One thing I observed while I was in Bogotá is this: crossing the road can be dangerous because unless they're at a red light, motorists don't stop or even slow down to let pedestrians across, not even at a crossing. You have to wait for a fairly long break in traffic and cross quickly. I remember there were times when my friends and I literally had to run just to get across the street before the cars came down because the drivers wouldn't slow down for us. Talk about chaos!
I was in Bogotá back in 2009 with a group of friends from university. What an amazing city it is! It felt like a second home for me, despite the chilly temperatures.
A lot of the comments here make me feel ashamed of being colombian
You're hating too much on this guy; he basically said "Be careful with your things when you're in the street" and that's a very good advice for foreigners who come here
As I bogotano myself I can tell you a couple of things from this video:Let's see, foreign looking, fancy sunglasses, backpack and to make matters worse an Ipod or whatever it is and you stand out like sore thumb. When in Bogota, you might want to blend a little better by perhaps dressing down a bit and PLEASE,leave all your fancy items at home.You seem like an easy target. However, I liked the way you were wary of your surroundings by constantly looking around as you were doing this video.
I got mugged day 2 in Bogota. Lesson learned, now I know the place, I m more careful, and really feel comfortable in Bogota. Also got mugged in Liverpool ten years ago..that was worse.. just be aware of your surroundings.
@MrSimonsaze Whenever my friends and I went out in Bogotá, we always dressed normal most of the time; nothing fancy, nothing flashy, except for that time we went clubbing near Calle 53
As our Spanish tutor told us before we left, don't do anything in Colombia that you wouldn't do in your own country (Barbados in my case).
You are a bit ignorant...... I lived there all my life and never got robbed.... keep perpetrating the bad image of my country, if that makes you feel better :).. PEACE OUT
when you really know how to move in a latinamerican city, you can skip all those recommendations, it's about knowing how and where to walk. oh, americans.
I know places, cities, a lot worse than this. But all of them have something special to offer. An old world charm. Poor people but with a bigger heart and warm smile on their lips. And the foods...the music...simply WOW. If you are to continue judging places you visit like this. You are justing wasting your time and money. And, you're not going to survive the jungle.
I am not Colombian. I am not a Latino. I came from a Third World Country. Saludos!!!
Pfft screw this, I went to Atlanta for a small trip to visit some friends. Our car Windows were smashed, they stole our radios, some things we had in the seats, and two cameras in bags. Any big city is dangerous
I have been robbed in Miami twice, my car window has been smashed three times. I am sure New York is the same. I WAS Almost robbed in L.A also. I have been in Colombia many times and the only thing I have found is friendly smiles and a lot of happy people. Bogota is not more dangerous than Miami, Detroit or L.A. go to colombia and meet amazing people and wonderful women! the food is awsome too! I recommend the experience.
You are one of those guys that did not know where is the location of Colombia in the map, and talk like Bogota in a jungle full of drugs and they are primitives. You are very ignorant…. I hope really hope that you can learn elegance and real manners while you are there. AAAA Colombia is multi-cultural so that means there are people with all types of skin.
Also, the architecture, the perfect Spanish, well prepare food is really fantastic. By the way, you are talking in the streets with your camera pretending that somebody will steal it from you oooooo please stop that crap, you acting like people in Colombia have not technology and they are desperate.
If is dangerous then what are you doing along in the park? You know better that you are exaggerating the truth, the gentle people, the great places, and the liberty in general to do what you want to do, the fantastic costumer service, the family oriented and wonderful manners of the people is part of a wonderful culture
What a jerk!! Hey, get real, big cities in America are all about the same. The area you're portraying is not downtown, but a fancy street up north the city. And well, the fact is that Bogotá might be unsafe, just like if you give thieves chances anywhere else. Hey, blond brainless gringo: No need to guide people by saying Bogotá, when you can say it's all the same in big cities. Get serious.
