bob777 has left 57 comments

bob777 comments on Trouble over IMs

It is my experience that if there is a fight you are having with gf or wife, and it does not make sense what the fight is about, there is a good chance the fight is not about that. Sometimes there are underlying issues that might have been getting under her skin, and this tiny issue was enough for her to express her anger about the other things, indirectly. I would bet that with talking you would find the REAL reason for her going-off.

bob777 comments on colombianas in queens

Elmo...what happened to the way you were starting all your stories...." So there I was..."?

bob777 comments on If Elmo wrote a book...

Elmo, the ladies that wouldn't give you the time of day, would they give you a second consideration, if they knew you were an actual author and writer?

bob777 comments on If Elmo wrote a book...

There is a donkey.....it is, what is the word, superimposed?....you don't see the young lad riding the donkey?......Oh btw, I suppose all proceeds of the book will go to beer, fishing and hookers (not necessarily in that order) :D

bob777 comments on Hope this helps others in similar situations

She is learning slowly... As we talk on the phone, we mostly talk spanish, but we mix some english into the conversation, every now and again. I do hear new words from her, so I know she is learning, but without people in Colombia to converse with, I guessing she can't practice much. Sure, I am sure if I talked more english on the phone, it may help, but I think she will learn more words and retain it better, after she is here in Orlando, where she has people, places and events to connect with those new words, and can practice more.

bob777 comments on Hope this helps others in similar situations

Thanks Miguel I don't know if I have 'patience of a saint', because many times I felt like calling it quits, like many members here and my friends suggested, but I saw some things still there in the marriage and with the children involved, I just needed to try my best to be patient and talk through the problems.

bob777 comments on I have never traveled to another country. From U.S.

I would store your original Passport... I would store your original passport in the Hotel Safe (if available) or at your friends house (if thats where your staying). You can get a certified copy of your passport from any of the many notaries in Colombia, and carry that with you. I have read that just making a copy on a copy machine, may not be sufficient if you are stopped by the Authorities in Colombia. I personally have never been asked for my passport, but I am sure it happens, and if it happens to be a scam, and they take the passport from me, I'd rather have it be a copy than the original. Original Passports, I have heard, fetch a good price on the black market.

bob777 comments on favorite elmo moment....

I and others have mentioned to elmo to write a book... True or not, you have to admit, elmo has a talent for story telling, even if it does bring a red tint to your face or choke on your morning brew.

Elmo, write your book. If it sells well, you can retire in BAQ with your prepagos and Ron Viejo. ;)

bob777 comments on does the Colombian culture have anything in common with the Japanese culture?

don't know about the culture but... the word for bread is the same :)

bob777 comments on Pissed & Frustrated!

Same thing happened to me... We were told to come back for the same reason. So, I dug up as much as I could, and on the second interview, she got the visa. Of coarse, after reading what you wrote, I am starting to wonder, if this is some kind of ploy by the embassy. :(

bob777 comments on Computers and computer parts in Columbia

Quick!....edit post...you hit a pet peeve of most pbh'ers Colombia not Columbia...different place ;)

bob777 comments on Does the Apostille Need to Be Translated Also??????

I dont think it will fly... There are people in Colombia that are registered document translaters. The notaries usually will ask that the documents get translated by one of these individuals. I am sure you are fluent, but from the notaries point of view, they want to be sure that the documents do not loose any meaning or information. That is why I suggested earlier to you to ask the notary, what they feel is required, because despite what I, you, or anyone else says, they are the final word on what will be acceptable.

bob777 comments on Translation of Legal Document. Getting Married July '06

Miscommunication When I said the notory requires a translator with credentials, I meant a document translator. They will translate all of the documents, and place their stamp on the document.

bob777 comments on Translation of Legal Document. Getting Married July '06

Did you talk to the notary? Did you talk to the notary, where the ceremony will take place? Did they recommend a translator?

bob777 comments on Singleness Letter/Letra de Soltero(a)

