General Info

[Tom 33]

The spraying of toxic chemicals, banned in the US, on land and people in Colombia didn't go down well with the politically-aware citizens.

Do you now how much of that 8 billion could be spent anywhere? Or was it tied to particular US suppliers?

Looks like money well spent anyway...

If they were that politically aware, they should have realized that the US didn't spray anything anywhere. The Colombian government controls what is sprayed and when it is sprayed.

My guess is that very little of the aid could be spent anywhere. Federal dollars to the States can only be spent the way and under the conditions the Federal government wishes.

[Sandman0011]

They are on the US state department site if you really want to know.

Much of it was associated with drug eradication, educating farmers how to grow other cash crops, supporting the military, some road construction, improving telecommunications infrastructure, housing for displaced civil war victims, eduction and other social/medical programs.

Whatever, Uribe has made good use of his close ties with the US. GW has proposed a free trade greement with Colombia and it is getting very good press locally.

The spraying of toxic chemicals, banned in the US, on land and people in Colombia didn't go down well with the politically-aware citizens.

Do you now how much of that 8 billion could be spent anywhere? Or was it tied to particular US suppliers?

Looks like money well spent anyway...

[AddictedToWomen]

Regarding taxis, many forums and guidebooks advise to use only pre-booked taxis, by calling a central reservation line.

This is not as safe as it used to be -- too many illegal, unregistered drivers hijacking the calls. The code they give you is to protect the driver, *not* the passenger.

[AddictedToWomen]

The spraying of toxic chemicals, banned in the US, on land and people in Colombia didn't go down well with the politically-aware citizens.

Do you now how much of that 8 billion could be spent anywhere? Or was it tied to particular US suppliers?

Looks like money well spent anyway...

As to why the US didn't help the Colombian people more.

I responded that we only sent 8 Billion in food, materials, arms, training, drug eradication assistance etc. last year. She looked at me kinda funny and said, "really?"

I asked her how much mother Espania sent last year. She shrugged her shoulders!

I held up a big fat "0" with thumb and index finger connected.

The topic of conversation quickly changed...he he!

[Routard]

Madrugada,

Excellent report about meeting non-pro girls through Internet. The phone issue is 100% true: girls do'nt give their names when they call you just to check if you will remember them. I had a couple of embarrasing situations too in confusing girls on phone or having my phone ringing when busy with another girl.

Regarding the Colombiana myth, I don't know who told you that they are desperate to leave the country. Colombianas love their country, home and family, few would leave Colombia. And they don't do it for the money too, even if most are poor.

For the rest, my experience was very different than yours for a couple of reasons. I came for the non pros, didn't try the pro scene and didn't try the Internet meetings. As you were already busy enough with the Internet meetings, it couldn't allow you to focus on the natural scene. Believe me, the natural non pro scene is amazing!

Why some visitors have poor experience with this scene? Simply for one reason: they didn't try it. This scene doesn't come to you like in some other countries, you have to make the first step. Colombianas are ready to make all the other steps, but the first step is for you. Problem is that most of us has been told for so long in our home countries that approaching a girl is irrespectfull for her. Not in Colombia, any girl being approached feels herself being honored. This is the only thing you need to know about Colombia. It makes all the experience very different.

[MJG Dogs]

At least the Colombianas did not curse at you and spit at you.

[Sandman0011]

As to why the US didn't help the Colombian people more.

I responded that we only sent 8 Billion in food, materials, arms, training, drug eradication assistance etc. last year. She looked at me kinda funny and said, "really?"

I asked her how much mother Espania sent last year. She shrugged her shoulders!

I held up a big fat "0" with thumb and index finger connected.

The topic of conversation quickly changed...he he!

Has anyone noticed the growing feeling of anti-americanism or is it just me? the other day I got a mouthful from a Colombian woman on how we treat their people and I can't help but feel that a good portion of the women feel this way but wouldn't say it.

Thanks

[Texas Slim]

Yes. Do you feel comfortable posting the driver's phone number(s) here?

*Although not fluent, I do speak and understand Spanish enough to get by.

Thanks,

Slim

[Tom 33]

Has anyone noticed the growing feeling of anti-americanism or is it just me? the other day I got a mouthful from a Colombian woman on how we treat their people and I can't help but feel that a good portion of the women feel this way but wouldn't say it.

Thanks

I do not believe that this is representative of Colombians in general. There is always someone who doesn't like something.

[Kickboxer151]

Can any of you guys recommend a "trustworthy" taxi driver that can pick me up from the airport on the late arrival (8:30 p.m.)? I normally have people I know pick me up, but not this time.

*Any recommendations would be appreciated.

I also live in Medellin and here in the USA. I travel very frequently back and forth. I have 2 VERY trustworthy drivers. One speaks perfect English (Alvaro) the other only speaks Spanish. BUT is the BEST driver I have yet to find. His name is Fernando, Married with a kid and happens to be a GREAT and TRUSTING friend. He is my number one choice. Do you want their contact info?

