter says.

KyleHanky comments on Registration at Chamber of Commerce

It's not for a business visa. I should have specified. It's for a special temporary visa; I have to apply for the visa that covers "activities not listed here." (Number 41.9 in the list here: http://consuladocolombiala.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=109&Itemid=43). I have all of the requisites ready for the visa except this form, including proof of financial capacity.

KyleHanky comments on FARC Release some, then Take some

I do not think that someone delivered them to the FARC. Niqui is very far out of the way, and it is not a huge touristy area. Also, they were kidnapped on the outskirts of Niqui on a beach. From the people I know who have gone there, it is basically all jungle with little no state presence and the military presence is always moving and/or inconsistent. Thus, it is quite easily for 10 FARC guys to make it to the beach. This is the Choco after all. Other people I know that work out there with NGOs tell me that the FARC still control some of the rivers in the department, and that the Army has just taken control of some others. Many others are still contested.

KyleHanky comments on FARC Release some, then Take some

The FARC kidnapped 6 people in Niqui, in the Choco. 5 were Colombian and 1 was a Norwegian who happens to be a professor at the University of the Andes, from what I have read. El Tiempo has an article and I'm pretty sure that El Espectador does as well.

KyleHanky comments on How safe is Araracuara?

In no way a ridiculous question selvagringo. I've asked about Arauca and been told I would not make it out alive, but I did. Still doesn't mean one should go to Araracaura.

KyleHanky comments on How safe is Araracuara?

And this is not from just another traveler; I have been to Arauca and Putumayo, three times to the latter, for example. I would not go there.

KyleHanky comments on How safe is Araracuara?

Arauca is the department; this person is saying the area of Araracuara correctly. Also, Caqueta is pretty dangerous. It is probably one of the highest risk areas to run into the FARC, but you still some chance of making it out of there, through it's quite slime. Despite all the pressure from the Army, the FARC actually have a new front in Caqueta and it's pretty hot right now. If you know a Colombian there (not just going and meeting someone there, but know from outside that part of Caqueta), you will have a better idea of the situation and have a better chance over going. But that likelihood is low, and really, it's just best not to go there. That's just not a safe area.

KyleHanky comments on Independent Photojournalism Visa

It looks like the trip would be a little under 90 days; and to tell the truth I haven't had issues with access with just my passport, but I have not focused on the authoritative part of the story, just on the ground work. Authorities never gave me a problem, but that is a piece I will need if I want to truly cover the whole story and have a good portfolio. I am sure they would like some official documention as well. Gator, what is this academic agreement thing you speak of? It may be a good thing to look into and may best fit my situation. Where can I look into that?

KyleHanky comments on Medellin/Cali

Ok, so I already know about Buenaventura and the violence. That's pretty much why I want to check the city out (ive been to Arauca, Barranca and Putumayo, so i'm not just wondering in like an idiot, well, too much of an idiot). The person who told me to stay in Cali then go to buenaventura has worked in buenaventura, is a gringa, and says that maybe a pain, but should be worth it. I haven't been able to find a hotel in buenaventura thats under $100 a night (100 US $). Well, currently I have not been able to get to Choco yet, so I will see what I do about that. So no worries about Medellin stuff (was going to take flight from city to Vigía del Fuerte, across the river from Bojaya). I might be able to get info on Buenaventura, like a hotel, so this may not be too high important. I'll only be there for 3 nights, then off to Popayan. I appreciate the heads-up on Buenaventura. Hell, maybe I'll stay in San Cipriano then take the bus to the port city.

KyleHanky comments on Buenaventura

Check out the last addition of Semana on their website, semana.com Go to the last edition (Como nos duele) not the 25 year one, and they have a good story. I'll be heading there in two or three weeks if you want to meet up. Safety in numbers

KyleHanky comments on President Alvaro Uribe:Production of coca in Colombia rises

