2retirensa has left 282 comments

2retirensa comments on Buying a "remate"

Just don't have the time to be on line anymore. Settled into a condo here in Armenia. Looked at Remates here. Try Conavi on Avenida Bolivar. OlgaLucia is in charge of forclosures, (which is upstairs) They didn't have much when I looked, but she is very helpful.
I'll send you an email if I still have your address with my tel # and you can call me if you want to.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on I Lied!! But not on purpose

Miguel And you´re still there because...?

2retirensa comments on I Lied!! But not on purpose

Thanks Sam- I have enough to worry about without old proverbs!! Everyone begged us to come, but once here, we are left to our own devices with NO help (and no car), just comments about why aren´t you ........
No big deal I guess- I just know better the next time.

Caulfield- I´´ll be sending you an email in a day or two. Thanks a lot.

And for St. Louis- so sorry you are having to suffer another winter there!! This is the best winter of my whole life here in Armenia!!
Best move I have ever made- coming here!!

Can´t wait to get my internet at home!!
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Marrying in Colombia, requirements

I just got married on San Andres Hello to all
It has been a while since I posted. Now in Bogota. Got married Feb.1 on San andres with only my passport. NO PROBLEM. We arrived on Mon.morning, gave the notory the info Mon. afternoon, and went back on Wed.to be married. This was to simple and no red tape!! Only one notory on the island.
Came to Bogota and had my cedula in one day. DAS here is much more cooperative than in Cali. Some of you already know the details, for others, we will be living in Bogota, not Armenia as originally planned.
Best to all, and thanks to all who sent messages. I have been very busy and need to use internet cafes- very inconvenient.

Maureen

2retirensa comments on Hotel recommendations for San Andres

Thanks to all I appreciate your time to reply. I'm guessing if President Uribe stays at the Sunrise, it should be acceptable to me! Do you think they'll change the presidential suite to the honeymoon sweet?

Time is flying by. I can't believe I am actually talking honeymoon! Finally!
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Avion Bird Flu Pandemic

yes, my reactiion was bad but that doesn't mean everyone will have the same experience. I would try it again if I thought I had the "bird flu"; it may have a different reaction. For me, it made the vomitting and head ache worse.
Lets not forget, as GIB points out, at this time there is no bird to person or person to person transmission of this. They are looking at IF there is. By then, any Tamiflu you have now will probably long be expired and of little to no use.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Hotel recommendations for San Andres

I gather from experience and other postings its not US 4*, but want the best I can get. I understand it's a bit tattered, but when in Rome.... I'll check out the Sol Caribe Campo. thanks HW. I am a little concerned about the weather- I know it's rainy right now and into Nov.

John, I'll be sending you guys an email. Things are getting down to the wire and I can't believe how much time all this takes!! I've checked out the Sunrise on the web, read the reviews. If you do a seach it pulls up a good site with reviews from other travelers. Reviews are pretty mixed, but seem to be for just the same group of hotels. Trying to see if there's anything different. Can't wait to see you both!!
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Easy to get married in San Andreas??

Update on marriage on San Andres Not that I don't trust my novio to get the right info from the notorio about getting married there (SAI) correct, or the info I received from someone who recently married there, but... It seems to easy.
I was on another website about SAI and emailed back and forth with someone there who arranges marriage ceremonies. I was told the law on the island has recently changed- they are wanting more tourists and trying to attract people by way of easy marriage (she actually said "like Las Vegas"). I asked about certificados de solteria, and was told you are required to just swear under oath you are not married to anyone else- then she said if you are, it's your problem, not theirs -lol. She said the requirements are only passport and birthcertificate- the same as what the notorio said.
We are making plans to marry there (SAI) unless I can locate the missing death certificate of my husband in the next 2 weeks.
I hope I am not a "test case". To good to be true has always been just that- for me anyway.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Opening Bank Account in Colombia

No direct deposit for SS in Colombia I am reading the pamphlet on countries where you can have SS direct deposit, and Colombia in NOT one of them. I have been to SS everyday this week, so this is current according to them and the pamphlet. I will have mine deposited here and us my ATM to withdraw.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Meaning of street numbering (Medellin)

Thanks I needed this also. Why didn't I ever ask? Makes so much sense now!
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Easy to get married in San Andreas??

I'm getting married on San Andres My novio just spoke with the notorio on San Andres, and he told him only passport and birth certificate are needed and a translator if your Spanish is not great.I( am still taking 3 certificados de solteria). Since I am haveing unbeleivable trouble with the death certificate of my husband, we are making plans to be married there instead of Cali. I finally see light at the end of the tunnel.

