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Looking for apartment middle of Dec for one month

By alex09 on Nov 17, 2008, 22:57.

I had seen an apartment in Medellin for 20 usd per night or 400 per month and tried to email an address called ilovemedellin@yahoo.com.uk but it was returned . Any suggestions on decent apartment for around 400 per month? I will be arriving around middle of Dec.thanks Alex

Volunteer Work In Medellin

By Cristobal on Nov 17, 2008, 22:31.

Hey, So I booked a trip for 8 days to Medellin and am starting to realize between the rain and lack of tourist activity I will probably need some ways to pass my time. I was thinking of doing some volunteer work, but have no idea where to start. My spanish is OK, not sure if I would say fluent though, conversational. Anyways, any ideas would help. Can't wait to arrive! Chris

How do you eat a sandwhich with fork and knife???

By arthur brode on Nov 17, 2008, 20:48.

Ecuador's Correa May Burn Ally Hugo Chavez

By billyb on Nov 17, 2008, 20:01.

Ecuador's Correa May Burn Ally Hugo Chavez By LESTER PIMENTEL AND DANIEL CANCEL BLOOMBERG Ecuador President Rafael Correa's looming default on $510 million of bonds may hurt his biggest ally, Venezuela President Hugo Chavez, more than anyone else. Ecuador, hamstrung by a tumble in oil, its biggest export, said last week it will use a 30-day grace period to decide whether to make a $30 million interest payment that came due Nov. 15. Chavez's government owns structured notes tied to Ecuador's bonds that would force Venezuela to pay $400 million if Correa doesn't make the payment, according to estimates by Barclays Capital Inc. Venezuela's potential losses may strain relations between two presidents who meet every three months and espouse the same socialist themes. During an Ecuador-Colombia border dispute in March, Chavez, 54, mobilized tank battalions in a show of support for Correa, 45. ``Chavez will have something to say'' about the debt payment, said Alejandro Grisanti, a fixed-income analyst at Barclays in New York. He ``will encourage Correa not to default.'' ............................. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/americas/venezuela/story/775966.html

Spirt to Medellin

By jomilena on Nov 17, 2008, 18:22.

I remember read post about this a while ago, but I look on their web site and no information. Does anybody know what's up.

Things to do with your novia(o) in Barranquilla

By wwwhitey on Nov 17, 2008, 16:43.

OK, I know many of you spend a lot of time in Barranquilla. I???m looking for good ideas for places to go and things to do, both during the day and the night. I???ve got two weeks to fill - can you help a guy out? Here???s what we did on my first trip: 1. Day trip to the beach at Puerto Colombia (will stay out of the water next time!) 2. A couple afternoons by the hotel pool (el Prado) 3. Shopping at Buenavista and Portal del Prado (of course!) 4. Several dinners at Crepes y Wafles (again - of course) 5. A couple movies (can???t tell you how much fun a French movie with Spanish subtitles was ??? hahaha) 6. A jazz concert ??? I forget where it was 7. 4 days in El Rodadero/Santa Marta 8. An afternoon at the Museo Romantico (who needs air conditioning, right?!) 9. Other lunches and dinners every day, but none really memorable, except for an AWESOME fish lunch at Playa Blanca 10. A nightclub in El Rodadero for Dia del Amor y Amistad Here are my plans so far for my next trip: 1. The zoo 2. Go out dancing once or twice ??? hmmm ??? but where ???? 3. Another trip to El Rodadero, but it will be high season ??? not sure how easy it will be to get a condo/hotel room 4. OK, I got nothing ??? Thanks! Whitey

Niche produce to cultivate in Colombia

By jonas on Nov 17, 2008, 15:52.

I have been thinking about buying a finca in a beautiful valley near Bogota at about 1800m altitude. One idea is to cultivate produce that is not or rarely available in Colombia, would grow at the altitude and climate, and has a potential market. The ideas so far are: -lamb??s lettuce (valerianella locusta) -lemon (the yellow type) -purple corn (popular in Peru and Mexico, makes a fantastic and very healthy chicha that unlike chicha from yuca, tastes great) These produces could be sold to delikatessen shops, restaurants etc. The production would be limited since the finca would only be a few hectares. Do you have any ideas what other niche produce could be cultivated? Thank you very much for your input.

Any race tracks, motogp, motocross in colombia?