Goos Finds... Well done on the AP version, and tracking down the president's speech. I looked at 5/31 cause that was friday, and then what was posted sunday, skipping june 1, and needless to say, its a pain to read a ton of those things. As for the guerrilla/paramilitary drug trafficking post, I would add Dec 4, 1981 to the timeline, as that was the day of the creation of MAS (or official "announcement") of MAS (Muerte a Secuestradores), the paramilitary group created by Palbo Escobar and the Medellin Cartel. MAS obviously was involved in drug trafficking, and its model would be adopted all over Colombia, including by the Colombian military and police forces. The Castaños would have their connections to MAS as well, including Carlos, who would then go on to lead Los PEPEs during the search for Escobar. PEPEs would assassinate anyone involved with the Medellin Cartel, and their families, and was funded by the Cali Cartel. Fidel Castaño would be the first to get involved in drug trafficking of cocaine and made a ton of money. Of course Carlos would go on to create and lead the AUC paramilitaries, and actually was incredibly weary of the AUC's involvement in drug trafficking, which is why he was killed. His brother Vicente is still on the loose, choosing to drop out of the negotiations with the government and is still running huge drug trafficking business from wherever the hell he is.

KyleHanky comments on President Alvaro Uribe:Production of coca in Colombia rises

Ok... Ok apparently the UN leaker said 10%, according to this article, though at the time I had read 8%.

KyleHanky comments on President Alvaro Uribe:Production of coca in Colombia rises

Unconfirmed... So far no international press coverage, nor Colombian press coverage has been given to this story, and I haven't even been able to find Uribe's remarks on his website. Apparently an early version of the UN report (according to a leaker/interviewee) saw and 8% decrease in coca, but nothing is known about the white house report, until this. I remain skeptical because (1) no one else has picked it up (2) it is june, so who knows what the white house numbers say and (3) its pravda.

It's just best to disregard this for now, unless some other paper confirms it, and just wait for the White House and UN stats. The UN report comes out in june, so that'll be soon, and the White House are incredibly late, so who knows when they'll come out with their numbers...

KyleHanky comments on Visa for photography...

How long... does processing normally take?

KyleHanky comments on Visa for photography...

Just a heads up... I'm a guy. Not sure why gator stated I was a girl, but to the heart of the matter. I figured I'd best try to get a visa. I'm going to Colombia on June 30th. Do I have enough time? What do I need to do to get this thing? I have the application and I know I need to geta translated copy of my criminal record (I have none) and some other things. What other steps do I need to take and what steps would be best to help me? And descalzo, we'll discuss things more.

KyleHanky comments on Hotels in Buenaventura

Useful Ok, I guess I should (for some reason) specify that I'm looking for info about hotels in Buenaventura, not some lecture or philosophical debate about freedom and violence. That last post, was abosulely pointless. So again, if you know anything about hotels near the bus station, that would be of much help. Thank you.

PS - Rubito I used "decent" to describe hotels, not Buenaventura, but again, thanks?

KyleHanky comments on Drug Turns Crime Victims Into Zombies

I've heard of... I've heard of a similar drug, in a spray used on buses in Bogota. On person I know that lives in the city told me of a story which her friend willing gave up her laptop, and money from her bank account to an old man and woman for 3 days. She thought she lost her laptop, but then began having dreams about an old couple and them taking her laptop. With a little help from the police and a bank, she found out she actually did that. When I was in Bogota last August there were reports of a drug being used where someone stands next to you and smokes, but blows it all on you and doesn't inhale. You then pass out and they take your stuff and go. That drug has some hard, immediate effects, though the smoking drug is probably something different, but related.

KyleHanky comments on Buenaventura - any Travelinformations about this City

I know some basics... I am looking to go there in the summer and I know that it is one of Colombia's most violent cities with a murder rate of about 121 of every 100,000. It is incredibly hot and living condition of the people there are very poor. I have heard that there are some cheap hotels near the bus station in the city, but there is another hotel, hotel estacion, but it is very expensive. Traveling on your own there into unknown areas can mean some very bad news for you, as almost all the cities barrios are either under control or being fought over by guerrilla militias, paramilitaries, or gangs devoted to narcotraffickers. 5 bombings have happened this year, 2 in the last couple weeks, and 4 people were murdered over the last weekend. If you go, make sure you know where to go and where not to and don't stick out too much. Otherwise, I hear the view on the coast is very nice, it is hot and has a good beach or two. Where those beaches are, I don't know. Any other information still will be good.

KyleHanky comments on Duitama Boyaca info

It's nice I visited the area in 2005 and it's very beautiful, including Duitama. It's a nice, quaint and pretty tranquil city. It is not 100% immune from the war and violence, but any violence is infrequent and seemingly with intentional targets. The whole area is absolutely gorgeous and I would recommend. The city and the rural areas is definately worth a visit, maybe a week or so to check it out. My guess is that you will fall for the city, like the chica, and like it very much. The people are nice too, so I would definately recommend it.

