Thededalus has left 48 comments

Thededalus comments on Four Family Members Assassinated In N. Bogota (Modelia)

Modelia I just want to second what GIB said about Modelia. I lived their for nearly a year, albeit awhile ago, from '98 to '99. As compared to most neighborhoods that I've been to in Bogota, Modelia was quite relaxed. I rarely ever felt unsafe there...

Thededalus comments on Colombians!!!!

Juanalejo I agree a Colombian's opinion of the US, or anywhere else for that matter, is fair game...

Still, if I'm understanding you correctly, I don't know why you lump me in with Americans who "know" they are right and dismiss foreigners as having no right to an opinion...or why you would think I deserve the same...

Anyway, for what it's worth, I feel as though the overwhelming sentiment toward Colombia from the non-Colombians on PBH is positive, but maybe my not being Colombian probably makes me less sensitive to the criticism.

Thededalus comments on Colombians!!!!

Anyway... to share my two cents…

I’ve long been perplexed about the bit about how much warmer Colombians are. Colombians are indeed warm, and it isn’t uncommon, say, in a family social function, to be openly welcomed into someone’s home. I would get invitations to a pueblo, finca or restaurant by people I barely just met. This would make me feel a little awkward, as I wasn’t accustomed to this sort of thing, but I would usually still hesitantly accept. However, I soon learned that these sort of invites usually fall through, and so, I began to enthusiastically accept almost any invites, safe in the knowledge that it was likely meaningless. If on the off-chance, the invitation was legitimate, then awkwardness aside, I would see something new. Some would call this warmness while others might call it superficial. I feel rather quite neutral about it. It becomes predictable and you just adapt.

Also, I fully understand complaints of arrogance and ignorance in the US, and it’s certainly a problem. On the other hand, while they are probably in the minority, I personally know lots of people who don’t have this problem. (At the end of the day, it’s who you know, and not where you are, that affects your opinion of a place.) And, this problem isn’t entirely exclusive to the US. When I go to Colombia, I come across my fair share of stereotyping. When meeting people for the first time, it’s not uncommon for a Colombian to share almost straight away their opinion or ask questions that tend to boost their self-image: Americans are cold, they only eat frozen food, they have no rumba, etc. There is a certain amount of truth in all of this, but it becomes fairly repetitive after awhile…much like when someone here in the US instantly asks me about the drugs after the first time they learn I spent a year in Colombia. In my experience, Colombians, true to the stereotype, do have closer families, while Americans tend to have closer friends. I personally came away from my time there with very few close male friends, which also seems to be true of the other ex-pats I have met and known.

Anyway, I’m not trying to drag Colombia down, but add a little to the perspective. I love Colombia and still hope to go back on a semi-permanent basis. Like others here, I prefer the urban life of Bogota to the cookie-cuttery of US suburbia…. But again, in the end, it’s mostly about who you know…

Cheers.

Thededalus comments on Colombians!!!!

Juanalejo I relate to your frustration you experienced when you were told to leave the US if you're going to be critical.

Awhile back I started a post about my negative experiences in Colombia, and somebody got offended and suggested that I stay back home in suburbia.

That somebody was you...

Thededalus comments on Salitre Plaza

That Pot & Kettle Thing "What is your problem? Where have you been all your life. The United States love affair with capitalism is ALL OVER!
Live with it. If you are going to respond to my comments please use common sense. I know I would appreciate. By the way, have you ever agreed with any posts in these rooms?

Maybe your a mushroom and we should feed you sh...t."

Um, Franko...why all the condescension???

Thededalus comments on Colombian magazine lashes out against Hollywood's depiction of Colombia!

I saw Bedazzled in Bogota. The crowd laughed histerically when Brenden Fraser realized he was a Colombian drug dealer.

Thededalus comments on Alerting the authorities about suspected narco-traffickers?

ColX or you can have'em whacked vigilante style

Thededalus comments on Questions on Bogota

Buster 4 points is nice, as you would expect. It's close to the airport and a nice mall, the Salitre Plaza. The part of town is safe, if not a little boring.

I've been thru Suba, but it was a long time ago. I'll let someone else comment.

Thededalus comments on GIRLFRIEND AFRAID OF THE USA

... Why not just persuade her to visit?

Asking someone to move somewhere they've never been is maybe a bit much.

