Southern_Dyme has left 48 comments

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

GringoD How funny! Well, hopefully she has tough skin like I do, because you are right, I've read some things up here that could upset some people, but I just had to look at it and laugh it off a bit. I found some of the insults that were directed towards me to be quite funny. I have a way of twisting it around that way. Maybe she has read this thread and hopefully it will be helpful to her.

As far as my trip is concerned...it will not be until next year now. I have decided to go to Panam first, because I just felt a little uneasy in the end going to Cali blind, with no contacts. The one I thought I had didn't work out. When I go next year it will hopefully be via the Fulbright program (have you heard of it?). I will have people to help me get settled and adjust to life in Colombia. Thanks for thinking of me...don't I feel special now!

Southern_Dyme comments on Plastic Surgeons in Cali

Just out of curiosity... I've noticed that a lot of people come here asking for info about plastic surgeons, or have already made up their minds to go to Colombia to have certain procedures performed. I was just curious to know why Colombia? Is Colombia known for having some of the world's best plastic surgeons? Or is the cost a lot cheaper? Anyone who has undergone/researched this in Colombia please respond. Thanks!

~SD~

Southern_Dyme comments on Cali Newsflash

Interesting! Hey Desi,

I just finished reading all of the posts concerning your trip in Cali, and it does make for very interesting reading! I laughed very hard when you mentioned the cows eating grass...as much as gas costs here in the USA now, that might be our next alternative as well! Hearing about the progress of your house is interesting as well. Is the cost of living very high there?

Keep the stories coming!

~SD~

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Thanks Desi!!! A trip report (like a photo diary or such) would be excellent! I'm sure someone up here could be helpful enough to give you the right info on how to size the pics in a simple manner so that you can share them with the PBH members.

Thank you for thinking of me in part when asking your friend about renting the room. That would be great, and I certainly do plan to visit Cali, although at a later date. I will keep you posted as the time draws nearer for me to take my trip.

~SD~

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Desi I'm so happy to hear that your trip is going well, and without incident! I can't wait for you to post photos so I can see more of this city I've been hearing all about. And when you do return home, I would love to hear about some of the places you would recommend a nonnative to visit that isn't too touristy, but also safe.

Thanks for updating me on how things are progressing for you.

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Mariasman Thank you for that advice. I definitely plan to still travel to Colombia (and hopefully Cali) in the future, so I will keep what you said in mind. I do not like being in the limelight, so a low profile is a must on my list...lol. I've been working on the lingo, and learning phrases from my friends who are from that area. I should be well-versed in "Calingo" by the time I make my trip! Thanks again for your suggestions!

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Monpirri Thanks for letting me know about Desi's thread. She is very helpful, and offered her advice when I first started this thread. I look forward to reading up on the progress of her trip.

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Thanks I've been gone for a looooooooooooooong minute due to some personal situations that arose, but I want to thank those of you who replied since I last checked. BxUnika, I will definitely look into the NYC scene. I will send you a personal message with some more info. Monpriri, thank you for the info on Llanera.

Also, for those of you who recommended that I go to PR to look into salsa a little more, I went there for spring break and I was TOTALLY disappointed. Besides the fact that PR is very americanized, I barely heard any salsa. It was all about reggaeton. In fact, I told myself as I was getting back on the plane to come home that I would scream if I heard one more reggaeton song...LOL. I could barely tolerate spending a week there, so I know moving there for an extended period of time is out.

As far as my trip to Colombia is concerned, I have decided to postpone it for a little while. I want to apply for the Fulbright program, because I will be able to get more funds that way, plus have a network of people that will help me out when I get there. My most immediate trip will be Panama. If anyone knows anything about Panama please let me know. Who knows, perhaps I can fly to Colombia for a few days while I'm there.

TTYL...

SD

Southern_Dyme comments on Forget About Reality, Confirm My Misguided Thinking

GringoD I am trying to catch up on the 100+ posts under this thread because I've been MIA for a while, but on the first page you defended my point-of-view, and I want to say thank you for that. What you said is exactly my whole reasoning for asking people's opinions here on PBH.