@darkelfs Once again you are generalizing about all persons who are of a particular nationality. One must always be cautious in doing so. For example, you mention that you are from London. What if someone stereotyped all people from London as being serious, proper, well mannered, and using a very proper form of English? Clearly you at least would not fit that stereotype, now would you? ;)
@franjauno Replay the video and notice what he says at about 2 1/2 minutes into the recording. Also notice one of his earliest comments above. For at least some of his safety advice, he does in fact mention that it applies to all big cities.
The difference between the perceptions of Colombia is staggering. People often hear all the bad negative stuff but tourists are always pleasantly surprised to experience the exact opposite! Colombia is a very interesting country, very different from the war-torn country that everyone thinks it is: OBVIOUSLY you should stay out of places that you would know with A LITTLE COMMON SENSE not to go, as in any other city in the world. As long as you STAY OUT OF THE BAD AREAS you will be fine.
The difference between the perceptions of Colombia is staggering. People often hear all the bad negative stuff but tourists are always pleasantly surprised to experience the exact opposite! Colombia is a very interesting country, very different from the war-torn country that everyone thinks it is: OBVIOUSLY you should stay out of places that you would know with A LITTLE COMMON SENSE not to go, as in any other city in the world. As long as you STAY OUT OF THE BAD AREAS you will be fine.
my advice to foreigners visiting bogota is stay on the touristic circuit, don't wear expensive jewelery and if you are being robbed, don't fight back, give the money or whatever and you will be ok. bogota is a much safer city now but as any big city you need to pay attention.
I wouldnt recommend you to use ipods in the street, someone could come from behind with a knife and tell you give me everything, with ipods you are more unsafe
That was a good observation, It really isn't that unsafe in downtown. during the day listening to your iPod walking the streets is generally OK. I think being white is the biggest issue, we are already such big targets without our iPods and video cameras.
@GabeInTheCity most people are white in Bogota. White Americans simply blend in without any issues. You are all the same. Why you people make these fake divisions.
@GabeInTheCity, there is lots of white people in Colombia real blonds with blue or green eyes , I don't know what you are talking about when you say that if you are "white" is the biggest issue there
I think if you dress like an american and try to be diferent, that can be looking for trouble, just be like them and dress like the locals pants ,shirts, no sandals
@GabeInTheCity being white? ahahah oh my god you are so ignorant man.im not even colombian im living in bogota about 5 years ago is so stupid what u said! you look like a colombian from bogota or medellin you dont have the "gringo type" give me a break! stop the indiana jones thing you are so funny man..u want to impress your friends making them believe you live an adventure "a la indie jones" haha by the way my sister is a hot italian girl and she say you are so ugly u need a nose job!
@GabeInTheCity You make a comment that being white is the biggest issue. You must not have been able to see the people in Bogota with those sunglasses. 60%-70% of the people in Bogota are as white as you are with hair your color or black. Seriously, what the hell kinda comment is that? Many of the people in Bogota are 3-4 generations away from a European ancestor. And you comment that you are in downtown, 85 Street is not down town, it's 85 blocks from down town. Safer then the US.
@darkelfs First of all, if you want to make a comment about someone else's lack of intelligence you should at least use correct spelling and grammar to do so. Secondly, what gives you the right to generalize about people from the United States? Would you find it acceptable for others to generalize about your nationality?
@GabeInTheCity being white is the main issue? Lol that's the stupidest thing I've ever read, there are a lot of white people in here, including me and I've never been attacked just because of that.
Bogotá is safer than DC, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and other US cities. It is safer than Rio de Janeiro, a city full of tourists. Colombia has gotten its reputation because of the media, but looking at the murder rate per capita it is much lower than Brazil's or Mexico's.
Yea, people think Bogotá is some wild countryside that is ruled by drug dealers and that it is super dangerous. I agree with you, it is just another big city and if you look at the numbers it is not anymore dangerous than many other cities. I woudl rather be in Bogotá than Rio for that reason.
