Colombia forums on Poorbuthappy.com

Just Curious and no direspect intended to Adrimm but..... Why was there not a formal introduction that Adrimm was a new Moderator?

By Med 2 Med on Jul 3, 2009, 19:21 (today).

I'm sure it was an oversite. Just saying.

How long does it take to get Cédula de Extranjería in Bogota DAS office ( already have investo visa)

By sjfly2000 on Jul 3, 2009, 17:51 (today).

I know there is hundreds of posts out here on applying for a Cedula. All a great help and believe me I read all of them. In the last year I purchased an apartment in Cartagena, that I plan to rent out from August onwards as I currently reside here in the US. Hence I need to open a checking account so I can pay the utility bills. But of course to open a checking account I need a cedula. So I recently got a Investor Resident Visa (Expiry : Indefinte) thru a Colombian consulate here in the US. I plan to go to Bogota for a week in August. Once I step of the plane I plan going straight to the DAS office, register visa and apply for the Cedula. I need to get the cedula that week so I can open a checking account also that week before I leave. Does anybody know if I will get the cedula within a week? I have read several posts, stating you will get a temporary Cedula that day but it sounds like that is only for temporary visa holders. But those with a resident visa (like mine) will get a "Cédula de Extranjería" that takes 8 days or greater to get. I really hope I can get the cedula number sooner than that so I can open a bank account that week. I appreciate your time / help Steve....The Irish guy

Earthquake of 5.0 magnitude shakes central Colombia

By truth or dare on Jul 3, 2009, 17:08 (today).

Earthquake of 5.0 magnitude shakes central Colombia http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-07/04/content_11649555.htm BOGOTA, July 3 (Xinhua) -- An earthquake of moderate intensity shook central Colombia early Friday morning, with no reports of casualties or damage, said the National Seismological Network of Colombia (NSNC). The NSNC said the epicenter of the earthquake, measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale, was located in the municipality of Chaparral in the central department of Tolima, at a depth of 30 kilometers, which was considered superficial. "Most cities in central Tolima, the southwestern departments of Valle del Cauca and Huila, and the mid-western departments of Risaralda and Quindio felt relatively strong shakes when the earthquake took place at local time 5:04 a.m. (1004 GMT)," said a spokesman of the NSNC. The earthquake caused some panic among the local people. "Some people were scared and ran to the streets," the spokesman said. "But they soon calmed down as the quake was very short."

Uribe Falls to Earth

By truth or dare on Jul 3, 2009, 17:01 (today).

Uribe Falls to Earth http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2009/07/03/uribe_falls_to_earth Colombia's president is used to being wildly popular. But now, his flirtation with a third term may be getting him into trouble. BY ADAM ISACSON | JULY 3, 2009 A year ago this week, Colombia's President Álvaro Uribe was on top of the world. Employing a clever ruse, one of the country's elite army units miraculously (and bloodlessly) rescued 15 hostages who had been held in the jungle for years. The world applauded the operation's stealth and savvy - and the release of the rebels' top political hostage, French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt, as well as three U.S. defense contractors and 11 soldiers and police. .. Colombia, it seemed, was coming back from the edge, and the country was ecstatic. Two days after the July 2, 2008, hostage rescue, a Gallup poll of Colombians (those with telephones in the four largest cities, at least) put Uribe's approval rating at a remarkable 86 percent. Already, the cattle rancher and conservative president had been well regarded among Colombians for battlefield gains against the 45-year-old Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) insurgency, a drug-money-fueled leftist force that systematically targets civilians for murder and kidnapping. Uribe oversaw a military buildup that reduced the guerrillas' size by half and limited its range of operations. He negotiated the demobilization of tens of thousands of pro-government paramilitary militias, reducing -- though not eliminating -- those groups' murderous activity. But what goes up must come down, and Uribe's luck has certainly done so in recent months. By early May 2009, Gallup put Uribe's approval rating at 71 - still pretty good, but its lowest in two years. A plurality of Colombians told the pollster that the country was on the "wrong track." There are bigger problems at work here than a normal come-down: Uribe's spectacular progress in security and economic matters has slowed, and scandals have taken their place in the news. Economic decline is the most straightforward concern. With a relatively low foreign debt, Colombia is better cushioned than its neighbors, but the global economic crisis has still dealt the country a blow. Demand for its exports, especially manufactured goods to the United States, has plummeted. Prices of commodities, particularly Colombia's oil, coal, and minerals, have fallen. The country's urban unemployment rate has returned to double digits after a few years of prosperity, with an additional 30 percent of the workforce underemployed and toiling in the informal sector. Just as the economy has begun to sputter, the security situation -- Uribe's strongest suit - also seems to have stopped improving. The FARC, under new command since March 2008, appear to be regrouping in rural areas. The group's founding leader, Manuel Marulanda, died of natural causes in late March 2008, and was replaced by Alfonso Cano, a former professor who joined the FARC in 1968. Since then, with the exception of the July 2008 hostage rescue and a battlefield victory south of Bogotá in March 2008, the military hasn't dealt any further blows to the guerrillas' leadership. FARC's ambushes, attacks, and operations aimed at local government leaders are becoming more frequent. Murder rates have increased since 2008 in all of Colombia's major cities, especially Medellín. Here, the it's not the now mostly-rural FARC that is to blame, but drug gangs. What's happening is a sort of turf war to gain territory opened up when 15 of the top paramilitary leaders involved in trafficking were extradited to the United States in the first half of May 2008. "New" paramilitary groups, most of them more accurately described as the armed wings of drug-trafficking organizations, are sprouting up and growing quickly to fill the vacuum.

Life in Cartagena

By webjacks on Jul 3, 2009, 16:19 (today).

Hola/Hello .... everyone. I am interested in learning more about regular life in Cartagena. I moved here last weekend and I am curious about everything. I was living in Manizales prior to this. Any suggestions or information would be greatly appreciated. I haven't been out much yet, but I have noticed that taxis don't use meters here. Any suggestions on job hunting would be nice too. -Thomas

Anyone after a Playboy apartment in Santa Barbara, Bogota

By AptsColombia on Jul 3, 2009, 12:14 (today).

