Alma del Norte has written 20 posts

Interpol making presentation to Ministry of Foreign Affairs right now.

http://www.interpol.int/Public/ICPO/PressReleases/PR2008/PR200816.asp

What is this, and what shall I do with it?

Books in Bogota...& Cali & Medellin

"Books and Books", Calle 140, # 18-05 have got some good discounts on English-language books at the moment. I believe it's to coincide with the book fair. Their titles are very student orientated, but at $5000 a pop for "Penguin Popular Classics", I've got no problem reading; Bronte, Hardy, Conrad & Kipling...again. They've got other titles upstairs; Tolkein, Kerouac and other classics at between 20 and 60% discount. Other oulets in Medellin and Cali. I'd be interested to know of any worthwhi ...

MSN/hotmail

Anyone having problems signing in today - wassup? I didn't realise how dependent I'd become on e-mail since moving to Colombia full-time. No is good!

Which TEFL course in Bogota?

I know this gets some discussion from time to time, but I'm specifically interested in comparing the merits of the ILAC, (International Language Academy of Canada), course provided by ISSO, with the CELTA, (Cambridge University). The latter is, as far as I am aware, offered exclusively by the British Council. Of course, I know I can "teach" here in Bogota without this qualification, but I am wondering if the CELTA is really taken that much more seriously here than the former? Secondly, if ...

So, is it safe to be a trade unionist in Colombia today?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gBF2kWCIis

Tomorrow - 6M - where & when

Bogotá (Cundinamarca) Responsable: Comité de Impulso del Movimiento Nacional de Víctimas de Crímenes de Estado. Evento: Encuentro en el Parque Nacional y marcha hacia la Plaza de Bolívar. Hora: 10:30 AM del 6 de marzo. Medellín (Antioquia) Responsable: Movimiento Regional de Víctimas de Crímenes de Estado, Adriana Arboleda, 3127573897. Evento: Marcha Parque del Periodista. (Girardot con Maracaibo) hasta la Plaza de Alpujarra. Hora: 10:00 AM del 6 de marzo Cali (Vall ...

Information about 6th March Vigils in UK

6 MARCH COLOMBIA DAY OF ACTION Remember the victims of para-militarism, para-politics and the crimes of the State FOR THE DISAPPEARED! FOR THE DISPLACED! FOR THE MASSACRED! FOR THE EXECUTED! Around 4 million people have been displaced in Colombia , mostly by extreme right wing paramilitary groups. These groups, working either on their own or in coordination with the armed forces, have ‘disappeared’ at least 15,000 people. The corpses of 3,000 of these victims have been found in co ...

Getting a Rentista, (Temporal Especial) visa in the UK

You need "proof" of 10x Colombian minimum salary. I used a tenancy agreement, having it translated via e-mail. Prices for this varied widely, and I can make some recommendations. You will need 2 copies of the original document and a copy of the translation. Secondly, you need 2 completed application forms which can be downloaded from the London Consulate website. Thirdly, 3 passport photographs. Lastly, £110 in cash. Yesterday, I went to the 3rd floor, second door on the left of th ...

Hey Bogotanos - what do you think of Cedritos?

After much confusion, (and research), about where I wanted to live in Colombia, I decided to put down some roots in Bogota. Now, I love Bogota because of the vibe in El Centro; the Candelaria and all those dilapidated early 20th century buildings around Septima and Jimenez. I even like up the mountain and to the South a bit. I believe this whole area has great potential - maybe they won't be writing about it in International Living real soon, but that's a good thing! However, before I make bi ...

Colombian Weddings

Well, just as I'm about to be deported, it seems I've finally arrived. I've got my first Colombian wedding on Saturday. I'll be wearing a "smoking", and I understand we will be given the opportunity to stuff cash into a box on the table. Anything I'm missing in terms of etiquette? Anything I should know folks? ...

Heads up wine-lovers

Ley have got an oferta reducing the price of nearly all their wines, including Chileno, Argentino, US and European. Sorry, but I emptied the shelves already in my local. Salud!

Manizales Mountain House

What happened there? I turned up at Manizales premier gringo hangout, and... nobody home. The place looked deserted, and it's not the nearest place to the bus station either. I spent the next hour stomping round, (or should I say, up and down), in the pouring rain with my rucsac. Just a heads up if you are thinking of heading this way - best book first. From a very soggy Northern Soul...Ah Choo! ...

A walk in the Valle de Cocora

From the main square in Salento, (half hour from Armenia), opposite the police station, jeeps leave everyday for the half hour ride to Cocora, (2390 metres): Weekdays 0610, 0730, 1130, 1600, returning at; 0830, 1230, 1500, 1700 Weekends and Public Holidays 0610, 0730, 0900, 1030, 1130, 1300, 1500, 1600, 1700, returning at; 0700, 0830, 1000, 1130, 1230, 1400, 1600, 1700, 1800 COP 3000 each way, COP 24,000 for private hire, (arrange return). You will need walking boots or w ...

More than 180 days on tourist visas

I know there is already quite a lot posted on this subject but a lot of the information appears conflictual, and I was under the impressin some changes were coming that would make it easier for tourists to stay longer. OK, hands up, I should have arranged this rentista visa thingy, and I would not be facing this problem. I have been living primarily in Colombia for about a year. I sometimes leave by motorcycle for neighbouring countries and sometimes by air. I have also returned to the UK twi ...

1st of May Workers' Day, Bogota

Just got back from being gassed this afternoon in Plaza Bolivar. We know that not everyone likes Uribe, but there was quite a show of force against him today, some very angry people; "Uribe, fascista. Usted es terrorista!" Well, anyhow the streets of the Candelaria are still full of rocks. ...

Busco alojamiento en Bogota

Estoy buscando para alojamiento en casa con familia. Prefiero un lugar cerca del centro, La candelaria, Chapinero etc.

Homestay, Bogota

I am looking for a homestay or possibly flatshare in Bogota from 20th May, for one month. I would like to base myself fairly centrally, possibly La Candelaria, Chapinero etc., but will consider anything especially if there is parking and room to work on my moto. ...

Juan Valdez tiendas

Does anyone know where the Juan Valdez outlet,(opened in November), in Bucaramanga is? In fact, does anyone have a definitive list of addresses for Juan Valdez? It always upsets me that I'm continually gagging for a decent cuppa whilst surrounded by some of the best coffee in the world! ...

Medellin: The sun is shining

It has taken me one and a half years to make it back here, and today is a glorious day:

[IMG]http://i16.tinypic.com/2hftkxe.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i16.tinypic.com/2qjfvo2.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i17.tinypic.com/2ajvus7.jpg[/IMG] ...

Son of politician freed?

Morning All!. I caught a snippet on British news last night about the son of a Colombian politician being rescued after a protracted abduction. Any news on this, anyone? It's strange for this kind of thing to make it to British headlines, even briefly. ...

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