Thededalus comments on College in colombia?

... Gildardo,

As kiki wrote, it would be better to finish your degree in the US. However, if you do it right, you could probably spend quite some time studying in Colombia. In my case, I think my university required my last 15 or 30 hours of credit to be taken there to get a degree in their name.

Anyway, I studied in Bogota for a year and took several engineering courses (two civil), for which I got credit from my US university. What you really need to do is have these courses pre-approved by your uni and find a Colombian program that is ABET approved. In 98-99, Los Andes and La Javeriana were the only universities in Colombia to have this approval.

I can't stress the ABET approval enough. Without it, I would never have had my work recognized back home.

Thededalus comments on Superstitions

... I don't know if this qualifies as a superstition, but have you ever noticed the frequency of old ladies (and some young ones too) who sit above their seats on the busetas to let the germs escape before they sit all the way down?

Also, I was told more than once that being shat on by a pigieon is good luck. Go figure.

Thededalus comments on There goes the neighborhood

Tim Hortons I live in Dayton, OH, and we have at least two Tim Horton's now.

Thededalus comments on RECENT Experience Learning Spanish in Colombia, especially Bogota

3 Months If your goal is actually to learn Spanish I don't think anything under 3 months is worth your time.

I had studied for 6 years before going to Bogota, and it took me every bit of 3 months to reach a level that I would dare to describe as fluent. I communicated well enough in the beginning, as my basics were pretty good, but it takes awhile to reach a certain comfort level. For everyone it's different, but 1 or 2 weeks will, in my opinion, will do very little for you, especially if you have no previous class experience.

Thededalus comments on Spanglish, any good?

Shazcas To be honest I haven't seen it, but just the other night two friends (an American and his Mexican fiancee) were telling me I should watch it. I had the impression that anybody who has had the Latin/Bilingual experience could appreciate it.

Thededalus comments on Have any of the people who write text on this page , ever been to colombia?

My 2 Pesos Gabo,

You say many gringos in defense of the US, fall into making relativistic arguments. Fair enough, but Colombians on this forum have done the same. I posted actual examples of bad experiences in Colombia. It was rudely suggested that I "stay home", and my examples were dismissed as typical of any big city. I was accused of having nothing better to do than bash Colombia, as if my goal was to tarnish the country for which I have explicity expressed a great deal of affection.

You also say that Colombians criticise their country to no end, but that many Americans refuse to do any such thing. Look at it however you want, but it is ignorant to suggest that Bush has few or no critics in his own country. In case you didn't notice, nearly half of those who voted, voted for GWB's opponent last November. I'm no fan of Bush, and I follow politics heavily, but it strikes me as pretty irresponsible to suggest that the worst enemy of the world is the US.

Miamimike,

In case you weren't aware, you can edit your post without making an additional post.

Thededalus comments on More Modern, Nicer City: Medellin or Monterrey, Mexico

My 2 Pesos My experience with both is scant, about three days each.

Monterrey, to me, is probably more attractive, especially the Macroplaza area. In fact, I kind of have it ranked as the nicest overall Latin American city that I've been too.

Nevertheless, I had a great time when I went to Medellin. The ladies were friendly and I definitely enjoyed the nightlife a bit more.

Thededalus comments on Colombian names for baby girl (save my marriage)

I think Monica & Emma work well in both English and Spanish

There's also:

Gloria
Victoria

Thededalus comments on Great Dentists In Colombia--Edited for Positive Factor !!

Miamimike Excellent post.

Before my last trip to Colombia in August, my plastic retainer broke. I called my dentist to see how much it would cost to replace...$175. I was leaving in a couple of days for Colombia so I decided to wait and have one made in Bogota, hoping it would be cheaper.

Sure enough.

40,000 pesos / $16 US

Thededalus comments on Colombia's Dark Side

... Goose,

Thanks for you response. Your points are well taken (no sarcasm this time). One thing I wanted to clarify is that back in the day (98-99), ATM's pretty much always immediately spit your card back out. I remember this, b/c it has always pissed me off that ever since I returned to the US, ATM's here needlessly hold onto your card until the end of your transaction. I don't recall if every ATM in Colombia did the immediate "spit" back then, but I know the majority did.

