Bill Turley has left 379 comments

Bill Turley comments on Ya Well! I just had the most amazing experience! A Gringo's Travel Guide in Colombia! Positive stories!

I am unquestionably a Gringo. I am overweight, have blue eyes and speak little Spanish. I have never had problems during the 11 years I have been here. Once I thwarted a pickpocket in downtown Bogota, that left me a bit shaken. A working girl invited me for a Coke to calm down. She had witnessed the conflict. Here in Somondoco, everyone, and I mean everyone, knows I am a Gringo. I have always been treated with affection and respect. When I can't communicate clearly the people are very helpful. I can go to town and buy whatever I need. If I have car problems, the passersbye seem to line up to help out. They also know I Don't have much money, and I even get discounts at times.

Bill Turley comments on The Best Schools in Colombia

In My opinion one valid alternative is to send the kids to a Normal School. The quality is closely monitored by the associated University, the academics are more rigorous than in the conventional public schools. The abundance of the Normalistas to help in the primary classes assures good teracher:student ratios. The normal school program is part of the public school system. I have been to several Normal Schools and have taught classes in them. Here in Somondoco the quality difference is very notable between the Commercial HS and the Normal school. I asked a shart youg lady why she didn't go to the Normal, she told me the work was too hard at the Normal. For those unfamiliar with the Normal program there are 4 semesters additional after the graduation at the end of 11th grade. Successful completion of these extra semesters qualifies the students for a teaching license and also premits easy enterance into the associated University regardless of ICFES scores.

Bill Turley comments on COLOMBIA, The Only Risk is Wanting to Stay

I came once, returned to Florida to fend a way to come and in 1997 did so. I have not been back since. Happy Independence Day Colombia

Bill Turley comments on I have to become a colombian national to work in colombia????

Mabelita See my response to the next posting. I have been working as a LEGAL foreign National in Colombia for more than 10 years.

Bill Turley comments on If I marry a Colombiana, what is my status in Colombia?

I married a Colombiana. While still in the US I found a job in Bogota. I took the letter from the school to the Colombian Consulate in Miami and very easily was given a visa, we were remarried at the Consulate ( seemingly unneccessary--but very important down the road.) When we were in Bogota my employer assisted me with my first cedula. The cedula had a 2 yr period as did the visa. After 2 renewals cycles I could apply for a resident Visa and the cedula with that. I could have moved toward a citizenship if and only if I renounced my US citizenship. I do not want to do this so I remain a legal resident foriegner. With my first cedula I could open a bank account ,buy a car etc. For each of the renewals I would have had to present a current proof of marriage from a Notary but with the Consulate MArriage the papers were right there.

Bill Turley comments on Teaching salaries Vs. COP valuation and inflation

I have found that the salarys here in Colombia are much less than in the states. The most I made in Colombia was as a Principal, The pay was about half what I made as a teacher in Florida

Bill Turley comments on advice please from anyoneeeeeee

The reference to a normal school bothers me. There are Normal Schools in Colombia. There prepare qualified students to become licensed teachers in 4 additional semesters. Sort of a longer high school. Do you mean a non Bilingual school?. Mabelita if I can help you e-mail me directly

Bill Turley comments on Cost for bilingual schools

The quality of thebilingual schools is NOT related to the matriculation fees. There are many "bilingual" schools that are no more than Engluish intensvive. I think that the prices would be available through a phone call. I can recomend Colegio Bilingual Richmond, Abraham Lincoln and the British School all in Bogota. In Cali Las Cañaverales is a good option.

Bill Turley comments on Cerulean and Golden-winged Warbler Summit in Colombia

I was involved in the ecotourist industry for several years BEFORE I moved to Colombia. The target market is generally upper income levels with a good amout of descresionary income. A real ecolodge can charge $200 or more per day USD per person. Look at Costa Rica before and after ecotourism.

Bill Turley comments on Cerulean and Golden-winged Warbler Summit in Colombia

This is great. I know if more Ecotourists learn the truth about Colombia, our economy will improve. I have more species of Hummingbirds on my finca than are in all of the USA

Bill Turley comments on I'm Back in case you missed me

CatGirl, Yes he is cute if you think huge is cute. He has been going a "trick " lately where he forces his head between my legs then lifts his head and I am off the ground.