By 600rrcol on Nov 17, 2008, 13:43.

Does anyone know if there are any motogp or autocross race tracks in colombia? are there more than one? any close to risaralda or valle del cauca area?

En Colombia la gente desea aprender Ingles or es solo el ....

By Tejeringo on Nov 17, 2008, 12:31.

Hoy en dia debido a la famosa globalizacion , las companias piden como requisito indispensable hablar y escribir ingles, aunque en la mayoria de los casos en pocas ocasiones el empleado tenga oportunidad de hablar Ingles como parte de sus responsabililades laborales. He visto por ejemplo una tendencia de la Persona que quiere aprender Ingles en ciertos Paises, a demandar calidad en la Ensenanza que esta recibiendo en tal o cual Instituto de Ingles. Hace casi una decada al estudiante lo que le importaba era tener el Papelito o Constancia de alguna Institucion que avalara el grado de conocimiento y dominio del Idioma Ingles. Pero las cosas cambian con el tiempo y con herramientas que se pueden bajar del Internet se puede casi adquirir un buen nivel del Idioma sin gastar ni un solo Peso. En colombia desconozco la situacion. Recientemente lei un articulo sobre CallCenters en Bogota para servicio al cliente en Ingles, lo que me hace pensar que habra mucha demanda. Me pregunta es , segun su experiencia que es lo que el Colombiano promedio busca? realmente busca un Instituto donde aprenda Ingles o es solo el papelito de alguna Institucion Famosa que avale que termino los estudios avanzados del Idioma ? El colombiano promedio invertiria en Cursos de Ingles de algun Instituto no muy famoso pero en el que se le aseguraria un aprendizaje efectivo y acelerado? T.

Bolivia blog

By Peter on Nov 17, 2008, 12:26.

Michael has some interesting thoughts about Bolivia http://michaeloberg.blogspot.com/2007/06/last-farewell-this-will-be-my-last-post.html "In Bolivia, Japan supplies many of the cars here. This causes a problem because the Japanese drive on the left side of the road with the steering wheel on the right whereas Bolivians drive on the right. To adapt these japanese cars to Bolivian road rules, it is not uncommon to see a taxi with the big gap on the passenger side where the steering once was and no fixed to the left side of the car. The readouts are, of course, still on the right side." Read the rest on his excellent travel blog :)

Edit button fixed

By Peter on Nov 17, 2008, 11:30.

Yey.

Medellin to Buenos Aires - by boat?

By Hugfrancis on Nov 17, 2008, 11:08.

I'd like to find a way to get to Buenos Aires other than by air. I appreciate that Medellin's port facilities are poor, but does anyone know of any ships to the 'Paris of South America' leaving from a Colombian port (Cartagena, for example)? If it helps, I don't mind helping to shovel coal into the ship's furnace, but I would have to draw the line at sharing my hammock.

In pictures: El Poblado drama + Miss Colombia contestants

By Colombiareports.com on Nov 17, 2008, 10:40.

Hi everyone, For those who want to seem ore pictures of what happened in Poblado, go here: http://colombiareports.com/colombian-news/news/2048-three-found-dead-after-medellin-landslide.html For those who prefer picking their favorite for tonight's Miss Colombia election, go here: http://colombiareports.com/colombian-news/trivia/2051-drums-roll-for-miss-colombia-election.html

I've Just Finished Luis Eladio's Book

By Desi1 on Nov 17, 2008, 10:20.

about his seven years as a hostage in the jungle. While the literary merits may be few it tells a compelling story as lived and told by a typical Colombian middle-aged politician from the South. Anybody else read the book? What did you think?

Barranquilla??s Carnival

By turnmeon on Nov 17, 2008, 09:52.

How many of you are coming to the Barranquilla??s Carnival? we should make a meet up during the Carnival, have a few drinks and have a good PBH time, do you usually come to Barranquilla during the Carnival?

Colombian beaches

By DanielleCave on Nov 17, 2008, 09:45.

Hey guys, I am new to the site and signed up for some advice on beaches in Colombia. Some friends and I are heading to the north coast from bogota soon (via the coffee region I hope) for about two weeks or so. Does anyone have advice on their favourite beaches in that region? I have heard there is a beautiful one in a national park where a lot of backpackers stay (in hammocks,tents) for weeks on end as its so amazing. Also does anyone know if we are heading in that direction can we go via some of the famous coffee plantations? ps. I lost my lonely planet hence the pretty basic questions!!

