Medellin Reports

It is a little ironic. I was married to a woman from Bogota for 9 years. Colombians can be loud when it comes to watching soccer or hanging out with the family, possibly playing a game. But they are not so loud, I've found, in public or around people they do not know. The average gringo does not seem to care. I have heard gringos (young and old) who are loud and use some pretty bad language. They do not seem to care where they are or who else is there. And of course they are speaking in English, so that may make it seem to be even louder, since it's a language most Colombians don't understand.

I am like a few other posters. I do not keep many gringo friends in Medellin. And most of them I do, we have discussions online, but do not meet and hang out. I prefer to pass time with hot, Colombian chicas, preferably in places most gringo tourists would never go. That said, if I'm in Lleras to have some shots and I see some gringos who are nice and calm and need a little hep with suggestions or language, I'm happy to help and speak to them. It's the obnoxious, loud, know-it-alls (after two trips, perhaps) that I avoid.

[QUOTE=LeyenLouvain;2460334]Given how expressive the Spanish are known to be, it's kind of funny to think that Americans in general could be louder than Colombians.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=ColombiaLover;2460374]It is a little ironic. I was married to a woman from Bogota for 9 years. Colombians can be loud when it comes to watching soccer or hanging out with the family, possibly playing a game. But they are not so loud, I've found, in public or around people they do not know. The average gringo does not seem to care. I have heard gringos (young and old) who are loud and use some pretty bad language. They do not seem to care where they are or who else is there. And of course they are speaking in English, so that may make it seem to be even louder, since it's a language most Colombians don't understand.

I am like a few other posters. I do not keep many gringo friends in Medellin. And most of them I do, we have discussions online, but do not meet and hang out. I prefer to pass time with hot, Colombian chicas, preferably in places most gringo tourists would never go. That said, if I'm in Lleras to have some shots and I see some gringos who are nice and calm and need a little hep with suggestions or language, I'm happy to help and speak to them. It's the obnoxious, loud, know-it-alls (after two trips, perhaps) that I avoid.[/QUOTE]Yes. Overall Colombians are more reserved. Fortunately, that changes when the clothes come off.

Your observations are insightful. Like I said, we don't have to ignore each other in public but we need to maintain situational awareness. In my own case, I don't have many gringo friends either. I am here mostly for the girls, and in secondary order of importance, the climate and the cost of living. I have a few like minded gringo friends I've met through Colombianas. It's all good. From now on I will be more proactive about alerting people who I think might be in risky situations without noticing it. Be safe everybody.

To Pollo Negro, you have my curiosity piqued. Are you OK with sharing more details about the altercation you mentioned?

[QUOTE=ColombiaLover;2460374]It is a little ironic. I was married to a woman from Bogota for 9 years. Colombians can be loud when it comes to watching soccer or hanging out with the family, possibly playing a game. But they are not so loud, I've found, in public or around people they do not know. The average gringo does not seem to care. I have heard gringos (young and old) who are loud and use some pretty bad language. They do not seem to care where they are or who else is there. And of course they are speaking in English, so that may make it seem to be even louder, since it's a language most Colombians don't understand.

I am like a few other posters. I do not keep many gringo friends in Medellin. And most of them I do, we have discussions online, but do not meet and hang out. I prefer to pass time with hot, Colombian chicas, preferably in places most gringo tourists would never go. That said, if I'm in Lleras to have some shots and I see some gringos who are nice and calm and need a little hep with suggestions or language, I'm happy to help and speak to them. It's the obnoxious, loud, know-it-alls (after two trips, perhaps) that I avoid.[/QUOTE]

Wow, sorry to hear that Lugger, but glad you made it out unscathed. I always keep an eye on the other gringos in Centro, be them black, white, or green. I try to pick out mannerisms or behavior that each individual has that stand out from what I perceive to be a local's perspective, or what some no-good might be observing as they stalk their prey. I am an obvious gringo, but I tend to stick to some things that I never really put a ton of thought into, but are just natural. No jewelry, cross-trainer type shoes to not draw attention and to be able to run if needed, no sunglasses, limited phone use, as Knowledge said - try to position myself with something to my back, so there is one less direction to worry about defending, walk with a purpose and avoid walking thru crowds but don't walk on the outskirts like you're scared, puffy chest and chin up, and for whatever reason, I don't mind having a bottle of beer in my hand, and I hold it by the neck. I'm certainly not looking for trouble, but when I set my mind to go to Centro, I know that I am putting myself at more risk of finding trouble. Thus, I have a different frame of mind, and I'm ready for the fight or flight decision.

