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PBH / travelers / 2retirensa / forum posts |
Welll hello to all.
It´s been awhile since I posted, and the last time I posted I told you we (my new husband and I) were moving to Bogota. Well,I lied.... After returning to Cali, he decided he didn´t want to live there, so we are now in Armenia. We are about ready to start moving into a condo after staying with his sister for 3 weeks (3 very long weeks!!).
I hated to see the personal messages gone!! I have lost all of your private messages, notes, and info!
Eve ...
Hello to all. I have not posted since the end of Nov. when I came to Col. for my marriage. With illness etc. it took a while.
I am so happy to tell you I was married to my novio on Feb.1 on San Andres Island (with NO problems and only my passport). We came to Bogota to visit family, but now have decided to live here. We are now looking for a house. Some of you will remember we were going to live in Armenia. This is a much better choice for us, though we have family in Armenia and wi ...
Good morning to all.
I’m looking for a REALLY NICE place for my wedding/honeymoon on San Andres Island. I know and have read a million reviews on the Decameron Hotel chain. I am looking for something that is not all inclusive, maybe just breakfast.
The nicer the better. This will be a very small ceremony, maybe only two other people will be able to accompany us. I have been on all the websites, see a lot of hotels with no reviews. It seems the all inclusive is the most popu ...
Here is the official website for the bull fights in Cali.
One of my favorite places.
Maureen
http://www.plazatoros.com.co/
I guess better late than never.
Copy:
http://public.fotki.com/2retirensa/
Maureen
I guess better late than never.
Maureen
OK- I know I should have checked this out before the day before I needed the info, But....
Anyone know:
Do Notarios perform marriages on Sat. or Sun., and is Friday, November 11 any kind of holiday that would prevent a marriage from being performed?
I go to Chicago tomorrow for my Poder Especial(see why I said last minute? I actually did not know I needed an exact date until this morning).
Thanks,
Maureen ...
Can't find to much about Ibaque. Can you share what you know- All I know is it's about 90 km from Bogota. Maybe someone can compare Armenia/Cali/Bogota and Ibaque. Of most interest is Health care, cost of living, weather, and is it as high atitude as Bogota? My brother in law just married and is now living there. I won't be surprised it Fabio wants to consideer a move there, so I'm trying to cover my bases a little before hand! Thanks
Maureen ...
Wealthiest Countries in South America
Rank Country GDP per capita (US Dollars)
1 Chile 12,400
2 Argentina 10,000
3 Uruguay 8,500
4 Venezuela 8,000
5 Colombia 6,200
6 Brazil 6,150
7 French Guiana 6,000
8 Peru 4,400
9 Ecuador 4,300
10 Paraguay 3,650
11 Suriname 3,400
12 Bolivia 3,000
13 Guyana 2,500
Data compiled from: CIA - World Factbook, web: http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/fact ...
Does anyone know if American style brown sugar is available in COL? If it is what is it called in Spanish, and do you know where it would be located in the grocery store? Either I am not explaining it clearly or they don't have it. I have a very confused cook in Col. right now...
TIA
Maureen ...
This is the article I referenced yesterday when asking if the law changed again about marriage in COL. Fabio scanned the article and sent it to me, I had to type it for the forum so it doesn't have the tildes where they belong.
I don't understand most of it--just the part that says if you ONLY have permisssion to ENTER Colombia you can't have a civil marriage.
I know someone will explain this to me. I hope I didn't get alarmed, or alarm others because of my poor Spanish.
...
I just spoke with my novio in Cali. He read an article in the paper saying as of last week foreigners need a special visa (or something...) to get married in Colombia. I did not understand very well. I have been searching but can't find/understand about this new visa. (My Spanish is ok for some things, but this is to technical for me). He specifically said it changed (again) last week.
Does anyone know about this? I have been trying to call the Colombian embassy in Chicago with no r ...
Still waiting for the story, or is it so "hot" you fear being deleted?
Maureen
Since there is always the suggestion people moving to Colombia rent instead of buy, at least for a while, I thought some good information along those lines was long over due. Lets hear the what someone needs to be aware of when renting, such as:
Better from individual or agency and why
How long are leases, what happens if you need/want to break a lease
What are tenant responsibilities and what are landlord responsibilities
What to watch out for BEFORE sign ...
I know the income tax is high (38%), but does anyone know how much you have to earn before you actually pay tax? Most know here in USA if you earn under a certain $$ you don't have to pay income tax, though you have to pay other taxes like SS, etc. I looked at the site posted for taxation but it doesn't specify if it is on ALL earnings, or after a certain amount.
Maureen ...