SD

Southern_Dyme comments on Forget About Reality, Confirm My Misguided Thinking

To G5 G5 wrote:
"They already know that it is a dangerous place to go. Yet, they come here for people to tell them that in spite of the security and dangerous situation in cities like Cali, there are a bunch of delussional people that post by the hour telling others that it is a safe place to go. This Southern_Dyme person in the other thread is a perfect example of the type of person I am talking about....a person who cam to this site, hell bent on going to Colombia, but knowing how bad the security situation is, (that's how she started the thread)she sought comfort in everyone telling her to go. Actually, she could have saved herself a lot of time by just "Goodgleing" the PBH, and she could have learned for herself what everyone and then some had already posted a thousand times before. No new info was brought to light in her thread. Just the same old nonsense. But she knew the story. She just wanted everyone on here to say go ahead girl,,,,,,be safe, smart, and all that other crap and you will be fine."

G5, boy am I glad you send me a message letting me know about your thread. Excuse me while I laugh, not at the context of your message, but the comment you made about my being "delussional." In my own defense, I do not think I'm delussional. In fact, before I found out about PBH, before I read the safety warnings, before I even gave one thought of going to Colombia, I met some Colombians here in my city, hung out with them, heard them tell me the disastrous things that happened to them and their families because of their involvment in politics (which eventually caused them to come to the US), and I told myself hell no would I be caught dead in a country like that. However, they began to tell me all of the good things that I could find in Colombia as well, and i sold me a bit. Afterwards, I started to look at the safety warnings and tried to balance the good my friends were saying with the bad that was presented on the safety warnings. They told me that the safety warnings are true to some point, but they exagerate the situation, making it sound far worse than it actually is. I kept that in mind too.

Then I ran across PBH, and I asked people their opinion. Yes, I admit that I wanted to go to COl when I came up here, but it's not like the ticket was bought or anything like that. I was not 100% sold on going at that point, because I wanted to have time to let what people were saying here, along with the other info I had received, to marinate in my mind a while. I don't see anything delussional about my methodology. Please explain what is so delussional about all of this.

SD

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

GringoD Hmm...me....hate salsa? Never that! LOL. Even after listening to 400 albums, I can't see it happening...hehehehehe.

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Monpirri The music festival sounds like it will be tons of fun! I only wish I could go. Perhaps next year....

I will have to check out the llanera. I've never heard of it before, and you've sparked my interest now. Thanks for the ideas.

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Monpirri it sure does look like him!

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

To rocinante Newsflash...the gov't is prohibiting us from going to Cuba. That would've been my first choice (I guess you didn't read the previous posts). I also gave my reasons for not wanting to go to PR. As far as my needing to "hit the 9th grade"....puhleese! You know, I could be just as ignorant and reply to your message in the same cynical manner that you did to me, but being the BIGGER person I refuse to do that.

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Juan... you know, I looked at USB's website, but there isn't much on it...LOL. I'm glad to know that USC is in a good area. Are there a lot of rooms for rent that are close by?

Gracias...

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Cereal... ...that's what I had for breakfast! LOL. Anyhow, getting back to the subject at hand, you are correct in your asumption that I was referring to Universidad Santiago de Cali. I think I looked at Javeriana's website (someone posted a thread a while back that contained some links for uni's in COL), and I did not see any info that talked about an exchange program (or maybe I'm getting it confused with another site I looked at). I saw some that offered language schools, but I'm not interested in language schools, as my level of Spanish is pretty good.

I would love it if you could find out more about USC's location/reputation. My degree scheme is actually Spanish, but from what I saw on their website, they do not offer a Masters in Spanish, which is ok with me. I want to take some of the undergrad courses that will provide me with more knowledge in the areas of etnomusicology, communications, etc. I want to come over in August, just in time to start the fall semester.

Thanks for all of your help in advance!

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Wasteland... The reason I chose Cali over Bogota is because I was warned thoroughly by a close professor of mine not to go there, and she would feel more reassured with the thought of me being near the coast.

I was starting to rethink BOG when many people on this site kept recommending it over and over again, but I discussed it on Tuesday with another professor who has been to both places and he told me Bogota is too dangerous for me to go to and that I would stand out more so there than in Cali. He told me that in Cali I would attract less attention unless I started talking...LOL!!! As far as the best/most challenging universities being in BOG, I feel ok with the less challenging schools. I'm definitely not a slacker, and the school that I currently attend is highly acclaimed on an international level so I have challenges to meet everyday, but by Spanish not being my first language and trying to adapt to a new environment, I feel ok with a school that is not as challenging...hehehehe.