Anyway, I went to Exito Wow for the VAT day, and bought myself a computer monitor / small tv, for work. It's been great. I also bought Pinky a phone. It was pretty annoying. I had to wait in a separate line, to pay for the phone. I left my full cart by the exit, after having paid for everything. No one even looked at it. I got to the counter after about 20 minutes, and the kid tells me I need a Colombian cedula for the discount. I was pretty frustrated. The initial salesperson should know that, considering I'm a gringo. So, either the communication is poor or they don't care. I started arguing with the two cashiers, and came to realize a cedula needs to be shown. They took my ID and went to get approval. He returned to tell me to go to Information to get my ID approved. Information had 10 people in line, and when I got to the front, what was I going to say? Hey the guy 25 m away told me to come here and show my ID!? So I stormed back and had some lady behind me show her cedula. It boggles my mind how incredibly inconsiderate and stupid some people are. I am holding up a line of 20 people arguing over a cedula when all that needs to happen is some one with a cedula show it to them, and me get the fuck out of everyone's way.

I found out my noise complaint was a farce. A resident on the 2nd floor complained about the 3rd floor unit. The new portero thought it was 12 complaining about 13 (at 1 am). The older portero explained to me and apologized. The manager was disappointed and apologized. I actually approached my downstairs neighbor about it, speaking in Spanish, to find out he is an 87 yo gringo. He talked my ear off for over an hour! He has a younger Paisa wife who takes great care of him, and he loves it here. Really fascinating, but I tried 3 times to wiggle out to go to Exito, and couldn't get loose. I needed some of Lugnut's body oil! Anyway, I was relieved to know they didn't call the portero, and the big issue they have is my oscillating fan in the bedroom being loud (I am a very light sleeper, so it's strange, to me, but I believe them), and my 40 kg elephant of a wife walking around like she has ski boots on!

Internet provider cancelled appointments the last two days, which is getting extremely annoying. My new fire stick / IPTV is not working as I'd hoped. Watching Christmas Vacation, now, and it's not bad, but the soccer games have been pathetic. However, I streamed on my laptop, connected to the new 32" monitor, and it was perfect.

So, to the fun part. Wifey and I had a good looking 20 yo from SA cancel last minute on Friday. We weren't too happy. I hate the last-minute routine. She said she was sick, and sent a picture of a puffy eye. So, we were messaging some girls as I worked out and we grilled some chicken on the terrace. Wifey finally says, fuck it, it's you and me tonight. We hung out in the hot tub for a long time. We ended up having sex in the jacuzzi, then in the upstairs bedroom. When we finally went to bed, we had round two. I was going down on her for what seemed like and eternity. Then, we fucked. It was AMAZING. She said she didn't know how many times she orgasmed. It had to be 7 or 8 times. Insane, and she has been much more carinosa since that night! The girl from Friday messages, yesterday and says she is feeling better after some medication she had been taking. So, Wifey says let's do it. 8 p - 300 k. No rush. No limits. Oral sin. Sex con. She is a bailarina with hot photos. Baby face, a little thick, and we linked on Instagram so I have been watching her dance videos.

Wifey is on one, last night. She wanted some pussy. The girl shows, and we are chatting for 10-15 minutes. She, like another girl recently, asks if I think COVID-19 is a hoax. Wifey is getting ready, still. We go up to the hot tub, it's pouring rain, windy, bath foam flying everywhere. Well, fast forward, and Wifey takes over. Bailarina gives good head, and has a think poundable frame. She and Wifey have an incredible chemistry, for two chicks that have spend about a half hour together. They are all over each other. Wifey was eating her out in the jacuzzi, then told us to go to the bed. Both girls were giving each other orgasms. I fucked Bailarina to finish, with a condom. It was great. I go to throw away the rubber and take a leak, and when I return, they are scissoring. This whole scissoring thing has been an eye opener. I thought scissoring was just for show, but these girls can get off on it. Back to the jacuzzi, and the girls can't keep their hands and mouths off each other. We go for round 2, round 3, what a night. Wifey has been falling out of love with Pinky, because she says I act different when she's here. I explained it's because we're comfortable together, and shit builds up during the week that I don't want to yell at Wifey about and make it awkward, but then after a few beers, and Pinky's ears being available, I unleash my displeasures.