Sent a small clarification
Maureen
Queen, King, or?? I am hoping they are the same as here. Thanks
Maureen
Can I buy an american style Bar-B-Que in Colombia? I've never seen one, and when I ask, no one seems to understand. I love to bar-b-que and would love to have one there. The ones I have seen have a very shallow pan for the coal with no cover, and while servicable, not as versatile as the ones here. Is this what is avail there or is there something else? I can send a small charcoal one , or a larger gas grill in parts. I even thought of building one after I get settled, but that could be a ...
Anyone know of a place to buy stain glass supplies, or artwork? Not the commercial items though. Something you would find here at a juried art fair, etc. I didn't see anything when I was there, but then I wasn't looking either.
Maureen ...
Can someone please tell me how to use this word? I think it means evil spirit as in a mean person, generally their normal dispostion. A friend thinks it means someone with a bad disposition when not feeling well, a temporary attitude. I think it is an insult, she doesn't think so.I am American with poor spanish, she is Colombian with poor english (from Cali) What a mess! We have been having this discussion for 3 months! Time to get the opinion of experts. We have agreed to abide by the ru ...
Have just started to ship boxes to Cali. Sent 2 boxes, St. Louis to Miami then on to Cali. Everything arrived perfect and very timely. Excellet service, as stated many times by Miquel, and now me. (2-40lb. boxes, with more to follow). Thanks Miquel!!
Maureen ...
Well, I'm back in St. Louis from my 2 weeks in Colombia. Notice I did not say back home. I will now start the long process of selling and getting rid of all this stuff I have accumulated over the years except some memories and kitchen things I will ship.
We have decided to marry by proxy civilly and have our church wedding when I get there. More practical and economical and both of us agree the civil ceremony is a legal matter and for us the church wedding is the one we care about. ...
Well,I am in Miami where I spent night with my future daughter in law. Everything at the airport was fine. ALL my luggage was opened and inspected, with my carry on x-rayed twice with a great deal of conversation at the X-ray machine!!
My checked bags were opened and inspected, nothing was missing (that I could tell on quick inspection). Now to Cali later today. We'll see how the next part goes.
Maureen ...
I am really going to Colombia! I've been planning this for a month, but just found out today I can actually go now. Leave for Miami 4-6, go to Cali 4-7 and return to St. Louis 4-21. We'll go to Armenia about the 12th and stay there -going from there to the surrounding areas, including Pereira. One step closer to my wedding day. We will see the priest while I am there, and talk with the Notario (all of whom cannot wait to meet me- according to my novio).
I hope to have better access t ...
For once I did something right! Not wanting to leave ANYTHING to chance I called American just to verify the mundane info and instructions. Thank Goodness!!
Effective March 1, weight limits were reduced(all airlines), BOTH domestic and international are now 50lbs. For AA excess weight charge is 50-70 lbs $25 each way, 70-100 lbs is $100 each way, and she says they will not take more than 100 lbs. per bag. Actually, excess weight charge is still better than shipping via other means.
This is where we are SUPPOSE to move, Armenia. I am getting cold feet about the area. How often and how severe are the earthquakes there? I come from California and left because of the quakes. Is one area better than another? Cali is just TO hot. Help
TIA, Maureen ...
When a couple gets married in Colombia, what is the custom concerning who pays for the wedding etc. I was told the groom pays for wedding and reception (contrary to USA). If this is true how much say does the bride have in the arrangements. I am talking about a mature couple (in other words, old (by some standards). Does there really have to be a wedding and reception for everyone who wants to come or can the couple have a nice quiet, small ceremony and reception without offending everyone. ...
What are the rates or options for calling the US from Colombia? I did a google search for internatioal calls from Colombia but not finding what I need. I would like to send or arrange for my friends mother to be able to call the US when she wants. Help please.
And as always,
Thanks, Maureen ...
This is actually a take off on the language barrier topic. I THOUGHT I understood mi novio when he said he was a great cook, and the whole family agreed. I am just now finding out it was a JOKE and he can't cook water! What "american" foods, dishes would most likely appeal to Colombianos? I can learn to cook Colombian dishes, but still need to put a meal on the table in the mean time!
I found out he can't cook when I said I preferred we rent an apartment on vactiion so we can cook et ...
Please tell me about death and buriel traditions in Colombia. What happens if someone doesn't have family- such as those widowed with no immediate family of their own, only their deceased spouses family. I think I saw "preplanning" at the entrances to some of the churches downtown Cali. What happens when the families are poor and they still need to bury someone? etc. ...
We have friends encourageing us to move to Medellin instead of Cali or Armenia. What can I expect for cost of living? One reason I favor Armenia is it´s less expensive to live there, and I WILL BE on a budget. I also love the fact you can actually drive there and it´s beautiful. Not looking for "hot spots"(these days the hot spot is bed at 10:00). What about living a little outside of the city? Will rent be better? I've looked at the real estate sites, but that isn't always the "best buy ...