Yes that's right we have just added this completely pimp apartment to our books. You can check out the pictures here http://aptscolombia.com/palaciodetails.aspx. Unbelievably there is a hottub in the living room! Added to this it comes with your own Playstation 3 you can link up to the 42 inch home cinema system in the bedroom. Oh and if you forgot to wok out or wanna show off your pecs there's a multigym machine on the terrace!! This apartment is located in Chico, north Bogota & is ideal for company presidents, diplomats, foreign presidents, deposed presidents, company VP's, playboys, and families ;) By the way we also have some more modest apartments still available for July! Check out our website www.aptscolombia.com.

Medellin El Poblado room for rent

By pharris13 on Jul 3, 2009, 11:51 (today).

Furnished double room to rent in a 2-bed apartment in Castropol, El Poblado, Medellin with fantastic view over the city, bathroom and shower. Apartment has balcony, is bright and airy, has great views and a pool. The location is in the Castropol part of El Poblado, a quiet residential area a few minutes walk from Parque Lleras. Hot water, fully fitted kitchen with washing machine and fridge freezer, WiFi internet, 24 hour security, elevator, cleaning lady and safe building. Apartment is shared by helpful, responsible working roomate. 900,000 COP per month all in. Contact for more info: paul.corresponsal@gmail.com or call 320 688 5505

Good place to stau in cucuta? quik replies please

By sirwhale on Jul 3, 2009, 11:05 (today).

So the VISA process got messed up... EAFIT didn´t include some of the papers i needed and the woman was abit of a cow anyway.... When i went back to ask more questions she was with a mate in her office dying eachothers hair. Hard worker. Anyway, I gambled the whole trip and lost. I´m now stuck in San antonio but plan to head over to Cúcuta in the next half hour to find somewhere to stay until monday. Cheap is definitely what I´m after, but also safe. Cheers Christian

Citibank... money transfer....etc....

By jeff8875 on Jul 3, 2009, 10:51 (today).

So I was in citibank the other day to get info on their branches in Colombia...... Turns out they are the same but different, if still get hit with an international fee if you take money out of a citibank atm. BUT if you want to transfer money, you can transfer from Citibank (us) to a Citibank (colombia) branch for .05 % of the amount transfered... to a maximum of 5k a day. quick math means you could transfer 150k in a month and it would cost you 750 bucks... not bad.

Accommodation

By solcountry on Jul 3, 2009, 09:40 (today).

Posada del SOL Calle 9, No 3-71, La Candelaria, Bogota, Colombia Hi: Has anyone stayed at this place, or have any information to share about same. I am a female looking at accommodation for my trip, would like to know about safety in this location , and how good is this facility, clean, service etc. Thanks all.

Engineering Information

By Bunyipcatcher on Jul 3, 2009, 09:25 (today).

Morning All, Looking for some engineering information and possibly contacts. For concrete construction what design codes do they use in Colombia? Is it ACI 318? Also does anyone know where I can find information on: Large construction companies? Large concrete contractors? Post tensioning contractors? Or any of the above but that might be larger regional companies with offices here in Colombia. Any information or engineering directories appreciated, Scott

Bolivar Seguros

By Beachbros on Jul 3, 2009, 09:21 (today).

Anyone have any experiences with seguros bolivar? I am thinking of using them for home insurance. Any advice?

Shipping electronics to CO (Dead Horse alert)

By Saltador on Jul 3, 2009, 08:43 (today).

I know this topic has been covered, but as the time nears for me to buy two or three LCD TV's, I just hate paying 50% more in Colombia for the same television that I can get in the US. I priced a SONY 40 inch LCD at exito.com, 1200 dollars. Best Buy, 800. A year has gone by since I last enquired about this topic. Has anyone discovered a way to do this that makes sense economically, and with a reasonable assurance that the TV's will arrive unbroken in Cartagena? I called one company yesterday, and they said they could send up to 200 lbs. for 350 dollars. I would pick up the items at the airport in Cartagena. 350 dollars might seem high, but could be worth it on three TV's and probably a Nintendo Wii. What about the taxes? What is the current rate charged by Colombia to import elctronics? Is repackaging the items so it's not obvious they're new TV's an option? I know this is somewhat of a dead horse, but I keep hoping that there is a way to do this.

From Nicaragua to San Andres

By cippalippa on Jul 3, 2009, 08:06 (today).

Hello, I am looking for a way to get to San Andres from Nicaragua (ie, from Bluefields, Puerto Cabezas or even from Managua). It seems there is no ferry that provides this connection, and there are no direct flights from Nicaragua either. Does anyone know anything? I can't beleave that the only way to get to San Andres is through an indirect flight (ie, via Costa Rica or Miami) when that island is just few kilometres from the Ncaragua's coast. Thanks /Ch

Bike touring in Colombia

By NedL on Jul 3, 2009, 06:12 (today).

I'm planning a trip to Colombia in late August (Aug 27-Sept6), and I would like do a bike tour for a few days. My trip will include either Cali or Medellin, then a 3-5 day bike tour, then Bogota. Would anyone have advice on where to go? I would only go with a group, guide, or organized tour.

Hail Colombia

By tasco66 on Jul 3, 2009, 05:34 (today).