G5 has definitely put me on guard, that's for sure. I'll try not to get too complacent, and I appreciate that candle!

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

G5 So you would sell some albums to escort me around BOG? En serio?

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

about GD's post... ...LMAO! G5 is more than welcome to come along if he wants. I can't see him parting with those albums though...hehehehehe.

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Oh brother....here we go (to G5) First of all, I am going to make this very short, because I have 100 or so pages to finish reading for my class tomorrow, but I couldn't not respond.

1. I did not have my mind totally made up before I found out about this website. I was still in the research phase, and had only said to myself, "Hmm...sounds like an interesting place to go, but let me see what else I can find out." So yes, my sources that I used to make my decision were, on part, PBH, but also the fact that I have been in contact with more people who live in Cali who are willing to help me when I get there. I did also read what was listed on the CIA website and considered all of the warnings they gave. Trust me, this was not just some "overnight decision" and I have been looking into this trip since last September.

2. As far as the comment you made about the crime and walking down a street during the daytime vs. walking down that same street at night...I don't even do that here! I think I'm one of the most cautious people that I know (my friends say I'm loca all the time because I will not walk anywhere at night alone) because I do not want to take the chance of anything happening to me. There are a lot of sinister things that occur here where I currently live. In fact, I was watching the news tonight and last night just in one sector alone 5 people were murdered. That does not include all of the other stabbing/shooting injuries, that is only the number of actual murders in one sector. Does that mean I'm going to pack my bags and leave the city tonight? Not at all! I just try to mind my business and stay away from areas notorious of crime. I plan to do just that in Cali as well when I arrive.

If I feel that threatened when I get there, worst case scenario is that I'll come back home before my time is up and have to pay back the thousands upon thousands of dollars I will be receiving in funding for terminating the trip early. But of course if my safety is of concerned I would do it. For me to feel as draw as I now do to going, I think there is some reason behind it. Perhaps you don't see it (because even at this point I do not see it), but there is something that is pulling me in that direction. Perhaps a blessing is waiting for me over there. I'll never know until I go.

Thanks for wishing me luck, and a safe trip.

SD

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

My decision....to go or not to go? That is the Question! Well GringoD you asked me what my vote was, and in fact when I read that post a few days ago I wanted to give myself time to really think about it (plus I've been busy trying to throw together a preliminary synopsis of my thesis for a conference next week). I have come up with a decision (and I'm about 90% sure of this decision). First let me explain what I used to come up with my decision before I say what it is.

Of course, since the short while I have been a member here on PBH I have had the pleasure of receiving tips and advice from all of you in regards with what to expect should I decide to go to Colombia, and Cali in particular. Some people have made it sound like the most dangerous place on Earth, while others make it sound like a paradise. Some people say there is lots to do, while others say that they were extremely bored. Some people have said make the trip to Colombia, while others tell me to steer clear of it. Taking all of this into account, I have asked myself time and time again, "Is it worth it?" And when I think about all of the challenges I have overcome in my life, and the things I want to accomplish, I tell myself that yes, it is worth it.

I know some people are going to flip their wig when they read this (LOL), but I think I'll be ok over there. There are some people who have agreed to help me out, and I think that was one of the major concerns for me, not knowing anyone. As far as the danger and the "possibility of something very unfortunate happening to me", the same could happen anywhere. I could be crossing the street and out of nowhere a car slams into me and kills me. I could be home watching TV here at my house and a stray bullet flies through the window and wounds me (I read about it all the time in the paper). I just have to have faith that everything will be ok, and that I will return home safely. I do believe things happen for a reason, and for some reason I was put in contact with the Colombians that I now know, that my life changed last summer while in Ecuador and now my vision is more clear as to what I feel my purpose is, and that I have a wonderful university that is willing to help me with the funds for my trip. Of course, I will try to use my good old common sense and avoid trouble. I don't plan to do anything that will put myself at risk intentionally. I am a homebody somewhat, so if I have to stay in the house a lot, it won't be the end of the world. I can deal with that.

