thur has left 317 comments

thur comments on ROBBED AT KNIFE POINT IN BOGOTA! THIS COUNTRY IS DANGEROUS!!

Unfortunate incident. You shouldn't, however, generalise the country or the city... or its people as a matter of fact based on such an event. Robbers are everywhere and it could have happened anywhere. It's a question of being at the wrong place at the wrong time and with the unlucky addition of having these three individuals near as well. At what time and -more importantly- where did this happen? Bogotá has many streets/areas where one must always be vigilant, especially after sunset. Good luck and thanks for sharing (please try not to generalise next time). [edit: if there is such a next time of course, oops!] Greetings,

thur comments on Tu and Usted in Bogota

I'd definitely go with CG's answer. Among good friends, after the 'Tu' they might use the 'Usted' again. However, that's not because they started to be formal again... Greetings,

thur comments on Avianca Airbus319

No PTVs. Greetings,

thur comments on safety of pan american highway from Cali to Pasto

I second Gator's suggestion. From what I've heard Cali to Popayán seems okay, however the advice was "preferably daytime"... but going further down the advice was "daytime only" by friends and family. Greetings,

thur comments on parents coming to Bogota

Dwr makes excellent suggestions. My two cents: A walk on Carrera 7 (and eat a pie at La Cometa), Plaza de Bolivar and surroundings, Candelaria neighbourhoud, Gold Museum (cheap), Botero Collection (free), National Museum (cheap), a Monserrate visit (I wouldn't go to that restaurant though, it's quite expensive and there are several foodstands up there as well where they sell souvenirs), the Botanic Garden, a panoramic view from Monserrate/ Colpatria/ Mirador de la Calera, etc. A daytrip to Zipaquira seems cool, along the way eat a thick arepa with cheese, meat at Andrés or El Humero or El Tizón and don't forget to sweeten your trip (Endulce Tu Paseo) with merengon, quajada (with arequipe or mora) or something like that. If you have time, a stop at any village (Cajicá, Sopó, Tabio, Chía, Cota) for a quick bite on the main square (to get that authentic village feeling). The neighbourhood of Usaquén (Bogotá) has nice restaurants as well, or restaurant La Jugetería in La Macarena (another neighbourhood of Bogotá). Don't forget the empanadas (paisas which I find better, but that's personal), chicharrón, morcilla, papas criollas, longaniza just to get up the cholesterol level and a freshly made juice (guanabana, mora, maracuya or any other fruit) to compensate that. Hmm, there seems to be a lot of eating in my suggestions :-) Greetings,

thur comments on German lessons in Carta, Barraq, Sta. Marta?

Universidad del Norte (Barranquilla) offers courses on several languages, among those 'German' as well: http://www.uninorte.edu.co/extensiones/idiomas/secciones.asp?ID=24 Greetings,

thur comments on 12 killed in MDE a couple of days ago?

It probably was on the local news... today an article in Semana Magazine talks about 12 murders in two days last week. It still comes off as fearmongering talk about the return of so-called bad times: ".. ¿Vuelve la horrible noche? Los recientes asesinatos hacen temer que se acabe la paz relativa que había logrado Medellín (...) Entre el lunes y martes hubo 15 asesinatos, la mayoría ocurridos en los municipios del área metropolitana, una cifra que no se veía desde hace un lustro .." The complete article (in Spanish) is on the website of Semana Magazine, see: http://www.semana.com/wf_InfoArticulo.aspx?idArt=112678 Greetings,

thur comments on HOLA ALL

There will always be someone who'll say he/she stayed at place X or Y and nothing happened... Let's just say that a general rule it's not the nicest part of town. Although the main street is ok, it's way more problematic if you go into the actual neighbourhood (being "Patio Bonito" in this case). You're safer taking one of those bicitaxis then wandering around alone on a Sunday when the streets are more deserted. We used those to go to San Andresito on a Sunday from AC13. Greetings,

thur comments on Best City in Colombia to Live and Why?

My vote would go to Bogotá, period. Greetings,

thur comments on Going to Ecuador from LAX have layover in Bogata what should i know for customs/declaration process?