James,

Your points are also well taken...however, not to be a Colombian poo-poo'er, but of your 4 questions, you only have one personal tie, and I'm assuming you've lived most of your life in London. I, on the other hand, lived one year in Bogota, and have personal knowledge of my "Q's". Again, I'm not trying to bash Colombia, and my experiences are unique to me, but the fact that my examples have personal ties, in my opinion, give me reason to believe that this stuff is (or was in my day) higher than in normal big cities.

Back to goose,

Sure, it's all relative. I've probably repeated the same point(s) now 5 or more times to the poor PBH readers, but so be it. I suppose at this point real statistics would shut us all up once and for all. Again, thanks for your post and for your examples. You are right: Bogota isn't the only place that sorry shit happens. And:

"Having said ALL THAT... I absolutely love to see these examples of street crime being posted. I think they can be instructive and helpful for everyone, no matter where they are traveling, and I'd be thrilled to see more of 'em. It's only the inevitable back-and-forth go-nowhere argument that follows that gets old."

A-freakin' Men

Thededalus comments on Colombia's Dark Side

Juanalejo Your points are well taken.

I didn’t realize I was a cog in the wheel of negative PR, which apparently is the real reason that Colombia is lacking investors and kids are on the streets begging for money. I regret posting my real-life examples of things that happened to me or people I know. I now realize how irrelevant they are since US suburbia is an unreasonable comparison. Knowing people who were robbed, sometimes violently, is a mute point since, well, it happens in Quito too. I forgot that since this site is more about pumping up Colombian nationalism, and less about open discussion, that I should only compare Bogotá to places that are equally dangerous or more so – my bad.

Anyways, my apologies to the poor kids on the streets of Bogotá.

And to any prospective travelers out there, my real-life examples are only realistic exaggerations of reality that cannot happen to you. Remember just use common sense.

Thededalus comments on Colombia's Bright Side

ColombianoX I have a feeling that I helped to inspire this post... :)

Nice list.

The biblioteca Luis Angel Arango has the most visits? That surprises me...but, then again, it was always crowded that's for sure.

Thededalus comments on Colombia's Dark Side

Atogob My input here might be outdated, but generally speaking I was extremely uncomfortable in la Candelaria at night. It is dead on the weekends, as well.

If you're downtown, you probably should not walk west of Carrera 10, if even that far. I probably wouldn't go south of calle 1 or so either on foot.

I lived in Modelia, Normandia, el Polo Club and Candelaria for different stints of time. I felt very safe in all those places except, of course, la Candelaria.

Chapinero is generally safe, but also a little shady at night. I think some other threads here, especially in Peter's safety section, go into more detail.

I'll let the others expand on or correct my input from here.

Thededalus comments on Colombia's Dark Side

Gator... "Do any of us who now live here have friends, relatives or neighbors from the USA who have been robbed, assaulted or even murdered in the USA? Sure? That being the case what does Thededalus's post prove?"

Like I said in my original post, I grew up in suburbia, so my experience was skewed. The worst I had heard of regarding people that I *knew* was maybe a couple of stolen car radios. I understand people who are from NY, or Miami, or some other large urban city, or even smaller, rougher towns are more accustomed to this type of stuff.

However, I don't think it is right to just write it off as big city stuff. Do entire in-city buses in NY get robbed? Do taxi drivers take their passengers into alley ways so they can be mugged? Does the mafia show up at your door to steal your newly changed money? Do ATM machines magically swallow your card and take all your money? Some of the stuff is common like having your daypack taking from under your nose, but some of the other crap, I imagine, is rough even by NY standards. As GIB point out, this stuff is less frequent these days, and I hope he's right. But really, who am I hurting by sharing this information, except those who feel this stuff should be ignored or explained away as a matter of national pride?

So my point was to show that Bogotá isn't all roses and sunshine. Maybe to many this is pointing out the obvious, but to others I think it is helpful toward providing a balanced perspective. I love Colombia. I hope that is apparent, but, nevertheless I think it is useful to give examples like these, instead of the typical response here: "Sure, it can be dangerous, but if you use common sense, you'll be fine." Some actual examples, may put a more realistic face on the dangers and annoyances a new traveler might come across.

Meanwhile, Gator, yeah, I thought Los Andes was excellent. I had an great time there...and plenty of exercise :)

Thededalus comments on Colombia's Dark Side

Sebas I went to Los Andes through the ISEP program. When I went, there were quite a few foreigners. Most stayed only a semester, but some stayed for two like me. Offhand, I want to say there was about 15 of us either semester. However, placements to Colombia have since been suspended for safety reasons and Los Andes no longer appears as an available site...