KyleHanky comments on Connecticut entrepreneur slain in Colombia(Thats the second Gringo this week)

Us Connecticut folk... We have trouble in Colombia. Marc Gonsalves, a US contracter currently being held by the FARC, his family/he is from Connecticut. This guy, who does not represent us Connecticut folk, involved in a horrible business and entrepenuership that I find disgusting, is now dead. When I was in Colombia last year, some guys tried to kidnap me, with car and everything, but I managed to escape. Maybe it's something in our water, or that Colombian criminals have a sixth sense with which they can spot people from Connecticut and attack. Who knows...sounds like a research project to me...

KyleHanky comments on Simple Question

Police requirement lifted? Hey, tomtom33, you said the police report requirement has been lifted for visas, but for every type of visa on the colombian embassy's website says you need a copy of a police report, in english and spanish, with exception to those looking to get a tourist visa.

KyleHanky comments on Bus from Cali to Popayan & Cali to Buenaventura

Buenaventura, as I stated, is one of the most violent cities in the country. It may be not most unsafe for tourists, but its murder rate, about 121 of every 1000, is only comparable, as the Colombian press points out, to the most violent days of Medellin and Cali. Saravena in Arauca used to have the most violent city tag, but I don't know if it still does. But thank you for the heads up on the road out there. I should have thought of all the shipping trucks coming through, good call and good info.

KyleHanky comments on Number of unionists killed rose even as homicide rate dropped under Uribe's law-and-order government.

The article... did point out what you said. It's in the first paragraph, and if anything, shows that your 95% is actually giving the government some leeway. Secondly, I didn't know that our Congresspeople don't want to upset their "union paymasters." Maybe I'm not a part of "everyone" or that's a ridiculous assumption. Unionists don't have much lobbying power, nor does Congress get paid by a union, unless our taxes are a union too.
A red herring is a pretty weak argument too, because this is a business deal. If business, as this article shows, is at times minimally complicit in the murders of the union leaders, one would think that putting some safeguards on business would be appropriate. Plus, these argeements are good ways to strengthen the justice system as Colombia's political elite want the agreement, and the Democrats want stronger justice assurance for unionists, the TLC is a good way for the Dems to assure that.
It's true you can't change the culture with just a trade agreement, but it can be part of the process. By denying the TLC this ability, the system would simply remain as it is today.

KyleHanky comments on Travel to Bojaya

Well... This town is in the middle of Choco and safety is a mild concern for me, as it is anywhere in Colombia (I've gone to Putumayo twice and stayed with some very threatened people in Barranca), but I agree that going up the river Atrato from Quibdo seems like the only viable option. The Medellin option (as I'll call it) was that I would have to travel outside the city to a river (I can't find the department map I had on my comp) that then connects to the Rio Atrato and go in that way. That way I feel is more dangerous, while it is shorter, goes through some gnarlier territory. The Rio Atrato can be dangerous, but because of its size and usage, I feel will be less dangerous. Still, comments are welcome. I am looking to go to Bojaya, and in fact have never heard of that park as well.

KyleHanky comments on Airlines in Colombia

Thanks I've contacted my friends in Barranca and they have told me the drive from Barranca to Bucaramanga is safe and if truly necessary, a security guard can be sent with me, though I'm not sure that would do much or be necessary. Driving to Bucaramanga and flying to Saravena seems to be the best option right now on the table. I've seen the avianca flights from Barranca to Bucaramanga and they are ridiculous. Thank you for the info though, and I will check out that website. I'd hope my spanish is up for it, especially if I'm gonna go to Colombia!

KyleHanky comments on Arauca...

My goals are specific My goals for Arauca are specific, I just don't think I laid them out well here. I do NOT want to contact/talk to the guerrilla. The best way to do this is through a communique sent to them from outside their zones of operation. I am not looking to find them and talk to them. I was laying out a basic outline of what I was doing, as the specifics would take a while. I have my list of organizations I'd like to meet with, obviously the mayors of the town,along with local military leaders (The US does have 40 soldiers based in Saravena and 30 in Arauca, and I've been told they are willing to talk to journalists). My goals are specific, and if you are further interested I can list them specifically, i.e. my day to day itinerary. But that would be quite long. Again, this is not a solid trip, and I am still in contact with many journalists who have worked there. But going out into the rural areas to find guerrillas is not my goal. Also my mode of travel will be flying, possibly even flying from Tame to Saravena (even though it's only about 50-60 KM). Flight is the way to go there. Sorry if I came off a little preturbed earlier as well, or here.

