Caution

[Cali vet]

It seems an extra dose of caution is in order for those in Cali or on their way there soon like me. On Saturday the 22nd the Cali daily, El Pais reported six kidnappings at least some atributed to the FARC. An ex -beauty queen and her boy friend were taken in front of the Cafe Americano on Avenida Sexta, the son of an industrialist was taken in Ginebra at one of the restaurants there (north of Cali, great sancocho restaurants in the country for weekend visiters) a school bus driver out with his family and two others on a finca close in to Cali. So as they say, Pilas! Hopefully this not a sign of the recent talk of the FARC bringing the war to the cities. Don't mean to sound alarmist. I myself am off to Cali in a couple of weeks.

[Colonialjd]

... in response to Caution, posted by Cali vet on Aug 28, 2001

"Caution in Cali" is kind of a double edge sword.  Conservative behavior and understated attire are obvious.  My spanish is highly proficient, but I sound more like a  Mexican than a Colombian.  Nor do I look like a Colombian.  What suggestions do you have for exercising Caution?  

Thanks:  Jim

P.S. I will not let this stop me from traveling.

[Cali vet]

... in response to suggested precautions?, posted by Colonialjd on Aug 30, 2001

No nothing special, just a reminder to everyone to "estar pilas" as there seems to be some extra kidnapping activity going on this week in Cali. I'm still trying to figure out what the FARC think they're doing kidnapping a school bus driver!

[Hoda]

... in response to Caution, posted by Cali vet on Aug 28, 2001

C-V...

Guys still need to respect the "Street Crime" aspect of going down south. Keep things on a low profile (leave the jewelry & the Proud to be an American T-shirts at home). Get the 411 on any area you plan on visiting. Before I hit the streets in Cali, I usually check out the local paper several days before I arrive. I also watch the local & national news on T.V. in the morning.

FARC is still a threat...No Doubt! The Colombian army's cojones are starting to grow, with their U.S. backed training actually starting to show some results. IMO, with the current political climate, if FARC messes with the city folk too much, it could backfire on them. New laws signed by Pastrana, are giving the army some more muscle. FARC's support/influence outside their safe havens is slim & none to say the least. Patience with both Pastrana & FARC are at an all time low...

I plan on squeezing one more trip out this year. As long as American Airlines is flying, I'm going. I plan on having my lady outta there way before the next election.

Peace...Hoda