Lambie has left 6 comments

Lambie comments on I FRIGGIN HOPE NOT!!

I was just there and totally forgot about altitude sickness... needless to say, it didn't affect me and I was still able to partake in the same vices as you (+ cigs) and go hiking all around without any physical impediments... the only thing that I did notice was I couldn't sleep for long but that probably had more to do with excitement than altitude. If you're fit and resilient, I can't imagine you'll even notice anything different (other than the smog... and the smell of sulphur when your plane lands in Bogota - I made this observation to the guy sitting beside me and the lady in front of me turned around and in all seriousness said that indicates that the 'devil is close by' - Colombian folklore/superstition I guess, lol!).

Lambie comments on Reasonable Car rental in Barranquilla?

Not sure if this helps but I just returned from Bogota where I rented a mid-size, automatic (more expensive because they're at a premium... everything is manual for the most part) car for 24 hours from National. The price included the insurance and 100 kms but did not include the tax (IVA?). They also have another insurance which I paid 10,000 pesos ($5.00) extra for - it apparently covers the time that the car is out of commission getting repaired had I gotten into an accident with it... not sure if I was getting ripped off so to speak but for $5.00, I preferred to be safe rather than sorry as I witnessed some pretty crazy driving, especially the buses and taxis. In total, the car ended up costing me 224,000 pesos (about $110)for the day which included the tax and kms over the 100 km that they allowed me.

Lambie comments on New Colombia Documentary on *now* 10 pm EST

Just saw your notice... sounds like a compelling documentary. I am going to record it on a timeshifting channel. Thank you.

Lambie comments on Advice for a first-time gringa

Tigredelnorte, thanks for the additional info re the cold showers, food and the elections. I figured I’d have to suck it up re the water temperature (or lack thereof, lol) and while I like to fancy myself as having an iron gut for the size of me, I will take your advice and be careful of the pescado. The only point that had me a wee bit concerned was the one about the elections; realistically, it is a situation that I have no control over other than being extra alert and cautious about my activities/surroundings while I’m there or, postponing the trip (which I’m unable to do due to my schedule and that of my Colombiano BF’s). I will be there for the week and a half leading up to the elections and will be staying in the Armenia and Pereira areas for most of it other than a couple of remaining days in Bogota. My excitement towards this trip is difficult to contain even though I realize I’ve unwittingly chosen a risky time to visit… I’ll keep the faith and will be posting some photos... should anyone care :)... upon my return.

Lambie

Lambie comments on Advice for a first-time gringa

Many thanks Wastelandlive, Poco, Adrimm and SingSling:

What can I say but thanks a million for your insights, observations and advice. The advice re adjusting to the culture, conducting myself alone, packing/luggage (carry-on definitely sounds like the way to go), and navigating the airports will be heeded... even considering Poco's advice re using the low-cut blouse/lots of cleavage as a leveraging tool (lol!). SingSling, I've already printed off your detailed airport instructions - thank you also for your kind offer re the pick-up and transfer - I think I should be ok as my BF will be meeting me at the aiport in Pereira but its certainly reassuring to have options. As long as its not intrusive, I wouldn't mind contacting you directly to find out more about your experiences in Pereira.

You guys/chicas rock.

Lambie comments on Advice for a first-time gringa

Thanks for being hard on me:) MacGringo, thanks for your input... I really do appreciate it. The not talking/no eye contact advice was given to me by a kind and well-meaning but over-protective Colombian resident. Although I'm fairly well travelled, as I said, this is my first trip to Colombia and I'm clueless as far as the culture is concerned. I figure people are people no matter what part of the world they're from... lots of good ones and a few bad ones. I guess the best thing to do is what I've done all along - be myself and listen to my instincts... and use my new language (Spanish) even though I too will probably sound like a baby. Thanks for the gentle kick in the ass! :)