Obama has come around to seeing the progress Colombia has made in human rights areas and is rightfully backing a free-trade agreement. July 3, 2009 President Obama, who withheld his support for a free-trade agreement with Colombia when he was a senator, recently sounded a more positive note on the issue. At a joint news conference this week with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, Obama commended him for the progress his country has made in addressing human rights violations. In particular, he remarked on the more hospitable environment in Colombia today for labor organizers -- one of the sticking points for Obama and other Democrats in Congress. "We've seen improvements when it comes to prosecution of those carrying out these blatant human rights offenses," Obama said. Furthermore, he added, he has instructed U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk to work with his Colombian counterparts to bring the free-trade agreement to fruition. All of which suggested that Colombia has turned a corner since Obama's election, and that the United States may now be more favorably inclined to free trade with this Andean nation. Obama is right to see progress, but wrong to assume that it began only recently. The improvements he cited this week were underway long before he became president; indeed, Colombia was moving in the right direction even when Sen. Obama opposed the trade pact that now, as president, strikes him as more appealing. The concern over the hazards faced by labor organizers is legitimate. Colombia is the world's most dangerous country for union leaders, who risk their lives to seek working conditions that North Americans have long taken for granted. And until Colombia demonstrated a willingness to equalize the status of employers and employees, it was difficult to accept that free trade would benefit its people generally. Thankfully, Uribe too acknowledged those difficulties and began addressing them more than a year ago. Today, the government provides personal protection for labor leaders and has appointed a special prosecutor whose task is to improve the country's dismal record of prosecuting those who attack them. Colombia is not done yet. The lure of the trade agreement has yielded positive results, which Democrats should acknowledge not by continuing to dwell on Colombia's grim history but rather by approving a pact that is in the interest of both nations. If dating Colombia's improvements to some point after his inauguration gives Obama the political capital he needs to support the pact, then fine. But it's historically inaccurate. It is Obama who's making progress today; Colombia did so long ago. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-colombia3-2009jul03,0,6495153.story

Adopted Colombian story

By tasco66 on Jul 3, 2009, 05:32 (today).

ManWeek is an initiative by ReachOut – a valuable step forward encouraging young men to share their thoughts about being a guy: Without a doubt this is something I’d never thought I’d share across a blog. 20 something years ago I was adopted from an orphanage in Bogota, Colombia. It’s something I live with. Something I think about every day. It’s everything and nothing to me. It’s taken me, and is still taking me, most of my life so far, to accept that it is just something a part of me, but that there is so much more. Being a guy I’ve always felt the need to be hard. To be ruthless with feeling. To be self assured. The same feelings that I felt gave me strength, left me feeling totally isolated. I learned to live a different life. I still don’t let anyone too close too quickly. The photo above is me sitting in La Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City) after trekking for 3 days into the Colombian jungle I spoke to Marky P about this. Massive inspiration across so many different levels – this post really belongs to his blog. Life before knowing I was adopted I’ve known since birth. My brother is blonde, white with green eyes – so I was reminded from when I was young. It was a really hard thing to explain to people when you’re 5 years old why you and your brothers are different ‘colours’. I remember lying about it once. At 5 years old, I’d never felt so guilty before. I’ve never lied about it again. Experience: The judgment of others, and the judgement of myself. How I found out I was adopted Parents always discussed it with me. “Where do babies come from” was a very different conversation with me. I think I would have only been 18 months (or whenever babies start to talk) that they started showing me where I was from. You might have had a “Where do babies come from book” – you know those books for babies? – I had one called “Why was I adopted” which was also for infants. Experience: That I experienced birth like none other I knew (at that time). How I felt Confused. My whole outlook was always up and down. It’s hard to tell if I was naturally emotional or if that this made me emotional because I went through so many different feelings. I once went to a doctor and was asked to fill out medical history (of family) to which I wrote ‘N/A’ and the doctor looked at me coldly and said “What? Is your whole family dead?” I said “They could be, I really have no idea.” It becomes a search for ‘truth’ – whatever that is, to answer questions of why. Experience: Blame. It’s weird, there’s no real blame anywhere. Yet I felt like I needed to put some on someone. Highschool Highschool – where you think you know who you are, by trying to be everyone else. Having felt alone for so long – you look to feel a part of something all over again. You tell yourself you don’t give a shit; that you’re a guy and that none of this matters to guys. That I should get back to chasing girls. After the first 4 years of highschool, running around with different crowds, I gave in. I let go of caring about the judgement views of others and starting doing my own thing. I still continued to perform with different bands; kept playing soccer; continued enjoying the company of my closest friends. I just wanted to be whatever I wanted. And that was fine. I started to feel happy. People think I’m gay; straight; happy; sad; too old; too young; too busy; lazy blah bah. But I just wanted to be me. And that’s what happened. And again, I learned acceptance. Experience: Life is what you want it to be. You have that control and will to bend, twist and craft whatever you want. Thinking about finding my biological family Talk to any adopted child and they’ll have a different perspective. In fact, I think while you’re growing up it changes over time. Sometimes you want to more than anything; sometimes the thought tears you apart; and at other times it seems as a nice to know. Experience: Acceptance. That everything happens. And it will happen. We are everything that we want to be. Doing it Hard. I procrastinated for so long. It ended up being over the internet, followed by a letter, to which I received an email reply (after leaving an email address). 12 months later I went over with 5 mates who would share one of the pinnacle moments of my life with me. I wrote every day, and still have not published any of this, nor read it again. Meeting my mother, my 3 sisters, and my half brother and half sister, two nieces and nephew was incredible, I’m still never sure how to explain the feeling. I now know every circumstance I was adopted under. Experience: Reborn. My life started again. The journey: is a search for truth, and answers It felt like it feels to SCUBA diving at night with sharks. Honestly. You jump into the water, swallow all your pride, and decide that it’s worth everything to be here, if I don’t make it out alive, at least I did something that might mean something one day. Then you jump. Thoughts now Best thing I’ve ever done. That’s all you need to know. It’s a fuel. A fuel for self-destruction, a fuel for strength, a fuel for emotion, a fuel for apathy. It is measure of value, fortune and gratitude. Some thoughts for adopted men 1. You are not alone 2. Your parents are the ones who raised you, your family is who you make it 3. It’s OK to care about your parents, it’s OK to give a fuck 4. The decision is yours. You never have to find out, you’re not succeeding or failing at anything you don’t set out to do What I’ve learned 1. I have a strong connection with my family 2. I have a strong connection with children 3. Adopted children share an experience which bonds them, no story is the same 4. That I am incredibly fortunate to be where I am, and know the people I know 5. I haved lived in too much fear, guilt and anger What I want to be 1. A father. A good father. 2. To support and be there for any other adoptee (working on something at the moment) http://jyesmith.com/return-to-colombia/2009/07/02/

tobacco

By thepieman on Jul 3, 2009, 04:32 (today).