Kb151

[Texas Slim]

Can any of you guys recommend a "trustworthy" taxi driver that can pick me up from the airport on the late arrival (8:30 p.m.)? I normally have people I know pick me up, but not this time.

*Any recommendations would be appreciated.

[Enigma84]

Has anyone noticed the growing feeling of anti-americanism or is it just me? the other day I got a mouthful from a Colombian woman on how we treat their people and I can't help but feel that a good portion of the women feel this way but wouldn't say it.

Thanks

[Hoof Hunter]

This is Colombia.

Remember that sex strike in Pereira by the women??? Didn't last long, huh.

The dudes who would be charged with enforcing this law would be...(guess).... Colombian men.

You really think they're going rat each other out??? Get real. For the price of a beer or a shot of whiskey, heads are turned now against worst things.

This law proposal will get nowhere. Why? Colombian men will have a talk with this idiot senator trying to score points.

Even if it were to get somewhere, Colombian women are VERY forgiving of their men. They turn their heads and play ignorant to this sort of stuff. Why? Short supply of decent dudes, hence why so many Colombianas dominate the internet sites. To lose a good Colombian dude, is to choose to possibly be lonely for a while. Both parties know their respective positions in the relationship. Men KNOW they can get away with cheating, so long as they are discreet about it. Women may even cheat back, but won't leave the dude.

It'll be business as usual in the casas and the strip joints, and prices will remain the same, if not higher, no thanks to the foreigner influx.

Gents,

This story interested me because I'm sure many of the Colombian gentlemen visiting casas (MP's) and strip joints are married. Could such a law cause a drop in attendance by these fellows? Could it cause a deflation of customers to the point where casas and the like will have to drop their prices to attract the lessening number of customers? Mmmmm....
(Reuters)

[Superboy1]

Gents,

This story interested me because I'm sure many of the Colombian gentlemen visiting casas (MP's) and strip joints are married. Could such a law cause a drop in attendance by these fellows? Could it cause a deflation of customers to the point where casas and the like will have to drop their prices to attract the lessening number of customers? Mmmmm....


Wed Sep 5, 9:15 AM ET

BOGOTA (Reuters) - Married Colombians engaged in passionate extra-curricular activities may soon have to think twice about their philandering ways if a senator's proposed legislation punishing adultery gets the green light.

Sen. Edgar Espindola said he has proposed a law that would impose fines and enforced community service as punishment for adulterers in an effort to protect family values and shield children from broken homes.

"I believe a lot of my companions are going to support this initiative," Espindola said on Tuesday. "This project should motivate Colombians to reflect on the importance of the marriage, the home and the importance of family."

He said aggrieved parties could take complaints and evidence such as photographs to local family judges, who would decide to impose fines of up to 20 minimum monthly salaries -- around $4,000 -- and obligatory welfare service.

Spouses forgiven by partners would escape punishment.

Some local radio commentators joked the proposal would get short shrift in Colombia's Congress because lawmakers were likely to want to hide their own indiscretions in the mostly Roman Catholic country.

(Reuters)

mmmm would be nice if they drop the prices, but remember its Colombia, who is going to enforce this law?

Superboy

[madrugada]

madrugada, that post actually inspires me.

Sounds like you werent too worried about safety concerns either, since you never mentioned it.

I prefer youth hostels, too. Dirt cheap, although it might be near impossible to get the privacy needed to sleep with a girl. I assume your make out sessions were in hotels or at the respective woman's residence?

I also like travelling with one single "backpack" instead of a suitcase and a bag.

Downside is US Customs will peg you as a poor nobody and be more likely to target you once you get back.

Actually, I was a bit concerned about safety when I was planning my trip and reading through the stuff in the internet travel forums. A lot of old horror stories can be found there, most of them dating back many years. Others stated "Colombia is 100% safe", so it was difficult to get a clear picture.

After having been there, I´d say the situation in the big cities is not worse than in other large SA cities, such as Lima or Quito. If you use common sense and exercise the same amount of caution you would use in other places in SA, you should be fine. The FARC seems to be still strong, but only in remote provinces where a tourist probably never want to go. And the times when whole cities were run by druglords such as Pablo Escobar are long gone by.

Regarding taxis, many forums and guidebooks advise to use only pre-booked taxis, by calling a central reservation line. I did not try that out - the locals said that normal taxis should be fine and for the radio taxis you need to wait 15-20 minutes. I used at least 2 or 3 taxis per day and never had a problem or felt unsafe. Just make sure you flag down a passing cab instead of taking one that is parked, and do what the locals do: "mira la cara", that means look at the face of the driver, if he looks somehow weird or dangerous, just take another cab.

And yes, hostels can be fun but are not exactly a good place to sleep with a girl, very little privacy. It´s better to go to a hotel. 30-40 USD should get you a simple but decent and clean double room (except in Bogota, which is more expensive). If you don´t know where to go, ask the chica...she always knows a place ;-)