Last chance for Colombia trade pact

By sloopskipper on Nov 17, 2008, 09:34.

Posted on Monday, 11.17.08 Recommend OUR OPINION: Obama, Democrats should support deal with close ally Now that leaders of the European Union have expressed interest in moving ahead with free trade talks with Colombia, lawmakers in Congress should rethink their own refusal to finalize the pending trade agreement with the strongest U.S. ally in South America. When House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her Democratic colleagues voted to put the deal on ice back in April, Rep. Rahm Emanuel suggested that a vote was still possible before the end of the year. Well, Mr. Emanuel, how about it? The Illinois congressman is now President-elect Obama's designated chief of staff in the new White House. He should advise Speaker Pelosi to take this politically divisive issue off the president-elect's agenda by clearing it for an up-or-down floor vote in the lame-duck session of Congress. That would free the future president from having to deal with one more difficult issue when he takes office in January -- and it presents both countries with a win-win situation. (more): http://www.miamiherald.com/news/world/latin-america-and-caribbean-politics/story/774747.html

HOW TO TELL THE SEX OF A BIRD

By ujay on Nov 17, 2008, 06:46.

HOW TO TELL THE SEX OF A BIRD This Is AMAZING!!! Until now I never fully understood how to tell The difference Between Male and Female Birds. I always thought it had to be determined surgically. Until Now. Below are Two Birds. Study them closely...See If You Can Spot Which of The Two Is The Female. It can be done. Even by one with limited bird watching skills.! * * * * * * *

Colombia fires more soldiers over civilian deaths

By mariacvetanoski on Nov 17, 2008, 06:46.

http://www.reuters.com/article/vcCandidateFeed2/idUSN16478137 By Hugh Bronstein BOGOTA, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Colombia fired 10 army officers and three soldiers on Sunday in a widening scandal over the killing of innocent civilians that threatens to further complicate a U.S. trade deal bogged down over human rights. The soldiers and officers are accused of shooting seven young men in the northern province of Cordoba and passing the bodies off as leftist guerrillas killed in combat. "We have taken action. The cases are now in front of the attorney general's office," Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos said in a public address. The government fired 27 army officers last month after a probe implicated them in the deaths of another group of young men who disappeared from their homes and were later shot, piled into mass graves and counted as combat deaths. The widespread and systematic slaying of innocent civilians by Colombian security forces must be investigated by the government or else the international courts could intervene, the United Nations' top rights official said this month. Hundreds of such cases are pending as family members of the victims decry the killings, which they say were carried out by army and police personnel looking to artificially improve their combat records as the state pushes to defeat the rebels. Washington has given billions of dollars in aid to the government of President Alvaro Uribe, whose father was killed in a 1983 kidnap attempt by leftist rebels. He is hugely popular for his crackdown on the 44-year-old insurgency. The results have attracted record foreign investment despite a series of scandals, including one in which scores of Congress members, mostly from Uribe's coalition, are accused of using right-wing death squads to intimidate voters. The cases have stiffened opposition in the U.S. Congress to a proposed trade deal. President-elect Barack Obama, set to take office in January, says he opposes the pact based on Colombia's human rights record. Obama and Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill want Uribe to do more to protect Colombian labor leaders from attacks by far-right paramilitaries before the trade deal is approved. (Reporting by Hugh Bronstein, Editing by Sandra Maler)

They've found Popeye's Mom...

By ujay on Nov 17, 2008, 06:34.

Medellin METRO!

By eeelena on Nov 17, 2008, 01:18.

Hey guys! I'll be in Medellin for a week in the beginning of January before I go meet a friend in Bogota. Never been to Medellin before, will be travelling alone, obvious gringa but with pretty good Spanish skills. How easy will it be to navigate the metro system? Is that the best way to get around, or are taxis? Expensive? Does it run all day and night? I live in the Bay Area and I'm used to our BART system, and I'm hoping the metro over there is similarly user friendly. I'm trying to plan a good week where I can explore all around, and want to get a realistic view of how I'd be hoppin to and fro! Help and advice is apreciated...thanks. Also....Tiger Paw/Black Sheep/Casa Kiwi? Preferences?

Lima or Bogota ?

By elturko on Nov 17, 2008, 01:01.

