Limpiezas in Colombia: Social Cleansing
SUMMARY: I discuss social cleansing, which Wikipedia defines as “the elimination of ‘undesirable’ social elements, such as criminals, homosexuals, and the homeless.” I believe the 7 de agosto neighborhood recently underwent a limpieza.
I’d heard of police and military carrying out extrajudicial killings of thieves and indigentes. But only recently have I read in-depth about social cleansing. The issue came up after I noticed a significant difference in the streets around 7 de agosto, one of those inexpensive produce markets around Calle 66 and Carrera 23.
I first passed through the area on the bike tour I took. I made a mental note to not cross Avenida Caracas in Chapinero if I didn’t have to. Then The Mick started taking me to the market for cheap food. I always hated going because the place is crawling with indigentes, bazuceros, stumble-bums, and drunks. After countless times going, I never stopped getting uncomfortable. I thought pictures or video of the area would be great for this blog, but I could never imagine stopping to take out a camera around all those dirty junkies. I even joined the conversation about 7 de agosto on Poorbuthappy, recommending tourists steer clear of the area. … Read more
Security and Militarization in Colombia
SUMMARY: I discuss the security and militarization climate in Colombia.
Public security precautions and militarization in the streets are something to get used to in Colombia. I haven’t seen anything like it in any other country I’ve visited. The security issues may be common across Latin America, but the militarization sets Colombia apart (well, I’ve heard Mexico’s similar but their cops wear ski masks). You become accustomed to seeing guns everywhere you go. All kinds of guns: revolvers, shotguns, assault rifles.
Why I’m Bullish on Colombia
SUMMARY: I detail why I believe Colombia will emerge to be a dynamic economy and one of the most influential countries in Latin America.
Sidenote for those who aren’t economics nerds, A ‘bull’ or ‘bull market’ refers to optimistic investments or expressing confidence. A ‘bear’ or ‘bear market’ refers to economic pessimism or lacking confidence.
EXCERPT: Brazil is the Latin American emerging market most economists drool over because of its size. But if we look at unrealized potential, Colombia may be the most attractive. Where does Colombia’s unrealized potential come from? Security. I’ve written extensively about the crime here. I’ve complained more than it deserves because Colombia’s undergoing a historic turnaround. … Read more
South London Gangster in Colombia
SUMMARY: This story of John Rowley, a British conman / gangster and old friend of The Mick, includes famous heists, jaw-dropping excess and drug abuse, prison, and an early death.
Alternate Title: Old Prison Pal of The Mick Lives Fast, Dies Young
The Mick first heard of John Rowley in his days as a heroin-addicted thief on the streets of London. Both worked among the criminal underworld of petty crime and bank robberies. The Mick had heard of an established gunman named John Rowley but didn’t meet him until their paths crossed in Colombia.
In The Mick’s words, John Rowley was a conman and playboy who’d charm anybody he met while relieving them of value, then would turn around and spend everything he stole with anybody around him on amazing excess. This story of John Rowley is entirely based on what he told The Mick and what The Mick saw with his own eyes. … Read more
Women from South America in Pictures
SUMMARY: Pictures of women from Peru and Colombia.
Alternate Title: Stop Asking Me for Pictures of Latinas!
Smuggling Contraband from Colombia
SUMMARY: I smuggled a bunch of contraband into the States from Colombia for my holiday visit. Read how I got and brought Marijuana, Cocaine, Steroids, and Sinalgen (Colombian Vicodin).
Marijuana
I was to arrive in St. Louis just before Thanksgiving, where some of the men in the family always burn one after dinner. It’s usually the same guys who provide the jibber, which I realized as I was staring at a pile of cheap-ass Colombian marijuana on my counter. So I stuffed a fat bud into the pocket of one of the artesania handbags I bought as Christmas presents (which are among the finer products from Colombia, but not this weed). … Read more
