Medellin Reports

[Boriman]

I am presently in Medellin And I find it quite safe. The Poblado section has enough security that unless someone does something pretty outrageous it is for the most part safe. I cannot get into too much details except to say that the murder of one of the expatriates was due to some questionable activity. I happen to know some people who were aware of some of his goings on.

If I walk out at night there is security, with guard dogs, lining the hill, that I need to walk up and down to get anywhere. The more dangerous area is El Centro. This is the poor section of Medellin. I was in that area about an hour ago (midnight) and Felt safe. As long as one stays near the clubs, or even near the taxis, one is okay. I was hanging out near three clubs there and no one gave me problems. I do not recommend going to El Centro but if you take precautions (I did not get drunk; entered the neighborhood in a cab; left the neighborhood in a cab; did not flash money; was not loud and did not bring attention to myself) even a bad area can be navigated. You will enjoy Medellin. It is a good place.

[TweedleD]

Hi everyone,

Been thinking of going to Medellin later this year, but have been disturbed by recent reports of violence described in the forums. I was planning of staying at CB, exploring the city during the day during tourist stuff, and enjoying nocturnal activities at CB.

Are the dangers people have been describing in most of the city, or just some parts of it? Of course, foreigners in general are targeted for things like mugging, etc. But are foreigner mongers particularly resented and targeted? And if so, do they target places like CB?

Hoping to hear advice from mongers who are veterans of Medellin.

Thanks!

Http://colombiareports.com/colombia-...rth-study.html

[Kelso1]

Hi everyone,

Been thinking of going to Medellin later this year, but have been disturbed by recent reports of violence described in the forums. I was planning of staying at CB, exploring the city during the day during tourist stuff, and enjoying nocturnal activities at CB.

Are the dangers people have been describing in most of the city, or just some parts of it? Of course, foreigners in general are targeted for things like mugging, etc. But are foreigner mongers particularly resented and targeted? And if so, do they target places like CB?

Hoping to hear advice from mongers who are veterans of Medellin.

Thanks!

MDE is not as safe as you would like. I don't care where you stay each area has had problems with bandits. Your plan has merit, but you will still need to read the board for advice on protecting yourself.

I have been over a lot of Latin America, and the only place I have felt completly safe is in Lima in the Miraflores secton. As far as MDE I have been there about 10 different times, and so far have been robbed twice. Both times were my own fault as I got complacent, and then paid the price.

Good luck on your adventure.

[Manny51]

Hi everyone,

Been thinking of going to Medellin later this year, but have been disturbed by recent reports of violence described in the forums. I was planning of staying at CB, exploring the city during the day during tourist stuff, and enjoying nocturnal activities at CB.

Are the dangers people have been describing in most of the city, or just some parts of it? Of course, foreigners in general are targeted for things like mugging, etc. But are foreigner mongers particularly resented and targeted? And if so, do they target places like CB?

Hoping to hear advice from mongers who are veterans of Medellin.

Thanks!

[Lmarcone]

Or whatever you used on this blows, but thanks for the effor!

In recordings of several security cameras installed in the race 70, have put their attention researchers CTI to identify two men who killed Noah Goldberg, a New Yorker who served as guide to other foreigners visiting the city.

"According to the videos, the site also chatting the two people who killed him," said Metropolitan Police Commander, General Yesid Vasquez.

Abroad. 46, was shot twice, one in the skull and the other on the shoulder, while he was on Wednesday night in a tavern located on the street 70 with 46B.

Without a word, said Gen. Vasquez, the two men who were at a table next to Goldberg committed the crime.

"There was never a discussion or a threat, when they rose from the table after consuming a few beers, took a gun," he said.

"Possibly, kill him, as a commission, we do not know who," the official added.

Besides the videos, the researchers have a jacket and two shirts that the murderers left in flight.

"They were very important evidence," he said Gen. Vasquez.

Some of the testimonies collected by the authorities indicate that in addition to engaging the guidance of foreign tourists, Goldberg also provided or changing money.

The American died before he could be transferred to a hospital.

[Aussie Greg]

Naming of the new bar is closed.

I'll post a detailed list next week then its all up too Medellin Bob, I've done my part.
I think he is picking out five names for the short list and from them, the final name will be drawn at the opening on the 1st July 2012.