As viajero123 said, seeing as you won't even enter Colombia... the paperwork (in both Spanish and English) isn't necessary for you. When disembarking and entering the main corridor to passport control there's a sideway to the right for international connections, there you go upstairs where the international concourse is. You'll probably won't be the only one, it seems a piece of cake and 1h40m should be plenty. It's always good to check with the check-in staff and/or the cabin crew and/or ground staff. Greetings,

thur comments on Buses or Taxi from Cartagena to Coveñas and back

We used "Transportes González" from Cartagena to Montería. The minivan took us by Tolú and Coveñas, beautiful sight and it was very tempting to get out at that moment... anyway, we didn't, but were pleased with the air conditioned comfortable minivan. I looked them up on www.paginasamarillas.com.co TRANSPORTES GONZáLEZ Pozón Terminal de Transportes Taquilla 43 Colombia - Bolívar, Cartagena Teléfonos : (57) (5) 6530269 Perhaps it's helpful. Greetings,

thur comments on HOLA ALL

Carrera 92 # 42 Sur is near the neighbourhood "Patio Bonito" in Bogotá. It's with "Sur" (South) added and as long as I'm adding... "Patio Bonito" itself is not particularly a neighbourhood one should be. You can enter "kr 92 #42 sur" for the city of Bogotá on: www.mapas.com.co Greetings,

thur comments on colombian history

My two cents: * Palacios, M. & Safford, F., 2002, Colombia. Fragmented Land, Divided Society, Oxford University Press, New York. * Bushnell, D., 1993, The Making of Modern Colombia: A Nation in Spite of Itself, University of California Press, Los Angeles. Greetings,

thur comments on

Of course the extension needs to be paid, it's about 65.000 COP. There are some experiences with the DAS in Bogotá posted in another thread, that might be worth reading: http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/visa-extension-question-finally-cleared-upbogota-das/ It's advisable to find out the most recent requirements (they tend to differ from city to city) by calling the DAS or make a short visit beforehand to get all the appropiate requirements to be on the safe side and not waste any time on the actual day of the extension. Greetings,

thur comments on Con Piedad Córdoba, Wilson Borja y Alvaro Leyva, entre otros, se abre proceso por 'farcpolítica'

Although one might think of their positions as "suspicious" or "troubling", personally I find the term "farcpolítica" suspicious in itself. It really comes off as a wayyy too obvious counter attack to balance the "parapolítica" atmosphere and therefore I worry about the alterior political motive. The initiation of these investigations was probably also pressured by time to act, following the capture of Raúl Reyes` laptops. We'll see how this will work out... Greetings,

thur comments on Colombia Vive - 25 Anos De Resistencia DVD

I only saw two parts of it, at the time, on the Semana website. I saw the DVD on sale everywhere in Bogotá (pirated copies) and even at Blockbuster for 35.000 COP (or 39.000 COP, I don't recall). The opinions about the documentary are overall pretty positive with the exception of the last chapter which seems to have been made in a hurry or as a "we need a happy ending" closure. Interesting though, I'd certainly recommend it for anyone with an interest in Colombia and its history. Greetings,

thur comments on Ayuda con Bogota, que esperar?

En Transmilenio ha cambiado la cara de la ciudad, la Av. Caracas y otra avenidas estarán totalmente irreconocibles. Igual con el centro como dijeron arriba: Av. Jimenez, Las Aguas, los andenes de las carreras (11, 13, 15), las ciclovías, la uribanización a ambos lados de la Calle 26, Calle 116, Carrera 7, Cuidad Salitre, los centros comerciales inmensos (Gran Estación, Santafé, San Martín, Hayuelos y más). En general hay mucho más órden, mejor señalización, más seguridad, más urbanización... etc. Un saludo,

thur comments on Why is Avianca so confusing?

I don't see what's so confusing about clicking: Viaje Con Nosotros > Equipaje > Equipaje Libre Permitido (on the left). There is a long list, differentiated by destination and class. Same on the English language version: Fly With Us > Baggage > Free Baggage Allowance. Tada! Greetings,

thur comments on 60 Day tourist visa???

A few days before the 60 days are up, you extend your stay at the DAS. You might want to read this link: http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/visa-extension-question-finally-cleared-upbogota-das/ Greetings,

thur comments on Other than avianco any other airlines from BAQ to San Andres?