Anyone needing documents from California- start getting them way earlier than you think- some of the offices are only working part time due to budget cuts.
My house is sold and most of my things are already in Cali, so hopefully I'll be a bride soon.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on wedding in San Andres

Hello Leesa73 There is a post on the Visa Forum about this topic. Look there and you can participate in the current post or post your own if it is not related or need more help.
Welcome to the site.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on NEW FRIENDS

Welcome to the site.
Why don't you tell us a little about yourself, etc (keeping in mind it is a public forum and you want to be safe). Are you living in Baq now or someplace else?
Maureen

PS: Since typing in all caps is considered shouting, try just typing in lower case like this.

2retirensa comments on Avion Bird Flu Pandemic

Tamiflu What a coincidence. I was just cleaning out the medicine cabinet and found 5 pills I didn't take last year (dose is 1 pill twice a day for 5 days). I had such a bad reaction, I thought the flu was a peice of cake in comparison. I read the literature which said it reduced the symptoms by an average of 1.3 days. I may have to pass on this cure!
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Quesadillas

WHY? Why is turkey so expensive? It's just another bird, only bigger. Can't they be raised like a chicken?
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Got Married yesterday :)

Felicitaciones, y deseo que tengas una vida larga y feliz juntos.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Marriage by proxy

Hello Tammy I am also getting married by proxy, but in Colombia (if I ever get my paperwork right!). I did not know we could get married here with fewer requirements. (right now, I can't locate my husbands death certificate in California. They are so back logged, if I have to get it from Sacramento it will be at least 8 months.) I may need to look into proxy marriage here and see if that is an option. It is a little scary that the Colombian Consular could deny your visa.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on I need some advice about Colombian men.

harocha Yes, I did get lucky- especially since I wasn't looking for any kind of relationship let alone marriage.
Anything is possible, but we are older, maybe a little more settled in our ways. Our character is pretty well ingrained at out age (I hope). I have noticed he does things for me with no problem, but with his daughter, he acts like he doesn't know how to do anything. I don't give him permission to be like that with me!! (but then, he has benefits with me that he doesn't with her!!)
Maureen

2retirensa comments on I need some advice about Colombian men.

Well girls... I am an American engaged to a Colombiano. I find him to be much more considerate than most other men I have known personally or see in relationships with girl friends. He more or less fits the second description.
Brings flowers, sends cards for no reason, and helps me when I need or want help (even in the house)etc.
I agree with GIB, you just can't generalize. There are good and bad every where. You will find what you look for any place you go if you keep an open mind.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on changing work visa employer

Hi Jon No help to you, just hoping this means there is another journal on the way. Rubiazo & Franko have been entertaining and informing us for quite a while, but I miss whats going on with you.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on out of colombia

Capt I'd be interested in what you find to Europe without going thru US.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on The taxman follows you everywhere

Colombian Taxation Info Here is a link to taxes (and more) in Colombia

http://www.coinvertir.org/html/i_portals/index.php

look on the left for "taxes"; it gives tax rates for income, investments etc.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Things my wife likes, what about yours?

I don't have a wife but I have friends I want in on this thread, so I'll tell you what my friends love/hate when they came for a visit.

LOVE:
dried cranberries
cranberry juice
apricots
nectar of apricots (juice)
really red, ripe strawberries
pancakes or french toast with syrup (real maple)
salmon on the grill
just about anything on the grill (barbeque)
steak

Home Depot
ANY and EVERY dollar store
classic car shows/auto dealers
junk yards
YARD SALES (they would go every day if they could)
Walmart
Fact you can return anything
Fact you can wander around and touch, try one, sort trough, compare etc. everything at a store without having to ask

Did not like:

gravy
turkey bacon
colorless/bland food
not to much mayonaise on every sandwich

2retirensa comments on Ibaque- Please tell me what you know

I don't plan on studying, and won't consider anyplace warmer than Armenia. I like the idea of being closer to Bogota, but in reality how often would we go? I don't think I would go much more than if I'm in Armenia. It sounds like a very tranquil place to live, maybe a little to much for me. The new construction going on may change that.
I appreciate the info so I can talk about Ibaque with my in-laws (I know they will be pleased I know a little about their home).
Thanks for your replies,
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Last minute info needed

Thanks to all of you I did find out the poder especial sample I had was just that- a sample! I can leave out the exact date even though it was on the sample someone sent me. You are all to kind for your prompt replies, and PM.
So tomorrow, off to the Chicago Consulado to get that done, and then send all my other papers to my novio and hope for the best. You all will eventually get me married off!
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Hello! New member saying Hi

Welcome Glad to have you. There are quite a few people from UK here. I'm sure they'll chime in sooner or later. I am in US.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Is it common for a colombian boyfriend to financially support his girlfriend?

