Colombia forums on Poorbuthappy.com

Trip report (with pixes) on Parque Tayrona

By Darloup on Nov 20, 2009, 21:10 (today).

So, never having visited Parque Tayrona and currently spending a few days away from Barranquilla in my favorite city on the Coast (Santa Marta), Nelly and I decided to give it a go. There are several excursions available. Which to choose? We finally settle on “Three unforgettable beaches”. Of course, the fun part is arguing about the price – as always in Colombia. The official price is 45K per person (in a serious-looking agency in El Rodadero). Naturally, the vendors in the streets can beat that price. 30K per person – including the fact that, being a foreigner, I have to pay more to enter Parque Tayrona which, for some obscure reason, seems fair enough to me). I am being warned that, on the following morning, the bus will pick us up at 8 am sharp in front of the building where we reside. I make the obvious mistake of taking this seriously and get up early on the following day. Again, this being Colombia, the bus will eventually pick us up at 9h40. There are about 60 people in the bus (more of a small coach). A very mixed bunch indeed. Nelly is the only costeña, the huge majority being from Bogotá and from Medellin. There are also an Italian and German couples (by “couple”, I mean that the men are from Europe and that their respective mate are Colombianas. Who am I to judge? I’m in the same position). Our guide is a jolly good fellow who is set on getting us being “happy” and having a wonderful experience on this day-trip. We are thus requested to publically introduce ourselves. All the passengers dutifully clap after each introduction. Nelly and I get some “special” applause based on the fact that we’re recently married. But the most vociferous applauses are reserved for this chap in row 8. He pretended to be a tourist from Argentina, but our sharp-eyed (eared?) guide outs him: He is actually from Venezuela! He and his wife gets a huge cheer as they slump in embarrassment on their seats. I feel sorry for the guy: it must not be easy being a Venezuelan tourist in Colombia right now. But my fellow Colombian don’t really give a f*ck. (more to come – this is becoming a long post and I have to upload a few pixes).

What is this I hear about UFOs in Bogota today?

By vallenato on Nov 20, 2009, 19:41 (today).

CityTV showed the story. Wonder if this has anything to do with the helicopter flyovers at extremely low altitude the past couple of days? Yesterday, the helicopters were so low we had things rattling off of the walls in the house.

Learning Spanish in Barranquilla

By Darloup on Nov 20, 2009, 19:37 (today).

It's always nice to know that foreigners are given an opportunity to learn Spanish in Barranquilla thanks to one of the better university of the city, Universidad del Norte. See: http://www.elheraldo.com.co/ELHERALDO/BancoConocimiento/R/rgextranjeros/rgextranjeros.asp Among others, full marks to US citizens Mike Parnell and Machele Wilson for having followed the course. We may yet hope that some of them will decide to permanently settle in Barranquilla (and share their experience on PBH)!

Colombians arround the world

By LA_Love on Nov 20, 2009, 19:16 (today).

I need to know the cities located outside Colombia, in countires like in USA and another cities arround the world that have a big population of Colombian people that are living there? Can you help me with that? Please tell me the country / the state / and the city or town.

2010 soccer World Cup - France qualifying over Ireland

By Darloup on Nov 20, 2009, 18:19 (today).

My American friends are not usually keen soccer fans (although the USA national team qualified ;-) ). But, you probably already know how France qualified over Ireland when French captain Thierry Henry used his hand (not once, but twice) to score a decisive goal during a match - and got away with it since the referee didn't see it. This is a national shame. Even assuming that the first hand was an "accident", Henry's behavior is simply unacceptable. He should have talked to the referee and explained to him what happened. Ireland WAS the better team and deserved to go through. Think what you may about the French, the majority of us are utterly ashamed about what happened. We love to win (and we won the cup in 1998), but not in this way. This sucks big time.

Just rented an apartment in Cali...

By Atrevido on Nov 20, 2009, 16:56 (today).

through Arthur Brode while I had to be in the city for for a few days. Nice apartment, good price. Thanks Arthur.

Got my numero de cedula today

By vallenato on Nov 20, 2009, 16:42 (today).

The card arrives next week. (In theory at least.) So tonight I am celebrating with a selection of cervezas from the nearby Olympica. Pilsner, Costeña, Club Colombia, and Poker. Now that it looks like I will be here for a while, I figure it's time to find a favorite beer. Can you guys/gals recommend another beer brand easy to find in Bogota? I have typically had Aguila in the past, and it's a little too close to Agua if you ask me.