Hello , When you compare these 2 cities , which one do you think has more advantages and pros ? Maybe I ll be thinking of buying a property , At the moment in Lima theres a boom mania , there are a lot of ongoing construction projects , and almost the unique place that dont seem to be influenced by world crisis. Thanks !!!

Get your frankenfood (and milk) here

By Tinto on Nov 16, 2008, 22:29.

There goes the pure, mythical, grass-fed dairy herd in Colombia. ------------------------------------ U.S. Grains Council Works to Ensure Colombian Market Dairy sector in Colombia is big market for U.S. grains. (11/17/2008) Colombia is the eighth largest market for U.S. grains. Its livestock industry, especially the growing dairy sector depends on U.S. feed. According to Jaime Cuellar, U.S. Grains Council consultant in Colombia, the country's dairy industry uses approximately 11% of the 3.5 million metric tons of corn it imports. "Milk consumption in Colombia has been increasing due to a consistent supply coming from two milk producing regions in the country ??? the highland dairies of the Andean area and those from the tropical part of the country," Cuellar said. "The result is an average per capita consumption of 150 liters." The U.S. Grains Council has worked with Colanta, Colombia's leading dairy cooperative, for 15 years, resulting in 4.5 million tons of imported corn. "Due to active Council involvement in this country, Colombia has become a steady importer of U.S. grains," Cuellar said. "Continued relationships with key parties such as Colanta have made this possible." Earlier this month the Council participated in Colanta's Biannual International Seminar on Competitiveness in Milk and Beef Production. USGC Consultant Dr. Alvaro Garcia, associate professor and extension dairy specialist at South Dakota State University, presented about understanding milk quality data contributing to improved feed formulation at the seminar. "The United States already supplies feed to Colombia's swine and poultry sectors," Cuellar said. "But it is also well positioned to continue serving Colombia's dairy sector as it grows. USGC has been involved with Colombia's dairy sector for several years now, but the industry is now expanding and because of the long-term relationship between the Council with parties such as Colanta, U.S. grains are being imported to supply this emerging sector."

Chevrolet CORSA EVOLUTION 2005 - For Sale in Bogota

By ricardo1 on Nov 16, 2008, 21:23.

Hi All, My wife is selling her car in Bogota- we thought we'd post here, in case someone in Bogota is looking for a nice well kept vehicle. here is the "ad". Chevrolet CORSA EVOLUTION 2005 Alarma c/control, asegurado, pel??????la de seguridad, airbag, rines de lujo, llantas nuevas, revisi???? ??ecnomec??????ca, bloqueo central, ? dueno, original, nuevo y en perfecto estado, revisiones concesionario y papeles al d?????? placas de bogot?? ??erminada en 9. DATOS DEL VEHICULO DATOS DEL VEHICULO Chevrolet CORSA EVOLUTION A???? 2005 RECORRIDO 29.000 Kms. COLOR ROJO PLACA BPA-389 MOTOR 1.400 cm? 4 Cil. TRANSMISION MEC?ICA 4 X 2 DIRECCION HIDR?LICA ASIENTOS PANA VIDRIOS MANUALES A/ACOND NO SONIDO C.D. PRECIO $ 24.000.000(Neg) Chevrolet CORSA EVOLUTION 2005 Location: Bogota - Colombia

Do they legally sell coca candy in Colombia?

By nine inch nails on Nov 16, 2008, 20:43.

Just finishing up a 13 day trip here in Peru and at many of the tourist sites around Cusco and even in the Cusco airport they sell very nicely packaged "coca candy". I took several photos because not trying to bring any back into the US even though legal in Peru. Plus no uso la coca.

Full coverage insurance in Colombia? for a honda 600rr?

By 600rrcol on Nov 16, 2008, 20:31.

Hi everyone! go ahead welcome me, this is my first post! lol ok i live in new york and hopefully within a year or two i will be living in colombia, im still doing research on whether it would be easier to buy another 600rr new and ship to colombia from dealer to dealer or if ill buy it in colombia when i get there. I already know theres no hope for my used honda 600rr, but my question is once i have a bike down there of that size and value im terrified that it will end up stolen, although i havent had any bad experiences happen to me in colombia yet theres always the possibility of being at the wrong place and the wrong time and if they take my bike at gun point at a light or if they steal it from garage i want to make sure its covered. i know liability insurance is mandatory obviously and its fairly reasonable but how about comprehensive, not collision just comprehensive (fire & theft). does anyone have a HD cruiser or something valued in around 35-40 million pesos insured for theft?