Will Cali be a good choice? I guess I'll never really know until it's all said and done. I think that even if I'm bored out of my mind (as some of you mentioned happened to you) I will find some good in the trip. I could share some of my experiences with you during my semester abroad in Mexico that would make your stomach turn, but even despite all of those negativities I found some good in that trip, and I think it helped me to grow as a person.

I thank all of you for your advice, and I still look forward to communicating with you all. So, again, unless there is some unfortunate twist (i.e. the Cali situation becomes much much worse dangerwise, or if my school decides not to help me fund my trip for some reason) I plan to be in Cali in the Fall!

SD

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Cerealkiller Finalmente! Another college student who happens to be female and has studied in Cali. I plan to attend USC. Which school did you go to? I tried looking at a list I found online with various school websites that are in Cali, but I didn't see an exchange program being offered on the majority of those sites. I saw a few that offered language programs, but I plan to take regular classes because I am proficient enough in Spanish to handle it. Are there any other schools that you can recommend? Have you heard anything about USC? All I have to go on is their website (which of course will praise their program so that they can encourage more students to attend) and what a friend of mine told me about it. I would love to hear about it from an exchange-student's perspective.

Well, being that bullet holes is not my favorite look, I guess I will have to limit my partying. Although I am accustomed to going out quite often here, I probably will not do it as often in Colombia because I'll have to focus harder in school, and still find time to do my separate research. As long as the people are friendly (which I do believe is true) then it will help a lot. Did you take a lot of pictures while you were down there? If you have any online please let me know because I would love to see what Cali looks like. I've found a few pics here and there but nothing extensive.

Thanks for your comment!

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

adela I didn't want you to think I didn't read your post. I did read it and just realized that I forgot to respond to you too. Sometimes when there are so many posts (being that I can't respond everyday) I might overlook one or two by accident. I have looked at the caliescali site (thanks for the link) and I like what I saw. I appreciate your input on this thread!

SD

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Monpirri Wow....thanks! That list you provided should definitely provide a lot of information. You know what the funny thing is? At this point you've been doing more research for my thesis than I have...LOL!!! I've been so busy with teaching and preparing for two conferences I have to present at very soon that I've neglected my research (except going salsa dancing....that's research that will ALWAYS be in progress....hehehehe). I will have to give you a shoutout on my works cited page...LOL.

I really appreciate your help.

CeCe

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

About Cumbia (Monpirrir1) I still plan to look into cumba. I've typed in a search on google for popular cumbia songs and did not come up with anything, so when I have something more concrete I will consider that angle.

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Mike... ...LOL!!! That's a thought, but I really want to go somewhere where there is 100% Spanish spoken, because I'd be too tempted to speak in English...LOL.

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Well actually...(to G5) ...I have told my family about my decision, as I always consult them on something major like this. My grandmother hates my decision, but that's nothing new, because she was the same way when I went for a semester in Mexico and to Ecuador last summer. My mother, well, she is torn. She wants me to be happy and do what I think is best for my educational and long-term goals, but she wants to make sure everything is legit at the same time. The boyfriend situation...well, let's just say we decided to go our separate ways because we both have very different interests in life and do not see eye to eye.

Maybe you are right about Colombia's salsa contribution. I cannot give an opinion in this area because I can only base my opinion upon the various Colombian artists I have listened to (some of which I've named for you in a previous post). Yes, Puerto Rico may have more to contribute to salsa. But the content of the music to me is more important than the actual music itself. And from what I've seen, the lyrics that might be considered "more controversial" do not get as much play as other lyrics that talk about love, women, etc.

I will have a chance to see how I like PR. I'm going there for a week (spring break) to do a conference, so I plan to do a little research there if I have time. I have a friend who is studying in PR right now and she hates it. We are somewhat alike, and from the stuff she tells me, I don't think I would like it there. She has also been to DR and from her accounts I do not want to go there either.

I really do appreciate your concern, and I will take into account everything you've mentioned, as well as that of other PBH members and my Colombian friends.