Pumpkin pie / Sweet potato pie / alternate?

By vallenato on Nov 20, 2009, 16:29 (today).

Thinking I might try to bake a pie for Thanksgiving. Curious if anyone here can recommend a Colombian substitute for the pumpkin or sweet potato. I've never seen sweet potatoes here. Pumpkins appear to be hit or miss. (I am in Bogota.) Can anyone recommend some Colombian alternate that might work if swapped out for either of these? Are there any cooks/bakers in this forum who can help me out?

Casos de secuestro en Colombia caen más de la mitad en 2009

By Simon on Nov 20, 2009, 13:56 (today).

Casos de secuestro en Colombia caen más de la mitad en 2009 Por: Elespectador.com Según Fondelibertad el secuestro cayó el 54,6% en los primeros diez meses de este año. El secuestro en Colombia cayó el 54,6 por ciento en los primeros diez meses de este año, lapso en el que los grupos armados ilegales y de la delincuencia común hicieron cautivas a 172 personas, informaron hoy fuentes gubernamentales. Los casos del período son menores en 207 a los 379 que se registraron en igual lapso de 2008 en el país, precisó el Fondo Nacional para la Defensa de la Libertad Personal (Fondelibertad) en un informe divulgado en Bogotá. El director de esta dependencia, Harlan Henao, precisó que 129 de los secuestrados de este año han sido extorsivos, es decir, con fines económicos. Los otros 43 han sido secuestros simples, que son los casos de retención con un objetivo distinto del de exigir un "provecho o utilidad por la libertad de la víctima" , según las normas penales del país. Henao resaltó que, en cuanto al tipo extorsivo, Colombia ha registrado un descenso del 91 por ciento en el número de casos si se le compara con igual período de 2002, cuando se presentaron 1.441. Los registros de Fondelibertad, que depende del Ministerio de Defensa, muestran que en Cundinamarca, departamento del que es capital Bogotá, no se ha cometido ningún secuestro en los últimos siete meses. En una situación similar están el Quindío, Vaupés y Sucre, departamentos sin casos de secuestro en los ocho últimos meses. Dirección web fuente: http://www.elespectador.com/articulo173266-casos-de-secuestro-colombia-caen-mas-de-mitad-2009

Colombia Nature Images

By Atrevido on Nov 20, 2009, 12:44 (today).

For those interested in nature I am putting together a site containing my photos of birds, butterflies/moths and flora. Hope to get everything identified little by little and replace not so good bird photos with better ones as luck permits. https://sites.google.com/site/colombianaturesite/nature-images

How is property outside of Rodadero, SM valued?

By xkss2002 on Nov 20, 2009, 12:16 (today).

I might be the "proud" owner by default of a 1000 square meter lot within sight of the hotel Suana, on the way from Rodadero to Barranquilla. It has a house, but I don't believe it to have much value. Does anyone here have a wild guess what the price per meter of raw property is in that sector, 2 blocks from the beach? In addition, I may need a responsible real estate company in Santa Marta to sell it for me, if anyone here has any personal recommendations. Thanks.

RCN News In English report about a real Colombian emerald mine

By beisbollover on Nov 20, 2009, 12:09 (today).

Very well done report showing the inside of a working emerald mine. This footage is very rare. Enjoy! http://www.colombianews.tv/news/112009-emerald-mines-marip%C3%AD#comment-662

Davalos twins of Medellin...amazing

By esanch36 on Nov 20, 2009, 12:08 (today).

Cami and Mariana Davalos.....Im speechless..enjoy.

Snyder's Pretzels in Colombia

By larryrn on Nov 20, 2009, 12:03 (today).

Yes, I was suprised to see a variety of Snyder's Pretzels - the traditionals, sticks and the little nugguts in a variety of flavors at my local Olimpica. Of course they were between 10,500 and 12,500 depending on which item. They had the garlic, cheese and the jnalapeño nuggets.. And they were not expired - the expiration date was February! Larry

Health warning for those in Medellin

By diobahn on Nov 20, 2009, 11:05 (today).