Bill Turley comments on I'm Back in case you missed me

My Name came directly from my Father who used his middle name W. Kenneth Turley while I use William K. I have been disconnected from the net until I got a new Telecom/Moviestar connection

Bill Turley comments on I'm Back in case you missed me

The cost of my Moviestar/Telecom service is $55,000 COP a month with the cost of the modem $165,000COP

Bill Turley comments on Is Medellin Safe for Americans?

Morphus I try to answer when I can in spite of the trolls

Bill Turley comments on Interesting Twist: Colombians To Produce First Ethanol In US Plants(La)from Sugar Cane

I don't think they ever disappeared from Bogota

Bill Turley comments on Education in Colombia

State Boards of ED try to do it but local schoold boards have more impact. That is a benefit of FL's system which is county wide boards. So the ghetto schools in Belle Glade get the same support from the School Board as Palm Beach itself.

Bill Turley comments on Interesting Twist: Colombians To Produce First Ethanol In US Plants(La)from Sugar Cane

Simon I should hope so. I strongly advocate biculturalism. I am even trying to learn Spanish even tho I am the worlds worst language student. I do live in Colombia aftrer all.

Bill Turley comments on Education in Colombia

There is a reason that Palm Beach Public is the biggest HS in Palm Beach, probably the most expensive rea lestate in the contenental US

Bill Turley comments on Education in Colombia

I KNOW that in Palm Beach County Florida the average teacher's pay is more than 20% higher in public than private schools. Thanks to ( or because of) the Educational support by land taxes. I taught in some of the very poorest neighborhoods and even there the quality of the teacher was higher in Public than Private. While there are a handful of excellent Private Schools with excellent funding they are the exception rather than the rule.

Bill Turley comments on Education in Colombia

Yes at CNG I had many children of diplomats, Foreign Ambassador's Children and heads of big Corperations. In one small advanced class I had the daughters of Argentina's Ambassador and the kids of the owners of Home Center and Comapan. There were no poor families represented at CNG the entrance procedure and tuition precluded most prospective students. On the other hand when the President of Colombia sent his children there it was nothing unusual for the other students.

Bill Turley comments on An Idea

My sister-in -Law has her locale near Bulavar Niza. The only time that need be considered is when I bring my own back to paradise. If however this is a better location I would be willing to host it too. Gloria and I with Wrinkles, are the only family here at the momment.

Bill Turley comments on Education in Colombia

Where is it you live, then in Quebec? In my experience I have found a very close relationship between funding and quality in Education. There certainly are exceptions where excellent teachers are drawn to special interest schools. However on a more global scale I stand by my statement

Bill Turley comments on Hikes out side of Bogota

I seem to remember that there is a trail up to the old Lake Guatavita from the new town, someone else migh know more.

Bill Turley comments on Interesting Twist: Colombians To Produce First Ethanol In US Plants(La)from Sugar Cane

Absolutely I agree with you. I remember Jacky Gleason and still enjoy the theater. I taught some ot the early refugees before the Marielitos and you are totally right about the differneces.

Bill Turley comments on Interesting Twist: Colombians To Produce First Ethanol In US Plants(La)from Sugar Cane

My point was that while the Cuban Immigrants have contributed a great deal, they do so with an obviously united community front. Whereas the Colombians disperse and integrate. Fo rexamplke there was talk about a boundry for hispanics ( unofficial but real) near the Fort Lauderdale border. There is or at least was a popular Colombian Resturant North of that line with the name Arepalandia. The boundry seems to be mainly for the unified ethnic groups. As a caucasian I heard much of the resentment in the area North of Miami/Dade County. On the ethanol front. It can be produced by nonfood material and THAT is what needs to be promoted.

Bill Turley comments on Is Medellin Safe for Americans?

Guys The original question only reflects the horrible misconception that most gringos have of our great country. In answer to that question. Use normal common sense. You wouldn't wander in various parts of NYC or other big cities anywhere in the world. The cities in Colombia are beautiful and generally safe except as noted above from the risk of falling for one or more of our Beautiful women.

Bill Turley comments on Interesting Twist: Colombians To Produce First Ethanol In US Plants(La)from Sugar Cane

Colombians in the US, unlike the Cubans and others, integrate and effect the host countries in generally positive ways. When I lived in South FL, after I married my Colombiana, I found Colombians everywhere. It was great. With the hostitity towards the Cubans spilling over into all Latinos in So.FL, the Colombians integrate and are frequently unnoticed.

