Bogota Reports

[Routard]

15 years ago, before I visited Colombia, I had the typical naive view of Colombia like any other foreigner who has never been to Colombia: guerilla, kidnap, Pablo Escobar etc. The first time I went to Colombia, I just couldn't tell it to my friends, as it just seemed madness to go to Colombia. But as soon as I arrived, I just felt in love of the country and its people. The people are so friendly, I just couldn't imagine someone trying to hurt me. I was over confident and blind, just like any one else who is in love. I travelled for years to Colombia as a tourist, nothing ever happened to me, I never felt unsafe and hated people criticizing Colombia. Now I'm living here for 5 years. I still love the country but share also the problems of the Colombians, including safety issues. Crime stats are sky high, although it doesn't target specifically foreigners. Again, nothing ever happened to me, but I don't know a single Colombian in Bogota who hasn't been victim at least once of pettycrime. Thats why safety is a never ending debate on the board, it just depends in which stage your are of your experience of Colombia. I'm now like any other Colombian, I try to give the best possible image of the country, I'm happy to see you guys visiting the country, but I just want you also to go back home safely with only good memories. Enjoy the country but stay alert at anytime.

[OnionBootyFan]

When will you be there?

May 9th-23rd.

[Sangnyc21]

Walking down a street where I can't look at my phone is safe? All for the purpose of getting some pussy!!

Mongering should be fun for the consumer not dangerous especially if you're going to a country where prostitution is legal. Lmao.

This is why Sante Fe is not worth it nor is Centro in Medellin.

I've been to Bogota 3 x and since the last time I went and saw how stupid the prices were getting at Lidos I just stopped going.

49 is definitely a fun club for a foreigner. Pussy house is not unless your Spanish is fluent.

Unless you enjoy the Sante Fe stroll Bogota really doesn't offer much for mongering. Unless you want to pay 800 k pesos for an hour with a hottie from one of the northern clubs.

[Coupe66]

Bluecar, the Fiebre club is in Santa Fe, right? I walked through the area twice, it's one of the slummiest few streets I've ever wandered down, why the hell were you looking at your phones at night there and holding beer bottles, unless you're looking for trouble? I am sorry for the guy who got stabbed. Again, why was he looking at his phone? I spent 11 days in Bogota and didn't have any trouble, and didn't witness any crimes either. You and your friends must be doing something wrong, if crime keeps following you around.

[BlueCar]

There's a few possibilities. Some people just seem to always be at the right place at the right time to observe the wrong things. Other people like to shout "wolf."

30 years ago I took a temp job driving a wrecker in San Diego. When you spend 70-90 hours a week in big city traffic, you're more likely to see accidents happen, than if you're just spending 2 hours on a daily commute. We had one driver who would call in about some horrible accident once or twice a week, people ejected, cars in flame, scattered body parts. Every one was a wreck worthy of a Hollywood action movie..

I have been living in Bogota for 2 1/2 months. I'm bilingual and look / pass as a Colombian and I was with my Colombian friends at that time. I see phone robberies (grab and dash) happen all the time (especially at night). But I don't see people go up to someone and threaten them with a knife because that is probably reserved when the victim is alone and no one else is around. This is the first case I have seen a stabbed person in front of so many people. What the kid told my friend (who was talking to him and helping him the most) is that he was looking at his phone that was on his hand and then one of the guys just grabbed it and he fought back, that's when the other thug stabbed him. The three thugs then just continued walking like it was nothing. They then walked more and eventually passed me and my friends (who were standing outside and waiting for my other friend to show up). That is when we witness the brave kid after getting stabbed limping back toward the guys and then point to them and shout to everyone "Look, they stole my phone! The thugs denied it and continued walking but then 10 seconds later they sprinted away. The kid then walked to the side and sat down and we helped him.

I was looking at my phone too but my Colombian friend who is from the Coast got an empty beer bottle from the ground and was ready on standby to smash it on anyone's head haha. He says the city / town where he is from linches thieves in moments like this but here in Bogota everyone just ignores them. To be fair to the people around that ignored the kid, the blood from his wounds were not noticeable under his dress shirt and jacket. Once he took the jacket off then you could see the blood. I'm still surprised by the audacity the thugs had to do that, they probably did it before and it worked and they it again and it worked. The thugs were not Colombian, they were Venezuelan.

Another comment said why was the kid wearing a dress shirt? 30-50% of the Colombians there were wearing dress shirts. For some reason, they don't link wearing a dress shirt to getting robbed so they wear what they want.

I'm posting the picture of the kid being treated by the Ambulance medic again. This time I'm going to cover his eyes and the medic's eyes.

Disclaimer: this could be Graphic as there is blood on the kid's shirt.