Does anyone know how long it takes to get to Medellin by bus, and how much for the best bus (with restrooms and air cond.). Has anyone taken this bus? Thanks
Maureen
Do you know there is a Colombian market in Florissant? 270 & Lindberg North. La Placita. Has the frozen fruit, pandebono etc.
Maureen
What other bank besides BOA has the Cirrus or Plus symbol for ATM machines? My friend just opened an account at Commerce Bank. I am concerned about the foreign ATM charges, not the charge from Commerce. I have BOA & never worry about the fees, so I don't know. For some reason they could not open a BOA acct. I've read that Davida(? or something like that) charges quite a bit on top of the originating fee. I know this has been discussed, but I just can't find the answer I'm looking for.
...
A friend of mine will only visit me in Armenia if there is some kind of fishing or hunting (anmals, not girls) in the area. I'm thinking fishing yes, but hunting?
Anyone know? He doesn't hike, but likes other outdoor activities. We have a family finca, but don't know if you can hunt on it, and for what?
Thanks, Maureen ...
I can't find the info I need on previous posts. If an American marries a Colombian in a different country (say Venezuela), what paper work will be needed by the american when they move to Colombia? I am thinking I read it is much easier if married outside of Colombia. A friend told me they married in Venezuala, and then went back to Colombia and registered at the consulate with a minimum of paper work. I was told all you need to marry in Venezuela is your passport. Any input? The simpler th ...
I'll be moving to Armenia. Will be back Jan-March. Is there anyone on the board who lives there or is close?
Thanks,
Maureen
How available is this? It is difficult to get here, I would love to bring some back if I can find it. Thanks
Hello everyone. I have hunted through these posts and cannot find the person that said he used an attorney to process all the paper work for a marriage visa (to marry in Colombia). I think it will just be easier and am willing to pay the money! I will be leaving shortly. Please tell me what kind of attorney you used etc. I would like to see someone when I get there and get a start on this. Thanks for your help. (Even if you didn't use one, please help me out on this, if you can.) Maybe wh ...
the quality of health care in Armenia? Especially for major health problems.
Thanks, Maureen
for my visit to Cali is Sat. Oct. 23 to Sun. Nov.7. Dreams come true. Hope to meet or talk with some of you once there.
Maureen
I need help again! I need to take inexpensive gifts to children- they come from a modest family so things like watches, cd's etc would be considered to extragavant. Both boys & girls agest 7-12. Something they can't get there easily, and fun. Even if its North American candy. I just don't know what kids like (even here!).
Thanks to all. ...
from Colombia. What airlines can I check leaving from Cali? Any one know if they all come thru the US?
Maureen
an english speaking attorney, if possible, in Cali. If you know of one please post or you can e-mail me personally at mricesingla at hotmail.com. If anyone knows of an english speaking Doctor & Dentist, I would appreciate that info also. I will be in the north part of Cali. I can use Spanish speaking, but this would be less trouble for everyone involved.
Thanks,
Maureen ...
Here I Come!! I am to excited to have received news my girlfrieds mother will be ready to receive me in there new home around the end of October, beginning of Nov. I will appologize now to all of you who have to put up with me until I get there, after I arrive, and who knows how long after I get back!! Friends and acquaintences here really don't get it- there are only maybe 3 people who don't criticize my decision. I know ALL of you understand and probably wish it was you!! Now I have to wo ...
It was suggested to me by a member here renting in Cali and buying in Cartagena (higher increasing property values). What are the responsibilities of renters and landlords? I was told rent was about 1/3 of 1% of the property value, so this may make some sense for me.
Desi, I know you will have a suggestion for me. Thanks!
Maureen ...
We now know what everyone misses the most when gone from US, now, what was the hardest thing to adjust to when moving to Colombiea (other than the language difficulty and missing family)?
Hi everyone! Can anyone tell me---Once I am married in Colombia, do I have to change my name on my US passport, or can I just leave it in my maiden name which I will continue to use in US for business purposes.
Thanks ...
Hello Everyone. Well, my trip to Cali has changed drastically- my friend from Cali cannot accompany me to show me the ropes and translate! I'm on my own! I'll be trying to look at apts. and houses to rent first, then buy. Those of you in the know- please help.
My spanish is limited though I am intensly learning. What will the possibilities be of finding someone in the "middle" class that speaks atleast fair english that will on occassion be willing to accompany me to look at houses/a ...
Hello Again to everyone
I don't ever see posts about cars/driving in Colombia. I know public trans. is good, and taxis are reasonable/cheap, but I can't imagine being without a car! It has been suggested I ship my Nissan to Cali rather than have to buy a car once there. I'm wondering if I will be able to get service if I have a complicated problem. There are so many more emissions gadgets etc. on american cars. Any input? I know my friends mother-in-law shipped her car to Bogota, bu ...
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