It might very well be cheaper to buy a package which includes hotel accomodation, (some) meals and the flight. Walk into any travel agency and inquire what offers are on sale. Aerorepública and Avianca (with an 'a') have different deals and you might want to check out the website of Avianca too. Greetings,

thur comments on bus transportation 2 venezuala or brazil

Bogotá to Medellín by bus doesn't take 24 hours, jeez. Expreso Brasilia seems to be the only one offering services from Caracas, but to Cartagena. The other option would be, as said, from Bogotá to Cúcuta which is right on the border (the buscompany Berlinas would be a good choice for that). From there the border and San Cristobal are walkable. Oh, and it's Venezuela. No bus to Brazil, you'd have to fly from Bogotá to Leticia and from there the border with Brazil is walkable. Greetings,

thur comments on "Perro Como Perro" by Carlos Moreno

Nice film. Nothing exceptional, but a nice film to watch though. And: Las ratas se acaban, pero con veneno. Greetings,

thur comments on El Dorado airport issues. What gives?

Gator: I appreciate your expertise on many subjects which I've read here on this board. However, the security checkpoint in Bogotá was moved recently (I left Bogotá april 20th of this year). It used to be: DAS > Duty Free > Security > Gates, now it's: Security > DAS > Duty Free > Gates. Where there used to be the security checkpoint (with X-rays, soldiers doing random manual searches, etc.) was empty... the metal tables were still there the day I left, but there was no one there. A good move by Opaín, the airport operator, if I may say so. The Colombian departure tax (code "CO") is sometimes (depends on the airline and where it is sold: Colombia or abroad) included in the ticket. If you have the fare construction this can be seen, for example a flight sold in the US, from Atlanta to Bogota and back: ATL DL X/MIA AV BOG 270.50BLEP02H2 AV X/FLL 250.00BLEP01FG FL ATL 89.30HS21K1XN NUC 609.80 END ROE 1.00 FARE USD 610.00 XT 5.50YC 7.00XY 5.00XA 30.80US 7.50AY 33.00CO 13.50XF ATL4.50 MIA4.50 FLL4.50. XT, YC, XY, US, AY, CO, XF are all tax codes where the CO code (33 USD here) is the international departure tax of Colombia (tasa) included in the ticket. Greetings,

thur comments on El Dorado airport issues. What gives?

1. Yes, fortunately they moved the security (who can relax at the Juan Valdez seeing that huge line there for security?). Now when you exit the country you have: Security > DAS > Duty Free > Security at the gate (depends which flight). Good move by Opaín (the airport operator). 2. There are two taxes: the exit tax and "timbre". The timbre is never included in the ticket and must be paid in cash at the airline counter (in USD or COP), all Colombian residents pay this _and_ foreigners & Colombians living abroad if their stay was more than 60 days in Colombia. The actual departure tax (TASA) _can_ be included in the ticket if the ticket was bought abroad (it's code is "CO" if you have the fare break down). 3. I was given 90 days in 2006 for my 85 days stay, however last time (2008) I was denied the 90 days stamp despite my 85 days stay. The guy asked whether or not I had a visa (huh?) and then just said "I'm not going to give you 90 days, you want the 60 days stamp or not?"... no point in arguing of course. It's at the officer's discretion, but I'm guessing they have been given the instruction not to give 90 day stamps any longer, period... For the first time _ever_ I had to go to the DAS to pay for an extension of 30 days, have my photo and my fingerprints taken. 4. What tax card are you talking about? Are you referring to the DIAN/ICA 530 form? Officially you were always supposed to keep a copy -just in case- on leaving the country. Although I've never ever been asked about it, I'm guessing it would be in case you would be inspected and they'd have doubt whether or not you entered the country with a particular item (and declared it faithfully). Greetings,

thur comments on Plays in Bogota

Next to concerts, there's also a small theatre section on: www.tuboleta.com The same goes for: www.ticketexpress.com.co The "En Escena" section on: www.vive.in And it might help checking www.eltiempo.com everyday, on some days there's the "No Se Lo Pierda" section on the Bogotá page promoting theatre, music and other cultural events. Greetings,