Hi everyone, this might be a stupid question but do they have rolling tobacco in Colombia? After talkin with my gf (could have been a problem with translation) she didnt seem to think there was. In the uk the roll your own scene has grown enormously due to the high cost of cigarettes.When i go over for my visit should i take my own supply of tobacco, papers and filters or is it all easily obtainable in Medellin area? thanks A

Total autonomy for the American military in Colombia?

By Dolfi on Jul 3, 2009, 02:05 (today).

"Existe la voluntad de ambos Gobiernos de profundizar y expandir la cooperación orientada contra la droga y contra el terrorismo", según el Gobierno de Bogotá. Colombia es uno de los tres países del mundo que recibe la mayor cantidad de ayuda militar de Estados Unidos: en 2008 fue de 527 millones de dólares. El complejo militar de Manta, dedicado a operaciones antidroga desde hace 10 años, está siendo desmantelado por decisión del presidente ecuatoriano, Rafael Correa. "Prefiero cortarme un brazo antes que renovar el contrato", dijo en marzo de 2007. Se espera que en septiembre salga el último estadounidense de este complejo militar, de 27 hectáreas. Con todo, la polémica no ha hecho más que empezar. Si las operaciones a desarrollar incluyen la lucha contra el terrorismo -léase guerrilla-, esto incidirá notablemente en la seguridad interna de Colombia. Además, según Cambio, las operaciones trascenderán las fronteras colombianas -se extenderán al Caribe-; en ese caso, la autonomía de los militares estadounidenses será total. Otro de los temas que levantan ampollas es el de la inmunidad judicial para los militares y asesores extranjeros que exige el país del norte. "Un acuerdo en este sentido atenta contra la soberanía nacional; es inconveniente que la desmantelada base de Manta se desperdigue por todo el territorio nacional", explicó a EL PAÍS Carlos Gaviria, precandidato a la presidencia de Colombia por el opositor Polo Democrático. Para él, esta posibilidad es peligrosa y puede llegar a instalar un polvorín en la región. "Es ideológicamente inaceptable y políticamente inconveniente", asegura. http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/EE/UU/trasladara/Colombia/operaciones/base/ecuatoriana/Manta/elpepuintlat/20090703elpepuint_3/Tes So the personal of the American bases that will be installed in Colombia would be immune to any action of the Colombian judiciary. Doesn´t come as a surprise with Uribe´s government.

Should i go to Cali colombia?????

By guapochino007 on Jul 3, 2009, 02:01 (today).

Hey All I am planning my trip to colombia and one of my good friends who is latino and can speak spanish cannot make it to his trip because of money issues. I been to Medellin and Bogota twice. I want to check out CALI. but everyone tell me its dirty and lil dangerous as well. I only speak minimal spanish and my other buddy who is coming with me does not speak any spanish. We will hire a translator to helps us out... Should i even go????? What are some cool things to do in cali? besides the zoo, soccer game and salsa clubs??? thank you all and cheers!

EXCLUSIVE: Colombian prisoners strain D.C. Jail

By mariacvetanoski on Jul 3, 2009, 01:44 (today).

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jul/02/colombian-prisoners-straining-dc-jail/ Two of the District's top law enforcement officials are warning that dozens of federal prisoners with ties to Colombian rebel groups and international drug rings are a threat to security at the D.C. Jail and pose a risk of escape into the surrounding neighborhood. The concerns have led city officials to ask the federal government for more money to provide security for the increasing numbers of prisoners, who are being held at the District's corrections campus in Southeast. Devon Brown, director of the D.C. Department of Corrections (DOC), outlined concerns about such prisoners in a U.S. District Court filing last month. The June 18 filing was part of a federal court battle over prisoner housing between the city and attorneys for a group of Colombian inmates indicted as being part of a cocaine ring. Mr. Brown said an "unprecedented number" of city inmates - 60 in all - are thought to have ties to a Colombian drug organization. Such prisoners must be kept separate from each other and "could easily use their skills and resources to coordinate unrest, violence or escape," Mr. Brown said. Of the 60 inmates, at least 20 are thought to be members of paramilitary groups that include the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC), both of which have been designated foreign terrorist organizations by the State Department. D.C. Attorney General Peter J. Nickles confirmed that officials are concerned about possible dangers connected with housing the Colombian prisoners. "I think it's the question of dealing with folks who are connected to a larger organization, which has money and has abilities to bring to bear at the institution activities that would pose security problems," Mr. Nickles said. "What started as a trickle has suddenly in the last few months become large enough that we've noticed it." He also said officials have asked "appropriate federal authorities" to provide the funds to protect against security risks. Colombian inmates recently sent to the city for prosecution include, according to court records, federal officials and news reports:

Rent Appartment with 2 bedrooms in Cartagena 600 mts from the beach and 1000 mts from the airport

By haraldo on Jul 2, 2009, 21:50.

My name is Harold I am German and I rent a brandnew 55 sqm appartment in my house with 2 bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom in Cartagena 600 mts from the beach and 1000 mts from the airport. The appartment has 7 sleeping places and is in the first floor in a nice popular area where living mainly Colombian middle class families with a lot of kids in the streets. To got to the center costs USD 2,50 by taxi (5 minutes drive) or USD 0,40 by bus. Only NO SMOKERS. Kids welcome. Write an email to dpaola2184@hotmail.com.

ROOM FOR RENT in Medellin - LAURELES

By mrcomputer on Jul 2, 2009, 19:14.

Furnished room for rent in modern apartment. Area: Laureles Close to transport, shops and cafes/restaurants. Rent per month including all bills is 590 000 pesos per month. More info please email shareaparment at hotmail.com That is aparment without t!

For a 5 day trip where to go?