Thededalus comments on Colombia's Dark Side

... UC,

Thanks for reminding me this is really a fantasy site. I had forgotten, but I will get back on track, and post accordingly...Stay tuned for my next post:

Ajiaco: The Greatest Soup Ever in the History of the World!

Thededalus comments on Colombia's Dark Side

... "Thededalus: I think you need to go back home to suburbia and stay there"

I'll do what I want. Thanks for the advice.

"...And it has a problem of street crime like any other nation where there is poor people"

Because it happens elsewhere, Colombian street crime is irrelevant?

"The truth is that the country has a guerrilla/paramilitary conflict which hardly touches directly most of the population"

I'm well aware of the guerrilla/paramilitary conflict and nothing I mentioned has anything at all to do with it.

"and it this specific sense Colombia feels much safer that most other Latinamerican nations"

What are you basing this on?

"because 90% of the things that are to happen, have never happened to us, and although we are aware of the possible danger "

I don't know if you noticed, but everything I listed, at worst, happened to a friend of a friend. I didn't mention stories that someone had heard through the cousin of the mother of some friend's barber. These were regular people.

"who have nothing to do but sit infront of their computer and post in this site 24 hrs a day bashing against Colombia in some supposedly safer part of the world"

I find it funny that after one post, you conclude I have nothing to do but bash Colombia 24 hours a day, especially since I also explicitly wrote that I had a wonderful experience overall. And there is no "supposedly" about it, my part of the world is safer I hate to tell you. Does that mean I think "my part" is "better"? Nowhere have I said that...

What are you afraid of anyways? This post actually might help somebody.

GIB & the rest: Thanks for your posts. Your points are well taken.

Thededalus comments on Why do gringos keep referring to their country as America?

... This has long been a pet-peeve of mine.

If we can't call ourselves an American, what should we use? United-Statesian? Gringo? US citizen? No thanks.

And despite what people say here, I consider Gringo to be slightly derogatory. Once at customs in Bogota, the agent asked if I was 'norteamericano' and I said, "Si, gringo." His face said it all. It was a mix between embarrassment and amusement. Plus, anytime somebody wants to say something anti-American (which, as we know, is pretty frequent), they certainly use "gringo" and nothing else, except maybe "yanki" for a little flavor. On my last trip to Bogota, the following graffiti was particularly amusing: "gringos asesinos." I even have a picture of it.

Don't get me wrong, I use it myself b/c 'norteamericano' isn't specific enough, 'estadounidense' sounds lame and nobody ever uses it, and 'americano' too often triggers the inferiority complex that started this thread.

Thededalus comments on Help with graduate project!

Chickin Wings Are there any good chicken wing places in Colombia???

Thededalus comments on Life is like a box of chocolate, you never know……..

La Avenida de Simon Bolivar When I was an exchange student I stayed at some hotel on the Avenida de Simon Bolivar (I think w/ called 80, but hell if I remember). T'was a classy place with free porn on their 12 inch TV's. When we would tell the locals where we staying, they thought we were crazy. Still though, one of the corner street vendors down the road sold a mean arepa con queso...

Thededalus comments on Has Colombia made you healthier?

I lost weight too I lost 15 lbs over the course of a year (155 to 140 lbs), and I made no conscience effort to any of it. In fact, I ate plenty of El Corral hamburgers, and other junk, as I lived with another college student. I definitely walked more in Bogota, but I don't think that was the whole difference. Either way, being now in the US, I have to watch what I eat or the lbs come back.

Thededalus comments on scare mongering

My 2-Cents on Moore I know some of you guys hate the politics, but I had to comment...

I'm a liberal and very much NOT a fan of Bush, but to the Moore fans on this site:

He's a schmuck. Farenheit 9/11, Bowling for Columbine, his books... are all crap.

Also, if you want to find the "facts" on his movies, the last place you should go is his own website. Do a web search and you should find plenty of sites dedidicated to debunking his distortions.

Trust me, I used to like the guy, but after a little research I discovered that he is a mendacious a-hole just like Bush.

Thededalus comments on Going to University in Bogota

..... PC,

A few more comments.