Unhappy People Watch TV, Happy People Read/Socialize

By huskie on Nov 16, 2008, 13:49.

Unhappy People Watch TV, Happy People Read/Socialize Study: Channeling Unhappiness, In Good and Bad Economic Times COLLEGE PARK, Md. - A new study by sociologists at the University of Maryland concludes that unhappy people watch more TV, while people who describe themselves as "very happy" spend more time reading and socializing. The study appears in the December issue of the journal Social Indicators Research. Analyzing 30-years worth of national data from time use studies and a continuing series of social attitude surveys, the Maryland researchers report that spending time watching television may contribute to viewers' happiness in the moment, with less positive effects in the long run. "TV doesn't really seem to satisfy people over the long haul the way that social involvement or reading a newspaper does," says University of Maryland sociologist John P. Robinson, the study co-author and a pioneer in time use studies. "It's more passive and may provide escape - especially when the news is as depressing as the economy itself. The data suggest to us that the TV habit may offer short-run pleasure at the expense of long-term malaise." TV VIEWING DURING A FINANCIAL CRISIS Based on data from time use surveys, Robinson projects that TV viewing might increase significantly as the economy worsens in the next few months and years. "Through good and bad economic times, our diary studies, have consistently found that work is the major activity correlate of higher TV viewing hours," Robinson says. "As people have progressively more time on their hands, viewing hours increase." But Robinson cautions that some of that extra time also might be spent sleeping. "As working and viewing hours increase, so do sleep hours," he says. "Sleep could be the second major beneficiary of job loss or reduced working hours." STUDY FINDINGS AND DATA In their new study, Robinson and his co-author, University of Maryland sociologist Steven Martin, set out to learn more about the activities that contributed to happiness in people's lives. They analyzed two sets of data spanning nearly 30 years (1975-2006) gathered from nearly 30,000 adults: A series of time use studies that asked people to fill out diaries for a 24-hour period and to indicate how pleasurable they found each activity; General Social Survey attitude studies, which Robinson calls the premier national source for monitoring changes in public attitudes - in-depth surveys that over the years consistently asked subjects how happy they feel, how they spend their time, among a number of other questions. UNHAPPY PEOPLE VIEW SIGNIFICANTLY MORE Robinson and Martin found that the two sets of data largely coincided for most activities - with the exception of television. From the General Social Survey, the researchers found that self-described very happy people were more socially active, attended more religious services, voted more and read more newspapers. By contrast, unhappy people watched significantly more television in their spare time. According to the study's findings, unhappy people watch an estimated 20 percent more television than very happy people, after taking into account their education, income, age and marital status - as well as other demographic predictors of both viewing and happiness. UNHAPPY PEOPLE ARE HAPPY WITH TV Data from time diaries told a somewhat different story. Responding in "real time," much closer to daily events, survey respondents tended to rate television viewing more highly as a daily activity. "What viewers seem to be saying is that while TV in general is a waste of time and not particularly enjoyable, 'the shows I saw tonight were pretty good,' " Robinson says. The data also suggested to Robinson and Martin that TV viewing is "easy." Viewers dont have to go anywhere, dress up, find company, plan ahead, expend energy, do any work or spend money in order to view. Combine these advantages with the immediate gratification offered by television, and you can understand why Americans spend more than half their free time as TV viewers, the researchers say. Unhappy people were also more likely to feel that they have unwanted extra time on their hands (51 percent) compared to very happy people (19 percent) and to feel rushed for time (35 percent vs. 23 percent). Having too much time and no clear way to fill it was the bigger burden of the two. AN ADDICT'S FIX Martin likens the short, temporary pleasure of television to addiction: "Addictive activities produce momentary pleasure and long-term misery and regret," he says. "People most vulnerable to addiction tend to be socially or personally disadvantaged. For this kind of person, TV can become a kind of opiate in a way. It's habitual, and tuning in can be an easy way of tuning out." FULL TEXT OF THE ARTICLE The full-text article is available, on request, as a pdf file. University of Maryland sociological researchers have been leaders is in the fields of individual and family time use as well as family dynamics and demographics. Cheers

Economics and the credit crunch

By huskie on Nov 16, 2008, 13:40.

http://www.thedisciplinedinvestor.com/blog/2008/11/16/sunday-fun-the-credit-song/ Enjoy Cheers

Colombia to help irate pyramid scheme investors

By sloopskipper on Nov 16, 2008, 13:10.