The difference between the perceptions of Colombia is staggering. People often hear all the bad negative stuff but tourists are always pleasantly surprised to experience the exact opposite! Colombia is a very interesting country, very different from the war-torn country that everyone thinks it is: OBVIOUSLY you should stay out of places that you would know with A LITTLE COMMON SENSE not to go, as in any other city in the world. As long as you STAY OUT OF THE BAD AREAS you will be fine.
Why are you walking around with iPod headphones, sunglasses, and a video/digital camera if you can't even take money out of your pocket to buy from a street vendor?
I didn't need anything from them that day. I do not eat candy or any of the food/drink found at the vendors, but I did buy several small things for presents. Good call, I could have bought something while I was filming. Next time I will.
I was referring to your comment on being careful of taking cash out of your pocket to pay for things, or even talking on a cell phone.
Doesn't make sense to say it's so risky to take out your phone to talk to someone or your cash to pay for something and yet be walking around with over a million pesos worth of merchandise on you that a thief can clearly see.
Thats true, I wasn't being a very good example of what I was talking about.. I was already a target for being a "tourist" and having all of that stuff made it worse. Good catch, I'll pay more attention next time.
You do not know shit about Bogota. I know the street your walking on and it is not even close to the center of the city or "downtown" For a video supposedly about Bogota, there sure is a lot of your FACE on the video. Yes, I want to see something in particular, show us a video of your supposed martial arts skills. Your just a jerk with a camera and some cash to bank roll your ego. No more.
You are on a roll today with the :( comments, LOL I'm sorry to offend you. You undoubtedly know more about Colombia than me, I realize that. unfortunately I could only hold the camera so far from my face, I will try to get longer arms in the future. I wish I had a bank roll of some kind, That would be nice.
If by "center" you mean the centro, no. I recognize that Carulla as being a few blocks from Centro Andino. The climate there is very different from the real "downtown".
That's the problem some Colombians say it is safe, but they are Colombian... Ask Americans that visit or live there. Colombians that know the areas will tell you the "safe" and "not so safe" areas. but its almost the same in any country.
we gringos for fun in colombia
casino227 2 days ago
Bogotá is a relatively safe city, but it's still wise to take precautions. That's all he's saying.
aeromaximon 1 week ago
One thing I observed while I was in Bogotá is this: crossing the road can be dangerous because unless they're at a red light, motorists don't stop or even slow down to let pedestrians across, not even at a crossing. You have to wait for a fairly long break in traffic and cross quickly. I remember there were times when my friends and I literally had to run just to get across the street before the cars came down because the drivers wouldn't slow down for us. Talk about chaos!
aeromaximon 1 week ago
I was in Bogotá back in 2009 with a group of friends from university. What an amazing city it is! It felt like a second home for me, despite the chilly temperatures.
aeromaximon 1 week ago
A lot of the comments here make me feel ashamed of being colombian
You're hating too much on this guy; he basically said "Be careful with your things when you're in the street" and that's a very good advice for foreigners who come here
friki092 2 weeks ago
what a douche, making a video for saying such bullshit ? dude, if you think Bogota is like Vietnam then go the fuck away. xD
jasontrail 2 weeks ago
Comment removed
Dantellezv 4 weeks ago
As I bogotano myself I can tell you a couple of things from this video:Let's see, foreign looking, fancy sunglasses, backpack and to make matters worse an Ipod or whatever it is and you stand out like sore thumb. When in Bogota, you might want to blend a little better by perhaps dressing down a bit and PLEASE,leave all your fancy items at home.You seem like an easy target. However, I liked the way you were wary of your surroundings by constantly looking around as you were doing this video.
ebernall 1 month ago
I got mugged day 2 in Bogota. Lesson learned, now I know the place, I m more careful, and really feel comfortable in Bogota. Also got mugged in Liverpool ten years ago..that was worse.. just be aware of your surroundings.