thur comments on Visa extension question finally cleared up....Bogota DAS

I just went to the DAS office in Bogotá (Calle 100 #11B). You stand in the information line, where they give you the form you'll have to fill out. If you haven't paid yet they'll write the amount and the account number on the back. Payment is done at Bancafé, which is located at Calle 100 #17, right before the office of Foreign Affairs where they give out Colombian passports. Inside Bancafé you'll fill out the deposit form, an example on how to fill it out is available (including which code is for extensions... 103, if I recall correctly). You stand in line and pay the amount (63.800 COP). Back at the DAS office, you stand in line for information again and hand over: 1 photo (white background, they said the blue background is for the "cédula de extranjería"), the receipt from Bancafé, 1 form filled out, 1 copy of your passport photopage and your passport. Then you wait (we waited around 1h15)... if it's the first time they'll call out your name and in the back they take a digital photograph and digital fingerprints. Then, about 20 minutes after that, your passport is given back... without asking another 60 additional days were given. They _only_ let in the actual person doing the paperwork. We got home right before it started raining again :-) Greetings,

thur comments on Venezuela, Colombia, Rhetoric and the Threat of War

".. "I do not want to sound like a warmonger," Ortiz said .." But he sure is acting like one. Colombia and Venezuela have a multi million dollar energy deal, which is essential for Chávez to connect his country to Central America. Even when tensions were high, after Chávez` insults, a cabnet minister attended a conference in Cartagena and talked with Colombia's foreign minister. Recently, Colombia's foreign minister said in an interview that Uribe would be interested in meeting Chávez face to face and, in fact, Chávez is invited to Cartagena in March (El Tiempo 23/2). Although, realisticly speaking, that date might be on too short notice and probably not "special" enough for Chávez to come. However, the intention is there... which is a good sign. According to former military officials in Venezuela, the official military command structure in Venezuela would most probably oppose any action against Colombia. And not only the commanders, but the troops as well. They spoke of some sort of power struggle between Chávez & Co. and the military. The main problem actually is more the "civil bolivarian troops" Chávez has been creating since coming to power... Thirdly, although Chávez officially broke off all contact, Venezuelan diplomats have been in constant contact with Colombian diplomats (in Caracas, Cartagena, Buenos Aires, etc.), discussing the situation and doing some sort of "damage control". The business community has expressed their interest/ concerns on both sides and any action from Venezuela would eventually do Venezuela -and the position of Chávez in particular- more harm than good. IMHO / My 2 cents. Greetings,

thur comments on How can teenagers avoid going in the army?

I don't know exactly how to avoid getting drafted in Colombia. But you're absolutely right to do anything possible to avoid him going... I know people who were forced into military service (despite good Icfes, university applications, money, etc.): it was a year of pure hell (for the people involved and their family). A year of physical and mental abuse, getting sunburned of standing all day in the sun, being cold on the Sabana de Bogotá, harsh conditions of not being able (not allowed) to wash for a week, swollen infected feet, crawling through and eating shit (figuratively and literally), getting bruises, swollen eyes, broken noses... having to put up with bossy kids on a power trip. He'll learn how to smoke, drink, do drugs, be rude to civilians, abuse his position, etc. This was all in/around Bogotá... However, having said that, it might be a bit different now... as he could be put as a bachiller in the transport department (Transmilenio) or something like that. The presidential guard position is also not as harsh, from what I've heard. It's all a waste of money anyway, as most of these drafted kids will never actually be useful to the army. Good luck. Greetings,

thur comments on "Need directions and info''

Shameless selfplug, but here's a picture (#31 & #33) of Carrera 13 with Avenida Calle 39, the next picture (#32) is looking to the other side and you'll see Avenida Caracas with Avenida Calle 39. Not being a Bogotá native, but I'd say it pretty close. Nice neighbourhood: http://picasaweb.google.com/mailthur/BogotaColombia2006/photo#5023200309194167394 Greetings,

thur comments on drinking water in Colombia

"The water in Manizales is one of the BEST in Colombia." That's what they told me as well... Manizales, Medellín, Bogotá is fine. I don't know about other cities. Greetings,

thur comments on What is a good air fare price from Cali to Bogota?

