Too Dangerous

[Gregory]

Have read a few postings here recently questioning if it is too dangerous right now to visit Colombia. There were very few responses to the posts if I recall correctly. Well I have made plans to go in 6 weeks time and be there during the election. Will be in Bogota and perhaps Bucaramanga. Are the people on this board postponing their trips there? Also for the posters currently in Colombia have you felt less secure there? Ive been twice in Colombia and never have had any problems. My biggest fear there would be to be kidnapped. (have a look at a book called the worlds most dangerous places, authors last name Pelton? scary stuff...) Will the farc be going out of their way to find tourists? Is there a greater threat now of violence to foreigners and kidnapping?  Ah but the lure of colombian woman...

[Zorro]

... in response to Too Dangerous, posted by Gregory on Mar 19, 2002

I was in Bogota on Sunday a week ago for the last elections. Is FARC trying to stop the elections? Yes. Things have definitely heated up. Are your odds of getting in trouble in Colombia greater than here in the U.S.?  Provided you're comparing similar neighborhoods, definitely yes again. No doubt about it, Colombia is dangerous. Even the Colombians are scared. But, if you're in a city with millions of people and being very careful, the odds are you will live to see the U.S. again. But, yes, there's always a chance there will be a bomb in the mall. Stuff like that happens there everyday. This past year here in the U.S, we just got a taste of what it's like there in Colombia.

[valuedcustomer]

... in response to Too Dangerous, posted by Gregory on Mar 19, 2002


I am currently in Bogota.  I have been here for a week and feel safe.  I have seen quiet a few military men with machine guns at street corners.  Otherwise it looks normal.  I have been out late at night and have visited ladies apartments.  Although simple, they are always very clean and well designed.  One one night there was a brief power failure (not due to gorillas).  I went to Park 93, Plaza Santa Barbara, and so forth at night and walked around.  No problem.

[markxport]

... in response to Re: Too Dangerous, posted by valuedcustomer on Mar 20, 2002

When you get a chance, will you tell us more details about your trip.  Did you use an agency?  .....etc.  Enjoy your trip....

Take care,

Mark

[valuedcustomer]

... in response to Where are you staying at???, posted by markxport on Mar 20, 2002


I'm at LAI.  It's a nice place with hotel, agency, and small restaurant attached.  There is also a supermarket down the street.  I met some interesting guys I would like to keep in contact with.

[Gregory]

... in response to Re: Where are you staying at???, posted by valuedcustomer on Mar 20, 2002

Thanks guys for the information on my post.I have a membership to LLM in Bogota. Has anyone used them lately? Also what is the address and tel# of LAI?

[valuedcustomer]

... in response to Too Dangerous, posted by Gregory on Mar 19, 2002

test

[tommi]

... in response to Too Dangerous, posted by Gregory on Mar 19, 2002

Logic says to stay away until after the elections are over. Of course there will be increases FARC and terrorist activities in the coming weeks. If this is your first trip I would suggest you wait. Why take a chance at a time like this. I'm planning on going back in June after the election.

[Chris F]

... in response to Too Dangerous, posted by Gregory on Mar 19, 2002

I will be leaving for Cali for the first time this Saturday. I have been in close contact with a wonderful Calena for the past few months. She was going to tell me not to come if she felt it was too dangerous. Even after what happened this weekend, she talked to her mother and sister and still felt it was ok to come. However, she was going to take me to some beautiful places that are right outside the city. Now she says we are only going to places that have security..(i.e. mall)  I would be lieing to you if I told you that I was not a little bit nervous about going there right now. I due however trust her judgement and I am really looking forward to finally meeting her.

I am staying for 10 days and I will post a report when I get back if anyone is interested.

[Ross2]

... in response to Re: Too Dangerous, posted by Chris F on Mar 19, 2002

Chris F,

I will be interested in hearing your report when you return.

Ross2

[Pete E]

... in response to Too Dangerous, posted by Gregory on Mar 19, 2002

Gregory,
I think there will be a greater chance of terrorist activities(like bombs) between now and the election.I wouldn't let it stop me from going but I would be more carefull where I hung out,like popular public places.As far as kidnapping they already want you but this primarily happens when you drive on the wrong roads out of the city.Don't do that you should be OK.

Pete