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Replying to GringoD's 2nd post If I go it will be for an extended period of time (a whole semester), so I wouldn't be able to stay at the hotel the entire time. And anything remotely relating to politics is off my list. If I even hear the word política, I'm going to respond: ¿Política? ¿Qué es esto? LOL.

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

In response to your post GringoD I will have to reread the safety guides, as you suggested. It has definitely been a while since I've looked at them. And yes, I have a pretty decent level of Spanish. I pretty much understand everything that is being said to me, and although I may not speak it as fast as some might, I do not have too much trouble communicating in the language. So yes, that does take off the pressure of being able to get my points across, and I'm not concerned with that part at all. I just want to be safe wherever I go, so that is my main concern at this point.

The people were very friendly in Quito. In fact, that is the principal reason I'll be there again this summer for a month. When I went last summer, I had the chance to take classes, volunteer with the youth, and do a lot of traveling around the country. It was beautiful, but I spent most of my time in Quito, and in my opinion there wasn't much to do. Had it not been for the rest of the people in the group I went with, I would've lost my mind in boredom...LOL.

When I go to Colombia, it will definitely be by air. I don't think I could stand a ride that long...hehehehe. Thanks for your comments.

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Juanalejo What are they saying about Quito (besides there not being much to do...LOL). I will see what I can do about travelling there. It might be a little difficult, because the month that I will spend in Quito/surrounding areas will be as a tour leader for a bunch of college students, so I won't have the liberty to travel much. I'll have to check out that site you mentioned.

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Monpirri Thank you for being so informative. And you have given me another angle for possible study...cumbia! I am not sure if I have heard cumbia (I probably have and just did not know the name of the genre). Can you suggest any songs/artists so that I can look them up and hear what it sounds like? Is there any specific part of Colombia where cumbia is more prominent?

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Caslug Thanks for the suggestions on salsa clubs. If you say that 80% of the men know the basics, then that works for me. One thing I'm not too keen on is what I call "ballroom salsa"...LOL. Those are the spots that salsa for show, and in my opinion less for enjoyment. The places I go here attract a lively audience who just like to dance, feel the music, and have fun. And the "late twenties and up" crowd...I can get with that. Being 25 myself, that sounds perfect for me.

Thanks again.

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Albatross Yeah that song is right on point. I love it, and it works very well for the arguments I am presenting in my thesis. Now, on what you had to say about being a gringa in Cali...what do you think about Cartagena? I know that several members have mentioned to me that it is very safe. When I looked it up, I noticed that it was on the coast (not a very big turn on, because it must be hot and humid, whereas from what I've been told, Cali is just hot...LOL). Also, is it very touristy? Whatever city I go with, I want it to have an authentic flair, and most tourist spots try to cater to their visitors by adding elements that are considered "agreeable" to them. Is there any salsa in CTG?

Thanks!

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

To G5...about the salsa Actually, Grupo Niche has quite a few songs that deal with real topics. I'm not saying that every single song on their album does, but I have found a good amount that do.

And please believe me when I say that my safety is my primary concern. I can't complete my thesis and research if anything happens to me, so of course that is #1.

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

To G5 First of all, let me say that I do take into consideration EVERY piece of advice, good or bad, and normally I try to respond to all posts (please reread my other posts). I may not have done that tonight, because there have been many responses since my last visit and I unfortunately do not have hours to sit here tonight and respond to each one. If I was only taking into account the positive things people had to say, then I still would not be in this dilemma and would've paid the necessary funds to start my program in Cali. However, after listening to also the negative stuff, I am very aprehensive about going. I just want to get a general consensus of what everyone thinks, and at this point there are mixed feelings about Cali.

As far as the brother is concerned, I do realize that I cannot totally depend on him. In fact, if he is anything like his brother who is here, he must be very unreliable! That was also another concern (which I addressed in a previous post) that he might not be there to help me and I would be on my own.