I also had taken some Spanish literature courses in Spanish back home before going to Bogota and it was a world of difference b/c the US classes were full of gringos who spoke Spanish as a second language...
Be that as it may, you may want to schedule a heavy load and see how it goes. If it proves to be too much, you can drop a couple courses. In fact, I would recommend this anyways, even if you want a lighter load, so you can pick and choose the best classes that suit you.

Also, as for quality of instruction, like everyone else has said here, you should be fine at any of the places mentioned. After that, it really is just hit and miss as, like anywhere else, there are good professors and not-so-good professors. Once you decide on a place, get in touch with their exchange-student office (assuming they have one...los andes does) and ask around about different courses and professors for recommendations.

Location-wise, I would say Javeriana is the best. It's between downtown and la Zona Rosa and along the Carerra 7a, which is one of the main roads, so you have access to loads of transportation. It's also reasonably close to the 26, which takes you to the airport. Good &neighborhoods would include Chapinero or Alto Chapinero.

Thededalus comments on Going to University in Bogota

Los Andes Pcgoldham,

I am an American who studied at Los Andes for one year (two semesters and a summer course). My major was engineering with a minor in Spanish. While at Los Andes, I took several engineering courses, some Spanish courses for foreigners and a Spanish literature course for natives.

My first was the literature course and it was tough, but taught well. To be honest, my Spanish wasn't nearly good enough to be taking the course, but I was fortunate enough to get good help from classmates. The Spanish classes for foreigners were excellent and much more manageable (for me, anyways). The engineering courses (four in total) were mostly just okay. I think the quality of instruction at my home university, with a national good-but-not-great reputation, was better.

That said, I am pleased with the instruction that I got and I was able to do well in these courses. Overall, I took a lighter load than I would have in the US to compensate for my Spanish. You may want to do the same depending on your Spanish level and goals. My question is, how much do you really care about the quality of instruction? For me, it was second to my desire to study abroad, learn Spanish, learn a new culture and not fall behind too much credit-wise back home.

Anyways, if I had to do over again, I would. The los Andes campus is one of prettiest and unique that I've seen, and the students are fine. In my experience they weren't snobs and most were hardly uber-rich. In my limited experience, I didn't notice a difference in the people that I met from Los Andes from students at la Tadeo, la Javeriana or la Nacional. The snobby, rich-kid reputation in my opinion is mostly kicked around by people who haven't went there or don't really know anybody well who has went there.

Thededalus comments on The dumb, ignorant, funny questions you've been asked about Colombia

How about what Colombians ask? I was asked by the tia of my then-girlfriend if Pokeman was Satanic...

And if we only eat canned goods...which in my case isn't far from the truth.

Thededalus comments on Ode to Mad Lion - ADIOS AMIGO!

What Happened? I must have missed the drama.

Why have the posts been deleted? Were they offensive?

Thededalus comments on Any American Football fans in Medellin?

Another 2 cents Plus, if you're a stat guy, there's much more to follow: touchdowns, passing yards, rushing yards, sacks, receptions, tackles, turnovers, etc. Fantasy football adds a whole other dimension to being a fan. Also, football is great because it requires wide range of skills and people of different physical statures. The coaching and strategy, in my opinion, go beyond any other sport.

Thededalus comments on Any American Football fans in Medellin?

My 2 Cents I love American Football, and like cremaster, if I was in Medellin or anywhere, I would have to watch if possible. For better or worse, I'm a huge Cincy Bengal fan.

Anyway, I understand the criticism that American football has too many interruptions and it's complicated. However, the upside is that these interruptions allow for good TV, ie you can get up get food, take a piss, whatever. Also, the structured system allows, in my opinion, more exciting plays. Soccer and Rugby may be continuous, but to me, it's mostly a herd of guys going back and forth. Meanwhile, in American football, you wait and see nothing and then you see an amazing 50 yard touchdown catch that makes it all worthwhile.

As for your comments about the fat guys not being talented, you're just wrong. You don't have to be thin to be athletic. There are plenty of fat guys who never make the pro's because they're nowhere as good as the guys that are there. A lineman's job may look simple, but it's one of the hardest. It takes a lot more than just pushing the guy in front of you. It's probably the most tiring position, as well.