Nope....It won't help, more than likely Ok, first, each notary in Colombia is different and will ask for different requirements, so its best to directly ask them what they want. It is my understanding, in general, that the Notaries in Colombia want the letters translated by certified translaters in Colombia. In other words, you can't just have your friend translate the letter for you. You need someone with some credentials to translate. The translator I used was registered with the Notary in Cali. Again, I would talk with the notary that will perform the civil ceremony and ask what they want and possibly ask them if they can recommend a translator.

bob777 comments on Singleness Letter/Letra de Soltero(a)

It was simple for me... A year ago, I got married in Palmira. When it came to the Singleness Letter, All I did is have two close friends write in their own words, How they knew me, How long they knew me, and to declare that to their knowledge I am single and able to wed. Then, we went to a notary public and got the letter notorized. That was it. Later, in Colombia, I had the letters Translated along with my other documents.

Good luck.

bob777 comments on Does Chavez have visions of grandeur?

Also... I would not be surprised, if he is found to be helping the FARC, which he swears up-and-down that he is not.

bob777 comments on Unbelievable business practices!

Our Wedding was in Palmira... We had our wedding in Palmira, north-east of Cali. The reception was held in a really nice park. We rented the whole park for the evening. It also made for some nice wedding photos. The family decorated it with lights, balloons and streamers. However, if you do decide to have it in a park, make sure you can find sufficient mosquito candle or torches.

bob777 comments on Im going to get married in Bucaramanga any advice?

I hope you plan to be in Bucaramanga for a couple of months... I hope you plan on being in Bucaramanga for a least a couple of months, leading up to the wedding. I know you have probably talk and email much with her, but you have not met her family and you have not experienced the cultural differences. Even with the emails and phone calls, there is so much that you two need to experience with one another, to actually have a good knowledge of each other. Sure, you could luck-out, but I would say stay with her and her family for a month or two, minimum, and experience her culture, how she interacts with her family, and see how she is, doing her day to day tasks. Living life in her shoes, so to speak, will give you a better understanding of her and what she does.

bob777 comments on Back from Palmira...

An additional note... Even with the lack of creature comforts, I have to say there is no better way to get to know someone, especially from another culture, than to live with them. One gains an appreciation of what one has, and gains a better understanding of how people are different and same in the world. It is a shame, that visiting another country and living with a host family for a month, is not a requirement in Highschool. I think people in the United States would be better off knowing what exist outside their small bubble of a world. Anyways, its just a thought.

I did enjoy myself, and would not exchange the time with my wife and kids for anything.

bob777 comments on Classic Taxi driver tales

Some advice from friends in Cali on Taxi's My friend gave me some advice about taxis, when I needed to go to an ATM, in Cali. He went with me and said:
- Don't use the same taxi you went to the ATM with.
- And after the ATM, Don't take the first Taxi that approaches
,take like the 3rd.

Sounds like good advice.

bob777 comments on birthdays

UC is right Yep, when my mother came down to meet my wife's family, it was her birthday, and to my surprise they were singing "Hapy Birday." They had a wonderful party for her with music and dancing. It was a nice party. :) My mother said she never had a party like the one in Colombia, which made it special.

bob777 comments on Funny Canadian visa question

Or really surprise them... Or you could really surprise them by taking a page from the book of Elmo, and show what a Colombian honeymoon with a burra would be like? That should raise a few eyebrows when you submit your documents jajaja

bob777 comments on Funny Canadian visa question

You should surprise them. . . You should surprise them by actually writing something that belongs in an article in a "men's" *cough* magazine, and put together a slide show of photos that will raise the temperature in the INS office. :)

Maybe they will process your visa faster, with an entertainment package attached ;)

bob777 comments on US Banks that DON'T charge the 3.5%

I am not sure where you are at, but if you can find a Commerce Bank, they dont charge for ATM withdrawls. I am in Florida now, but I kept my Commerce bank accout from Philadelphia Area, because I can use the ATM's in Colombia and they dont charge for change in currency or for it being a international transaction.

bob777 comments on A boy and his burra, x rated pic of yours truly.

*Gasp*

I know many families that treat their burra as one of the family, but elmo, this takes the concept to the next level.