The salsa thing...my reason for choosing salsa music would have to be because I'm really into it (#1 reason). And yes, there are various themes that are expressed via salsa, some more meaningful than others. However, for a professional document like a thesis, my theme has to be focused, so therefore my selection of salsa music is also focused. I listen to the real consciencious salsa (artists such as Joe Arroyo, Fruko, Grupo Niche, just to name a few) who touch on real issues in some of their songs. Some of the songs that I have been working with, just to give you an idea, are "Rebelion," "Han cogido la cosa," "Colombia tierra querida", just to name a few. I'm looking at factors such as nationalism, racism, identity, etc. I am hoping to find other musical selections if I go to Colombia, because stuff like that is a little harder to find here. And I have not ruled out other genres. I cannot include them all, because as I mentioned the thesis has to be very focused, but I have considered other genres with significant lyrical content. If you could suggest some other styles to consider that would be great.

And, believe it or not, I have been looking at other countries for possible study. I will be going to PR in March for about a week, then Ecuador again this summer. People have been trying to convince me to go to Quito for a semester and study there, but from what I saw last summer there was not a big salsa scene, and to be quite honest I did not like it there. I loved it in Esmeraldas, but there is no school for me to study at. Plus it seemed to be all about reggaeton, and I'm not a big fan of that style of music.

So, in closing, I just wanted to let you know that I do consider what everyone says up here, be it good or bad. I am not 100% sold on Cali just yet, but doing what I think is right by being cautious and asking those who know. I appreciate your comments as well as the others.

Thanks for wishing me good luck

Southern_Dyme comments on Documenting my plastic surgery in Bogota

Wow Latina,

it sounds like you have thoroughly done your research. I do wish you the best of luck, and I hope that the results are everything that you want them to be.

Southern_Dyme comments on Moving to Colombia

litost yes you did post in the wrong thread, but I enjoyed reading your comment anyhow!

Southern_Dyme comments on Cost of living in Cali

I agree w/ Mike I am originally from NC, spent the majority of my life there, and it is a great state with some of everything to offer.

CJW

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

I must say that I had a very entertaining time reading all of your posts. Who needs soap operas when you have all of this action going on in here! LOL. But do you know what? As interested as this reading has been, I'm more confused than ever about what to do! Some people say go for it (Cali), others say stay away from it, and I don't know what to do anymore. I just know that I HAVE to get out of the U.S.

FOR THOSE WHO SAID STUDY SALSA ELSEWHERE
The reason I did not choose Puerto Rico (as some of you suggested) is because I have a good friend of mine who is studying in PR this entire schoolyear (she has been there since August and will be returning this May) and she informed me that the younger generation is more into reggaeton now than salsa. If I were to go to school there, I would be in more contact with the younger crowd. I'm not saying that I couldn't go out and meet a more mature crowd and conduct my interviews, but it wouldn't be as accessible as it would if I could interview my peers. I think Caslug mentioned something about Cuban salsa. Nothing would please me more than to go to Cuba (if only I could). In fact, the place I go salsa every week here is a Cuban spot, but as you mentioned, I shouldn't choose a city because of one club. I definitely agree on that.

Someone suggested I give more detail as to the research that I will be doing. More or less what I will do is take certain songs and examine the lyrical content. From the music my Colombian friends here have suggested that I listen to and their accounts of growing up in Colombia, there are a lot of themes that the people face that are addressed in the songs. Now, before someone mentions this (because I know it's coming if I don't state that I'm aware of it already) I am fully aware that I do not need to come to Colombia to actually do this, nor Cali for that matter. I know this. However, I wanted to go to an area that is prominent in salsa so that I can absorb the "sensation" a little more, and maybe gain some other insight that I didn't have previously. Another part of my research will be to conduct interviews, and perhaps find some other songs that will enhance my thesis (there is slim pickings here).

WHY I DID NOT CHOOSE BOGOTA
The main reason I did not include Bogota as a choice of possible study is because I do not know anyone there, nor anyone who has friends there. I do not directly know anyone in Cali either, but as I have mentioned before, I'm counting on my friend here to come through and tell his brother to look out for me. He also said that the school was a good school, which is another important factor for me. His parents live in Buenaventura, so if I wanted to get away for a weekend visit and see something different, from what he said it's only about 2 hours from Cali. As you can probably tell from my posts up here, I am somewhat afraid of the unknown, and I do not like stepping into a pot of boiling water. So if I have someone to show me around, maybe the water is only lukewarm and not boiling (Cali=lukewarm b/c of possible contacts, Bogota=boiling b/c of no contacts). However, if it is as dangerous as many of you say, then I'm skeptical. Like I mentioned before (I think), my friend has been here in the U.S. nearly 5 years now, so I don't know if things have worsened since then. I'm trying to take that into account as well. I just want to make a very educated decision, because time is drawing near for me to start putting some money down on this venture, and I'm so unsure as to what I should do now.