A. G.

[Member #4394]

I agree with everything you said. Very good observations on Colombian society. For the "death culture," the whole history of Colombia, especially Medellin, demonstrates it. In Colombia, while the price of putas is cheap, your life is cheap as well. Don't involve with anybody. Don't upset anybody. Let them steal a little from you. Don't resist. That's the best money you would ever spend. Good job.

PS. I, too, like the quote from the primeminister who was talking to his son in Hamlet.

Yeah, I've noticed in my travels that Colombia is one of those countries that attracts a somewhat higher percentage of expats that, while not exactly bad guys, they do have a bit of a "wild side" or "dark side" to them. It could be a risk-taking or devil-may-care attitude; an over-attachment to boozing, the white stuff, or other substances; getting in over their heads in money or business matters, saying the wrong things to the wrong people (whether true or not, doesn't matter) , or a combination of the above.

It's not in good taste to criticize the dead but I wouldn't be surprised if at least one of the factors listed above helped lead to this man's death. Anyway, I'm not going to comment or speculate on a specific case, I'm just giving general observations / advice.

It's important to keep in mind the "death-culture" over there. Life really is cheap down there, let me give you some perspective: I would say around half the girls I dated / sessioned with (or more?) have a man in their life (boyfriend, brother, etc.) that was killed or in jail.

If you get caught by a robber, just hand over your cash and watch (get a fake rolex or two from your local chinatown and wear those when traveling). I try to carry no more than I can afford to lose but at least carry around 80-100k cop of "throw-away" money for these kinds of situations.

Let me put it this way: the guy that is robbing you has probably 1/3 of his friends dead and 1/3 in jail. His dad, brother, cousin, I would say 50% chance gone, dead, or murdered (maybe he witnessed the murder himself as a child or teen). He knows his number is coming up soon, so he will have no qualms whatsoever of taking you out should you give him any resistance or lip.

I agree with the quote above about keeping a low profile / being low-key. No bs, threats, or boasting when talking to people; and if I can borrow a Shakespeare quote (from Hamlet by the way)"neither a borrower nor a lender be" is crucial in Colombia. That alone should eliminate 90% of any potential trouble down there.

[Hillbilly69]

In recordings of several security cameras installed in the race 70, have put their attention researchers CTI to identify two men who killed Noah Goldberg, a New Yorker who served as guide to other foreigners visiting the city.

"According to the videos, the site also chatting the two people who killed him," said Metropolitan Police Commander, General Yesid Vasquez.

Abroad. 46, was shot twice, one in the skull and the other on the shoulder, while he was on Wednesday night in a tavern located on the street 70 with 46B.

Without a word, said Gen. Vasquez, the two men who were at a table next to Goldberg committed the crime.

"There was never a discussion or a threat, when they rose from the table after consuming a few beers, took a gun," he said.

"Possibly, kill him, as a commission, we do not know who," the official added.

Besides the videos, the researchers have a jacket and two shirts that the murderers left in flight.

"They were very important evidence," he said Gen. Vasquez.

Some of the testimonies collected by the authorities indicate that in addition to engaging the guidance of foreign tourists, Goldberg also provided or changing money.

The American died before he could be transferred to a hospital.

[Phunluv]

You have to be careful about what kind of business your in when you are in Colombia. Generally speaking people that are low key don't have problems here.

Yeah, I've noticed in my travels that Colombia is one of those countries that attracts a somewhat higher percentage of expats that, while not exactly bad guys, they do have a bit of a "wild side" or "dark side" to them. It could be a risk-taking or devil-may-care attitude; an over-attachment to boozing, the white stuff, or other substances; getting in over their heads in money or business matters, saying the wrong things to the wrong people (whether true or not, doesn't matter) , or a combination of the above.

It's not in good taste to criticize the dead but I wouldn't be surprised if at least one of the factors listed above helped lead to this man's death. Anyway, I'm not going to comment or speculate on a specific case, I'm just giving general observations / advice.

It's important to keep in mind the "death-culture" over there. Life really is cheap down there, let me give you some perspective: I would say around half the girls I dated / sessioned with (or more?) have a man in their life (boyfriend, brother, etc.) that was killed or in jail.

If you get caught by a robber, just hand over your cash and watch (get a fake rolex or two from your local chinatown and wear those when traveling). I try to carry no more than I can afford to lose but at least carry around 80-100k cop of "throw-away" money for these kinds of situations.