Fwd: COMUNICADO DEL HOSPITAL GENERAL DE MEDELLINFriday, November 20, 2009 Thank God you're not traveling in Medellín... Begin forwarded message: PARA TENER EN CUENTA. Por favor, hacer extensivo este comunicado a todos sus contactos, en Colombia principalmente. Ante la proliferación de casos de tuberculosis y otras enfermedades de transmisión oral en la ciudad y en el resto de las ciudades, se le pide a la gente no consumir paquetes de plátano,papas, maní, etc. Que venden en semáforos pues se ha detectado que dichos alimentos de producción casera se introducen en las bolsas previo soplado a pulmón por las personas encargadas, que luego lo engrapan o pegan, quedando contaminado el producto para quien lo consume. Recuerden que estas bolsitas vienen pegadas y la única manera de despegarlas es soplando la bolsa y muchas de estas personas pueden sufrir de alguna enfermedad contagiosa. Ya se han hecho encuestas de los casos detectados y en su mayoría las respuestas son positivas con relación al consumo de dichos alimentos. Tome sus precauciones y tenga cuidado también con: maní, semillas de marañon, ajonjolí, bolis, pistacho ,etc. Cuide su salud y la mejor manera de hacerlo es no comer nada de eso, porque la forma de llenar las bolsitas es totalmente anti-higiénica. No consuma nada que no venga tapado de fábrica, que es más seguro. Remitan por favor esta información a su familia y contactos. Cordial saludo, Enrique Ramírez Arenas. Hospital General de Medellín. Tel: 266 15 55 ext:161 Cel: 314 661 65 28 y 300 773 25 86.

Divorce Lawyer in Pereira

By Mr X on Nov 20, 2009, 10:43 (today).

Hi, Can anyone recommend a good divorce lawyer in Pereira. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

How can I get a Colombian Drivers License?

By adnar on Nov 20, 2009, 10:07 (today).

I'm currently living in Bogota, have a student visa and will have my shiny new Cedulla on Monday. I'm not planning to do a lot of driving in Colombia but I've lost my Australian license and will be needing to drive prior to going home. (at the World cup in South Africa). I can drive, so I would prefer to do as few lessons and tests as possible. My spanish is serviceable but not great. Any help appreciated, thanks.

Need a Room in Medellin for just 10 days

By Tejeringo on Nov 20, 2009, 10:04 (today).

Hi, just looking for a Room from Dec 12th to Dec 22 th. thanks T

Restaurant review;Crispinos.

By Haddeman on Nov 20, 2009, 09:06 (today).

I know this place is one of El Sapo´s favourites and has been mentioned here before. Crispinos is situated on circular 1,opposite the campus of Universidad Pontificio Boliviana(UPB), in Laureles,Medellin. The owner is from Naples,Italy and the food is southern Italian,mainly pasta and pizza dishes.The pasta is freshly made on the premises and was excellent and the sauces that I and my 7 companions had were all well received,tasty and authenticly Italian. The wine was mainly Chileño,sadly no Italian wines.I had tiramisu for dessert which was homemade ,very good but had been frozen a little too much. The owner,Salvadore is very welcoming and attentive and the service was good.The restaurant has been operating for 16 years and is very popular,especially at weekends. The ambience was very friendly,relaxed and it has a nice terrace to enjoy the warmth of the evening. The price was not unreasonable,About $40,000 COP with Bruchetta bread,wine and dessert. In conclusion I would say Crispinos deserves an 8.5,and it was an enjoyable and pleasant experience I would be happy to recommend to other potential diners.

Don't comb over, fly over to a warm place LOL

By nine inch nails on Nov 20, 2009, 08:30 (today).

http://www.spiritair.com/

Obtaining a Home Loan in colombia

By Corey3368 on Nov 20, 2009, 06:53 (today).

How difficult is it to obtain a mortgage in Colombia? For example in purchasing a home for 100K USD and putting 50K USD down would one have any problems securing a mortgage? Has anyone gotten a home loan in Colombia? If so, was it difficult if placing half the purchase price down? I understand the interest rates are extremely high but I would consider it in fiancing 10 years or less. Thanks

94% de colombianos son atendidos por instituciones de salud

By MitchAlvarez on Nov 20, 2009, 06:49 (today).

http://www.eje21.com.co/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17674&Itemid=11260

VIP Tiesto Tickets for sale - CHEAP!