In the end, it's really just about what you grow up with. I played soccer in school and do like it somewhat, but I also played football and grew up watching it as a boy and I like it far, far more.

Thededalus comments on

Phone calls Another comment about the phone calls. If you both are using highspeed internet, use Skype (www.skype.com). It takes 3 seconds to download and its free for internet-to-internet phone calls. If only you have high-speed, then you can use skype to call Bogota for about 6 cents a minute.

Thededalus comments on Cuisine Observations from a newly minted Bogotano

Good Italian There's an Italian restautant next to La Universidad de los Andes that I always really liked, called Mauros. I'm not sure, it might be calle 19 or 20 w/Carerra 1. Basically, it's just above the Uni's north entrance.

Thededalus comments on Visiting Colombia

Bowling You can get a unique bowling experience at San Francisco Bolos (or something like that) thats on the Jimenez just above the Septima. This is in the downtown area, close to the Plaza De Simon Bolivar.

There are no automatic pin-setters, just guys who sit above your pins and then re-set them when you knock them over. They are somewhat theatrical about it, spinning the pins around in their hands as they place them. Anyway, it's pretty fun.

There's also a good Italian restaurant by the Universidad de los Andes that I always liked called "Mauros".

Thededalus comments on Big Thank You!!

Cirrus is fine You'll be fine with Cirrus. You'll find it at about half of the ATM's.

Good luck on your trip. I'm excited for you... I wish I could go back myself :(

Thededalus comments on Hostel in Bogota close to the Zona Rosa?

Zona Rosa Hostel (Almost) La Casona del Patio Amarillo Kra 8 Calle 69-24 (tel: 212 8805). It's in the lonely planet. It's a little far to walk to the Zona Rosa, but you can get there with the mininum cab fair, which I think is 4,000 at night. You can also walk up to the Septima and catch a bus several blocks to Calle 82 and walk down to the Zona Rosa.

I stayed there in August. I think the single person rate was 55,000 pesos a night, but that goes down considerably if you stay with more people. I'm not sure about all the rooms, but when I paid that rate I had a private bath with hot water, a telephone, tv and a small breakfast.

Anyways, I'd highly recommend it. I started out in the Platypus, but it was way too cold and I'm not too fond of the Centro during the weekends. So I changed and didn't regret it one bit.

Thededalus comments on Meeting people in Bogota

Past Forum Itha,

I posted a similar question recently. Anyways, you might find some additional places to go here:

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/node/view/3654

Thededalus comments on Lonely Planet guide to Colombia?

I disagree Andrew,

I lived in Bogota in 98/99 as an exchange student and had the 2nd edition at the time. I thought it was a great book. In fact, I have sinced lost it (something that saddens me to this day). I've seen a couple other guides that I personally thought were pretty bad (sorry I don't remember the publishers). I found the writing in the LP to be personable, down-to-earth, and relevant to the backpacking crowd.

I am going back again for another two weeks this August and so I have borrowed the 3rd edition from the library. Basically, it's a stripped down version of the former guides with some updates in regards to prices, some new locations, etc. I think they cut out some of the more remote locations given the security situation and that maybe they don't have journalists lining up to update the information in those areas. Anyways, I don't think you'll find a better guide book. That aside, this forum is a great resource for what the LP and other books don't cover.

Sam,

If you didn't like the LP, which guides do you recommend?

Thededalus comments on Bogotano Nightlife

Thanks so much for the input. I will definitely hit a number of these places and mix it up between lo uber-cool and down-to-earth.

And, yes, the Pasteleria Francesa is awesome. It's on my list of places I have to go to again...

Thededalus comments on Bogotano Nightlife

dress code Are nice jeans okay for these kinds of places, or do people wear slacks?

Thanks a lot.

Thededalus comments on Bogotano Nightlife

Hi guys. Thanks for the feedback. One question, where San Angel? Is in the Parque 93 that you mentioned?

Thededalus comments on American Express ATM

Visa... Santiago,

Thanks for your reply. How about Visa? I'm thinking instead of buying a prepaid Visa card (again just in case of an emergency). I spoke to a customer service rep and he said it could be used on any ATM with a Visa logo. I asked him specifically about Cirrus and he was non-committal.

You mentioned that Cirrus was co-owned by Visa. Do you know if any Visa card always works with the Cirrus system and/or if the Visa logo itself is prevalent for Colombia ATMs???