Colombia in May 2021?

[MRB43]

Hi guys....I've made plans to spend 10 days in Medellin, Colombia beginning May 18th.

I've had both my COVID vaccines (Moderna).

Based on facts that you know, would you go? Postpone?

Thanks for your suggestions.

[EZEtoGRU]

Hi guys....I've made plans to spend 10 days in Medellin, Colombia beginning May 18th.

I've had both my COVID vaccines (Moderna).

Based on facts that you know, would you go? Postpone?

Thanks for your suggestions.

To be honest, I wouldn't be visiting anywhere outside of the US right now. It just isn't a good time. Save it for a later date.

[marylander1940]

Hi guys....I've made plans to spend 10 days in Medellin, Colombia beginning May 18th.

I've had both my COVID vaccines (Moderna).

Based on facts that you know, would you go? Postpone?

Thanks for your suggestions.

 

You (and most of us) but what about Colombians?

 

As tempting as it is going anywhere where dollars are loved and appreciated I'd save my money and wait till they got vaccinated too.

[Doe Be Doe]

I was hoping to travel to Medellin soon to meet a specific person. I really want to see that area but I am hesitant to go. Also it is difficult for Colombians to come here.

 

Perhaps the answer is to arrange to meet him in Mexico or some third country that is still open? I know people who have recently traveled to Mexico or Aruba or someplace like that without trouble.

[shadowcatzxxx]

People who are fully vaccinated are most certainly traveling now. And there can be issues unrelated to whether they themselves get COVID. Two friends of mine took off for their favorite vacation spot in Africa a few weeks ago ... and after being there for most of their allotted time, discovered that the entire country was being placed on lockdown. (And still is.) Happily, they are content (and able) to stay where they are for the time being ... and not everyone has that kind of easy flexibility. The COVID situation in Columbia and Ecuador is not good right now. Quito, for example, has nightrly curfew, beginning @ 8pm.

[+ Axiom2001]

 

You (and most of us) but what about Colombians?

As tempting as it is going anywhere where dollars are loved and appreciated I'd save my money and wait till they got vaccinated too.

 

 

This is no time to be traveling out of the States. Many of us have received the vaccination, but that is far from what's happening in other countries, especially in many of the major cities in South America. I want to travel again to Brazil but cannot....

 

If you can cancel without incurring a penalty and can rebook for a later time, that is what I would do if I were in your shoes.

 

[My mother celebrated her 100th birthday last year (May); I missed it due to the pandemic. Since travel is permissible in the States, I decided to be there this year since I've received my vaccination, and she, along with my sister and brother-in-law who reside with her, have gotten theirs as well. I feel comfortable in making this journey.

 

Because I did not want to board a plane where the middle seat is now being booked for passengers, I decided to fly first class for this very special trip during these tenuous times. Currently, I feel optimistic and will definitely continue to wear my mask, keep my distance, and practice the other necessary protocols.]

Edited May 10, 2021 by Axiom2001

[Bootybuilder]

I’ve been in Medellin Colombia for the last month. Currently there’s an 8pm curfew Monday to Thursday and restrictions on where you can go during the day. And full lockdown 8pm Thursday night to 5pm Monday morning.

Might want to see how that develops. I’m ending my trip early. Big COVID issue in Colombia.

[Bootybuilder]

Edit — lockdown until 5am Monday morning.

 

They started doing curfews at 5/6pm nearly 2 weeks ago. Definitely put a big damper on my trip. A good place to go otherwise.

[vaguyD]

Yea I wouldn’t go. Despite your vaccinating they are not at 100% in Colombia with constant lockdowns, curfews and still high infection rates. It wouldn’t be fun

[shadowcatzxxx]

Latest reports of major civil unrest in several cities, in the middle of the pandemic. Caseloads out of control, and lockdowns everytwhere. In brief: Chaos. I wouldn't recommend heading there right now ... as much as I would love to visit there myself!!!