By The Arepa on Nov 20, 2009, 06:10 (today).

The VIP Tiesto tickets now go for 100,000. I am selling two, yes TWO VIP tickets for 100,000. The concert is December 5th. If interested please contact: thearepa@gmail.com

Exit Colombia with a minor - important questions

By porec04 on Nov 20, 2009, 05:47 (today).

Need your valuable opinion on the following subject. Thanks in advance for your input. My girlfriend currently living in Colombia has 5 year old son from previous relationship. - she was never legally married to the father of the child - he abandoned her at 1-2 month pregnancy - he didn’t support her for 2 year when she had to stay home to take care of her son - currently, base on the court written decision on the custody form pays about 100,000 COP (basically nothing).. - has a visitation rights (one per 10 days only with the mother’s permission) which doesn’t care about and often forgets - The father currently has another family with a small child Now she would need to come to the US on K1 visa along with her some (corresponding K-2 I guess). She is asking for Patria Potesta using a good Colombian Layer recommended by her friend. The lawyer has warned her that there is a large degree of randomness in the judge’s ruling…basically, she said in a lot of cases the judge will rule nor to grant Patria Potesta because he/or she thinks it is nice to have two parents involved in the child’s decision, etc, etc… or just a Colombian woman is too stupid to make sole decisions for the child…. Now I have a few very important questions: - What is your opinion of this process Patria Potesta - Is it better to a layer to develop a strategy with a current novio (who is a foreigner) and press that she is going to have another family and needs a freedom to be able to take the kid in and out Colombia? Or it is better to stay quiet and the lawyer would build something based only on the sigle mother who needs a freedon of movement and needs possible relocation to another city in Colombia, for example? What do you think? - If there a way to out a pressure on the local court (or whatever it is called) via US Senator -> Colombia Government to minimize the arbitrary Colombian factors in the judge’s decision? In the past my Senator was very useful in securing my girlfriend’s B1-B2 visa. - If Patria Potesta is not granted, I understand the written (notarized) permission from the father will be required (for how long is valid then?) but it is normally associated with some particular itinerary (with marked return to Colombia) and with K2 visa it will be obvious for DAS he is leaving Colombia? What are the issues with return to Colombia for vacation, etc? - If I decide to adopt the boy in the US, will this Patria Potesta have ANY LEGAL weight in the US or I will have to go back to Colombia to get a father’s consent to the adoption process? Thanks again, porec -

eating in medellin

By gorgonabob on Nov 20, 2009, 05:42 (today).

anyone wants something decent to eat go to MU Medellin an english guy and his Colombian wife have started a rib place.. all they do is ribs.. they are as the billboard outside states 'fuckin good ribs' open thursday-saturday only they also do a good mojito also down the road is a very good cheap pasta option, open every day i think for lunch and dinner called pastas con amor,,,,, 7.000 pasta plus 2.000 for a meat addition wine only 2.000 a glass go an support these great places

Colombia's president can set a democratic example by saying no.

By aztec on Nov 20, 2009, 03:48 (today).

"A modern, democratic president with a 64% approval rating at the end of his second term has reason to be proud and wonder if he could win again. It's at precisely such a moment, however, when he should also remember that a properly functioning democracy never depends upon one man and requires the peaceful transfer of power." http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704204304574543904038401172.html?mod=djemEditorialPage

Cheap Medellin Lodging for December???

By misterfinger on Nov 19, 2009, 19:06.

HI I Might cancel on Venezeula seems too stressful and too much anxiety for me And I need a bigger city again. I am still stuck in Bucaramanga as I have no cash to go until early next month. I know of a place that rents rooms by Parque Perodistas but need a cheap place of 15 mil for a few days if I can not get that place. The two cheap hotels for 15 mil were posted on here before but took down. I wonder why they were at LA Playa and Oriental. Can someone up date me on a place in Centro Medellin for 15 mil a night then and if those places on la playa and oriental still exist. The Forum here said they were love hotels. There must be also a few other safe like places for 15 mil in centro or centro area. Can someone post that info? I am also not sure if I will get that place at parque periodista. its only 75 bucks a month I think the man thats in charge of the place charges for a weeklys too. Maybe even if I must take a cab for 2 bucks each night when I am in that area I guess for 75 a month that is not bad. OK I am also worried how I will go to Medellin. Am thinking of going to Bogota stay there for a weekend party with some friends there or go to The route that goes thru Barrancabermeja and thru Puerto Berrio. Actually does that route go then thru cisneros or going thru to puerto boyaca and in to Medellin? Is the rest of that route in the daytime safe from Puerto Berrio then from Guerrilas? It seemed darn safe from Barranca to Berrio not much of military at all. OK Then cheap rooms info for under or near a 100 and 15 mil hotels I need post here someone,,Thanks then...

