Bomb in Cali (again)

[Frank Rizzo]

Got an email from a friend in Cali last night that a bomb went off just after midnight. Almost knocked him out of his chair.

http://www.elpais.com.co/paisonline/

[Gator]

Wife spoke to her sisters in Cali.  Bomb went off in front of the main police station about 12:30 am this morning.  Car packed with about 80 kg of amanol (sp).  Car was parked in street and almost immediately detonated.  Passing cab driver was killed and 34 people injured including 19 police officers.  President Uribe has offered a one billion peso reward, about $475.000 USD

[bundy_138]

My novia told me the blast was so loud that it woke her up.  The house and windows shook like crazy.  She left early this morning and did not see the news, but told me she would read the paper later and tell me the 411.  Anyone have a link to the story in English?

Bundy

[william3rd]

WHich is one of the many reasons that the US Dept of State has issued travel advisories to Colombia from time to time. Some very good information is in the country condition report for Colombia.

Be careful out there, guys. This is not Anytown USA, for sure.

[utopiacowboy]

Come now, William. Daytrader used to say it was the safest place he'd ever been.

[Kiltboy1]

It's Retirement Paradise

[papi]

It's Retirement Paradise

LOL, so Utopia/KB - are you not then in the Optimist Club?  Te amo colombia but I have long written the place is dangerous. Many have disputed my opinion on safety especially on other forums. Security has substantially improved and in my view Uribe has 2 giant balls but it will never be Kansas.

I still jump in taxis off the streets but here are some of the things gringos should do:

1. Always try to arrange transportation from the airport by the hotel (and not by your novia)

2. Avoid jumping in taxis off the street instead calling ahead

3. Use ATM's inside malls and make sure you are not being followed

4. Avoid wearing shorts unless on your way to the gym. Carry a towel and water bottle if going to the gym so you don't look like a clueless gringo

5. Be aware of your surroundings

Most colombians are extremely helpful and kind. Safe travels

[papi]

if you are approached by DAS (the police) and only 1 officer along with another colombian - do not assume they are legit. Get to a public place

[Kiltboy1]

We could debate safety all day long but the facts are the facts, Cali is one of the most dangerous cities in Latin America and in Colombia is at the top along with Pereira and Dosquebrados . Cali is more dangerous today then it was when i was first going there in 2000. And the only reason people go there has to be for the women because it is one of the most boring places i have visited. All they do is Rumba 24/7 and the tres cruics thing is so high school. There really is nothing to do there accept rumba, eat,  and go to the malls, but maybe i am a little more demanding and complex in what i enjoy then others.It is one landlocked place  and i got really bored there in my visits.No culture value at all in that dirty city. Even my good friend Pete E told me in private conversations he was bored out of his Gord there and if it were not for Beatriz, he was going to look elsewhere to live. I love the guys that go there like one two times and come back an expert on safety and then have this grander or this wonderful retirement life there. If it was so great a retirement option, why are Colombians doing all they can to GTF outta there, why, because they know what the so called "EXPERTS" do not. CALI IS FRIGEN DANGEROUS !!

KB

[utopiacowboy]

It's easy for a guy to go to a Colombian city, meet a woman and her family and get all goo-goo about the place. People are very hospitable and they make sure that you are safe and well taken care of. It may not be for months or years later when you start hearing stories about this one shot or that one killed or those neighbors kidnapped that you have a clear idea of what goes on down there. I can't name a single Colombian whose life has not been touched by violence often to those very close to them. I like Colombia but I like to think that I have a realistic attitude about it.

[Kiltboy1]

UTC

You are absolutely correct. It is easy to have your head up your ars about a place when you got your head up you chicas ars so high !!!   

KB

[rpcv]

I heard the blast although I was staying in a hotel several blocks away from the station. The security at the airport that morning was tight and they only allowed 1 lane of traffic in front of the terminal. Anyway, despite this incident, I had an awesome time!

[bundy_138]

Bulls*it........you old fogies on here always say negative stuff about Cali.  Lets see, drug capital of the world = mucho killings!  People killed by gunshots everyday, bombings just don't happen as often.  When they do, the media is all over it.  Govt. officials and police trying to stop and prohibit a BILLION $ a year business, somebody, somewhere is gonna kill to keep that money flowing.  It's all a matter of numbers!  If your in the wrong place at the wrong time, your number might be up.  Could happen in Cali, could happen in the middle of a Sunday church service, could happen in the parking lot of McDonald's in Buttmunch, Ohio.

You bunch of girls stay home and leave the ladies in Cali to the real men that are not afraid everytime something negative happens.  How many times a day do people get killed in Hollywood?  Does that discourage people from going?  No!  You don't hear about it because US citizens do not need to set off a car bomb in public to make a point.  (Unless your some punk-ass terrorist)

If you are going ANYWHERE outside the USA, especially a South American country where drugs is the number 1 money maker, be prepared for the environment.  There are have been more bombings in Bogota than Cali recently.  Don't forget about the killings in Panama, Puerto Rico, any city on the Mexican Border, and Miami.  These places are the # 1 dropping points for drug transactions. 