MrSimonsaze 1 month ago
@MrSimonsaze Whenever my friends and I went out in Bogotá, we always dressed normal most of the time; nothing fancy, nothing flashy, except for that time we went clubbing near Calle 53
As our Spanish tutor told us before we left, don't do anything in Colombia that you wouldn't do in your own country (Barbados in my case).
aeromaximon 1 week ago
You are a bit ignorant...... I lived there all my life and never got robbed.... keep perpetrating the bad image of my country, if that makes you feel better :).. PEACE OUT
truchooo 1 month ago
when you really know how to move in a latinamerican city, you can skip all those recommendations, it's about knowing how and where to walk. oh, americans.
imperfectlyrational 1 month ago
You're kinda blowing things outta proportion
colomblanco 1 month ago
I know places, cities, a lot worse than this. But all of them have something special to offer. An old world charm. Poor people but with a bigger heart and warm smile on their lips. And the foods...the music...simply WOW. If you are to continue judging places you visit like this. You are justing wasting your time and money. And, you're not going to survive the jungle.
I am not Colombian. I am not a Latino. I came from a Third World Country. Saludos!!!
302acr43 1 month ago
Pfft screw this, I went to Atlanta for a small trip to visit some friends. Our car Windows were smashed, they stole our radios, some things we had in the seats, and two cameras in bags. Any big city is dangerous
Dani1love 1 month ago
yes white people are stupid!
vlaquy 1 month ago
@vlaquy I am white and I am not stupid :) I am so clever!
gcorbalan 1 month ago
@vlaquy and you are fucking inferior, and you know it
llamingo 1 month ago
I have been robbed in Miami twice, my car window has been smashed three times. I am sure New York is the same. I WAS Almost robbed in L.A also. I have been in Colombia many times and the only thing I have found is friendly smiles and a lot of happy people. Bogota is not more dangerous than Miami, Detroit or L.A. go to colombia and meet amazing people and wonderful women! the food is awsome too! I recommend the experience.
Fuerzatiburona 1 month ago
You are one of those guys that did not know where is the location of Colombia in the map, and talk like Bogota in a jungle full of drugs and they are primitives. You are very ignorant…. I hope really hope that you can learn elegance and real manners while you are there. AAAA Colombia is multi-cultural so that means there are people with all types of skin.
escarcha78 1 month ago
Also, the architecture, the perfect Spanish, well prepare food is really fantastic. By the way, you are talking in the streets with your camera pretending that somebody will steal it from you oooooo please stop that crap, you acting like people in Colombia have not technology and they are desperate.
escarcha78 1 month ago
If is dangerous then what are you doing along in the park? You know better that you are exaggerating the truth, the gentle people, the great places, and the liberty in general to do what you want to do, the fantastic costumer service, the family oriented and wonderful manners of the people is part of a wonderful culture
escarcha78 1 month ago
an American idiot on Colombian soil -,-!!!
alejoj21 2 months ago
Where u from mate ??
Miss my city ... London is dangerous :O
darkelfs 2 months ago
@darkelfs Looks like I know the city better than the jerk in the video, cause I'm from there...
franjauno 2 months ago
What a jerk!! Hey, get real, big cities in America are all about the same. The area you're portraying is not downtown, but a fancy street up north the city. And well, the fact is that Bogotá might be unsafe, just like if you give thieves chances anywhere else. Hey, blond brainless gringo: No need to guide people by saying Bogotá, when you can say it's all the same in big cities. Get serious.
franjauno 2 months ago
@franjauno lol i soo agree.... they all assume they are Mr know it all
Reckon some of 'em dont even realize street in Europe are more dangerous
darkelfs 2 months ago
@darkelfs Once again you are generalizing about all persons who are of a particular nationality. One must always be cautious in doing so. For example, you mention that you are from London. What if someone stereotyped all people from London as being serious, proper, well mannered, and using a very proper form of English? Clearly you at least would not fit that stereotype, now would you? ;)
SDOwatonnan 2 months ago
@franjauno Replay the video and notice what he says at about 2 1/2 minutes into the recording. Also notice one of his earliest comments above. For at least some of his safety advice, he does in fact mention that it applies to all big cities.