Does anyone know of any large houses with a pool for rent in Villa de Levya?

By Colombia314159 on Nov 19, 2009, 18:48.

I know it's considered a bit cool in Villa de Levya for a pool, but I went to Anapoima in the past and it is too hot for some people in the family. I would like a house for the privacy and because we have 15-20 people coming. I am also open to suggestions for other SAFE places which would be warm, but not too hot, and within driving distance from Bogota. Any ideas out there?

Importing perishable food into colombia?

By payner on Nov 19, 2009, 17:54.

anyone have any expertise in this area? thanks!

do all good schools in Bogota ask for teaching certificates?

By Colombiano_81 on Nov 19, 2009, 17:16.

Do they? thnks.

Fotos de Bogota y Cali

By roloenNJ on Nov 19, 2009, 17:13.

Hey Any Pasta Lovers!

By Paisa/Calena/Luver on Nov 19, 2009, 16:51.

What is your favorite brand of Colombian Pasta? I am a big Decceco and Barilla fan. Ive seen the Decceco but it is so very expensive like 3x. I dont remember seeing the Barilla. I am a connoisseur and my clients from Naples Italy bring me a Case of Garafalo.. Best in Italy. and NO pasta is NOT pasta! Any good Colombian pasta alternative to be enjoyed al'dente with my famous homemade sauce? Cheers!

Venezuelan army blows up two bridges in Colombia

By clyde on Nov 19, 2009, 14:44.

Venezuelan soldiers blew up two pedestrian bridges Thursday in Colombia's Norte de Santander frontier department, reported the Colombian government. Colombia's Defense Minister, Gabriel Silva, claimed that a troop of Venezuelan guards arrived at the scene, near the town of Rangonvalia and proceeded to detonate explosives, destroying the two bridges connecting Colombia to Venezuelan territory over the river Tachira. Colombia's Vice Foreign Minister, Clemencia Forero, has announced that the event will be presented before the OAS and the UN as a serious violation of humanitarian law on the part of Venezuela and an assault against the civil population of the region, reported newspaper El Espectador Thursday. Authorities in Rangonvalia have delivered preliminary information to Colombia's Ombudsman, Volmar Perez, who has signaled that as a result of the events, an official delegation will be sent to the region to collect information and testimonies and a high level meeting will be held Friday to re-address the concerning security situation along the Venezuelan border. According to Silva the events "are being considered as a threat that require the adoption of contingency plans." Silva further noted that Friday's meeting will be attended by police and military commanders as well as civil authorities from the border region, reported news station Caracol. Silva allegedly concluded by saying that "Colombia is disposed to achieving understanding and peace with her neighboring countries, but this is sensitive information that greatly disturbs the Government."

MORTGAGE

By BUSHWICK-BILL on Nov 19, 2009, 14:39.

Mortgage Hello I have a question. I am planning to buy an apartment in Bogota. Now I am checking how I can pay it. I own real estate in my home country. How do I buy it? I can get a mortgage from my bank in my home country (2,5% each year). So for 300k USD I have to pay 7500 USD back. Or is it cheaper and is it possible to get a mortgage from a Colombian bank as a foreigner? I have cedula de extranjeria. How much is the tax on a mortgage. I want to buy an apartment for 250k USD.... What is the better solution?

PUB near LAS AGUAS

By BUSHWICK-BILL on Nov 19, 2009, 13:11.

YO I am looking for a Pub. It should be near LAS AGUAS / Av. Jimenez in Bogota. I am not sure if it is a pub or a normal bar. But I think the owners are from the UK... anybody knows something where this place is???? Webmanco????

PBH member names

By Robert Jorge on Nov 19, 2009, 12:45.

Just wondering if anybody else saw that our friend Medoblado is trying to sell 80 PBH names at $20 each? He even says he takes Paypal. Unbelievable.