Bill Turley comments on Medicine in Colombia

Chances are that the name will be the same. If you have the generic name it could be easier.Bring the Rx with you also to make sure. Bogota is a big city and has many hospitals, drug stores and doctors.

Bill Turley comments on An Idea

Well all this planning is great but the ideas are moot if there arn't enough people with $$ that are interested in setting this up. I spoke with my sister-in-law whos owns Productos Mua in Bogota and she is thinking of getting a larger locale and would be willing to discuss the idea of housing the machine there.

Bill Turley comments on Peso Hits 16 looking for 14 maybe faster than we think...

About Iran If the US is smart they will wait for Israel to attack then go to their aid with air and sea power

Bill Turley comments on An Idea

Both are easily made with our own machine. If we can find good grape jelly or preseves why not. Actually the cruncy is just adding some nuts near the end of the process

Bill Turley comments on Private k-4 summer teacher

Vicky That is a good rateof pay, you should get takers

Bill Turley comments on Peso Hits 16 looking for 14 maybe faster than we think...

Good Information Desideria

Bill Turley comments on An Idea

Everyone absolutely not, I expect that all would know one of the principle people here well enough to recomend them.

Bill Turley comments on A nanny

Hi Kat My nephew Sergio Gallego G owns a business in Bogota called KIOSK. His business included finding Au Paiir and other people in Colombia that want to travel and study abroad. He is a great guy and can help your friend E-Mail sergio at kiosk.com.co Web Site www.kiosk.com.co Cell 573-00311 1113 PBX 571 257 00059 FAX 571 622 2487

Bill Turley comments on An Idea

Target Market US the members of PBH and any other transplanted gringos. We should really be able to make a lot of pb for 6000COP

Bill Turley comments on An Idea

Come to my finca whenever you feel adventurous. There is a nice post byGL from the meetup last weekend

Bill Turley comments on Peso Hits 16 looking for 14 maybe faster than we think...

Why do you guys alway get off the subjects and make it personal? Amiable discussions is what I come here for, the friendly exchange of ideas AND opinions

Bill Turley comments on How many fruits do you think that Colombia has?

Bears eat like we do just with a wider range. Everything we eat a Bear will eat

Bill Turley comments on How many fruits do you think that Colombia has?

The native Bear in Colombia is the Oso Ateojos, the Spectacled Bear, the Giant Panda's nearest relative

Bill Turley comments on An Idea

Nope they are hard to find infact The best I have found is /th Augusto area market in Bogota. PB Fans think of this 4lbs peanuts, 1 lb cashew, .5 lb brazil nuts with a little corn syrup if needed ( or melao). I think I could find a local ( my sister in law's) near Bulevar Niza where we could park a machine.

Bill Turley comments on An Idea

That is the Mill I was thinking about. It is way out of my low dollar rate, price range. Hence the IDEA. While I could cover 20% or so the other 80% is out of reach

Bill Turley comments on Peso Hits 16 looking for 14 maybe faster than we think...

He seems to have come back from Habitat for Humanity oblivium. I will be totally in the black in 6 months I hope the dollar holds on that long

Bill Turley comments on An Idea

How much is it? Is it a home or commercial model?

Bill Turley comments on An Idea

Yes but if things seem good for me then maybe they could be good for others, I have no interest in capitalizing on any more ideas

Bill Turley comments on An Idea

I have read many comment about people wanting to find good Peanut Butter in Bogota. I wonder if several of us might chip in to buy a commercial mill. The cost is about $1200 USD. The owners could get their PB at the cost of the nuts and a profit made on sales to others. What do you think??

Bill Turley comments on Peso Hits 16 looking for 14 maybe faster than we think...

CG You are so right. When I started to get my pension it was about 2800, I have recieved almost a 50% pay cut

Bill Turley comments on Mailing / FedEX medications from US to Bogota ???

I guess maybe it is a question of your state of mind. I came to Colombia to LIVE not visit so I tried to find Colombian solutions to my needs and desires. What I couldn't find I forgot at least for a time. Some things like Instant Mashed Potatoes, I asked family members to bring for me, same for books ( in English) and so on. Look inside yourself and see what is your long term goal. If you will be returning to the States import your meds

Bill Turley comments on panama here we come

Obviously security would be a consideration, defeat of the FARC a precursor

Bill Turley comments on New bold font

Thanks for the suggestions, I learned something important today