By bradk on Jul 2, 2009, 18:59.

Want to go out of the country for a vacation with my girlfriend. Any good promotions to Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama or Peru? Thanks for the info. Flying out of Bogota...

We Buy Apartments, Furniture and Cars from Gringos Leaving Medellin.

By rumronrum on Jul 2, 2009, 18:30.

We are interested in buying your Medellin apartment, property and car due to a "Fire Sale or Get Out of Town by Sundown Sale" Cash (dollars or pesos) Paid (serious clients only please).

Student Visa

By bronaghj10 on Jul 2, 2009, 18:05.

Does anybody know if an Irish Citizen can apply for a Colombian student visa in the US. I know I can get it in Bogota, but I already have a flight booked to the States for the 22nd July and need to get a few things up there, so I only want to make one trip? Cheers.

I'd like to be the first to Welcome Adrimm as New Moderator!

By Med 2 Med on Jul 2, 2009, 17:51.

Welcome Adrimm! Your a good woman a welcome addition!

Shakira wants babies

By truth or dare on Jul 2, 2009, 16:56.

After birth of 1st album in 4 years, Shakira wants babies with boyfriend By Associated Press July 2, 2009 BOGOTA (AP) — Colombian pop star Shakira says after her latest album is born she plans to undertake a new labor: multiple children. The 32-year-old Grammy winner known for her seductive dance moves says that she plans to focus on a family after October, which is when her as-yet-unnamed album is to be released. Shakira spoke with the El Tiempo newspaper at her home in the Bahamas, where she says she goes barefoot all day. The newspaper published the interview on Thursday. Shakira says she wants two kids, while boyfriend Antonio de la Rua would like three. For now, Shakira's baby is her new single, "Loba" — Spanish for "She-Wolf," which she released this week. The album is her first in four years since "Oral Fixation."

Indictment Reveals Cartel's Inner Workings

By truth or dare on Jul 2, 2009, 16:52.

CHRISTOPHER SHERMAN, Associated Press Writer BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP) ― Nearly two years ago Mexican soldiers acting on what they said was an anonymous tip seized more than 11 tons of cocaine being unloaded by Gulf Cartel members at a warehouse near the eastern coastal city of Tampico. At the time, Mexican media reported that it was the country's largest cocaine seizure to date. But according to documents filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., last month in a case against 19 high-ranking members of the Gulf Cartel and its one-time enforcement arm the Zetas, authorities were monitoring phone conversations for months among the cartel members organizing that cocaine shipment from Colombia. The bust was a big score for Mexican President Felipe Calderon's cartel crackdown and evidence of the cooperation between anti-drug efforts in the U.S. and Mexico. A Justice Department spokesman reached before the start of the holiday weekend said those familiar with the case were not immediately available to comment. Stephen Meiners, a Latin America analyst with Stratfor, a global intelligence company, said that the U.S. may have shared the intercepted phone call with Mexican authorities but not had the details of the specific location and time. "It may have been one piece of the puzzle," combined with an anonymous tip to Mexican authorities, he said. From June 2007 until the cocaine arrived in October, Miguel Trevino Morales, the Zetas' second in command, prepared for the massive load with Gulf Cartel members Samuel Flores Borrego and Juan Reyes Mejia Gonzalez, according to a superseding indictment filed June 9. They spent months dealing with the logistics, including a search for warehouse space in the port city. Then on Oct. 5, as described in a report from the Houston Chronicle, soldiers found a street blocked by armed men while others unloaded cocaine from a tractor trailer. The newspaper reported then-U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza saying, "Today marks another historic success for the Mexican government's counter-drug initiatives." The supeseding indictment alleged that on Oct. 5, 2007, 10 of the named defendants "possessed and distributed approximately 11,700 kilograms of cocaine, which they intended to ship to the United States." Calderon, speaking the day of the seizure in Ciudad Victoria, not far from Tampico, said, "We have redoubled the effort to enforce the law in Mexico." The seizure infuriated the cartel, pushing Zeta member Alfredo Rangel Buendia to threaten death for any investors in the load who failed to pay their share within 72 hours, according to a phone conversation between two cartel members intercepted a week after the load was lost. The indictment lays out the current Gulf Cartel hierarchy, explaining that the cartel and the Zetas continue to work together under the name "The Company." The first named defendant is Antonio Ezequiel "Tony Tormenta" Cardenas Guillen, brother of Osiel Cardenas Guillen, who is awaiting trial in Houston. But the 27-page document also includes pages of summarized intercepted phone calls — often in coded language — that provide context to the daily seizures of drugs and money at the Texas-Mexico border. The bosses of the "plazas," or shipping corridors, controlled by the cartel, discussed how loads would be smuggled and the prices charged for cocaine and marijuana. The calls picked up plans to move drugs into Mexico from Colombia and Venezuela, their moves to the border and then across. Their routes cover border towns from Nuevo Laredo to Matamoros and they spoke of some crossings as sure things. They stay in touch with Nextel "push to talk" telephones and radios and meticulously track shipments, payments and members with a comprehensive database, according to the documents. In May 2007, members arranged a $2 million bribe for Mexican government officials on an intercepted call. A month later, two others discussed the seizure of $2.7 million in drug proceeds by authorities in Texas and who the money belonged to. Meiners, the Stratfor analyst, said the indictment provided interesting insight into the hierarchical relationships of the cartel and their individual responsibilities, but cautioned that the organization was in flux. Most of those named in the indictment remain at large, but several are in Mexican or U.S. custody. About 18 months ago, there was a significant fracture in the Gulf Cartel-Zeta relationship as the Zetas began working more independently, Meiners said. "When the Gulf (cartel) lost that exclusive contract with the Zetas, their power really decreased significantly," he said. Some have even speculated that the Gulf Cartel is working for the Zetas now, he said.

A Single Week In Zuana, Santa Marta For Sale Later This Year.

By kenblanquito on Jul 2, 2009, 15:08.