La Herradura Gourmet - Santa Marta

By larryrn on Nov 19, 2009, 12:37.

This restaurant is on KR 1 A which is across the road from the beach here in SM about a block east of the Park Hotel. We ordered a medium pizza with lots of veggies and salami and we had 20 beers between the group of us.. The beer was ice cold and the pizza was pretty good - not completely cooked through - the dough was not crispy or dark on the bottom but light. Beers (Pilsen) were 2200 and the pizza was like 30,000. The inside of the restaurant was light, bright, clean and air conditioned - the inside was white with blue chairs. I wish the crust was crispier and cooked at a hotter temp (most places here don't cook their pizzas at 700 degrees (F)) but we will return. La Pizzereta in Rodadero was our fav place for pizza except they are only open at night since they are entirely outside and only have Club Colombia. La Herradura has the same quality as La Pizzereta but is closer (within walking distance) to use here in SM and is open during the day (and is in a building). We also have a Pizza Factory here by the Carrefour before the McDonalds which we will check out. The worst pizza here is Pizza Hot / Pizza Loco - horrible. Larry

Colombia dentristy

By adventuro03 on Nov 19, 2009, 11:29.

Have asked for a periodontist before and am now asking for anyone who has actually had any implants done and felt good about the results. I could use a dentist in Cartagena, Medellin or Cali. My concern is that I had a teeth cleaning in Cartagena by someone who recomended them and the cleaning seemed okay. But they did not notice that I have two fractured teeth. I found this out by going to a dentist that I have had for a few years in Costa Rica. There is a good dentist there but would much rather have it done in Colombia where I now live. I am not sure why the dentist in Cartagena did not see this. The person that cleaned my teeth is a dentist and they also seem to do implants there as well. Does not give me much confidence to do further dental work there. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Especially would like someone who was trained in the states. Thanks in advance.

Where to Buy Coca leaves in Bogotá?

By Chriscan on Nov 19, 2009, 11:26.

I would prefer a store in the north. I bought some a musical festival last month and have become a coca tea addict. I used to drink coffee all day but this seams so much healthier.

Room to let in Belen La Mota Medellin

By sebs29 on Nov 19, 2009, 10:19.

Room up for rent in La Mota all bills included. Includes phone (local calls) Utilities Internet Admin The apartment is 100m2 it has 3 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen, living room dining room, the complex offers a swimming pool, steam room sport facilities, if you are interested please contact me, is in a good location, security and is close to el poblado, laureles, la 33, la 70, EAFIT and the Politecnico. For more info email me sebs29 at gmail dot com

Military Bases Jobs?

By turnmeon on Nov 19, 2009, 09:36.

Where can i find out if the US military is gonna hire civilians in the new military bases? and if so what kind of job oportunities may they open?

Organized Crime and the State in Colombia

By romy on Nov 19, 2009, 09:16.

Garay gives a very strong analysis of the corrupted Colombian state... http://www.cipcol.org/?p=1211 Gustavo Gómez, Semana: What does cooptation of the state consist of? Luis Jorge Garay: It is the exercise through which a person or group, legal or illegal, taking advantage of its power of influence, intermediates before the state to favor its own interests. Within the law, a business association for example is coopting when, through the exercise of its power of influence, it gets the state to adopt sectoral policies that favor it, even against the collective interest. On the other hand, the case of illegality takes place with organized criminal groups, on occasion in alliance with legal sectors, who seek to reconfigure state institutions for their advantage, through the state itself. ... GG: What advance did the paramilitaries make with regard to infiltration, compared to these previous experiences? LJG: The scenario of an intensification of the fight against the guerrillas, to the point at which, with the active participation of legal sectors and with the intervention of illegal groups, illegal armies were established. They understood that a mafia without territorial dominion would not reach power, and that a mafia without a state has no reason to exist. These armies, to their very central nucleus, were penetrated by narcotrafficking in their attempt to coopt the state. This even took them to the Congress, so that it is possible to talk about the narco-para-political phenomenon. ... GG: Should we mistrust the successes of Democratic Security? LJG: There are evident advances, like the weakening of the FARC, and effectiveness in the dismantling of the top narco-paramilitary leadership. But at the regional level, agreements with some sectors of the political class continue, and organized crime has regrouped as “emerging bands.” There are still armed groups that have created “a new social order” in some regions, to the advantage of some legal actors. more... http://www.cipcol.org/?p=1211

Dollar still hovering around 2000, consider it a blessing!