So, Bailarina made for an incredible night and 100% she will be a repeat. Hopefully, at 250 k, next time, but it was well worth it at 300 k. Wifey and I partook in the tussi, and Bailarina abstained. I thought it was really cool that she was able to stand her ground, but not judge, and not make us feel weird about it. Wifey now understands how to manage the high / intake, and it was much better. We consumed much less and it lasted much longer. We ended up hanging out in the jacuzzi for a couple hours after Bailarina left. Good news is, Bailarina left her bikini. She will be back! Photos for your enjoyment.

[QUOTE=ColombiaLover;2460374]It is a little ironic. I was married to a woman from Bogota for 9 years. Colombians can be loud when it comes to watching soccer or hanging out with the family, possibly playing a game. But they are not so loud, I've found, in public or around people they do not know. The average gringo does not seem to care. I have heard gringos (young and old) who are loud and use some pretty bad language. They do not seem to care where they are or who else is there. And of course they are speaking in English, so that may make it seem to be even louder, since it's a language most Colombians don't understand.

I am like a few other posters. I do not keep many gringo friends in Medellin. And most of them I do, we have discussions online, but do not meet and hang out. I prefer to pass time with hot, Colombian chicas, preferably in places most gringo tourists would never go. That said, if I'm in Lleras to have some shots and I see some gringos who are nice and calm and need a little hep with suggestions or language, I'm happy to help and speak to them. It's the obnoxious, loud, know-it-alls (after two trips, perhaps) that I avoid.[/QUOTE]I have been in Medellin for coming up on 10 years and I do not have ONE gringo / American friend here, only a few good Paisa buddies and a hundred paisa chicas, that's enough.

The Tall Man.

[QUOTE=LeyenLouvain;2460334]Given how expressive the Spanish are known to be, it's kind of funny to think that Americans in general could be louder than Colombians.[/QUOTE]In my experience Americans talk really loud compared to people from other countries (maybe some Chinese louder but not many other countries) and Colombians are not too loud. When it comes to Latinos making noise I think Dominicans are number 1 - they want everyone for 1 mile or more to hear their music and Colombians are nothing like that. Latinos are very different country to country and its a bad idea to stereotype based on the 1 country you know.

Wow this is called heaven good luck bro really impressed.

[QUOTE=SlapShot10;2460406]Wow, sorry to hear that Lugger, but glad you made it out unscathed. I always keep an eye on the other gringos in Centro, be them black, white, or green. I try to pick out mannerisms or behavior that each individual has that stand out from what I perceive to be a local's perspective, or what some no-good might be observing as they stalk their prey. I am an obvious gringo, but I tend to stick to some things that I never really put a ton of thought into, but are just natural. No jewelry, cross-trainer type shoes to not draw attention and to be able to run if needed, no sunglasses, limited phone use, as Knowledge said - try to position myself with something to my back, so there is one less direction to worry about defending, walk with a purpose and avoid walking thru crowds but don't walk on the outskirts like you're scared, puffy chest and chin up, and for whatever reason, I don't mind having a bottle of beer in my hand, and I hold it by the neck. I'm certainly not looking for trouble, but when I set my mind to go to Centro, I know that I am putting myself at more risk of finding trouble. Thus, I have a different frame of mind, and I'm ready for the fight or flight decision.

Anyway, I went to Exito Wow for the VAT day, and bought myself a computer monitor / small tv, for work. It's been great. I also bought Pinky a phone. It was pretty annoying. I had to wait in a separate line, to pay for the phone. I left my full cart by the exit, after having paid for everything. No one even looked at it. I got to the counter after about 20 minutes, and the kid tells me I need a Colombian cedula for the discount. I was pretty frustrated. The initial salesperson should know that, considering I'm a gringo. So, either the communication is poor or they don't care. I started arguing with the two cashiers, and came to realize a cedula needs to be shown. They took my ID and went to get approval. He returned to tell me to go to Information to get my ID approved. Information had 10 people in line, and when I got to the front, what was I going to say? Hey the guy 25 m away told me to come here and show my ID!? So I stormed back and had some lady behind me show her cedula. It boggles my mind how incredibly inconsiderate and stupid some people are. I am holding up a line of 20 people arguing over a cedula when all that needs to happen is some one with a cedula show it to them, and me get the fuck out of everyone's way.