A friend of ours has a time-share at the above resort and wishes to sell a week of her entitlement for this year only. I understand that there are various date options available, which start on Saturdays, from 5th September until 21st November 2009. The accommodation available is a suite that will provide sleeping facilities for 4 people. My wife and I stayed at this resort several years ago and it is a super environment. For those of you who do not know the resort, I feel sure that there are many PBH members who have stayed there, so you can ask them of its merits. Also, there is a link that will provide some other information: http://www.intervalworld.com/web/cs?a=1503&resortCode=ZUA&parentResortCode=ZUA The price for the week is 1.000.000 COP. Whether that may be good or bad, I really would not know and this advert has been placed by me because I volunteered to do so as she has no knowledge of PBH. So do not start slagging me off about it please, I am not a salesman, she happens to be a good friend and I am trying to help! Therefore, please do not mess the lady around! For those with genuine enquiries, you are most welcome to speak to her. Please say that you know of Ken and Lucia Victoria and it is in response to Ken's advert. She speaks a little English but for those with limited Spanish, you will find her very easy to understand; she speaks very clearly and slowly to foreigners! Diana Mayungo Mobile No. 311-638-7699 And Good Luck!

tours in bogota???

By apeters on Jul 2, 2009, 14:41.

hey all, im now in bogota until next week...anyone know of any good tour companies in bogota? It is for a group of only 3 or 4, thanks for the help!

See the Friekezoid dance (one last time)

By nine inch nails on Jul 2, 2009, 14:11.

Actually looked pretty good. Anyone else seen it?

How do I withdraw money from PayPal in Colombia? - Como retirar de PayPal en Colombia?

By realstate on Jul 2, 2009, 13:58.

I want to know different metods to withdraw money from my PayPal acuont, without a US bank Acount. I know Using zoom, they say that have very low fees and rates, but that is not really true because they have a Currency Exchange aditional Value, is not the really price at TRM, is prices at their Currency Exchange office. I heard that you can ask here in colombia the PayPal debit card, and they send them to your house, to withdraw money for any ATM, Is that true? Another thing that I heard is that you can buy a prepaid Card, an you pass your founds to a Credit Card, like a Gift card, but at your own. This card work as the traditional credit card, but without opening a checking acount. In colombia the financial institutions that do this are País: Colombia Entidad Financiera: Banco Santander, Banco de Bogotá, BancoColombia Bancolombia: Tarjeta e-Prepago MasterCard Banco de Bogotá: Tarjeta Efectiva / Tarjeta + Efectiva Bansuperior: Diners Gift Is that true too? Anoteher way is using your card of your US bank in a ATM. that's true, but you have to open that acount in US. Any another real suggestion, or are true the last suggestions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hola, quiero preguntarles si conocen una manera de retirar dinero de paypal en colombia? ¿Puedo sacar los fondos que tengo en paypal cabe recordar que vivo en Colombia?. si se puede por favor avisemen como lo hago. esto sin tener una cuenta en US conozco algunos metdos que he escuchado Es posible recibir dinero en la cuenta de PayPal sin tener ningún tipo de cuenta bancaria en Ninguna parte del planeta y desde allí transferirla a el banco en Colombia a través de XOOM. Pero ellos dicen que tienen unas tarifas muy bajas que no son tan ciertas, ya que ellos te cobran por la transacción y ademas por el servicio de cambiar el dinero a pesos colombianos. Todos los sistemas de compra con tarjeta de credito en dolares se calculan a la TRM del dia por lo que no es necesario el cambio de moneda. Ellos te cobran la comision ademas de la casa de cambio. He escuchado que paypal esta emitiendo sus tarjetas debito para retirar desde un cajero a colombia a la dirección de tu residencia, no se que tan cierto sea, al parecer ellos no hacen eso hasta donde se, pero las cosas puedieron empezar a cambiar hace poco. Es esto cierto, si alguien ya se la enviaron? Una de las opciones que tal vez lleve cierto tiempo en tramitarse pero que sin dudas es la mas benéfica es la de retirar el dinero a una tarjeta de Crédito. Por ende, las compañías financieras han lanzado en todo el mundo un sistema llamado Tarjetas Prepagas, algo así como una GiftCard pero de su propiedad. Claro esta, para conseguir una de estar tarjetas prepagas debe concurrir a una entidad financiera que emita tarjetas Visa o MasterCard con este fin. Aclaramos que las tarjetas tienen la propiedad de Internacional, pero solo para transferencia online. Estas tarjetas funcionan exactamente igual que una tarjeta de crédito convencional pero con la diferencia de que no es necesaria la creación de una cuenta corriente. Además las tarjetas permiten la recarga de crédito con el fin de pagar o arrendar bienes y servicios, en nuestro caso el pago de comisiones de sistemas de pago online. País: Colombia Entidad Financiera: Banco Santander, Banco de Bogotá, BancoColombia Bancolombia: Tarjeta e-Prepago MasterCard Banco de Bogotá: Tarjeta Efectiva / Tarjeta + Efectiva Bansuperior: Diners Gift es esto cierto también? alguien ya lo ha hecho?

Need Short Term Apartment in BAQ

By jimmycr1 on Jul 2, 2009, 12:48.

Anyone have or know of anyone who has an apartment in North Quilla for rent on a short term basis? By short term, I'm talking 1 week. Not looking to share or have a room mate as I will be visiting my female friend. :-) Yes, I know I can find reasonably priced hotels for a week and it might even be a better deal. But, this one week stint could easily turn in to a one month (or longer) stint in the future. Contact me through PBH or any posts with infor would be greatly appreciated. Oh, BTW, it is for early August. Thanks! jimmycr1

Teatro Metropolitano José Gutiérrez Gómez, Medellín, Colombia July 4th!

By azunoman on Jul 2, 2009, 12:47.