KyleHanky comments on Arauca...

I know that Arauca is really dangerous, that's why I'd like to get some up to date information. So far, I've only heard things I already know, and i do appreciate it. But I'm still wondering where I can get up to date information. If anyone knows where I can get that, that would be helpful. But thank you for the warnings as well.

KyleHanky comments on Temporal Visa

No, I'm not crazy. I have spoken with many journalists who've covered the, correctly deemed, un-civil war. There is only one place that I'm going where I do not yet have solid contacts, and if I do not get those solid contacts, I won't be going. Other parts of the country, I have solid contacts, and as in the case of Putumayo, I'll be on a delegation. One needn't be crazy, but just smart, prepared and careful to cover Colombia. One key about safety is not staying in one city for too long, hence why most of my stops, including work done just outside of Bogota, will be no more than 5 days, at the most (I think right now 4 days is my longest stop). With regards to people talking; I have found that it can be difficult to talk to the general population, but there are plenty of qualified people (organizational leaders, elected reps, mayors, etc) who are willing to talk, albeit briefly, which is fine. Those who choose not to talk to me, or who are even suspect of me, that is their choice, and I'm not going to push them. I understand the consequences if someone were to say the wront thing and their right to privacy is just that: a right. Even if I went to Tame or Saravena and got no interviews, and only pictures, enough information is presented right there. Tame and Saravena are the only places where I may not go, so I won't be worried if I can't, or if I do and no one talks. But my experiences in Colombia last year showed that there are plenty of people who will do interviews and such, and solid contacts are key. Hence my goals. On the other hand, I do not think I'm crazy. I think we must take note that we do think Colombia is a great country with many problems, including the very uncivil war. My goal is not to interview members of the various armed actors, my goal is to avoid them, especially in rural areas. As this is second trip to the country, my safety is my biggest concern. It's my ass on the line, and my main protection is international law, and we all know how that is almost totally disregarded by all sides of the conflict. I'm looking forward to an informative and highly enjoyable trip, as not all of my time in Colombia will be doing work, but visiting the great people who I met last year. To me, this is a vacation, though the mindset of a journalist is much different than others. And I do appreciate the warnings. But no, I am not crazy, nor Crazy with a K. (Krazy) And lastly, props to Peter for making this site. Good call Peter.

KyleHanky comments on Temporal Visa

For example... I'd be doing some research on the conflict mainly. For example, in Barranca, I will be visiting a unionist I met and interviewed when he was in US. I'll be interviewing him, members of other social/political organizations, Mayors, members of the military, etc. The goal is to get as many sides as I can, as many analyses as I can and as much confirmed and accurate information. When I stay in Bogota, that is a place where one can interview almost any leader of almost any organization. There are a select amount of journalists who work extensively in Colombia, and my goal for when I finish college is to join that group. Colombia is a country where solely getting information out of the country and back to the US, or to Britain, etc, can do a whole lot. So as this is my second trip, I'm hoping to just interview anyone who is willing to talk about their situation, wherever they maybe. Of course, it is difficult to get numbers and strong accurate information out of some interviews (paper is better for that), but to get into the minds of some of the people living in Colombia gives so much insight into how the conflict affects people, and that is as important as statistics, if not more.

KyleHanky comments on Temporal Visa

RE: I'm not sure... I'm not trying to write and get it all published while I'm in Colombia. The only reason that I would get the journalist title added to my name is so that in one area where (as of right now) I have no fully established contacts, I can get more access to the people I would like to interview. It could be a liability, as some guerrilla groups would be more likely to kidnap a journalist than just a tourist. But other people would be more likely to be interviewed by a journalist with papers than a self-proclaimed journalist with just a passport. Every place I will be visiting I have solid connections except one, where I'm still trying to establish some more solid connections (I have yet to hear back from the people I do know there). All my writing will be published post-return to the US, not when I'm in Colombia, so internet is not much of a worry for me.

KyleHanky comments on

Beautiful Photo That is a beautiful photo of Lake Tota. I have been there and have some beautiful shots of the lake as well, but this trumps all of mine. Phenomenal shot of a phenomenal place.