How many gringos get sick?

[southernroller]

I think all the gringos get sick in Colombia. I still get sick there after many trips. Like you said depends on where you are at. In Bogota the combination of high altitude, bad air and unusual bacteria will do u in after a while. I never drink the water no matter what city there. After a while i figure you would build up an immunity no it. But not yet for me. I always say to newbies coming there, you have to get the bug in ya. Then u will be ok.

[John Wayne]

A simple change in POTABLE water, meaning water fit for human consumption can set off Montizumas revenge....

I had a friend who lived in Florida and on a trip to visit me in NC packed him own water that he was used to......

The water I was drinking was ok, but he would not take the chance.....

But now if you see an outhouse near the water well in these 3rd world countries......BEWARE...

[southernroller]

outhouse!!! very funny,,maybe stay away from the street food too. Unless ure stomach is really tough. U know they dont keep thier meat at a decent temperature like we can count on mcdonalds doing,,jajaj

[rpcv]

Originally Posted by Rogbo

Perhaps this is a good place to mention Scopolamine or Escopolamina, I have heard the stories of people being drugged with it and there bank accounts drained or worse, but I am not sure how widespread the problem is. It is possible to find it placed in your drink, on your food, sprayed in your face or other clever method, if you are not aware.

I work with a Colombian woman whose cousin was drugged with this stuff. Very scary according to what she told me but he did let his guard down and took his eye off his beer bottle in a bar.

I've gotten sick more times in Europe than Colombia. I do not know why but maybe it is because in Colombia I always ask for ají (hot pepper sauce) and pour it over almost anything I eat.