Hi all! I've been in Lima the last few weeks. First I was visiting with Cesar's family, and now that he's gone back to Japan (sniff) I've been staying with my friends Tara and Loli. I haven't seen the sun in 3 weeks, blah, the weather's been so depressing and drizzly. It's been fun staying with my friends, I sometimes forget I'm not in Japan! Yesterday Tara took me to the National Museum and to a funky neighborhood called Barranco near the ocean for some sangria. Next week I'm on the road again, heading north and into Ecuador.
I put up a new poll at dad's request. I suspect he wants everyone to gang up on me, but I want to believe that some of you believe in a good adventure when it's at hand.
My picture site with Yahoo is closing so I can't put up any more pics until I learn a new picture program. bummer.
That's the latest for now, not too exciting. I hope to see your (yes) votes in my poll!
About Me
- Shannen
- I quit my job as a teacher/translator in Japan to take time off to travel, and plan to write about those travels here!
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19 comments:
I vote yes on the poll, but watch your back in any case Shannenita. That goes without saying though in any country.
Dad, don't worry too much about this kiddo. She's a savvy, experienced world traveller now.
Take it easy buddy. Until our next online chat!!
max
Your poll description was biased towrds the "yes" vote. Columbia is a "hot" zone with active real time warfare between the extremeists, the government, and drug cartels. It's a place where abduction is a national pasttime, especially of forieners and Americans as a way of raising money to buy more guns to keep up the carnage.
DAD
*Max-kun*
Thanks for your support! I know it can be pretty dangerous, especially in the "hot zones". Will definately keep an eye on the situation!
*Dad*
I biased the question because everyone already knows Colombia's image. If I just said, Should I go to Colombia? Everyone would vote NO. Let's see what more people say. I know it's dangerous. Have you read the latest US gov warnings? Some areas aren't too bad. Check it out.
I'd probably be just as concerned for your safety if you told me that you were going to Chicago.....DAD
dad sits across from me. he threatened bodily harm if we didn't vote "no". he's a scary unpredictable individual.
i vote you force him to go with you.
anonymous project manager who sits across from dad
Hi cousin Shannen,
I voted yes. I would have voted yes regardless of how biased it was. I actually have a friend here in CA, a professor at the local college, who has a house in Columbia and goes and lives there any time school is out. He loves it. He says that it can be dangerous in some areas (hiring hit men for small infractions are apparently very common) but overall the people are very nice.
I'd tell you to be safe, but I know that you will be, so I'll just say, have fun!
*Anonymous project manager who sits across from dad*
Are you sure you aren't just Dad trying to vote more than once?? Well thanks for your participation, I will have to agree about the scary unpredictable individual bit.
*Dad*
Wanna come?
You know you can vote more than once on the poll...
Are you asking your workmates to cohort with you? tsk tsk
*Cousin Moe*
Thanks for your yes vote! It is stories and people like your friend that I hear about and really want to go. Do you know in what city his house is?
If I remember correctly, I think it's Bogota. However, I may be remembering that city name from high school Spanish class.
¿De dónde están usted? Soy de Bogata.
If you want, I can talk to him and maybe see if you can stay there or something.
I would not vote more than once. That would be unethical. However, a campaign in support of a voting referendum is a legitimate effort. Boo!
*Cousin Moe*
Thanks for offering to ask, that's so sweet! If you could ask what cities he thinks are safe to visit that would be great!
*Dad*
The votes are pretty even, 17 to 18 at the moment. Interesting...very interesting...
Maybe you need to strengthen your campaign...
I have worked in Colombia for the past two years. Unless you are traveling with someone that knows Colombia extremely well and in particular the area that you are visiting, I would not go. I advise against any touring on your own. Even then only the major cities should be visited such as Bogota, Cartagena de las India, Cali, and Medellin. No land travel is advised between the cities, especially anywhere in the Southern Region of the country. The coastal region, not excluding Cartagena has high incidence of drug gang violence which includes bombings and kidknappings. In the Southern region is where the major involvement of the war against the FARC is ongoing.
Hi Cousin,
I found out that my friend's place is indeed in Bogata. However, he was visiting friends in Spain and well...I guess got detained. I'm not sure what a 50-something professor would be detained in Spain for- but if he does make it back, I'll ask him.
*Anonymous*
Thanks for the advice. You and the State gov travel website agree about many things. I will definately take your experience into consideration.
*Moe*
Bogota? Captitol city, interesting. I'd imagined somewhere on the Carribean. Hope your friends gets undetained soon.
*General Comment to Everyone*
Well, Dad's been winning in his poll campaign. Your advice has been intriguing and I've been thinking quite a lot about it. If I go I should really fly into a big city. So what it might come down to is how much a plane ticket would cost me at the time. I will keep you all informed!
Wow, this comment section is pretty intense... Do to threats from Dad, I won't tell you what my vote was. But seriously, do what makes you happy. Life is too short to have regrets. If you go and are scared out of your mind, you can always lock yourself in the hotel room.
sister
Come enjoy our beautiful country! Experience the rich history and culture while browsing through our distinct variety of Columbia-inspired ponchos. We are proud of our agriculture exports that provide America's celebrities, such as Kate Moss and Lindsay Lohan, with 95% of their favorite luxury item. We welcome you to explore our wonderful country and all it has to offer!
Fernando Rodriguez
Columbian Tourism Official
Sam...The Yes vote clicked up one after your message hit on the blog. I KNOW how you voted. Man, you are in big trouble now. DAD
*Sister Sister*
(Did you get a horrible hardrock ballad in your head from that title?)
Thanks for your advice, you're right, there is no danger in locking oneself in ones hotel room, especially if it has cable TV!
*Fernando Rodriguez
Columbian Tourism Official*
Er...Thanks.
Do they wear ponchos in Colombia?
*Dad*
Now don't go harassing my blog commenters, please.
*Dear all again*
I usually don't vote in my own polls, but I gave myself a "yes" vote to counteract increasing suspected multiple "no" votes from Dad.
You have my word, there is absolutely no double voting on the "no" votes. Check your log-ins. Several inquired "She's going to Columbia, what's wrong with that? Columbia's an excellent University". I didn't harrass your bloggers, only disrespectful rebelious young punk siblings.
DAD
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