By Paisa/Calena/Luver on Nov 19, 2009, 08:47.

I clearly remember the Dollar taking a chit around the Holiday seasons. Colombia Peso Falls on Oil, Stock Concern; Argentine Peso Rises By Andrea Jaramillo Nov. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Colombia’s peso fell amid a decline in oil, the nation’s biggest export, and as concern an equity rally has outpaced prospects for the global economic recovery, hurting appetite for higher-yielding, emerging-market assets. The peso slid 0.2 percent to 1,956.28 per U.S. dollar at 9:20 a.m. New York time, from 1,951.97 yesterday. Crude oil fell for the first time in four days as the dollar gained against the euro, dulling the appeal of commodities as a currency hedge. The yield on Colombia’s 11 percent bonds due in July 2020 fell two basis points, or 0.02 percentage point, to 8.14 percent, according to Colombia’s stock exchange. Argentina’s peso rose 0.2 percent to 3.8053 per dollar from 3.8144 yesterday. The yield on the country’s inflation-linked peso bonds due in 2033 fell seven basis points to 10.71 percent, according to Citibank Argentina. To contact the reporter on this story: Andrea Jaramillo in Bogota at ajaramillo1@bloomberg.net

Colombia Sept Sugar Exports More Than Double

By tasco66 on Nov 19, 2009, 08:36.

BOGOTA (Dow Jones)--Colombian sugar exports in September more than doubled to 112,667 metric tons mixed raw and refined value, the Colombian Cane Sugar Producers Association, or Asocana, said Wednesday. This is an improvement from total Colombian sugar exports of 49,587 tons in the year-ago period, according to the group's first preliminary results. Dow Jones Newswires saw a copy of Asocana's report. Total Colombian sugar exports in the first nine months of the year, meanwhile, were up 66% to 660,481 tons from 397,049 tons last year, Asocana said in the report. Colombia is one of only a handful of countries that harvests and produces sugar all 12 months of the year, owing to favorable micro-climates and constant rainfall. http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091118-710315.html

Chavez: All For Show

By tasco66 on Nov 19, 2009, 08:34.

November 19, 2009: The latest Transparency International corruption survey found Venezuela the most corrupt nation in the Americas. Venezuela has also crippled press freedoms, putting increasing restrictions on independent media. President Hugo Chavez makes it clear that he wants to establish a socialist dictatorship for the region. Chavez can't do this militarily, because he has crippled his armed forces by replacing most of the key officers with men selected for their loyalty to Chavez, rather than their military abilities. Chavez has ruined the economy with similar interference, especially in the national oil business, which represents the major export and largest source of government revenue. To further harm the economy, Chavez keeps closing the border with Colombia, disrupting trade that is vital to people on both sides of the border. The Venezuelans living along the border have become increasingly anti-Chavez because of all this economic damage, and lawlessness. This has just made Chavez more paranoid, and certain that those Venezuelans are secretly siding with Colombia. In a time honored move, Chavez is trying to increase popular fear of neighboring Colombia by claiming that the U.S. is using Colombia as a base for a campaign to take over South America. The new treaty between the U.S. and Colombia, which allows American anti-drug air patrols to move their base from Ecuador to Colombia, is being used as evidence of an American plot. Ecuador, like Venezuela, has elected a leftist president who promises prosperity and reform. One of the first thing the new Ecuadoran government did was shut down U.S. anti-drug air patrols. As with Venezuela, the leftist policies have crippled the Ecuadoran economy, as well as press freedom. So both countries have been able to push the "an American invasion is coming" line. This has embarrassed other nations in the region, but they are reluctant to speak up. That's because anti-American rhetoric is very popular, and few politicians are willing to oppose these myths. Venezuela has become a major supporter of FARC. But at the same time, FARC, and the smaller ELN, are immensely unpopular inside Colombia. Not because they are politically left, but because they have been using violence and crime for decades to try and overthrow the government, and have consistently failed to achieve power. As a result, all Colombian leftists have suffered in the popularity polls. The Venezuelan support for the leftist Colombian gangs has not helped Colombian leftists either. This left-right violence has been a feature of Colombian politics for over half a century, and now it threatens to spread to neighboring Venezuela and Ecuador. So far this year, the Colombian Navy has seized 90 tons of cocaine. The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard work with Colombian naval forces to detect and seize the drug smuggling ships being used to move most of the cocaine north. Radar equipped American air patrols and ships have made it difficult to fly the drugs out. This is changing somewhat as more of the cocaine is smuggled out via Venezuela. But this requires moving the cocaine from western Colombia, where it is produced, to Venezuela. Growing government control of the countryside has made this very difficult. November 9, 2009: In the southwest, some 200 FARC fighters attacked a small army post, killing nine soldiers before being driven off (losing about 30 dead.) Attacks like this are increasingly rare, as growing air force capabilities make it dangerous to bring that many fighters together. The military campaign against the leftist rebels, and their drug gang allies, continues to grind down the opposition. The economy continues to revive as a result of this. It's not a media-friendly war, but it has been changing Colombia over the last six years. November 7, 2009: Venezuela, as part of its anti-American treaty (with Colombia) campaign, has ordered an additional 15,000 troops to the Colombian border. This is not appreciated by the people on the border, because they know the troops will just sit somewhere for a while, to make the propaganda point, then return to their interior bases. The border population wants more cops and border guards to deal with the increasing number of drug gangs and FARC units that are setting up shop on the Venezuelan side of the border. These guys are all gangsters, used to abusing local civilians, and have the backing of the Venezuelan government. http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/colombi/articles/20091119.aspx