By VIVIAN SEQUERA The Associated Press Sunday, November 16, 2008; 3:40 PM BOGOTA, Colombia -- Colombia's government readied emergency measures Sunday to appease irate investors who lost tens of millions of dollars in the collapse of pyramid schemes that caused riots, scores of arrests and two deaths. President Alvaro Uribe vowed to help poor investors regain their savings, but said Saturday that wealthier clients should have known better and will "have to take some blows to the chest." (more): http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/16/AR2008111600820.html

Work Visa

By johnmazzola on Nov 16, 2008, 13:06.

Hi all. Someone else posted about this and he didnt really get an answer so let me try, and Ill include some information about me. I have already worked at a school called Wall Street Institute in another country as an English teacher. I am trying to work at one of the 6 Wall Street Institutes in Bogota. As this is a big school, Ive heard that they will help me get a work visa but I havent had the interview yet so I dont know for sure. So my question is- do the larger schools like this one help you get the work visa? Are there people actually staying on a tourst visa and working for cash? If so , what happens to those people when they try to leave the country and they??ve been here for a year on a 90 day tourist visa? I lived in Thailand they fined people for everyday of overstay. I??d appreciate any info on this! John

Bogota June-August math teaching jobs?

By mandotech on Nov 16, 2008, 12:50.

I have looked at the archive post in PBH about teaching in Bogota. However, the post are either very old or concerning English positions. I have credentials in teaching math and also business in high school. My Spanish is ok, I am not fluent. My hopes are that I could find a position that would allow me to stay in Bogota from mid-June to mid-August. I would not mind teaching privately or at a school. Thanks

Taking advantage of the USD/COP exchange rate right now

By njc on Nov 16, 2008, 12:19.

Hi, I visited Colombia a couple months ago. I was getting about 1,850 COP per USD. I'm thinking that I want to visit next year, or surely within two years. I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to buy some COP right now. If not, are there any other things I can buy (like CDs, bonds, etc.) that have a better guarantee (in case of financial collapse, etc.) that would allow me to take advantage of the good exchange rate right now? Thanks!

Bush legacy, a cautionary tale; (Sarkozy to Putin, "Do you want to end up like Bush?")

By sloopskipper on Nov 16, 2008, 12:13.

Options | by OnlineFLVPlayer.com

How are you guys staying in Colombia for more than 90days??

By ca321 on Nov 16, 2008, 11:38.

Hello all, I am looking to stay in Colombia for a year or two. I have been researching a lot about work visas in Colombia. It seems like a real difficult process to secure one. However, I noticed that a lot of people on here have been living in Colombia for far more than 90 days... more like years. What are you guys doing to stay down there? What kind of visas do you have and how did you get them? Is anybody generating income by working with Colombian companies? Any insights would be much appreciated before I go down there and find myself unable to obtain a visa.

the negative and positive things about colombia

By tenga flip hole5 on Nov 16, 2008, 11:28.

negative positive lack of parks in the cities bogota is surrounded by big mountains poor food hygiene the food is cheap women want my money women are nice can get too hot i never feel cold

Problems in Poblado

By tomtom33 on Nov 16, 2008, 11:17.

I just got off the phone with my novia. She said that there were some big problems in Poblado this morning something about moving/collapsing buildings. I haven't been able to find any other sources.

Moving to Colombia...Shipping Household....Packed by owner ?

By azunoman on Nov 16, 2008, 10:02.

So I have had my life interrupted twice a week by one moving company or another giving estimates for our household goods to Colombia. facts: -no more than a 20 foot cargo container (possibly just lift van) -my esposa is repatriating and we have good understanding of the allowance -we are shipping to port...we will be there to arrange delivery ourselves... -with the current economy and loses on property and investments...we are trying to save money -Obviously the moving companies make their money packing and loading so their advice that we should not pack by owner is jaded. ------------------------------------------------- top of my head questions? -What if any pitfalls might we face if we pack by owner? We don't care if they want to poke around looking for more than allowed...we generally do out best to play by the rules.....and if we go over will pay the CF -Also..any experience from shipping companies that just arrange for delivery of the container and then pick up. -my esposa is flying to LA to take care of unrelated business as the Colomiban consulate...next Friday...anything we can do there to help ensure a fright less move? PBH over the last four years has made me pretty confident that this move is the right choice...I thank you all..

