adrienne79 has left 238 comments

adrienne79 comments on

OMG! WTF?

adrienne79 comments on should I buy CO Pesos here in America before the dollar goes back down???

No one can tell you for sure what the rate will be in August. Either way it is a risk. If you are okay with the exchange at 1900 go for it but you must realize the rate could be better in August, the same, or worse.

adrienne79 comments on Why Don't Colombians Know Their Holidays?

It's amazing isn't it?!? Recently,the Friday before one of the holidays I asked my 6th grade Colombian students what the holiday was that we were going to have the following Monday. In a class of about 20 students not one could tell me. They just kept saying who cares, enjoy it, there is no school or work. LOL! Also, around May 5th there was a holiday. I made it a mission to find out what holiday it was. I was in Santa Marta and walked the streets asking everyone what the holiday was. The best answer one could give me was that it is something religious and there is no work. I find it funny how they have som many holiday, enjoy now work, no school and no one knows why. Isn't it nice!

adrienne79 comments on House Prices in Burcaramanga

Corey, that house is extreemly nice for Bucaramanga and in a great area. Houses are very differenet here than what you find in the US. I wish I knew more about house prices but we still rent here so I am not sure.

adrienne79 comments on Anybody heard anything about ISSO teacher training (TEFL) ?

I strongly disagree with Philly. If you are taking it for a piece if paper in the end, maybe he is right, and yes you can get a job easy enough without it. But if you are taking it to actually learn more about teaching and about helping your students it can be a great program. I am about one week away from finishing a year long course that I have been taking online. I opted for the online since I didn't have time or money for a traditional class. Most English speakers argue that the online course is not the way to go since you don't get the teaching experience. It all worked out for me though because I started as a teacher back in October here in Bucaramanga and have been able to apply what I am learning to a real classroom setting. I think it also helps me get along with the Colombian teachers better. They don't want some foriegn prick walking in and taking their jobs when thay have studied languages for awhile to land a teaching position. I have seen the resentment it causes to people with no training or background in teaching. I think my co-workers respect me more because they know I am trying to learn just like they had to. Good luck and if you want more info on an online program, let me know.

adrienne79 comments on Anybody heard anything about ISSO teacher training (TEFL) ?

These prices are out of date. I was there in May 08 and the prices were bit higher than mentioned. I won't edit it because I don't reacall the exact prices but I know for example the little bus mentioned is now over 4,000 and the entrance is more than mentioned unless you are Colombian which in that case is 9,000. I think the horses are more like double.

adrienne79 comments on Bus from Cartagena to Barranquilla

great information Tom, thanks! Any idea how much a bus or van fro the terminal will cost? Is this a cheaper option or just a quicker option? sounds goo though.

adrienne79 comments on 4th of July Parties

Bogota ACS just emailed this to me this afternoon. You are cordially invited to celebrate our nation’s birthday with a morning flag-raising ceremony at the United States Embassy in Bogota, Colombia. WHEN: July 4, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. WHERE: U.S. Embassy, Bogota, Colombia American Citizen Services Entrance Calle 24 Bis No. 48-50. Calle 24 Bis is a small street near the intersection of Carrera 50 and Avenida Esperanza. There will be no parking available on the Embassy grounds. WHO: All Americans are welcome. You must present a valid U.S. passport to be admitted. The ceremony will be followed by coffee and doughnuts and the chance to meet other Americans. SECURITY NOTE: Please arrive no later than 7:45 a.m. to be screened by security. It is suggested not to bring backpacks or other large bags.

adrienne79 comments on anyone ever experienced baggage theft on an airline

Thanks for the advice Sanandressi but that was not the case. My bag was marked in four places all with the same adress, name, etc. I was not new to traveling. I even had a picture of the bag that I was able to show the airlines. It was a brand new bag. I mean come on...between DFW and MIA...non-stop, how do you lose a bag?...simple someone stole it. and it didn't take them weeks/months for mine. They never found it. So instead that had to pay up in the end. I think it is much more common than most people think for luggage to get lost. I used to wok at DFW airport and help people file claims all the time. There are also tons of interesting documenteries concerning this topic that you might find informative as to how this really happens.

adrienne79 comments on anyone ever experienced baggage theft on an airline

Yep, I too had to fill out that form with AA and it was a pain. They lost my bag flying from DFW to MIA and never found it again. I was lucky because domestic compensaion for luggage is more than international compensation. I think at the time it was 2,700 USD for domestic losses and only about 600 USD for international losses. The form that El Piloto is mentioning is very long. It asked for the name of each article, the color, the brand, where it was purchased, date of purchase, material, price paid of each item and like he said everything over $100 needed a reciept for proof. Also they had given me a deadline of 30 days to get it submitted to them for review and then they took 60 days to respond to me. So for three months I was without my luggage, and no compensation what so ever.