I found out my noise complaint was a farce. A resident on the 2nd floor complained about the 3rd floor unit. The new portero thought it was 12 complaining about 13 (at 1 am). The older portero explained to me and apologized. The manager was disappointed and apologized. I actually approached my downstairs neighbor about it, speaking in Spanish, to find out he is an 87 yo gringo. He talked my ear off for over an hour! He has a younger Paisa wife who takes great care of him, and he loves it here. Really fascinating, but I tried 3 times to wiggle out to go to Exito, and couldn't get loose. I needed some of Lugnut's body oil! Anyway, I was relieved to know they didn't call the portero, and the big issue they have is my oscillating fan in the bedroom being loud (I am a very light sleeper, so it's strange, to me, but I believe them), and my 40 kg elephant of a wife walking around like she has ski boots on!

Internet provider cancelled appointments the last two days, which is getting extremely annoying. My new fire stick / IPTV is not working as I'd hoped. Watching Christmas Vacation, now, and it's not bad, but the soccer games have been pathetic. However, I streamed on my laptop, connected to the new 32" monitor, and it was perfect.

So, to the fun part. Wifey and I had a good looking 20 yo from SA cancel last minute on Friday. We weren't too happy. I hate the last-minute routine. She said she was sick, and sent a picture of a puffy eye. So, we were messaging some girls as I worked out and we grilled some chicken on the terrace. Wifey finally says, fuck it, it's you and me tonight. We hung out in the hot tub for a long time. We ended up having sex in the jacuzzi, then in the upstairs bedroom. When we finally went to bed, we had round two. I was going down on her for what seemed like and eternity. Then, we fucked. It was AMAZING. She said she didn't know how many times she orgasmed. It had to be 7 or 8 times. Insane, and she has been much more carinosa since that night! The girl from Friday messages, yesterday and says she is feeling better after some medication she had been taking. So, Wifey says let's do it. 8 p - 300 k. No rush. No limits. Oral sin. Sex con. She is a bailarina with hot photos. Baby face, a little thick, and we linked on Instagram so I have been watching her dance videos.

Wifey is on one, last night. She wanted some pussy. The girl shows, and we are chatting for 10-15 minutes. She, like another girl recently, asks if I think COVID-19 is a hoax. Wifey is getting ready, still. We go up to the hot tub, it's pouring rain, windy, bath foam flying everywhere. Well, fast forward, and Wifey takes over. Bailarina gives good head, and has a think poundable frame. She and Wifey have an incredible chemistry, for two chicks that have spend about a half hour together. They are all over each other. Wifey was eating her out in the jacuzzi, then told us to go to the bed. Both girls were giving each other orgasms. I fucked Bailarina to finish, with a condom. It was great. I go to throw away the rubber and take a leak, and when I return, they are scissoring. This whole scissoring thing has been an eye opener. I thought scissoring was just for show, but these girls can get off on it. Back to the jacuzzi, and the girls can't keep their hands and mouths off each other. We go for round 2, round 3, what a night. Wifey has been falling out of love with Pinky, because she says I act different when she's here. I explained it's because we're comfortable together, and shit builds up during the week that I don't want to yell at Wifey about and make it awkward, but then after a few beers, and Pinky's ears being available, I unleash my displeasures.

So, Bailarina made for an incredible night and 100% she will be a repeat. Hopefully, at 250 k, next time, but it was well worth it at 300 k. Wifey and I partook in the tussi, and Bailarina abstained. I thought it was really cool that she was able to stand her ground, but not judge, and not make us feel weird about it. Wifey now understands how to manage the high / intake, and it was much better. We consumed much less and it lasted much longer. We ended up hanging out in the jacuzzi for a couple hours after Bailarina left. Good news is, Bailarina left her bikini. She will be back! Photos for your enjoyment.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=SlapShot10;2460406]Wow, sorry to hear that Lugger, but glad you made it out unscathed. I always keep an eye on the other gringos in Centro, be them black, white, or green. I try to pick out mannerisms or behavior that each individual has that stand out from what I perceive to be a local's perspective, or what some no-good might be observing as they stalk their prey. I am an obvious gringo, but I tend to stick to some things that I never really put a ton of thought into, but are just natural. No jewelry, cross-trainer type shoes to not draw attention and to be able to run if needed, no sunglasses, limited phone use, as Knowledge said - try to position myself with something to my back, so there is one less direction to worry about defending, walk with a purpose and avoid walking thru crowds but don't walk on the outskirts like you're scared, puffy chest and chin up, and for whatever reason, I don't mind having a bottle of beer in my hand, and I hold it by the neck. I'm certainly not looking for trouble, but when I set my mind to go to Centro, I know that I am putting myself at more risk of finding trouble. Thus, I have a different frame of mind, and I'm ready for the fight or flight decision.