OK Don You even have the women suggesting you not send $$. Think about it!
As a woman, we always want to help and protect our "sisters", but even we don't want them taking advantage of someone and giving the impression that's what women expect. (Only certain ones do). I suggest the same as Adela- don't send $$ and see how it goes.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Inquiring Minds Want to Know: The Real Deal with Colombians GFs./Fiancees

Don't know why I'm spending energy on this either But, before I leave for the day, I'm compelled to agree 110% with GB.
The same principle applies all over the world. If someone is not looking for a visa, they'll be looking to catch up on bills, paid vacation, beauty salon etc, etc.- it all amounts to the same thing. Men and women both-you always have to be careful about the motives.
I'm not looking for someone to elevate my station in life, just to be a loving companion for the station I'm already in. If it ends up being better- so be it, but not until AFTER the wedding.

Women are faced with the same situation as you guys looking for wives. Today many women have more to offer than some guys, and many times they're so flattered some hunk wants to spend time with them, they'll start shelling out like the bank. Then he's gone when the bank closes. This seems to be a people thing that does not know the difference between male & female or what culture.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Inquiring Minds Want to Know: The Real Deal with Colombians GFs./Fiancees

So glad I saw this thread I have NEVER posted an opinion on this subject, just like to stay low key here, but I was just writing an opinion for the "other" thread when this one popped up!! So I'll put my dos centavos here!

ANYONE (men or women) who needs to pay for "friends" has serious problems. (This is not an inference about anyone here needing to do that).
I do see the same concept here in the states with guys taking a women on elaborate first or second dates, flowers, gifts, etc. If the relationship lasts a couple months they are broke, back to the regular McD & movie date, and girls are gone! Rightfully so... You set the pace, and then can't/don't keep it up! Expectations only grow, not diminish.
(Back to topic) How do you think these women have been supporting themselves all this time? What would happen if you didn't send $$? They would probably be on to someone else who would. Thats what you want? Someone who will only last as long as your $$ do? You'll get what you deserve in the end, which may not come until your first financial reverasal (loss of job, health, etc.) I'll take a wild guess here and say the wives that are still with their husbands after or during a bad financial crisis are the women who took care of themselves before the marriage! I wonder how many are still with their husbands when they loose their $$ due to health, investments, lay offs, or what ever. (I can just guess where this thread will go now!)

The only thing I would consider paying for would be English classes (which in my opinion is more for the gringos benefit) which would not be a normal expense in the budget. Better yet, why isn't the gringo taking Spanish lessons and see how motivated his girlfriend is about learning English on her own?
I can make this 5 pages long, so I'll quit for the moment and hope I have this out of my system- though this is always a real hot topic with me.
These are my opinions in general- not a judgement about anyone on this board.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on hi again everyone!

Contrats! It about time you had something to say! Don't loose touch; let us know when the baby is here. Congratulations!
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Please help me out (lost nr1 place again)!

Every vote counts, Robert. Welcome to the site.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on DEBIT CARD QUESTIO

You see Plus almost as much as cirrus. I tried it in a few without the Plus sign and it still worked. Sometimes the signs are worn off and you're not sure what it takes.
Maureen
PS: Make sure you call you bank and tell them where you are going and how long you will be gone, and get a # to call in case of a problem. If they see something out of the country, they may block your card. Mine did once even after I told them.

2retirensa comments on Please help me out (lost nr1 place again)!

Bye Up to almost 78%. I've worked up a huge appitite. Unless they know what we know, we should be safe, so I'm gone for a while
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Please help me out (lost nr1 place again)!

I'm on my lap top! So easy! See Grouper with about 25%? Hahahaha

2retirensa comments on Please help me out (lost nr1 place again)!

Dan YOU are a genius!! It'll rack 100 votes in nothing flat!
I'm now like the energizer bunny on coffee!
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Please help me out (lost nr1 place again)!

Saturday Peter said it was a 5 day vote and it should almost be over.
It has to be getting close (thank goodness). I figured out how not accept ANY cookies, and can just vote, vote, vote,.....
I'm just like the little Energizer bunny.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Please help me out (lost nr1 place again)!

I'm Dizzy And not even making a dent!! We're to close for comfort! I can't even get it to move 1/10 of a %!
Maureen

2retirensa comments on the grouper guys

Oh No! We need to show them we can work harder!! Get going PHB!
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Insuring valuables while living in Col.

OK, nothing new here. Yes condo is more secure, esp. for single women and the elderly (us in not to many years). Very little worry about the outside. But I like to work in the yard, have parties outside with music etc. louder than you're going to get away with in a condo, and do what I please to the outside of the house. Condos are pretty restricted. Safety and security is the big selling point because we do hope to travel a bit, we're not rich enough to live the life of world globe trotters, so we'll be living like most "normal" people.
My condo has been good for me here in US alone, but I would like more freedom from restrictions in COL. Of course, I don't think I'm going to win this one. I win most things, but anything my novio sees as a safety issue I always loose. And of course, the family always backs him up.
Maureen
PS Shoveling snow will not be a concern in a very short time!!