adrienne79 comments on Cartagena- Boca grande vs. Centro neighborhoods

Thanks Gator, we still have a week before we leave and I will call this weeknd if I still have not found a place. But, I have actually had luck with the emails. About half have responded. I will keep the streets in mind that you are mentioning.

adrienne79 comments on anyone ever experienced baggage theft on an airline

Not sure about Avianca but most airlines have a discloser stating that they are not responsible for jewlry or electronics that are placed in a checked bag. I know with AA that is the case.

adrienne79 comments on Cartagena- Boca grande vs. Centro neighborhoods

Jena, I sent you guys an email yesterday but haven't heard back.

adrienne79 comments on Cartagena- Boca grande vs. Centro neighborhoods

(50,000 or less for a double)

adrienne79 comments on Airfares Chirstmas Week and New Years Week...

I booked a ticket two weeks ago for Mid-December to first weekend in January (BOG to ABQ on AA). Once selecting the seats I was shocked how full the planes already are so early on. Checking the flight prices today, I see the exact same itenary that I selected has gone up about $250 since I booked and I thought my the price I paid was outragous.

adrienne79 comments on Who pays maintanace on a rented apartment?

Thanks for the warning, Wendell, there wasn't a deposit.

adrienne79 comments on Who pays maintanace on a rented apartment?

Vic, sorry to hear about your renting horrors. At least we didn't have to pay any deposit that she can keep.

adrienne79 comments on Who pays maintanace on a rented apartment?

okay Gator thanks. So question, a pipe burst...who is responsible? Would that too be our responsibilty too since it bursted while we are in occupance without pics of it broken prior. I am getting very interested in this because in the US that is one advantage to renting as opposed to owning...not having to fork out unforseen expenses on home repairs. I guess that might not be the case here.

adrienne79 comments on Who pays maintanace on a rented apartment?

Thanks guys. Will look at the link closer. I agree, obviously if we were to break a window or so forth we would pay but it is ridiculous to us that we would need to replace the locks on the house to get it to function to a safe standard again. These are not problems that have always existed. They are due to age and normal wear and tear. If I was renting TX still (which clearly I am not), I know these would definitly be paid for by the owner, not the renter.

adrienne79 comments on Books - Amazon delivery to Bogota

How much do they charge for shipping to here? is it by price point or quantity or lbs?

adrienne79 comments on Moving from California to Bucaramanga

Oh okay great! Well, like I said let me know if you need some help or advice. I recently met one of the guys from the states that was working there this year and he told me quite a bit about how things are there.

adrienne79 comments on Work visa for 2 companies

I would still recommend you contact the MRE and ask them yourself. Here in Colombia it is common to get different answers depending on who you ask and their mood. Good luck!

adrienne79 comments on Work visa for 2 companies

I asked this question at the MRE last time I was there and I was told they would only grant permission for work at one place and legally I can only work at that one place.

adrienne79 comments on Moving from California to Bucaramanga

Not sure about shipping...but when are you moving and where wil you be teaching? I moved from Texas to here nearly a year ago and teach also. I like it a lot here. Let me know if you need any other help.

adrienne79 comments on Power of Attorney to open a bank account

I would go ahead and contact the bank directly. Are you a Colombian citizen or atleast have a cedular? if not, even if you were here it is difficult to get an account.

adrienne79 comments on Quito hostels emptier?

I lived in Quito for a year in 1995-96 and attended school. At the time I was only 16 and it was an extreemly safe city for me to be in. Although, I have not been back myself, I have heard that right after I left things took a big dive for the worse. Busses and taxis became unsafe and so forth. Not sure if it might be getting better now but I doubt it.

adrienne79 comments on Travelguide writing

Sounds like a great plan. I don't have much to add to the "discussion" but wanted to say thanks Peter! I am sure many people will benifit greatly from the information that is and will be provided here.

adrienne79 comments on

hey, isn't there way I can ignore this guy? I don't recall how to do it.

adrienne79 comments on

Dude, you are really annoying.

adrienne79 comments on How is it to live in Barranquilla?

Well, we decided against this idea for now. We will stay in Bucaramanga.

adrienne79 comments on Meeting for American Citizens

"Has anyone confirmed the meeting?" The post is a legit email I received from them. I also even replyed to their email asking for minutes since I am curious as to what is discussed but can't make it since I don't live there. They replyed saying there wouldn't be any minutes but they intend to have similar meetings held in cities throughout Colombia in the coming months.

adrienne79 comments on Meeting for American Citizens

check your spam. It came from acsbogota at state.gov

adrienne79 comments on Meeting for American Citizens

Haha! Yes, June 1 is a Sunday, I didn't notice that one. But all I did was copy and paste the email.

adrienne79 comments on How is it to live in Barranquilla?

