Heads Up Again

[PatrickenCali]

I don´t like being the bearer of bad news, but this appeared in today´s edition of El Pais. First, in the original Spanish and then translated into English.

I´m not leaving Cali, but I sure am keeping my alert level high.

(Spanish)

Evitan "paseo millonario" a un extranjero
Abril 05 de 2007
El Gaula rescató a un ciudadano estadounidense y a su esposa colombiana, quienes iban a ser víctimas de un 'paseo millonario'.

El extranjero, de 34 años, y su compañera se movilizaban en el taxi Hyundai, de placas VCJ- 838, cuando dos hombres armados subieron al automóvil y los amenazaron.

Los asaltantes, 23, 25 y 32 años, fueron detenidos en la Autopista Simón Bolívar. Entre los capturados estaba el taxista.

Cuando los tres hombres fueron requeridos por la Policía se presentó un intercambio de disparos, que no dejó heridos. Las autoridades incautaron una pistola 9 milímetros.

(English)


Prevention of a “Millionaire Stroll” of a foreigner.

Abril 05 of 2007 The Gaula rescued an American citizen and his Colombian wife, who were going to be victims of a “millionaire stroll”.

The foreigner, of 34 years, and his companion were passengers in a Hyundai taxi, with plates VCJ- 838, when two armed men entered the automobile and threatened them.

The attackers, of 23, 25 and 32 years, were stopped in the Simón Freeway Bolivar. Among those captured was the taxi driver.

When the three men were stopped by the Police, there began an exchange of gunfire which did not result in any persons wounded. The authorities seized a pistol 9 millimeters from the assailants.



Thank God that the police are improving here.

[Charlie640]

Hmmmm I have an idea.. but what is the exact definition of a "Millionaire's Stroll" ?

Article says.. 2 people. then lists ages for 3 people. I wonder how the cops knew something was going on. Hmmmm maybe it was the 5 people in the back seat?? Whats the closest major city to this place?

[Sailover]

I just got back from a very long walk up to Cristo Rey which is the huge statue of Christ the King that overlooks Cali as He does from Sugarloaf in Rio de Janero. Normally it is too dangerous to walk up, but this weekend it is very crowded with people so it is safe. I got plenty of looks though and not all from admiring women. (there may have been TWO of those)
As Patrick says, just keep your guard up and your head down. And as he also says, I am not leaving. Yet.

[PatrickenCali]

The Millionaire Stroll (also known as Miracle Fishing) is a term that describes waiting for foreigners in whatever part (especially at roadblocks) to kidknap for ransom or rob money.

The ages are listed for 3 perpetrators because the taxi driver was in on the plot.

Simon Bolivar Boulevard is on the west side of Cali. Most taxi drivers will not take this route at night because it is so near the poor areas alongside River Cauca.

[TBOND]

Sailover/ Patrick you guys stay Frosty.. be careful and may god keep you safe ..

TB

[Postmanring2]

Hey Patrick, its been a while since we last comunicated, i see things in Cali are business as usual. When i decided to come to Cali last October, i knew it was peligroso, never the less i choose to go! One can not live his life in constant fear. On a lighter note, Patricia and i are doing fine, we are waiting for her interview in Bogota. Yo tengo la esperanza ella sera aca tal vez en Mayo! Take care and be carful

[Sailover]

Heading up the other mountain this morning to the 3 Crosses. If you don't hear from me later, send the dogs.

[El Capitan]

Originally Posted by sailover

Heading up the other mountain this morning to the 3 Crosses. If you don't hear from me later, send the dogs.

Bow-Wow...we'll keep an ear out for ya!!!

Keep the BS radar on high...

[Sailover]

Made it, although it was touch and go for a bit. Not because I was a target, but because it is one hell of a climb. The view from the summit made it worth it though, along with some fantastic fresh orange and carrot juice, squeezed right there. Lots of people too so it was a good time.

[El Capitan]

Originally Posted by sailover

Made it, although it was touch and go for a bit. Not because I was a target, but because it is one hell of a climb. The view from the summit made it worth it though, along with some fantastic fresh orange and carrot juice, squeezed right there. Lots of people too so it was a good time.

We'll stand down the HRT then!

Glad to see you managed to get some exercise without lapsing into an arrhythmia.