[Stormy]

I was hoping to travel to Medellin in August. Are there any updates?

[shadowcatzxxx]

I was hoping to travel to Medellin in August. Are there any updates?

The situation continues to deteriorate. The issue is not "just" covid" - which is running rampant, but also social unrest triggered by regressive tax policies recently enacted by the government. Heavy on middle- and working- class, very light on the very wealthy. (Sound familiar?) Stay tuned ... and for now ... stay away - if a pleasure trip is what you're planning. Our English-language news sources aren't covering this situation well at all.

[Stormy]

The situation continues to deteriorate. The issue is not "just" covid" - which is running rampant, but also social unrest triggered by regressive tax policies recently enacted by the government. Heavy on middle- and working- class, very light on the very wealthy. (Sound familiar?) Stay tuned ... and for now ... stay away - if a pleasure trip is what you're planning. Our English-language news sources aren't covering this situation well at all.

Thanks. Very helpful response.

[Doe Be Doe]

Does anyone know of a good English language source for up to date Colombian news?

[shadowcatzxxx]

Does anyone know of a good English language source for up to date Colombian news?

My best source? My Colombian BF.

Seriously though, if you don't know Spanish, look around for news from strongly bi-lingual countries like Costa Rica. As hesitant as I am to say it, FaceBook can help. Costa Rican journalist Glenda Umaña does a good job, and a click auto-translates her postings on FB can into passable English. (https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=Glenda%20Umaña).

One recent post of hers, translated:

My niece asks me... what's going on in Colombia?

It's hard to report clearly.

We do know that at least 19 families are mourning because one of their own has died, during protests and clashes that have left us open from the pain of hearing and clearly seeing shots and attacks.

What began with the fury of the population over the government's tax-raising initiative has been maintained for days despite the resignation of the Minister of Finance and the announcement to backtrack tax reform.

The United Nations denounces violations of human rights by the armed forces.

In the middle of the pandemic and increasing contagion, the different groups are agglomerating. Some desperately imploring ceasefire from this torment that has had as the main epicenter, the city of Cali.

While at the same time spreading false news that confuse the population... one wonders from a sociological point of view how it has come to this point and what impact mental health, lockdown, unemployment, economic pressures can have Covid-19 provoked that has all changed our lives.

We join in prayer for the return to peace in beloved Colombia, for the 800 injured, for those who have passed away...

[Doe Be Doe]

Thanks shadow.

[shadowcatzxxx]

You are most welcome, DbD!

Your idea about meeting your guy in Mexico sounds interesting. There, you would "only" need to deal with the pandemic.

[MscleLovr]

Does anyone know of a good English language source for up to date Colombian news?

 

I don’t know where you’re based, but if you can get the TV station…Al Jazeera TV News has carried excellent filmed reports of the situation in Colombia. They have local correspondents speaking from Bogota.

[Doe Be Doe]

I think Al Jazeera is on my cable.

 

Thanks!

[mike carey]

I think Al Jazeera is on my cable.

If it's not, you can stream it live from their web site (button top right). You may also be able to find a story about Colombia that had aired previously.

 

https://www.aljazeera.com/

 

I miss it not being aired here on the ABC News channel in the middle of the night. Their News Grid program that aired at 1500UTC was very good.

Edited May 13, 2021 by mike carey

[shadowcatzxxx]

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/12/opinion/international-world/colombia-protests-biden.html

[Doe Be Doe]

Assuming I travel to Medellin at some point - when stability returns - what is the best travel plan? It seems that the flights from NYC to Medellin all leave either very very early in the morning or late in the afternoon. I would hate having to awake at 3 am on the one hand or getting into Medellin at 11pm on the other.

 

Anyone with experience have any flight suggestions?

[MscleLovr]

I hate early morning flights but I hate even more arriving in a new city very late at night. The only way I have found to make early flights palatable is to spend the night before at an airport hotel.