""13,000 a hour" - OUCH!" You would be suprised how far that much goes in a city like Bucaramanga. It is more than enough to live a comfortable life and enjoy many things in life.

adrienne79 comments on How is it to live in Barranquilla?

13,000 a hour is about the best you will see in Bucaranmanga unless you are doing private stuff on your own. There are no vacancies at my school currently but will let you know if I leave and find out they will be looking.

adrienne79 comments on How is it to live in Barranquilla?

Thaks guys, curramberochiris your information has been the most valuable since you know exctly what the move would be like. Currently I am working in a school but for some time I have given University teaching a thought since i know it pays better. I guess if we make this move I will be up for either...I just know I will be bored staying at home without working. I am from Texas so I am very familiar with not living in pretty cities...hahaha! I like to think I am adaptable too. Well, I will let you know what we decide and if anyone has input, I would love to hear it.

adrienne79 comments on How is it to live in Barranquilla?

Thanks. So anyone actually live there? It is one thing to travel to a city but it is another to live there.

adrienne79 comments on Tayrona still over run with Israelis?

We were there less than a month ago and there were many Isralies in both places but there were also a bunch of foriegners in general. If you only want to hang out with Colombians I would suggest a different city such as San Gil.

adrienne79 comments on san andreas marriage ideas

We got married very cheaply in San Andres and don't regret it for a sec. I agree the prices were too much for what you get in San Andres. I would much rather pay more someplace else. We basically arranged our own cake the night before at a bakery and paid less than 15,000 for exactly what we wanted to be ready when we wanted it. We found the photographers wanted a lot of money but didn't want to take many pictures so we came up with plan B and just went to a beach and found a guy who worked for Decamerones, asked him to take some pics of us with my camera and gave him a 10,000 tip and ended up with some fantastic pictures (about 40) and everyone was happy. As for the ceremony we went the cheap way and just did it inside the notary, not so exciting but it wasn't horrible either. Now I guess if you are having guest you might want to plan otherwise but if it is just you two, who cares...as for us, everyone sees our pics and thinks we got married on the beach since we do have those pictures. My Spanish was far from fluent at the time and the man never even asked about it but he did ask if I understood some things. Good luck and congrats! Oh and findig everything on the island is very simple, there is only one notary and the staff at any hotel should be a bit helpful with guiding you to other locations or making recommendations.

adrienne79 comments on Parque Tayrona, Santa Marta, and Taganga Trip Pics

Jorge- HALF!?! Hahahaha. thanks for the credit. LOL! Vic- I guess by now you do realize that Jorge is my husband and what brought me here. Yes, we do need to get together. I am pretty sure "Scarby" would be up for it too. Know of any others living here?

adrienne79 comments on Moving to Colombia

Is she already in custody with an immigration hold or are you guys just scared she will be. What is her current status? legal? if not, get to getting married and get started on adjusting that status asap. She might have a chnace to stay.

adrienne79 comments on Parque Tayrona, Santa Marta, and Taganga Trip Pics

Robi...I'm not sure if I am not undersatnding or if Jorge failed to but after Tayrona we spent a few days in Santa Marta and Taganga and then back to Bucaramanga with the tears in our eyes.

adrienne79 comments on Parque Tayrona, Santa Marta, and Taganga Trip Pics

Whoa! Jorge just remember who the photographer was...jajaja. Actually I wasn't so happy with many of the pics. In person everyting was just so much better.

adrienne79 comments on Parque Tayrona, Santa Marta, and Taganga Trip Pics

Thanks Jorge...the trip was a lot of fun. I´m so glad that we got to go. The only error i noticed is that the bus back to Santa Marta was only 4,000 because we took the busetta.

adrienne79 comments on Tourist VISA Requirements - US Citizens

I entered in September with a one way ticket to Bogota from Miami on LAN (ticketed through American). No problems at all, they gave me a 60 day stamp.

adrienne79 comments on

Just curious but are salaries going up too?

adrienne79 comments on I want to Learn How to Cook Sushi

cook sushi??? sorry but that is funny. I hope you find a place to prepare it though.

adrienne79 comments on Over B/manga

I personally didn´t see these but I sure did hear them and the students at the school I teach really got excited. Most of them were at lunch and got to see them.

adrienne79 comments on Going to school while on TC visa?

Wow, thanks for the info.

adrienne79 comments on Eat As Much As You Want In Colombia And Lose Weight

Ha! In the states I was very skinny. I have gained more weight here that I wished to...about 15 pounds in 9 months....and no, I am not preggers. happend to me when I lived in Ecuador for a year too. I gained about 40 lbs in 11 months. It was about a 40% weight gain on me. I lost it all when I returned to TX.