Felipe, thank you so much for offering your help. I will definitely be emailing you.

Desi, I appreciate you communicating with your family who lives there on my behalf. I'll be looking for the details of your trip when you come back.

As far as Colombians having a valid opinion if they are away from the country....I'm not even touching that one! LOL. I am not in a position to say whether their opinion is valid or not. I think what the bottom line is that everyone will have a different perception of a certain place because we all are different, our interests and activities vary, so on and so forth. So I think that's the reason that their outtake on Cali (which is positive) and some of the other PBH members accounts (some positive, some negative) are so different. I do appreciate hearing the good and bad, so I am thankful for all of your accounts, suggestions, and advice. Thank you also for those of you who answered some of the questions on my list. I can definitely do jeans!

As always, I appreciate you all. You are great people to take time out of your day to help a stranger out.

CJW

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Once again I have found all of your advice extremely helpful. Thank you to those of you who have responded.

Tinto: You are so right. Due to the fact that we all have different experiences, it tends to shape our view of a certain place. Perhaps my teacher had a bad experience in Bogota and that’s why she does not think too highly of it. She strongly recommended Barranquilla to me, but after looking at the temps, I scratched that off my list really quick. That’s why I wanted to get other people’s opinions to see what they thought of these places, and I appreciate your response.

Desi: When I originally looked for countries that had strong ties to salsa, Colombia was the first to come up. Then I learned of Cali, the salsa capital, so this has had a major influence on my decision. I plan to enroll in a university (hopefully Universidad Santiago de Cali), as well as pursue my research on the side. What I meant by “fitting in� was that I should be ok as long as I keep my mouth shut. Once I open it and my accent comes out, it’s all over! LOL. I plan to keep a low profile and try to assimilate as much as possible so that I don’t stand out. As far as having my guard up, that’s an automatic. I’m from a small town but have lived in a big city for a little over one year now, and although I cannot say that I’m 100% used to living here just yet, the one thing I am sure about is that I’m always on guard. I just hope that it will be enough to get me by in Cali, or any other part of COL if I decide to go somewhere else.

Crazy4Cali: The only options I am considering are homestays or living on campus. I do not think that I’m ready to live in an apartment there. At first, I was 100% sold on the homestay, because it’s the best way to learn some of the culture, interact with people, and experience authentic foods without having to dine out. But, I was talking with someone yesterday and they have scared me a bit with the homestay, because they presented a scenario that I did not previously consider: what if the host family tries to cause me some type of harm? Maybe I’m going overboard with it now (or perhaps it may seem that I’m being over paranoid), but then again I don’t want to be naïve. What is your take on this?

Caslug: I do like to go out as well, especially salsa dancing, which I do here at least once a week. However, until I become more familiar with my surroundings and meet locals, I probably won’t keep up that routine in Colombia. I do indeed plan to live a low profile life, and I want to learn the bad areas right away so that I won’t find myself in a bad situation (by the way, do you know the name of any of the dangerous parts?). I am hoping that my friend here will come through for me and have his brother, who lives in Cali, to look out for me. I’ve heard so much negativity about avenida Sexta that I’m scared to even go there in the daytime! LOL. I know for sure that I will not go there at night, or if I do it will be with people that I trust.


QUESTIONS FOR ANYONE WHO IS WILLING TO ANSWER THEM: I have a few questions that I cannot seem to find the answers to online despite all of my searching. Perhaps some of you can help me out? Thanks!

1.What current issues are taking place in Colombia, but especially in Cali? I’ve been reading some online newspapers, but according to a member’s post in another forum, the newspapers in COL cannot be regarded as a source for presenting ALL of the news.

2.What is the style of dress there? I will have a limited space, so I want to be sure that I bring the right type of clothing.

3.Are there any colloquialisms specific for Cali?

4.Are there any good modeling agencies? I am doing some modeling now, and would love to be able to continue while I’m abroad, if at all possible.

