Tad

2005-PRESENT I have ventured into the forbiden zone. According to the US State Department it is dangerous to travel to Colombia. Americans are advised not to visit Colombia. However, after living her for almost 1 year i find the people much nicer than Americans. More relaxed, and not completely stressed out on a day to day basis. Half the population lives in poverty and has their share of problems, but in general the people are much happier here.Gringos should not travel into the mountains alone. A few hours drive out side the city is not a problem. Certain roads are safe and others are not. It's pretty easy just to catch a plane across the country. Just like the USA nightlife can get crazy. Walking down a dark street at night in South Beach might get you mugged or getting too drunk in Las Vegas might get your pocket picked.Women and men often live with their families until they are 30, but what else would you do if your working for a little over a buck an hour.Rent a 2 bedroom apt from $150 to $500 (top of the line). Open up a pub for 15,000 bucks and you can have a visa to stay as long as you like. No liquor license needed.2003-2004 I can´t describe myself because I have stumbled into a deep vacation in Brazil, and when I come back to reality I will be a completely changed person. Then I may be able to describe myself. I hope to give learning portugues another try after i master Spanish. To my surprise Colombia has turned out much safer than RIO. My last night in RIO de Jenero I witness 50 police with machine guns battle it out with some drug traffickers 2 blocks from my apartment. The only thing i would compare this to would be a gun battle i saw on TV in IRAQ. Outside of RIO (Copacabana) is where it is safe and you will find the most enjoyable parts of colombia. Unless your there for the hookers.Last but not least, tired of paying 20-50 bucks to get into a popular club in Florida, come to Colombia. You can spend 30 bucks here were you might spend 600 in South Beach.