It's better to buy sooner than later: cheap tickets with most restrictions are sold first. The other option would be taking a bus for around 55.000 COP oneway. Greetings,

thur comments on WHO ARE THOSE GUYS?

Hmm... is this a serious question? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Eagles Greetings,

thur comments on Medellin Food! Do the natives just not have money to eat or is it the food that makes them so thin?

I don't seem to gain weight, even though I eat a lot more (really... a _lot_ more) while I'm there. I contribute it to having to walk more and the elevation (Bogotá, for the record) which must have _some_ effect, I think. Greetings,

thur comments on América Latina se distanció de Chávez

I'm pleasently surprised by the reaction of the president of Ecuador, who is considered a real Chávez ally (not so much as Morales of Bolivia, but still). Nice to see that at least three countries seem more realistic than Chávez. Greetings,

thur comments on Bussing from Bogota to Cartagena - advice wanted

It's long... if you have the time I would recommend breaking it up and at the same time grab the chance to explore Medellín for a day or so. You've come this far, so it would be a waste to spent the entire trip in a bus (at night), IMHO. Greetings,

thur comments on Manizales - Bogota accident?

Due to heavy rain, there have been landslides... for the road between Bogotá and Manizales (around Calarcá) the newspaper El Tiempo says it's a "cierre total". Other roads are also partially closed due to rubble, however there are other ways to get to Manizales (albeit that those will take longer): www.eltiempo.com/nacion/vias Greetings,

thur comments on GRINGO BOYFRIEND NOT GOING TO COLOMBIA

Were you planning to take a night bus, which serves as an all city service (stopping in every village) in Boyaca? The incidents that have happened over the last few years all happened at night, which is why I still advise to travel in daytime. Safety, but also to look at the gorgeous landscape (green mountains, deep valleys, rivers, fog, vendors...). He _is_ missing out on a great opportunity, even more so if he would be in the company of you and your family. Even my 60 year-old father goes every year to Colombia with his wife (my mother, for the record) and they'll be doing so in a few weeks for 3 whole months this time. Greetings,

thur comments on Where are all of the photos?

*cough* signature link *cough* Greetings,

thur comments on Vaccinations for Parque Tayrona...

No vaccinations and generally no visa required to enter Colombia. However: A vaccination against Yellow Fever is indispensable if your travel plans include one of the following destinations: Tayrona National Park, Ciudad Perdida (the Lost City) or Leticia/ Amazon Basin. According to government regulations you will have to provide evidence of vaccination 10 days before traveling to these areas. ( www.deunacolombia.com ). Greetings,

thur comments on Travel Agency in Bogota with no mañana's

Hmm... I think it's because of the visa that they can't say on which plane you'll be leaving. A travel agency can only "hold" a reservation for 3 days, the visa takes up to 15 (work) days. They can't book your tickets, because they'll have to wait for the visa (otherwise you'd loose the money). They can make a new reservation every three days, but probably on a different plane, perhaps even a different company or date. Meanwhile, the webpage of the Dutch Embassy in Bogotá has a list of 17 travel agencies which offer vacations to Aruba and are authorised to accept visa requests for them, see: http://colombia.nlembajada.org/asuntos_consulares/requisitos > Visa de corta estadía en Aruba. Good luck. Greetings,

thur comments on from cali to bogota by bus

About 8 hours. Yes. Yes. About 53.000 COP one way on Expreso Bolivariano. If it's low season a reduction in price is possible. Greetings,

thur comments on CHeck out my Dad's New Hotel. One Block away from the Bus Station in Cali

Looks nice...

thur comments on ATM Camera - Records - Money Stolen Eventually??