Teatro Metropolitano José Gutiérrez Gómez, Medellín, Colombia http://www.teatrometropolitano.com/index.html Sábado, Julio 4, 2009 Concierto No 7 Orquesta Filarmónica de Medellín Solista: Orlin Petrov Director: Francisco Rettig Obertura Leonora no. 3-Beethoven Concierto para Oboe - Haydn Sinfonía no. 9 en do mayor “La Grande”-Schubert Hora: 6:00 p.m. Informes: 262 55 00 Boletería: $15.000, $25.000, $30.000 $40.000 Organiza: Orquesta Filarmónica de Medellín Teléfonos Taquilla [+57 4] 232 28 58 Horario: Lunes a viernes Jornada continua de 10:00 a.m. a 6:00 p.m. Sábados: 9:00 a.m. a 1:00 p.m. Días de evento de 10:00 a.m. a 8:00 p.m. Recepción [+57 4] 232 45 97 - 232 85 36 Horario: Lunes a viernes 8:00 a.m. a 12:00 m. y 2:00 p.m. a 6:00 p.m. Fax [+57 4] 262 61 57 Dirección Calle 41 No. 57 - 30 Medellín - Colombia (S.A.)

Help

By lmalave498@gmail.com on Jul 2, 2009, 12:17.

Hello my name is Luis Angel Malave. i am an american citizen. I came to colombia in Dec of 2008 to get married to a colobian woman. Well i have not left the country since i´ve been here. She and her family pulled a CON job on me. Made me pay for everything from the wedding, for an apartment, furniture, etc.and they stole all my money. Well here i am still in colombia as of today July 2, 2009. without a job nor money,I was never told what i needed to do from the USA to be able to stay here in Colombia. Now i am looking for any help or assistance that i can get. I dont want to get deported, because i LOVE colombia and i want to live here. I would thank you for any help or assistance anybody can help me with. My cell number is 300 240 28 46. youre truly Luis Angel Malave

A little Barranquilla history

By elmodefoque on Jul 2, 2009, 11:54.

.So there I was this morning with my 82 year aunt (my father’s sister) eldest of the modeffoque clan. She’s in USA for a short stay visiting her daughter in Tampa and NYC for a couple days.. The old broad could only handle being away from curramba no more than two weeks. She loves telling me stories about our strong ties to Barranquilla, how we founded the city and once rule with an iron hand. For some odd reason she wants me to be head of the modefoque clan after she croaks which has me all confused. My cousins in curramba are older and professionals. Doctors, lawyer politician, businessmen, paracos and chit, all I did with my life was get high and clean fokin toilets. Anyway, she handed me another old picture. A 1940’s pic of my late uncle Jose modefoque hamburger, head of Barranquilla’s police dept. from the mid 30’s to the mi50’s. That modefoque ruled Barranquilla with an iron hand , feared by every criminals in curramba. You steal a mango and your ass would be floating upside down in el rio Magdalena Barranquilla’s crime was zero during his dictatorship .

Telenovelas...where can I get the series??

By NataliaV on Jul 2, 2009, 11:49.

I was hoping Netflix would carry some Colombian TV series, but they don't. Any suggestions on which ones to buy and where I can find them in the states? I really want El Cartel de los sapos...is it released on DVD yet? What about Sin Tetas...? Whould they be cheaper in Colombia? Maybe I should wait to get them there in December? Suggestions? Favorites (not necessarily colombian)?? Thanks!!

Death & Dying in Colombia

By Rikito on Jul 2, 2009, 11:31.

I am trying to do some pre-planning on my eventual death and what my wife would need to do. Like many relationships in Colombia, I am much older than my Colombian wife. So I am preparing a kind of check out list of things that Marce needs to do when I go. For example, I can get a free burial in a small town near where I live and I am eligible for "special" death benefits given to highly decorated U.S. military personnel regardless of where they die. I have a USA check out list from a previous marriage. But it needs to be updated. The check out list would be a guide for Marce on all the things that need to be done to make ending my life and beginning her new life as smooth a process as possible. (And no, nobody from PBH is named in my will...maybe Desi or Elmo, but I am not sure yet.) So…! Does anyone know where there is such a check list in Colombia or a web site of a government office that would have information on what to do in the case of a family death? Recently, in Marce's family one of the children died of a birth defect and not one of the 50 or so people had a f*&@ing idea of what to do. Thanks in advance. Sarcastic and degrading comments will be accepted since I already know I will be getting some…at least make them humorus.

Flight from Medellin to isla Gorgona?

By nategator on Jul 2, 2009, 11:24.

Is there any flight from isla Gorgona to Medellin or from Guapi or another place near there to Medellin? Do they have a budget accommodation in isla Gorgona?Can we find and book ourselves a hotel around 100.000 for a couple and be a good place?Gracias!

Tales for tourists in ex-Colombian druglord's zoo

By tasco66 on Jul 2, 2009, 10:53.

PUERTO TRIUNFO, Colombia (AFP) — African animals bought with the spoils of one of the world's most infamous drug traffickers are these days on show for thousands of tourists in a Colombian ecopark. Hacienda Napoles, a 1,800-hectare (seven-square-mile) property bought in 1978 by Pablo Escobar -- the then head of the Medellin drug cartel -- still lay in ruin five years ago. The small twin-engined airplane which, according to legend, carried the first load of cocaine sent by Escobar to the United States had disappeared, but luxury vehicles lay rusting around the vast property. Neighboring villagers barely dared venture there for fear of retaliation from supporters of the drug lord, although some slipped in at night in search of wads of dollars and jewellry rumoured to be buried in the grounds. The Colombian state seized Escobar's private zoo after the drug trafficker -- who was once listed by Forbes magazine as one of the 10 richest people in the world -- was killed by police in 1993. Many of the abandoned African animals died of hunger, while the property, including several lakes, stables and even a bullring, fell into ruin. "The upkeep of the hacienda was expensive for the state," said Omar Figueroa, a member of the national anti-drug squad in charge of seizing property from drug traffickers. Local authorities later took over control of the estate, Figueroa said, and in 2005, they began renovating Puerto Triunfo, which is some 250 kilometers (155 miles) northwest of Colombian capital Bogota. Around 50,000 tourists, one third of which are foreigners, visit each year. With a view to attracting up to half a million tourists annually, the site's administrators plan to build a five star hotel by 2011, and hope to make use of the long airstrip formally used to transport cocaine. Many tourists are attracted to exciting tales about the life of the notoriously violent and successful drug trafficker. "We're not seeking to justify the crime. The main message is to demonstrate the damage he did to the country and the world," insisted administrator Oberan Martinez. One tourist, Juliana Rodriguez, underlined the paradox between the "beauty of the site" alongside thoughts of the "murders that were directed from here". As well as listening to tales of drug operations, visitors wandering around the vast hacienda also stumble upon the remaining exotic animals, including around 20 hippos. Escobar bought two hippos over from Africa, and they later bred in the Latin American country where they previously did not exist. Some tourists explore the property on horseback or wander around the ruins of Escobar's house, in which photographs of the drug lord and the attacks he was blamed for are on display. "You can't help feeling admiration for Pablo because he managed to take over so many things, but there's also a lot of pain," said tourist Monica Velandia. "He built it all in blood." http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5glD-r87nkGk2cxID2P0k5wvMNTOg