Anyway, I went to Exito Wow for the VAT day, and bought myself a computer monitor / small tv, for work. It's been great. I also bought Pinky a phone. It was pretty annoying. I had to wait in a separate line, to pay for the phone. I left my full cart by the exit, after having paid for everything. No one even looked at it. I got to the counter after about 20 minutes, and the kid tells me I need a Colombian cedula for the discount. I was pretty frustrated. The initial salesperson should know that, considering I'm a gringo. So, either the communication is poor or they don't care. I started arguing with the two cashiers, and came to realize a cedula needs to be shown. They took my ID and went to get approval..[/QUOTE]What does 8 p means in this phrase "8 p - 300 k"? Only USD $80 for seeking arrangement girl? I thought it was more expensive than that.

[QUOTE=SlapShot10;2460406]

So, Bailarina made for an incredible night and 100% she will be a repeat. Hopefully, at 250 k, next time, but it was well worth it at 300 k. Wifey and I partook in the tussi, and Bailarina abstained. I thought it was really cool that she was able to stand her ground, but not judge, and not make us feel weird about it. Wifey now understands how to manage the high / intake, and it was much better. We consumed much less and it lasted much longer. We ended up hanging out in the jacuzzi for a couple hours after Bailarina left. Good news is, Bailarina left her bikini. She will be back! Photos for your enjoyment.[/QUOTE]I know who you're talking about and have spoken to her a bunch but never sessioned with her. She used to be tighter / thinner but good to know she is a solid provider.

[QUOTE=SlapShot10;2460406]The girl from Friday messages, yesterday and says she is feeling better after some medication she had been taking. So, Wifey says let's do it. 8 p - 300 k. No rush. No limits. Oral sin. Sex con. She is a bailarina with hot photos. Baby face, a little thick, and we linked on Instagram so I have been watching her dance videos.

[/QUOTE]Salute!! Nice report. Looks like a fun time.

[QUOTE=Forever18;2460492]What does 8 p means in this phrase "8 p - 300 k"? Only USD $80 for seeking arrangement girl? I thought it was more expensive than that.[/QUOTE]Just bullet points. 8:00 pm, but ISG plays with the text, sometimes. Yes, $80 for over 5 hours and a whole lot of fucking.

[QUOTE=AdventureSeekr;2460528]I know who you're talking about and have spoken to her a bunch but never sessioned with her. She used to be tighter / thinner but good to know she is a solid provider.[/QUOTE]Yes, it sounds like you do. I thought the same when she arrived, compared to photos, but she's a firm thick, and great personality.

[QUOTE=Forever18;2460492] Only USD $80 for seeking arrangement girl? I thought it was more expensive than that.[/QUOTE]The price depends on which union they belong to.

[QUOTE=Knowledge;2460391]To Pollo Negro, you have my curiosity piqued. Are you OK with sharing more details about the altercation you mentioned?[/QUOTE]Without boring you to death, this is the bottom line, all of the girls in the park have to pay set fee to two guys in the park. I met these guys, and I told them straight up to their face in front of the police. I am Puerto Rican and Black, I don't pay anyone. No one extorts someone like me, you're are wasting your time, don't ask, don't assume, don't even think about it, I will never pay anyone anything to protect me, you will have to kill me first and then, what do you think they will do once you kill an American in this park?

My girlfriend's son had a phone of mine's, brand new, and the girl who is in charge of all of the Vennie's waited until he was using the phone one day in the park and she snatched the phone and demanded that he pay $20,000 pesos to get the phone back. He didn't have any pesos on him so she kept the phone. The next day I went to the park to look for her and she would not appear, but I told every one of her friends to tell her that I wanted my phone. The cops came and it was a real show. This is where and how things got extremely ugly.

The girl who snatched the phone had no idea that I had receipts for every phone that I have ever brought into the country, it is necessary to have this if you plan on bringing phones here, even as a gift because without it you cannot register the phone. I was making such uproar about the phone, strictly out of principle, that the cops called over the two guys who are in charge of the girls in the park. I could show them the receipt, the IEMI number, and photos of the girl who stole the phone. So the cops were explaining to them, that the girl could not come back to the park until the phone was returned or else she would be arrested. My girlfriend showed up, her son showed up, he told the cops exactly what I am telling you, that the girl snatched his phone and demanded that he pay her $20,000 pesos to return it.