There's no need to get al dramatic about possible ATM or creditcard fraud. Skimming of cards (debit & credit) can happen everywhere and Colombia is no exception. Criminals can place a cardreading in front of the slot or hide a spycam to view the code. It happens in Europe, it happens in Colombia... in El Tiempo of today it is mentioned as well: -- Pilas con... Las bandas de asaltantes que operan en los cajeros automáticos de la capital, ubicando pequeñas cámaras en los cubículos para obtener las claves de las tarjetas. -- Use common sense, check the ATM for abnormalities, don't accept help if faced with problems and use your other hand to shield the pad when entering your code. Greetings,

thur comments on Colombianos tendrán lluvia de opciones para viajar a Estados Unidos

If it really were "open skies" (cielos abiertos) there wouldn't be any restriction at all. It's a simple renegotiation to amplify the frecuencies in a bilateral agreement. Greetings,

thur comments on Help Identifying Popular Colombian Songs

#1 could be Juanes with his new single "Me Enamora": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWA59qwfGL0 Greetings,

thur comments on French Visa

One should apply for the Schengen visa where the most amount of time will be spent. In case that's unclear or equal amount of time in spent in several countries then one should apply for the visa at the embassy of the point of entry. On the application form one's asked for reservations that cover the entire trip, applying to Portugal in this case seems impossible (although I don't know how strict the Portuguese embassy is in enforcing the rules). "- Reserva de hotel. La reserva de hotel debe cubrir exactamente todos los días y las fechas del período que cubre la reserva de vuelo, especialmente si se planea visitar más de un país Schengen, en cuyo caso, debe incluir también estas reservas. Una declaración como “un buen hotel" es insuficiente e inaceptable." Whether or not a French transit visa is required while being in the posession of a valid UK visa (for tourists) is best to be inquired at the French embassy seeing as the above statement is rather unclear about which type of visa exempt the colombian from having to apply for a transit visa. Greetings,

thur comments on HOW MUCH DO YOU PAY FOR AIRFARE TO COLOMBIA??????

For Amsterdam - Bogotá (via Paris: Air France or Madrid: Iberia), my parents and I have paid the following for a roundtrip ticket including all taxes and surcharges per person: 945 EUR in 2005 with Air France (booked 2 months in advance for the first week of July) 885 EUR in 2006 with Iberia (booked 6 months in advance for the first week of November) 995 EUR in 2007 with Iberia (booked 3 months in advance for the second week of January) 860 EUR in 2007 with BA/Virgin/Continental (_almost_ booked 1 month in advance for May) 1045 EUR in 2008 with Iberia (booked 2 months in advance for the second week of January) When we do book, we are flexible with the dates and choose the cheapest option that comes up without going via de US (just because I wish to avoid my parents the hassle of US customs and security). However, Delta usually is the cheapest option available coming up with prices which are 30 to 50 EUR below Iberia's. Greetings,

thur comments on Direct flights from Europe to Bogota?

What kat1 says. Amsterdam is not an option as it has no direct airlink with Bogotá and going via London (which is complicated) means connecting elsewhere again. I believe that if Air France is chosen, the leg between Brussels and Paris is by train and Air France is better than Iberia. Having said that however... Madrid is very easy (easier) to transfer at (if using Iberia or Avianca and therefor using Terminal 4 and 4S). Play with the dates to get the best price and connection at: www.vliegtarieven.be Greetings,

thur comments on cheapest way london-cali?

Be as flexible as possible with your dates and the time you wish to spent in Colombia (some tickets are cheaper depending validity: 1m, 45d, 3m, etc.). You can search for tickets on www.ebookers.co.uk , www.expedia.co.uk or www.opodo.co.uk , but don't forget to check the actual websites of the airline (Air France, Iberia, among others) to see if they can offer you the same thing with less (administrative) costs. I don't know other price comparison sites designed for the British market... Although Air Comet might offer cheap tickets online (sometimes, in my experience they've been just as expensive as other carriers), they only fly from Madrid. This means buying a _seperate_ ticket from your country to Madrid, picking up luggage (they don't interline), security and checking in again. A delay, cancellation or any other problem with one leg of your journey means big problems for the next (as there are two seperate tickets). Air Comet (as was Air Madrid at the time) focuses on the Spanish (and Colombians in Spain) market. I've never flown via the US (although Delta always comes out the cheapest), but I'd glady pay a bit more to avoid a transit in the US and fly Iberia via Madrid (seeing as Air France/KLM, although better, is a lot more expensive here on their home market from Amsterdam). Greetings,

thur comments on Address and Shipping

I would put: Name Surname Cra. 12 # 34 - 56 C a l i _C_O_L_O_M_B_I_A_ The neighbourhood name or the department aren't important, IMHO. Greetings,