[JjBee62]

I'm sorry for this guy if this is what happened, but how come these things are always happening when you're around ? Last time apparently it was your friend who was robbed in Chapinero. When was this incident in front of Feibre club, day or nightime? Why was he wearing a dress shirt, was he going to a wedding? And saying before that it was a good job the thieves didn't know your friend was an American or they would have taken him on the 'Passeo Millonario' was a ridiculous thing to say, this hasn't happened for years now!

There's a few possibilities. Some people just seem to always be at the right place at the right time to observe the wrong things. Other people like to shout "wolf."

30 years ago I took a temp job driving a wrecker in San Diego. When you spend 70-90 hours a week in big city traffic, you're more likely to see accidents happen, than if you're just spending 2 hours on a daily commute. We had one driver who would call in about some horrible accident once or twice a week, people ejected, cars in flame, scattered body parts. Every one was a wreck worthy of a Hollywood action movie.

Then one day he called to tell everyone about a car that had just exploded, huge fireball. Except this time I was about 2 miles behind him. No fireball, not even a fire. Just a car on the shoulder with a flat tire.

Not many gringos go to the Primer de Mayo area in Bogota. As the story was told, I'm not sure there is a difference between going alone or going with a group. Apparently the victim was stabbed by 3 guys with knives (once by a guy who couldn't have been over 2 feet tall, if he went for the hamstring). 3 gringos without knives vs 3 (2 1/3) Colombians with knives? I'm putting my money on the Colombians unless the gringos are all wearing knee high boots (to foil Mini-Me).

I'm curious why the guys with knives would go to the trouble to: 1. Stabbing the victim, in front of a crowd of people, over a phone; 2. Stab a guy in the hamstring to keep him from chasing them. He'd already been stabbed twice, I'm pretty sure they could have outrun him. Except for the really short guy.

[Coupe66]

I was with a couple of my friends in front of Fiebre club (1 de mayo) this Saturday and then we saw a kid by himself run up to 2 or 3 guys and pointed out to everybody and yelled out "they stole my phone!" There were a lot of people around and no one paid any attention to him. He then fell down. I and my friends approached and helped him. He was stabbed twice in the ribs and once in the hamstring (leg) (They stabbed him there so he wouldn't chase them I guess). We called an ambulance and he had to remove his coat and dress shirt. Don't go to places alone and a phone is not worth your life!

I'm sorry for this guy if this is what happened, but how come these things are always happening when you're around ? Last time apparently it was your friend who was robbed in Chapinero. When was this incident in front of Feibre club, day or nightime? Why was he wearing a dress shirt, was he going to a wedding? And saying before that it was a good job the thieves didn't know your friend was an American or they would have taken him on the 'Passeo Millonario' was a ridiculous thing to say, this hasn't happened for years now!

[BlueCar]

I was with a couple of my friends in front of Fiebre club (1 de mayo) this Saturday and then we saw a kid by himself run up to 2 or 3 guys and pointed out to everybody and yelled out "they stole my phone!" There were a lot of people around and no one paid any attention to him. He then fell down. I and my friends approached and helped him. He was stabbed twice in the ribs and once in the hamstring (leg) (They stabbed him there so he wouldn't chase them I guess). We called an ambulance and he had to remove his coat and dress shirt. Don't go to places alone and a phone is not worth your life!

I believe I uploaded the picture of the kid and it wasn't allowed? Was it to graphic for the board rules?

[Woodman09]

I apologize if this is the wrong board, I looked for an introduction board but couldn't find one.

Anyway, I'm totally new to mongering and never been out of the country. I've read a bunch of posts trying to get an idea of what to expect. However, I was wondering if it's possible to find someone to show me the ropes when I get there, and if so where I can find someone that would be willing to do that?

Another last resort option is bringing a buddy fluent in Spanish with me. I will be traveling to Bogota in May, and will be in Colombia for 2 weeks. I'm open to traveling to other spots as well.

Thanks for your help!

Hi,

Help is available, search CraigsList Colombia for "Tour Guide Travel assistance Woodman".

[MamalaPenga]

When will you be there?

I apologize if this is the wrong board, I looked for an introduction board but couldn't find one.

Anyway, I'm totally new to mongering and never been out of the country. I've read a bunch of posts trying to get an idea of what to expect. However, I was wondering if it's possible to find someone to show me the ropes when I get there, and if so where I can find someone that would be willing to do that?

Another last resort option is bringing a buddy fluent in Spanish with me. I will be traveling to Bogota in May, and will be in Colombia for 2 weeks. I'm open to traveling to other spots as well.

Thanks for your help!

[JjBee62]

I should have added "ask your doctor for advice."

A few last notes on the subject.

1. I've been mixing the generic name with a brand name. The generic name is "methylprednisolone. " One of the brand names is "Prednizone. ".

2. I don't recommend anyone just go out and try random medications without doing research and consulting an expert, especially not on my recommendation.

3. Except as prescribed by a doctor, I don't recommend anyone start a daily regimen, long term, of any medication, and if recommended by a doctor I suggest checking for alternatives.