I could really see that my girlfriend was extremely nervous about being around these guys and it was a really bad situation, but for me, it was the principle. About 13 guys surrounded me, and I was putting some distance between me and them. One guy tried to touch me, and I immediately told him if you touch me, I will break your arm, no if and or but, don't do it, and don't think about coming in arm length of me. These guys weapon of choice is the knife or machete. My thoughts were that one guy would try and hold me while the other one's took turns stabbing me, I have seen them in action, so trust me, I was on all alerts this night in the park. Shortly later my girlfriends brother showed up and he's pretty fit and about 6'2" and he immediately pulled out his machete and told everyone around that no one was touching Pollo Negro, and we left without a problem.

The next day, My girl was nervous and begged me not to return to the park. But you know me, and my behavior, so I did them all one favor better. I called my Colombian connect and went to Tigo and had the entire telephone Blacklisted and blocked using the IEMI number, so this really pissed every one in the park off, because now they had a useless phone other than using it to watch youtube and maybe whatsapp. So they began to call and try and offer the phone back, I told them to keep it and find someone who can unblock it if you can, but good luck.

So my girl explained to me, a new phone like the A20 Samsung, especially if it is built to work in the US, can sell in Venezuela easily for $1000 USD. The bosses in the park and the girl who snatched the phone had made plans to send the phone back and it looked like an easy process of just targeting my girlfriends son because they know he lives with a gringo and I treat him well. They know every thing about everyone who enters the park, trust me. Many times these guys have called my phone and trust me, I never gave them my number, but at the same time, they clearly saw that I was not the one to rob, extort, or take advantage of and they now know that every american isn't stupid and just travel to Medellin to buy girls and become easy targets. I am a business man from the ground up and they now know this. Even though the numbers may be back in Parque Botero, here is the real facts, it might be 350 girls in the park and only 6 customers, most of them are there for socialization and to beg and hope they get a date. If what I am saying is not true, they wouldn't be trying to rob their potential clients. Trust me, the quarantine has people doing desperate things to obtain money and food here in Medellin. I will end this by saying, be careful in the park, take every extra precaution and learn your surroundings. I still bang 3-4 chicas everyday, I just do not sit around in the park like I once did.

The President of Mexico was savagely roasted on Sabados Felices this weekend. Sabados Felices is sort of a Colombian version of the American TV show Saturday Night Live. It was really funny. A comic with an uncanny resemblance to President Lopez Obrador performed the skit wearing a sombrero. He and the woman who performed ddpostite him got plenty of laughs just from the physical comedy of their movements balancing the stereotypical sombreros and the exaggerated clipped Mexican accents they used. The central joke was Obrador Lopez's oblivious and doddering responses to any mention of coronavirus. He is still known as the bookend to Brazil's Bolsonaro as coronavirus deniers.

[QUOTE=Surfer500;2460315]In very simple terms, and mentioned in what Duque said, was that until their is a vaccine, at least an effective one, that Colombia was 'hosed", and I think a lot of people have thrown in the towel meaning their at their wit's end (fuck it is all I hear now) as you mentioned, and that's what a lot of other Countries around the world think of the USA in how we have handled things meaning we have "given up".

I'm honestly ashamed at how were doing, and think we are the laughing stock of the world.

As a side note, you mentioned Mexico, and I experienced something I found perplexing this week, but perhaps should not of been given how things have been, or perhaps, not handled by Washington. I decided to go to Tijuana on Wednesday and all non-essential travel to Mexico has been banned by Washington for over a month now and was just recently extended. So I parked my car by the border and walked to the entry, I was expecting to see CBP personnel on the USA side advising people of the ban, along with postings that any non-essential travel was not allowed..[/QUOTE]

I walked through Ground zero and Plaza Botero a few days ago in the AM. I noticed lots of activity and no cops. Literally, that was the biggest difference that I noticed with the pre covid times. No cops in or around Plaza Botero. Probably, I just missed them and they were hiding somewhere. Surely, there are fewer of them in the area even though the activity is pretty much back to the pre covid levels.

I didn't plan to pick up anyone. I just decided to pass through the area out of curiosity. I had my passport on me. With the benefit of hindsight, I realize that was a silly thing to do.