Hello Friend's

By ibemeubeu9001 on Nov 16, 2008, 09:18.

I just wanted to let each of you know that this is my day, and I wanted to share it with each of you.....Today is the Birth of two great people my twin Gina, and me of course.....Smile. George.......the number I have forgotton it's been so many.....Smile.....Happy Birthday to me from each and everyone of you...... Love'N You All: ibemeubeu9001

Are there any Colombians that homeschool Kids, bilingual schools here are a disaster!

By cocoloco on Nov 16, 2008, 08:45.

After visiting several Bilingual schools, interviewing principals and teachers, reviewing their text books, I am convinced that bilingual english schools are a rip off at least in Medellin. They label themselves as billingual schools, most of the teachers barely speak English, and if they do you can barely understand them. There are schools like the Columbus school that have americans and brits teaching, but then again the school itself is very disorganized, the curriculm is lacking, and most kids are spoiled brats that pay their way through school. Fees, registrations and so called entry fees for most bilingual schools are a joke. My wife and I are thinking of homeschooling our kids in Medellin, is there a forum in Colombia for parents homeschooling kids?

Avianca Schedule Changes at JFK

By droble77 on Nov 16, 2008, 08:18.

Here's an email I got from Avianca last week. Don't think it's been mentioned here yet. I like flying back at night, although connecting through Bogota always gave you that option, at least now, you have the convenience of flying a red eye direct from Medellin. But gonig there you now arrive a bit later; it was so cool that you could take off early at JFK and arrive most of the time at Rionegro before 12:00 noon!

Apartment for sale in Rodadero Santa Marta

By andersson_s on Nov 16, 2008, 08:08.

My apartment in Rodadero is now for sale. The apartment is 4 blocks from the beach, has 2 bedrooms, 1 livingroom, 2 bathrooms, 2 A/C, 4 fans and kitchen. The apartment is recently renovated and is very beatiful, with a ceiling 4 m high. It has 78 m2 and is 3 floor. There??s no administartion fee which is good and bad. The good part is that it is cheap, the bad part is that you have to beg all the owners of the 5 apartments to contribute each time there??s a necessary job that has to be done. I sell it very cheap 55 millon COP. Anyone interested? write andersson_s@hotmail.com for photos or for a look at the apartment, William

Breakdown of Estrato status?

By token_gringo on Nov 16, 2008, 06:52.

Can someone breakdown the status of Estrato to me? I hear estrato 6, estrato 5, estrato1 etc., and I understand it deals with the classes, but what is the breakdown? Thanks

i think english cuisine is under rated

By tenga flip hole5 on Nov 16, 2008, 06:00.

when it comes to english cuisine i think most people in the world would like it...it has a universal appeal...i mean who would not like a full english breakfast...who would not like a sunday roast...i have given that food to many diffrent nationalities and as of yet none have not liked it....yorkshire puddings are amazing...the whole world would love them.....and the very famous fish and chips are such a universal dish....almost everyone in the world would love that....and for deserts victoria sponge cake...a rasberry fool....apple crumble....apple pie...and many more...because british food is so universal you would think that there would be british restaurants all rond the world...but why is that not the case

An Artist visiting looking for studio

By rw33 on Nov 16, 2008, 05:19.

I am coming to Colombia for a period of time not sure how long. I am an artist from UK and looking for a stuidio to paint in, and accomodation. Does any one have any recommendations??? Preferably in Bogota. Thanks

Monteria to Tolu

By larryrn on Nov 16, 2008, 05:19.