AIG to sell consumer finance unit in Colombia

By tasco66 on Jul 2, 2009, 10:49.

NEW YORK (AP) — American International Group Inc. on Wednesday said it agreed to sell all of its ownership interests in its consumer finance operations in Colombia, the latest in a recent string of asset sales by the embattled insurer to bolster its finances. New York-based AIG is selling 100 percent of its interests in Inversora Pichincha SA and Interdinco SA to Banco Pichincha CA of Ecuador and other parties. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The deal is subject to conditions including approvals from regulators in Colombia and Ecuador. Inversora Pichincha offers consumer finance products in Colombia including vehicle financing and personal, student and commercial loans through 19 branches in Colombia. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gqJJcP9VDQoNaF7B7Fq-rTln051wD995T1FO1

are your pages load today?

By vicshere on Jul 2, 2009, 09:54.

i am having problems with the comments loading i can only read the original post...anyone elese having problems...i hope it isnt my Telmax...just whn i was saying good things about them

They must have a small pool of Colombian actors too choose from!

By Paisa/Calena/Luver on Jul 2, 2009, 09:51.

It seems to me that every single novela or movie seem to use the same actors over and over again.. Anybody else notice this practice, I wonder why? They must have a monopoly on the Colombian SAG or something.

Visa run to San Antonio

By sirwhale on Jul 2, 2009, 09:47.

I want to head off today to Cúcuta and over the border to get my visa sorted out. Even though i´ve got no money at all I´d like to use the opportunity to get to know a new place over the weekend if its possible. I´ve already found this post which is very useful http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/work-visa--just-got-mine-and-heres-some-advice/ But i´d like to know a bit more about San antonio. Is it expensive compared to Colombia? Is it nice? Worth staying a couple of days? Are there any hostals and does it cater for tourists at all? Any help is welcome. Cheers Christian

Colombian Street Maps

By Miguel_Clavo on Jul 2, 2009, 08:42.

I had the great fortune of obtaining a Colombian Street Map for Cartagena, which includes all the streets, barrio names, etc. i thought i would share the contact information for the Institute which makes the profeesion and high quality maps, and is the Official Geographer of Colombia. At the moment i dont know what the current cost is, but since i plan on purchasing one for each of the major cities, i wll post it as soon as i find out. These are great maps to plan long-distance motorcycle road trip, etc. I was told today that the Military also has a similar map but on CD.....anyone clues where i might get a copy of that??? =) Heres the Contact Information: Para mayor información de Mapa Turístico: INSTITUTO GEOGRÁFICO AGUSTÍN CODAZZI Línea Nacional Gratuita de Quejas y Reclamos: 01800 09 15570 EN BOGOTÁ Línea Gratuita de Quejas y Reclamos: Teléfono 255 5569 ÁREA DE INFORMACIÓN AL CLIENTE Carrera 30 No. 48-51 Apartado Aéreo 53754 Bogotá D.C., Colombia Teléfono: 3683443 -369400/100 Ext. 4674 Direcciones Territoriales en todo el país e-mail: cig@igac.gov.co www.igac.gov.co Paque en: efectivo, cheque, tarjetas de crédito y débito La Geografía Oficial de Colombia Hope this helps someone!

Furniture for sale in Medellin - Stove/cooker, desk, bedroom set and more. (Must be sold by Sat)

By glassoman on Jul 2, 2009, 08:26.

Still some items left and at low prices! Haceb cooker (3 gas and 1 electric hobs with electric oven)............ 350,000 Bedroom set with single bed, orthopedic mattress, little bed with little mattress, dressing table, chair, two night stands and 2 pillows.................. 450,000 Computer desk........................ 120,000 contact: me: adamglass86@gmail.com or Mariana: 3004761480

Looking for a travel partner from Cartegena to ecuador to peru. anywhere inbetween

By HappyHippy on Jul 2, 2009, 07:54.

Hi my travel parntner and i have split up. I am a 36 year old female and am headed to Quito from Cartegena and plan on hitting Machu Picchu around August 4th-7 or so. I am from the united states and am looking for someone thats wants to take the same trek. I am very easy going and get along with most people. So if you want a travel partner email me. Thanks.

Colombia July 2nd - On this date in history

By azunoman on Jul 2, 2009, 06:02.

Today is Thursday, July 2, the 183rd day of 2009 with 182 to follow. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are Neptune, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Mars and Uranus. The evening star is Saturn. -------------------------------- In 1994, the Colombian soccer player who inadvertently scored a goal for the United States, contributing to his team's loss in World Cup competition, was shot to death in Medellin, Colombia. from: http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2009/07/02/The-almanac/UPI-34631246519800/

Colombia - U.S. relations

By phillyguy on Jul 2, 2009, 05:04.

See here: http://www.chinapost.com.tw/commentary/the-china-post/peter-brookes/2009/07/02/214577/Colombia%27s-chance.htm