4. Some of the effects of altitude sickness (difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, dizziness, lack of energy) may possibly be reduced methylprednisolone, since it's also used as a treatment for asthma. I'm somewhat surprised one of the drug companies hasn't tried marketing it for this. Now watch. In 6 months it'll be the latest OTC sensation.

5. Where are all of you guys every time someone is suggesting getting testosterone injections in Colombia, or picking up Viagra, or Cialis without a prescription?

[BlueCar]

I was with a couple of my friends in front of Fiebre club (1 de mayo) this Saturday and then we saw a kid by himself run up to 2 or 3 guys and pointed out to everybody and yelled out "they stole my phone!" There were a lot of people around and no one paid any attention to him. He then fell down. I and my friends approached and helped him. He was stabbed twice in the ribs and once in the hamstring (leg) (They stabbed him there so he wouldn't chase them I guess). We called an ambulance and he had to remove his coat and dress shirt. Don't go to places alone and a phone is not worth your life!

[JjBee62]

Is a steroid, it helps with breathing, it helps put extra cushion around your vertebrae and it lubricates your joints, its a temporary 30-45 days fix, the downside, it elevates blood sugar, weight, and can lead to osteoporosis. It will also eventually lead to a risk of COPD after your lung capacity has been reached. It also increases energy due to the increase tolerance of the respiratory capacity, use with caution, use only when necessary. Try NSAIDs, And Other Anti-inflammatory drugs with less side effects. I've never attempted to buy or retrieve steroids (methylprednisolone) in Colombia, the other drag is this: most pharmacist in Colombia don't give injections, therefore you buy the drug & syringe at the pharmacy and take the medicine to the Dr and the Dr administers it. Hope this helps. Pollo negro is out!

Methylprednizone comes in a pill, dosage pack, with decreasing dosages. My current prescription starts with 6 x 4 MG the first day, then decreases by 1 pill each day, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Same basic effects, but doesn't require an injection. Certainly isn't something I'd suggest taking long term.

I've been dealing with a back problem for almost 30 years now. Been through physical therapy, massage therapy, traction, chiropractic treatment, plus about every combination of pills imaginable. Given the choice between another 6 months of PT, 3 times a week, or taking a pill for a week, I'd rather spend $10 on the pill. Quicker results, cheaper and just as effective.

The doctors prescribed me NSAIDs for years, with no effect, unless I wanted to risk kidney damage from ridiculously high dosages. Now, about every 3 years they'll prescribe me 6 or 7 days of the steroid and I'm mostly pain free for a few years.

[OnionBootyFan]

I apologize if this is the wrong board, I looked for an introduction board but couldn't find one.

Anyway, I'm totally new to mongering and never been out of the country. I've read a bunch of posts trying to get an idea of what to expect. However, I was wondering if it's possible to find someone to show me the ropes when I get there, and if so where I can find someone that would be willing to do that?

Another last resort option is bringing a buddy fluent in Spanish with me. I will be traveling to Bogota in May, and will be in Colombia for 2 weeks. I'm open to traveling to other spots as well.

Thanks for your help!

[YippieKayay]

On my third day in the hotel, I woke up feeling relaxed, so decided to put on my BIG BOY PANTS (copyright Mr Enternational) and walk down to Santa Fe. By the time I got closer though I was feeling pretty nervous, It was midday on Saturday, so maybe not the best time for a lot of choice of chicas? But the selection on the street was actually pretty desperate! Looked more like a scene from the Star Wars bar and I couldn't get out of the place fast enough! Must have only seen about 15 chicas on the streets there. I think for me to take a chica to a room there, she would have to be pretty stunning, so uncomfortable as I felt in the place.

You're about to discover not all Colombian women are attractive or worth fucking. Also, you went to their crack town to find pussy. The barrier of entry there is very low.

The first few days I had lots of transport issues. My hotel called me a regular taxi to go to Parque 93, from Taxi libre. The trip was fine, but on the way back I had to call them twice, it was totally over complicated, the first guy didn't show up, then the guy who finally came drove like a psycho in a little wreck with a broken seatbelt back to my hotel half way up the mountains along Carrera 1 / Diagonal. Another time, I stopped for a break at a bistro and asked them to call me a taxi. The chef had just stopped his shift and was an Uber driver. So by default I used Uber for the first time then. Finally got my act together the next day and registered with Uber. For my first ever Uber trip, the driver was a novice and I was to be his first passenger!? No thanks. I cancelled! But since then have used it a few times, and have to agree it's easily the best way to get about this city, cheap and safe!

You don't need to use uber or have someone call you a taxi. You can flag them down, get in, and its metered. There's a chart you can look at and the meter is a code to the chart. If that explains it properly.

Anyway, I've got 3 more days before going to the coast so hopefully I'll have some more adventures to report before then! Will probably come back to town for a few days before flying home too.

I was in Cartagena recently and its not so good right around now. Too many dudes.