SDOwatonnan 2 months ago
lampara
0328kmilo 4 months ago
? are you serious. No one's going to mug you in the main city.
jamaicaninjapan 1 year ago
there is good and bad everywhere you go....tourists will always be a target no matter where you go as well..
babydoubleA 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
The difference between the perceptions of Colombia is staggering. People often hear all the bad negative stuff but tourists are always pleasantly surprised to experience the exact opposite! Colombia is a very interesting country, very different from the war-torn country that everyone thinks it is: OBVIOUSLY you should stay out of places that you would know with A LITTLE COMMON SENSE not to go, as in any other city in the world. As long as you STAY OUT OF THE BAD AREAS you will be fine.
anonimoalfin 1 year ago
The difference between the perceptions of Colombia is staggering. People often hear all the bad negative stuff but tourists are always pleasantly surprised to experience the exact opposite! Colombia is a very interesting country, very different from the war-torn country that everyone thinks it is: OBVIOUSLY you should stay out of places that you would know with A LITTLE COMMON SENSE not to go, as in any other city in the world. As long as you STAY OUT OF THE BAD AREAS you will be fine.
anonimoalfin 1 year ago
my advice to foreigners visiting bogota is stay on the touristic circuit, don't wear expensive jewelery and if you are being robbed, don't fight back, give the money or whatever and you will be ok. bogota is a much safer city now but as any big city you need to pay attention.
gairero 2 years ago 2
I wouldnt recommend you to use ipods in the street, someone could come from behind with a knife and tell you give me everything, with ipods you are more unsafe
calipdis2 2 years ago
That was a good observation, It really isn't that unsafe in downtown. during the day listening to your iPod walking the streets is generally OK. I think being white is the biggest issue, we are already such big targets without our iPods and video cameras.
GabeInTheCity 2 years ago
yes true, but be careful you can never take things for granted, burglars and evil people are always watching, I hope you enjoy your trips in Colombia
calipdis2 2 years ago
@GabeInTheCity most people are white in Bogota. White Americans simply blend in without any issues. You are all the same. Why you people make these fake divisions.
jamaicaninjapan 1 year ago 2
@GabeInTheCity, there is lots of white people in Colombia real blonds with blue or green eyes , I don't know what you are talking about when you say that if you are "white" is the biggest issue there
I think if you dress like an american and try to be diferent, that can be looking for trouble, just be like them and dress like the locals pants ,shirts, no sandals
parisidream 1 year ago 3
@GabeInTheCity being white? ahahah oh my god you are so ignorant man.im not even colombian im living in bogota about 5 years ago is so stupid what u said! you look like a colombian from bogota or medellin you dont have the "gringo type" give me a break! stop the indiana jones thing you are so funny man..u want to impress your friends making them believe you live an adventure "a la indie jones" haha by the way my sister is a hot italian girl and she say you are so ugly u need a nose job!
toysgowild 9 months ago 2
@GabeInTheCity You make a comment that being white is the biggest issue. You must not have been able to see the people in Bogota with those sunglasses. 60%-70% of the people in Bogota are as white as you are with hair your color or black. Seriously, what the hell kinda comment is that? Many of the people in Bogota are 3-4 generations away from a European ancestor. And you comment that you are in downtown, 85 Street is not down town, it's 85 blocks from down town. Safer then the US.
Delticola 9 months ago
@GabeInTheCity You wrong Bro ... Whites in Bogota are everywhere from poor to rich people it doesn' make sense what you said !
edwinandres01 4 months ago 2
@edwinandres01 USA ppl just as dumbs as usual ..lol
darkelfs 2 months ago
@darkelfs First of all, if you want to make a comment about someone else's lack of intelligence you should at least use correct spelling and grammar to do so. Secondly, what gives you the right to generalize about people from the United States? Would you find it acceptable for others to generalize about your nationality?