Let around 2PM from Monteria towards Tolu - the distance is maybe 100km. The road is very good - and for the most part it's possible to get 100-120km/hr as it is very straight. Stopped along the way at a "place" for a couple of Pilsens - then proceeded. The road goes northwest from Monteria and then you need to hang a left in a small town - the roads are clearly marked. Then the road continues with a couple of slight bends but once again is very straight - you could land a small airplane on the road. The road then turns to the east and everyone gets pulled over by the police as the road goes though a navy base. The police like usually ask to look in the car and ask me donde, I say Chicago and then he smiles and waves me on. Large green fences on both sides of the road and then another security checkpoint for cars coming from the east to west - and then the roads runs next to the ocean. Wow, the ocean, the road then continues and there are signs for cabanas on both sides of the road - pulling off to the left for something to eat, drove a half a km and then the road dead ends on the beach. Like Daytona Beach as you drive down the beach. It's the ocean, tables with chairs, the make shift road then bars, hotels and restaurants. Driving on the road east pull off at a place and order pargo roho con coco leche with coco arroz and puntacones con ajo. The food took about 30 minutes as the guy drove off in a motorcycle to get the fish but the beers were ice cold (grin). Sat at one of the tables on the beach and enjoyed the meal as we were being bit up my mosquitos as it was sunset. The price for the meal and maybe 10 beers was 57,000 pesoso. Checked out a couple of hotels here, one was kind of run down - and they wanted to put us in the back since we were only two and save the rooms in the front for familes of 6 - the guy wanted 60,000 pesos/night but I didn't want to be in the back. Found two other very nice hotels (where I felt more secure) but they were booked solid and also waiting for families of 6 (vs 2). One was very nice. Not sure of the price. Then back to the road to Tolu - which was 20 minutes away. Sign on the main road said left to Centro Tolu or continue straight to Cartagena, hung the left went into town and then asked about hotels and suggestion for Hotel David - so about 4 blocks past the main park then right 6 blocks and on the left - Hotel David. Large (by Colombian standards) nice, freshly painted hotel with a gated entrance and large pool. The rooms are small but have AC, no coolers/regridge - the price for 2 is 80,000 /night. Clean and safe, 2 blocks from the beach. So that is where i am not, Hotel David - went to get coffee and asked about church - told walk back to the square so that's next on the agenda. Tomorrow is a holiday so will be here until tomorrow then back to Medellin.. Larry

Apostilled Documents for USCIS (INS)?

By Dillan on Nov 16, 2008, 04:59.

Hi Everyone, Does anyone know if the USCIS (formerly the INS) requires the certified documents from my Colombia marriage to apostilled? The documents (birth certificates, marriage certificate, etc.) will be used in conjunction with filling the I-130 form for my Colombian wife. I already did a search for an answer but I didn't see anything that matched. I read the 1961 Hague Convention response in one post but I wasn't sure about what I should do based on what the US Embassy Bogota has on its website. http://bogota.usembassy.gov/apostille.html I'm in Colombia until the end of the day. Please give me an answer ASAP if possible as I might have the leave the documents. I appreciate your help. Thanks in advance. D

Argentina

By casa_de_norte on Nov 16, 2008, 04:29.

With my wife, I found Colombia.. My curiosity running wild, I have had to do a bit of research, trying to understand the geopolitics of the region...As I stumbled across Argentina, I was pleasantly surprised! I never knew, but Argentina, at one time, about a 100 years ago, was one of the most wealthy countries in the world. Though that has changed a bit, it is going through a bit of an economic renaissance, and the people, from what I can tell are great!! So, besides Tango lessons and great steaks in Buenos Aries, what else takes tourists to Argentina?

spoiled kids

By casa_de_norte on Nov 16, 2008, 04:00.

I have a burning question about kids in Colombia; Two lovely Colombian kids came into my life, through the legacy of my marriage... One is late teens and in college, the other is early teens.... The older one is a straight shooter, thankful for the clothes on his back.....has a father that is well to do, by Colombia standards, but emotionally detached... The younger one is a bit more entitled, more to do with his age, I suspect, and has a father that is a bit overbearing.. What I don't see, from either one, is the ego centric spoiled attitude that permeates the kids psyche in the US.... I buy these two something and they fall all over themselves thanking me and showing appreciation.. It seems like, as a generalization, socially, kids are less spoiled and respectful than their American counterparts... Or am I missing something here?

Let us never forget. . .

By droble77 on Nov 16, 2008, 00:19.

Omayra Sanchez http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omayra_Sanchez died Nov. 16, 1985 Descanse en Paz

direcciones

By jmunoz on Nov 15, 2008, 23:04.

como les va, soy de honduras, viajo a argentina por motivos de estudios en febrero 2009, quisiera saber si alguien me puede decir la distancia entre la universidad de palermo y la universidad de buenos aires, como llegar y si existen apartamentos que esten equidistante de las universidades, gracias