Get a grip.  All you are doing is spreading fear for the newbies.  Check out the embassy website for restrictions, warnings, and tips. 

Bundy

[Frank Rizzo]

Bundy, HELL YEAH  !!!  I didn't buy a place down there for nothing. Boring? uhhhhhh

Though Bundy I think we're taking the wrong approach. I agree, Cali is by far too dangerous for any "other" north americans to travel. It's best for you all to look to another country. They will take you right off the street on your first trip down, even in your ride from the airport to your hotel. If you're thinking of Colombia, please reconsider. Just don't do it. (evil grin) LOL

Actually we all know it's a dangerous country, like investing, business, exercise or you name it.  Your upside or downside is in relationship to your risk (almost always). Something for those traveling there to consider for sure.

I'm just not going to wake up in 1,5 or 10 years and say woulda, coulda, shoulda.

[P Daddy]

Again I say, Cali is relatively safe for the average gringo...

Let's look at the facts...the bomb was detonated a little after 12:00 midnight, basically Easter Sunday night, one of the quietest nights of the year in Cali, with basically NO ONE on the streets.  This bomb had NO AFFECT whatsoever on any gringo, nor did it target any gringo.  When these type of bombs start going off in Chipichapi or Unicentro on the busiest days of the week, then I would say GRINGOS STAY AWAY FROM CALI...Hopefully that will never happen.

I just spent 10 days on my finca outside of Cali, and at this moment I am in Bogota...let's see...over 50 some trips to Cali and have YET to see a crime committed...

Is Cali dangerous for some??  Yes...for the average gringo...NO...

Pray for me, I'm not out of Colombia YET...

[Frank Rizzo]

PD, same here on luck so far. What area did you get your finca? I'm interested in something in lago calima possibly. Know of any other gangas alli??

[daytrader]

UtopiaCowboy wrote -- Come now, William. Daytrader used to say it was the safest place he'd ever been.

 Re: ADIOS AMIGOS!
« Reply #2 on: February 20, 2007, 11:44:15 AM » Quote

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Good luck on your trip Bundy, it looks like you are following my traveling and dating rules as well.
 
Trust your instincts, they are almost always right. 

Avoid being out in the open by yourself in Cali, always have someone with you watching your backside, particularly in malls, sidewalks, etc. Don't carry all your money with you (consider using a moneybelt); carrying 300,000 per day will take care of most situations.  Also, never use a ATM outside, go into a mall.  I use a debit card account that only has about a $500 or so in it at a time, so in case the ATM phishes your account or I get robbed, you are only out  a few hundred bucks.  If I need more money I can use a credit card or do an online transfer via my bank's website into the debit account ahead of time.   I don't trust most cab drivers, and pay a driver/interpreter handsomely to protect me and keep me out of high risk situations. 

Cali is a safe place if you use your head and stay with someone or in a group. 

DayTrader 

[william3rd]

Welcome back, Daytrader. Did you have a nice vacation?

[daytrader]

thanks William3rd.....I completed a software project that I originally estimated to take 2 weeks...it took 11 weeks (part time)....now the  "Florida Update" is complete, no more Tradestation programming for the next couple years (I think)...I'm a full time DayTrader/Florida scuff-waff for the balance of the decade. 

DayTrader

[utopiacowboy]

So much nonsense, so little time.

Monterrey, even now, is far safer than any Colombian city. Medellin is proud of the fact that they are down around 800 homicides a year but only in relation to a past history that was around 3000 a year. Monterrey doesn't even have 100 homicides a year. Does Colombia's safety situation stop me from going there? No, it doesn't.

Here is an interesting page that compares many Latin American cities:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranking_of_Latin_American_cities

[daytrader]

So much nonsense, so little time.

Question for UtopiaCowboy ----
I have nothing against you or your lovely gal UtopiaCowboy...why the purposeful misrepresentation of what I wrote? 

What does "nonsense" mean UtopiaCowboy?  Are you calling me out or putting me down or attacking me?  It's been so long since I've dealt with this (elementary school) behavior, I am confused. 

To those others reading this, please enlighten me as to how this is humorous or in the Spirit of 'fair play'. 

Should I just let this pass and bear an simmering grudge towards UC forever? 

How does UC 's shot at me 'advance the ball' for newbies that want to know first hand info about Cali? 

Does this give me license to do the same to anyone else on this Board and I can expect the same treatment from the Forum Gods? 

DayTrader

[utopiacowboy]

I wasn't even thinking of you when I wrote "nonsense". However, you're free to refer to anything I write as nonsense if that's what you think it is. There's certainly a difference between referring to what someone wrote as nonsense or calling them an idiot etc.

[papi]

I just spent 10 days on my finca outside of Cali, and at this moment I am in Bogota.

Pdaddy, if you happen to catch this...i will be at Unicentro today. Main entrance by the fountain at 1:00PM (meeting my novia). I will buy you lunch. Your chance to finally meet the infamous papi - and discuss pizzas, taxis*, safety and other important matters of interest.

PD. I got ripped off yesterday by a taxi bandit...i realized it on my return ride. The bastards!

[daytrader]

....now FARC knows where Papi will be...

[papi]

i have my bodyguards...my novias family is military