Let me put it this way: the guy that is robbing you has probably 1/3 of his friends dead and 1/3 in jail. His dad, brother, cousin, I would say 50% chance gone, dead, or murdered (maybe he witnessed the murder himself as a child or teen). He knows his number is coming up soon, so he will have no qualms whatsoever of taking you out should you give him any resistance or lip.

I agree with the quote above about keeping a low profile / being low-key. No bs, threats, or boasting when talking to people; and if I can borrow a Shakespeare quote (from Hamlet by the way)"neither a borrower nor a lender be" is crucial in Colombia. That alone should eliminate 90% of any potential trouble down there.

[MedellinExpat]

Here is the local newspaper report for Noah Goldberg:

http://www.elcolombiano.com/BancoCon...cias_clave.asp

You have to be careful about what kind of business your in when you are in Colombia. Generally speaking people that are low key don't have problems here. I have a lot of friends that like Noah and spent alot of time hanging out with him.

Regardless of why it happened I still feel bad for him.

[LocoGringo]

"Ho's R Us", Puto's (my favorite),"Big Bang Theory", ok, ok, bad humor

[Hasideas Tao]

Mojada Mancha (the wet spot) Bufete (the firm) La Granja Paisa (farm)

Corrected, the final list will be pressented on Friday, then its over to MB.

A. G.

[Que Rico]

Locogringo, I have a question about the drug biz. With all the killings in the US and mexico over the drug trade, and this drug war that is never ending, what do you think would happen to society if weed, cocaine and ectasy were legalized in the US at every pharmacy in america. Allow the big drug companies to make it and sell it. I am for it, but I had a discussion with this guy who said if we did the whole society would break down and everyone would use. I don't buy it. I don't smoke and rarely drink. Those drugs are legal. Don't you think it would be a net positive. Also, what do you think would happen to the price if it were legal.

All the bad guys the sociopath cartel members will become farmers for the government and crime will end! Hahahha not really. My guess is they will move to another travesty like more human smuggling, organ sales, bootleg products, immigration fraud. Kidnapping, insurance fraud. Anything to make money fast and illegal.

[LocoGringo]

Locogringo, I have a question about the drug biz. With all the killings in the US and mexico over the drug trade, and this drug war that is never ending, what do you think would happen to society if weed, cocaine and ectasy were legalized in the US at every pharmacy in america. Allow the big drug companies to make it and sell it. I am for it, but I had a discussion with this guy who said if we did the whole society would break down and everyone would use. I don't buy it. I don't smoke and rarely drink. Those drugs are legal. Don't you think it would be a net positive. Also, what do you think would happen to the price if it were legal.

I am still in the drug / alcohol business. I own a rehab even though some of my views are not typical. Marijuana should be legalized, IMHO, not cocaine, heroin and the "harder" drugs. In the 70's you couldn't miss all the bales being dropped from planes / boats. It became nasty in the late 70's / early 80's when cocaine became the smugglers drug of choice. For me alcohol sucks, it is often courage water, was for me and you see it along with harder drugs destroying too many lives. There are, of course, both sides of the arguement. On some you tend to harm others, some you do not. Drug / alcohol abuse is one of the reasons for being an asshole, not an excuse to be one.

Truth is any jitterbug can buy a gun in the US or Colombia and become a self appointed gangster to take your life, didn't used to be so easy, ala organized crime. Today it is bigger, only it is disorganized crime. And then there are the adrenaline junkies, ahhhhhhhh, maybe that is why I chase the elusive perfect pussy.

[Member #4394]

1) For price, there will be marginal or no difference since the government will tax drugs to raise the revenue and discourage consumptions.

2) A calculation of net benefit would be impossible. Not sure if the society will be destroyed, but a legalization of drugs will increase the drug users overall excluding you and a similar few. So for the benefit side, there will be increased govtl revenue, more freedom on drugs, increased corporate revenues, and decreased govtl spending for drug enforcement. For cost side, more public / private spending for drug addicts.

Locogringo, I have a question about the drug biz. With all the killings in the US and mexico over the drug trade, and this drug war that is never ending, what do you think would happen to society if weed, cocaine and ectasy were legalized in the US at every pharmacy in america. Allow the big drug companies to make it and sell it. I am for it, but I had a discussion with this guy who said if we did the whole society would break down and everyone would use. I don't buy it. I don't smoke and rarely drink. Those drugs are legal. Don't you think it would be a net positive. Also, what do you think would happen to the price if it were legal.