2retirensa comments on Trip to Manizales

Google this site There are several discussions, including this one:

www.poorbuthappy.com/colombia/node/11915

I don't think Manizales is to much higher than Armenia and that is no problem. Bogota would concern me a little, but other than there, I can't see a problem unless you have underlying heart/respiratory problems (if you did your therapist/Dr. would have already told you).
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Insuring valuables while living in Col.

I WANT A HOUSE My novio insists on living in a condo/apartment for security. I'm use to it and its ok, but I really want a house where I have almost total control. Condo living for me now is fine since I'm alone, gone most of the time, and it is nice not to deal with the yard, roof, etc.
Not what I intended for retirement with more time to do as I please.

So maybe you guys have some good arguements to help me convince him to buy a house instead of a condo. (resale value doesn't work since we are going to die in it anyway, and it then becomes someone elses problem) Renting at first doesn't bother me as much in a condo since you can't do what you want anyway. Buying is a different story.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Law changed AGAIN last week for getting married in Colombia... per newspaper

See the article a little farther down the forum It seems nothing really changed= false alarm per Miquel and ???
My Spanish leaves a lot to be desired!!
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Cultural do's & don'ts ??

This bathroom door thing is a killer!! No one told me, so it took awhile to figure out. In a house full of people, you initially think its always occupied. I was counting people to try to figure out if it was available or not!!
When given anything, you must rave about it for at least 5 minutes! "Thank you, this is lovely" won't do. Example: (Pillow) This is my favorite color, thank you so much. I love how soft it is- look Auntie, isn't this beautiful. Look at all the detail, see the tiny stitches- this will be perfect on my bed. I will think of you everytime I see it. ON and on etc. You must show great appreciation. It became an all day affair when I gave gifts to everyone. Of course, being female, I love all the drama.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Insuring valuables while living in Col.

my situation Ins. is mandatory here, but once you have your ins policy and closed on your condo, no one follows year to year to see that you have renewed your policy. I never thought about it, just paid my ins. like you would THINK every other homeowner would. WRONG! When the guy above me flooded my condo he had NO ins.- he had let it lapse the year after he bought it. My ins. had to cover everything, though they will go after him, it was still a pain. I didn't get cancelled (what a surprise!), but I had to file a complaint with the ins. commission for problems getting my $$ and service (I have State Farm).
Note: One other thing to watch is when the association changes it's master policy. You need to have your agent review the new policy to make sure you still have the coverage you need. Our asso. has changed the policy 3 times (looking for cheaper rates), and 3 times I had to increase my coverage. This is not always announced to the owners.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Follow-up re: Colombia Spousal Visa

My impression Once you have a designated occupation, my understanding is it is difficult to change it. At least to change it from "Hogar" to something else. If your occupation is doctor, is that the only occupation you are allowed, or can you do sales, etc? Anyone know? Is there a benefit to some kind of occupation other than wife or husband, even if you don't think you will work? I'm thinking professinal licenses should be sufficient to get an occupation on your visa?
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Insuring valuables while living in Col.

Insuring Condos here in US is even iffy. I had a flood from the condo above me 2 years ago, and it was a big deal determining who paid for what (my ins. or Association). It delayed things a little bit. I actually got the idea of no fire ins. needed from Colombian friends, who HAD me convinced, but no more! I really need to learn from other peoples mistakes when I can. It's a lot less expensive and way less inconvenient!
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Insuring valuables while living in Col.

I'm paying attention! Since we will more than likely live in a condo, I see the point of fire ins. I'm paying about $220 for condo ins. here, which of course doesn't cover as much as a house, nor does it cover war or terrorist acts! Earthquake coverage is another really imp. coverage since we will live in Armenia.
We will rent for a while, but insurance will be needed none the less- I know no owner will be protecting me and mine.
Thanks for the info.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Insuring valuables while living in Col.

BAQ How are their rates (for full coverage) compared to US? It seems they don't cover exactly the things I want covered. Who cares about the drapes?
My understanding is fire ins. is not necessarily needed since there isn't much than can catch on fire (since home construction generally isn't dry wall). Is that correct?
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Please help me out (lost nr1 place again)!

Still ahead Now 63.6% with 2623 votes. It's taking a lot of votes to move just 1/10 of a percent! Good thing I can do laundry tomorrow.
Maureen

2retirensa comments on Jons Journal 18

thanks Jon I always enjoy your journals. Especially because they are so detailed, it puts you right there with you! I look forward to more.
Maureen