bombing

[senge]

Will the bombing in Columbia change anyone's mind about going there?  I would prefer to stick with Mexico and Peru.  I have always been afraid of Columbia.

[Pete E]

... in response to bombing, posted by senge on Sep 28, 2003

The chance of being somewhere when a bomb goes off is pretty remote unless you live in Israel.One thing that can be scary when it happens is it can happen in good areas where you would think you were safer,although this was in some remote area I guess.A bomb went off in front of a better hotel in Santa Marta a few months ago.Killed one local guy,some Colombian about 40 with a family who worked as a musician near the hotel.Thats an area you would think was safe.
Unless you go off driving outside the cities by far your biggest risk is local criminals.There are areas you just don't go,but just about any area other than in one of the
gated malls you could have problems.
If you play it safe your risk per day is probably 10 times what it is here,but thats still pretty low,because our risk here is very small unless you go to a really unsafe area.So how long would you have to live there,as a obvious gringo,before you have a problem,considering you are playing it safe?My guess the odds will catch up wih you in 2-4 years.If you have been there that long and nothing has happened to you you are either very carefull or very lucky.I don't mean killed,but maybe robbed.A couple I know were in a bank when it got robbed.The robbers said everybody on the floor.The woman didn't comply fast enough so she got pushed down breaking her nose.
So its not so unsafe not to go.If you play it safe and are only there a few weeks not likely anything will happen.And its worth it if you are interested in beautifull latinas.
But don't kid yourself its anything like 95% of the USA.None of my friends or relatives here ever had a family member murdered.Of the people I know in Colombia,maybe 2% of the total people I know, 2 have had family members murdered.Thats like 2 out of 40.
I am scarred to live in Cali.I am considering Cartegena or maybe Santa Marta,which I think is much safer than Cali,but still much more dangerous than where I live now.In my whole life I have never been personally threatened by a criminal.Most Colombians can't  say that.Almost every one has a story,or many stories.Even my wife.

Pete

[roadken]

... in response to bombing, posted by senge on Sep 28, 2003

I feel safer in Bogota and Cali than I do in some of the
bad areas of Oakland and San Francisco.Just stay in the city and be smart.In 5 trips to Colombia I have never had a problem or felt unsafe.Once you are there,the beautiful sweet Colombiana's will make you forget all about the bandido's.LOL.I just wish I had discovered Colombia ten years ago.It is paradise for men!!

[Calipro]

... in response to bombing, posted by senge on Sep 28, 2003

The bombing was in Florencia the capital of FARClandia. Nobody goes there anyway. Don't be afraid. If you come on down to Cali in Dec. I'll give you a tour.

[zack]

... in response to Re: bombing, posted by Calipro on Sep 28, 2003

How many people were killed in the bombing? Was it a car bomb?

Zack

[Michael B]

... in response to Re: Re: bombing, posted by zack on Sep 29, 2003

Most news sources say 11 dead and 48 wounded. The bomb was mounted on a motorcycle parked near the entrance and detonated by radio control when the club closed and everybody was leaving.

[zack]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: bombing, posted by Michael B on Sep 29, 2003

With that many people dead or wounded, the motor cycle must have been parked in a crowded area. If not, that was one powerful bomb.

Zack

[JSlo]

... in response to Re: Re: bombing, posted by zack on Sep 29, 2003

The report here is that it was a remote control motorcyle that was used in this atrocity. The area is about a 3-4 hour drive away from Bogota, but that doesn't lessen the impact of this heinous act. I have several contacts in Colombia and one that could become serious, but my interest is waning due to the recurring atrocities committed against innocent civilians.
Ecuador is looking much better now!
JSlo

[JSlo]

... in response to bombing, posted by senge on Sep 28, 2003

Even with the bombing today there will be no change in my plans to visit the last week in October. 99% of this type of violent activity occurs in areas where tourists should not venture. It is comparable to areas in your city where you would dare not venture, only difference here is the weapon of choice. In my book dead is dead, so just be cautious and you will be ok in Colombia. However, it does not negate the point of being extra careful while there. I do always feel a relief after visiting Colombia (6 times), mainly because I'm learning the areas to avoid where at home I know the areas to avoid. That difference is HUGE!!
Just go with someone that knows what is going on and you will be just fine.
JSlo