SDOwatonnan 2 months ago
@GabeInTheCity being white is the main issue? Lol that's the stupidest thing I've ever read, there are a lot of white people in here, including me and I've never been attacked just because of that.
empirikal09 3 months ago 2
@calipdis2 In New York stolen on the subway
walgasa 2 months ago
Great video by the way. Thanks for sharing your trip experience!
elchino37 2 years ago
Bogotá is safer than DC, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and other US cities. It is safer than Rio de Janeiro, a city full of tourists. Colombia has gotten its reputation because of the media, but looking at the murder rate per capita it is much lower than Brazil's or Mexico's.
elchino37 2 years ago 9
Yea, people think Bogotá is some wild countryside that is ruled by drug dealers and that it is super dangerous. I agree with you, it is just another big city and if you look at the numbers it is not anymore dangerous than many other cities. I woudl rather be in Bogotá than Rio for that reason.
GabeInTheCity 2 years ago 10
i agree with you!
every city has its own safety issues. there is no city in the world with 100% safety
stasisnu18 2 years ago
The difference between the perceptions of Colombia is staggering. People often hear all the bad negative stuff but tourists are always pleasantly surprised to experience the exact opposite! Colombia is a very interesting country, very different from the war-torn country that everyone thinks it is: OBVIOUSLY you should stay out of places that you would know with A LITTLE COMMON SENSE not to go, as in any other city in the world. As long as you STAY OUT OF THE BAD AREAS you will be fine.
anonimoalfin 1 year ago
Why are you walking around with iPod headphones, sunglasses, and a video/digital camera if you can't even take money out of your pocket to buy from a street vendor?
CYIsNotMe 2 years ago
I didn't need anything from them that day. I do not eat candy or any of the food/drink found at the vendors, but I did buy several small things for presents. Good call, I could have bought something while I was filming. Next time I will.
GabeInTheCity 2 years ago
I was referring to your comment on being careful of taking cash out of your pocket to pay for things, or even talking on a cell phone.
Doesn't make sense to say it's so risky to take out your phone to talk to someone or your cash to pay for something and yet be walking around with over a million pesos worth of merchandise on you that a thief can clearly see.
CYIsNotMe 2 years ago
Thats true, I wasn't being a very good example of what I was talking about.. I was already a target for being a "tourist" and having all of that stuff made it worse. Good catch, I'll pay more attention next time.
GabeInTheCity 2 years ago
You do not know shit about Bogota. I know the street your walking on and it is not even close to the center of the city or "downtown" For a video supposedly about Bogota, there sure is a lot of your FACE on the video. Yes, I want to see something in particular, show us a video of your supposed martial arts skills. Your just a jerk with a camera and some cash to bank roll your ego. No more.
ellbee2 2 years ago
You are on a roll today with the :( comments, LOL I'm sorry to offend you. You undoubtedly know more about Colombia than me, I realize that. unfortunately I could only hold the camera so far from my face, I will try to get longer arms in the future. I wish I had a bank roll of some kind, That would be nice.
GabeInTheCity 2 years ago
When did calle 85 become the center of the city?
esanch36 2 years ago
My Bad, its close :)
GabeInTheCity 2 years ago
If by "center" you mean the centro, no. I recognize that Carulla as being a few blocks from Centro Andino. The climate there is very different from the real "downtown".
CYIsNotMe 2 years ago
Colombians swear that is safe
grekito 2 years ago
That's the problem some Colombians say it is safe, but they are Colombian... Ask Americans that visit or live there. Colombians that know the areas will tell you the "safe" and "not so safe" areas. but its almost the same in any country.
GabeInTheCity 2 years ago
Cats?????
jannscottlive 2 years ago
Yes
GabeInTheCity 2 years ago
Gabriel, i really like watching your videos! Jonny from your class ;)
JohnyBLN19 2 years ago
Thanks Bro!
GabeInTheCity 2 years ago