What is 'modern day' Colombia like?

Question

I'm going on a trip to Colombia in about 4-5 days (basicly this coming friday). i have a mixed idea of what its going to be like. Some say, "Oh the people are the sweetest you'll ever meet". Others, "They'll steal your purse right off your shoulder at the airport" Some, "They're so poor, you have to wear really simple clothes to fit in" other, "Just ho as you look now. They dress up all nice just to go to the laundry!" So please, if anyones gone lately, please give me a STRAIGHT idea of what I should be expecting. I'm going to A City callewd Buga, around Bogota.

Answer 1

I have never been to Buga, but have been to Bogota many times (15) and am going there in September.

Colombia is a complicated place, as your question implies. Yes, there are people who are dirt poor there and who will kill you for a dollar. Similarly, people are very friendly there, especially outside of Bogota. There is a great saying that Colombians themselves say (I've heard it from many different people when I have been there). It goes something like this. "God made this beautiful country called Colombia. He put beautiful beaches on the Caribbean and Pacific, beautiful mountains such as the Sierra Nevada, amazing jungles along the amazon. He put great wealth there in the form of gold, emeralds, and petroleum. Fantastic plants that have been used for medicines and amazing animals and birds. Someone said to him "God, why have you made this place on earth that is so beautiful and rich it rivals the beauty of heaven?".
God thought for a moment at what he had done. So, to balance things, he put the Colombian people there."

Some advice to you:
1) Don't act like a loud mouth or openly advertise that you are an American. That pretty much goes anywhere you may travel in the world.

2) Do try to speak Spanish where you can, even if its only a few words. The people will usually be flattered that you are trying.

3) Don't wear flashy clothing or jewelry, don't be flashy with a cell phone or camera if you bring one. Even if you are in a car, take care not to hang your arm out the window with a watch on your wrist. Yes, people have had their watches stolen while sitting in their car a a red light. Usually what I do, with regard to a camera, is I bring my digital camera to museums or places where I am in the open countryside. If I am going to take pictures out in a busy area (like La Candelaria in Bogota, please please please make it a point to visit La Candelaria) I will take one of those small disposable cameras with me.

4) If you go into a bar, either order bottled beer or always keep your drink with you and within your eyesight. People have been known to slip a roofie in other people drinks.

5) Do have a good time. There are so many beautiful things to see in Colombia. It really is a magical place. Much history, many varied ecosystems to see (you can drive 1 hour and go from cold mountain climates to hot jungle environments).

6) At night you can dress up, especially if you are going out somewhere other than a local bar (also known as a "Tienda" in Colombia, not to be confused with tienda, which is a store). During the day, simple clothes are ok. Simple doesn't mean sloppy. Just jeans and shoes and a decent shirt are fine.

I hope that helps. If you have any other questions, contact me through my yahoo answers account. I'd love to hear how your trip goes.

Oh, and if you have a chance to take a trip to Villa de Leyva, go there as well. Its only a few hours from Bogota and its this beautiful old city founded by the Spaniards, in the 1600's. Really old Spanish style architecture, and its in an arid, almost desert like climate. But, its not scorching hot either. Its really nice. On the weekends, it gets very crowded. Lots of people like to visit there. And, you can buy real fossils in many of the stores here, because there are lost of fossils found in the area (if you go, just look at the stone work around the church, you'll see its made up of many fossils).

Enjoy!

Answer 2

I am Colombian living in the UK and being totally honest and unbiased, I can tell you that yes, the people are the sweetest you'll ever meet, and yes there is SOME poverty, which means that there are SOME people who snatch purses to put food on their tables, but it happens mostly if given the opportunity, so as long as you don't act silly by leaving your things unattended or flashing a wallet full of money there shouldn't be any problems. If you carry a backpack try not to carry it on your back, but facing forward, so that no one can put their hand in it when you are not looking. The majority of the people are very friendly and will go out of their way to help you, but don't give out personal information to anybody. We do like to dress up and look nice, and you'll find even poor people will often look smart, but you can dress casual and informal too, after all you are on holiday.
Regarding Buga, it is actually not that close to Bogota, the weather is rather warm so you'll need lighter, fresher clothes than those for Bogota. Hope this helps, have a great time!

Answer 3

Dear Gaby: DO NOT BE AFRAID! Colombia is awesome, its very pretty and don't forget it's a land of contrasts and excess. Bogota is an awesome city, I was just there last weekend and you can be amazed of the great gourmet food you can have. Don't miss the "T" which is a walking spot, like a mini Promenade, just like Santa Monica CA but way smaller and PLEASE visit Harry Sasson restaurant. I am in no way related to this restaurant but I trully recommend it. Tons of beautiful people, and don't miss the Park of 93. Use common sense, and you would be safe. Would you go to the getto in Los Angeles? Or New York? Well don't do it in Colombia either. Buga is a small religious town with a pretty church with the Image of "El Senor de los Milagros" which means The Lord of the Miracles. Some say it has curative powers.
About the way you dress, you can be amazed by the amount of Armani, Prada and all that crap you'll see around. Don't wear a fancy watch or jewelry, remember you are a tourist. Have fun, carry your common sense at all times, and stick to the north side of Bogota, to give you an idea, between Carrera 5 to Carrera 19, and 65 Street to 134 Street and you'll call your airline to stay a couple of days more!

Answer 4

Colombia it's a beautiful place, actually the best city in southamerica to me -and i've been around. Just like others said, try not to put on flashy things when going out, like any other large city (8 million people) it has its problems but its ok. Go to Monserrate in Bogota, which has a beautiful view of the city. It is actually very modern, it's not like you imagine it, that happened to me the first time i came and i was for a big surprise....Armani, versace, Prada are some stores that you can find. In bogota to club dancing to 93 Park and the T Zone....Buga is far from bogota, but near if you are going by plane. Enjoy your stay, once you go there you will always return, great food, great people, not as bad as we picture it. Drink some coffee at Juan Valdez Coffee Place. Have fun!

Answer 5

Colombia is modern. More of an European than USan flavour. Buga is not around Bogota, it's quite far. Buga retains a great deal of its Spanish heritage. Its located in the vicinity of Cali which is the second city in the country. Cali has a Caribbean aura around even though is far removed from the Caribbean basin.
Things to put up with: same as everywhere: common delinquency, street people, taxi drivers... you name it. Just be yourself and if you happen to be white and USan, keep that in mind. It's not your fault, but Bush's, but wherever you go you take along the virtues and bad name of your country (same rules applies to me).

Answer 6

It is most commonly the northern Indians however plenty of Persians and norther/jap Europeans also are Aryan. Also, it is fundamental to notice that Hitler's interpretation of the Aryan is what's so much most likely used within the colloquial experience.

Answer 7

i am colombia, people shouldn't judge without being in colombia. colombia its preety, it has different climates and places to go to. of course there are things like any other country. i wish you good luck, you'll see you are going to have a great time. bye

Answer 8

Wow! thankyou! I was asking myself the same question today