Shopping In Cali

By Bender B Rodríguez on Nov 19, 2009, 06:42.

Where can I buy a musical keyboard in Cali? I found a Yamaha store, but they are overpriced: $300 for their economy model. La 14 has some Casio models listed online, but they aren't carried in the stores (at least not Calima). And I'm looking for a grocery store that carries more American foods. I can't find pretzels or nutritious cereals or granola bars in the average market in Cali. Are there any specialty markets for Americans in Cali? Bender

Santa Fe vs. Pasto last night

By ConorC on Nov 19, 2009, 06:24.

Was anyone at the match? See it on TV? 3 red cards, I think 9 yellows, 2 coach dismissals, last minute penalty and a penalty shoot out that noone wanted to win. The first half was pretty dull and I'm still shocked that they managed to score two goals. Without the penalty they could of played until this morning and not come any closer to the goal. Speaking of shocking anyone else see the Hand of God Part II against the Irish?

Villa de Leyva finca

By Loggi on Nov 19, 2009, 05:49.

I found Mawasi Finca on the PBH travel guide. It is a little out of town in the hills and a truly amazing place to be. The house is very well equipped and very comfortable. The shower alone is worth the visit. If you want peace and quiet with a finca all to yourself, this is the place to be. Between the 6 of us we paid 160,000 per day. William the owner is a really charming person and fortunately he met us in town and escorted us to the farm as it may be a bit tricky to find. Highly recommended. http://www.mawasifinca.com/pages/gallery.html nk">

Flights from Medellin to San Juan, PR

By knoxseagle on Nov 19, 2009, 05:32.

Can anyone suggest a reasonably cheap airline that I can fly with? I'm looking to travel between around 29 Dec. and 5 Jan. I've taken a look at Spirit and their fares for this time are a bit expensive, and the layovers in Ft. Lauderdale are ridiculous. Is there a better way to get to San Juan and back? I've also looked at Avianca and didn't have much luck. Thanks!

Can U.S. anchor childs be created in Colombia?

By Brian858 on Nov 19, 2009, 04:18.

A gringo friend of mine received a unique proposition from his massage therapist. The 20 something therapist is married to an older Colombian gentleman. This older dude already had his tube cut. He already had 3 children with his first Colombian bride. During the massage session the gringo was asked if he would be willing to provide some love juice via Natural insemination. The massage therapist already got the OK from the old man to have a gringo child. It was asked if the gringo would mind registering the baby at the US embassy. This brings a couple questions to mind. 1) how much should this gringo charge for his stud services? 2) What would be the financial liability to gringo. 3) Could this Colombiana apply for US resident visa in the future and start collecting Govt. services that the gringo would be liable for in the future? 4) Could a judgement be made against gringo to pay child support to a wed Colombian mother in Colombia? Anyone else have any concerns that I have missed?