5.For my extranjeros…is it possible to study abroad in COL as well as find some type of part-time employment (such as teaching English)? I am unclear as to whether I can do that or not on a student visa.

6.What large city in the U.S. would Cali be most comparable with? This will help me to get an idea of what to expect as far as crime and structure is concerned.

7.What dishes (food) are typical of that region of COL?

Thank you for those of you who are willing to answer!

CJW

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Thank you for all of the suggestions and stories you have shared with me. I will attempt to answer everyone in this email.

Desi: I appreciate your input. I think having friends there does make a big difference, and at this point I am unsure as to whether or not I will have anyone to help show me around. I do have a friend here from Cali who told me that he would get his family to look out for me, but this is not a friend I have known for a very long time and I do not know if he will keep his word (I know that when I was in undergrad I made my decision to go to the school based on the fact that someone said they would help me and they did not). The only thing I could hope for is that the school will have someone to help me, but then again they probably will not take me into the city and show me around. If I do not have anyone there to assist me, do you suggest that I still go?

Scottie: I plan to learn all I can while in Colombia. This will make the third Latin American country that I have visited, and I hope it will be everything I think it to be...times 10! What part of Mexico are you in? I lived in Queretaro for about 7 months and I didn't care for it. However, I did meet great friends there and had very few incidents. I hope for the same in Colombia.


Caslug (any anyone else who cares to respond): I have been thoroughly warned to stay out of Bogota, so I think that might be out. As far as some of the other cities are concerned, they might be a possibility. I have been told that if I stick to the coastal areas then I should be safer. However, I do not want to go anywhere that's very hot. A teacher of mine suggested Baranquilla, which I imagine is pretty hot as well because it's near Cartagena. Do you know anything about Baranquilla that you can share with me?


Tomtom: Well, if I do the math correctly, high unemployment does mean more crime, so that is another factor I should consider. Thanks for that bit of info. I know that you have suggested Cartagena to me, but since it is a tourist town, is it very pricey?


GIB: I know that you post a lot in the forums, and in fact I read a post recently where someone said you are just like a Colombian now because you have been in Colombia for several years and have a lot of the streetsmarts one needs to survive. So, when you tell me that Cali is off your list and that even the locals are becoming more weary of the crime, I am all ears. What suggestions do you have for other cities?


Everyone: Again, I want to thank you for responding to my post. I couldn't even express in words how much you all have helped me, and I anxiously await your repsonses!

CJW

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Really? Hi Tom!

Thanks for responding to my post. You have really peaked my interest now, because I am wondering what have you heard/experienced in Cali that made you feel ill-at-ease. Of course, I want to make the safest decision as possible, so any experiences that you can share with me would be very much appreciated. Also, could you give me some info on Cartagena? I will research it a bit on the Internet myself, but most times the results give me a touristic view of the city, and not a realistic one. Are there universities there?

Thanks!

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

Gracias... ...for giving me a very realistic view of what I can possibly expect. I feel a little better about it, but of course, as you said, I will definitely keep my guard up.

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

So True! You have made a good point C4C! I will try to see if they still have any friends there (they've been here in the USA for 4-5 years already) and try to hang out with their friends. I like the COPS comparison that you made. I will keep that in mind when I make my final decision. Thanks for all of your advice.

Southern_Dyme comments on Women traveling to Cali

I have somewhat Crazy4Cali,

some of my Colombian friends here have family members in that area, but since the family is heavily involved in politics, I am afraid to be associated with them because I do not want someone to harm me for being associated with them. Any more suggestions?

Thanks for your help.

Southern_Dyme comments on Colombian slang

Thank you for the definition paisa!

Southern_Dyme comments on Colombian slang

Thanks Desi for clearing that up for me! I guess that does make me a bit nosy...LOL.

Southern_Dyme comments on Colombian slang

Bochinchera Hello everyone,

I read the posts that were put up about the word "bochinchera" (someone who makes up lies/stories). I wanted to know if it is also used to refer to someone who is nosy? The reason I ask is because I have a friend who is from Buenaventura and ocassionally he calls me a bochinchera, and I do not make up lies, but he told me it means someone who is nosy. Is this true?

Thanks!