Question, did you buy the burra dinner after that? ;)

bob777 comments on Got Married yesterday :)

Of course, you're going to post wedding photos, right! ;)

bob777 comments on Colombia and the Spanish connection.

Few would argue with me, when I say you are the most entertaining poster on PBH. Then again this group could be a group that is easily entertained. :)

Hmmm... who do you think would play you in a movie?

bob777 comments on Colombia and the Spanish connection.

They need to toughen up Basketball. Those tall modefoques don't need to hardly reach, to sink a basket. Its become quite boring. I think they should make basketball full contact. Then see how many baskets are made then jaja

bob777 comments on Colombia and the Spanish connection.

Elmo,

You live a very interesting life, and have an interesting look at things. You really should write a book of your memoirs. :) You could call it "One Modefoque's life" I think most of the PBH members would buy a copy. jaja

bob777 comments on Would a FARC victory be a terrible thing?

I am only saying, I'd rather them fight on the politcal landscape instead of what they are doing right now. If they managed to get themselves into a seat of the Colombian congress, I doubt they could do much damage,other than offer some extreme leftist bills. As far as the presidency, I dont see it, unless the current political party pulls a real boner move.

bob777 comments on Would a FARC victory be a terrible thing?

Theyre just going about it the wrong way in my opinion... The Farc, have changed since their earliest conception, but I am sure each individual would like Colombia to prosper and be a great nation, but the Farc have gone about it the wrong way. I think the best thing they could do right now is work the peace process and form themselves a political party. If they are really that great in numbers, they should be able to form a politcal party in Colombia. Then if the people of Colombia wish to move in their direction, then they will be elected into the various goverment positions. With the direction of itimidation and violence, the Farc will always be on the outside of the publics desire.

They should embrace democracy and let the system work for the people in a positive way. The people will only consider their ideas,if its not clouded with more of their friends and families blood.

bob777 comments on NO ENGLISH NO GRINGO (A)???????

one cant say things they cant take back easlily... One thought I had is that with me and my wife, we can't easily say things we cant take back, because if we wanted to say something out of anger, it would take some time for either of us to think of the phrase we would want to say. I guessing, because it has not happened yet, but I think by that much time passing that I would probably reconsider saying the statement that I would regret later saying.

bob777 comments on For you guys and gals

When getting to know the person before marriage... When getting to know the person, before marriage, I suggest that you sacrifice some of the comforts of a hotel and stay at her house. This does several things. You get to know her, her family, her friends, her culture, and how she interacts with her family. All of these things are important in getting to know another person. especially if you plan on being with them the rest of your life.

bob777 comments on "Transporter 2" Hollywood gives another black-eye to Colombia

Yes, Colombia does ship tons of cocaine, but... thats the only thing that is ever portraited about the country. Hollywood only focuses on that one aspect. Colombia has a good side that the American people need to see, but Hollywood and the media only want to show that bad side.

Under the catagory of originality, I think Hollywood could come up with some interesting scripts using Colombia as a setting that does not involve drugs, violence, and/or kidnappings.

I guess I am still venting, but Colombia needs desperately a PR agent.

bob777 comments on Colombian Native Animals

Elmo and burros... Elmo,

I know burros are special to you, but others enjoy burros in other parts of the world. Maybe they dont enjoy them as much as you, but who knows. ;) jaja

bob777 comments on Planning a wedding in Colombia

I just got married in Palmira... Palmira, is just northeast of Cali. Anyways, There is no problem coming into Colombia without a marriage visa. A while back, there used to be a necessity for a marriage visa, but recently in the past year or so, the requirement has been lifted. I just got married the 3rd of June, and with the Notary in Palmira with such attention to detail, I am certain he would have not let me get married, if I needed such a Visa.

In summary, don't worry. Just make sure you get all of your paperwork in order, as required by the notary, and you be fine.

bob777 comments on Colombian wife's weight gain

Only a few fat Colombians now, but... You have one Mc Donalds already in Cali, that I have seen, and those things tend to pop-up like weeds. We will have to wait and see if the obesity rate increases with the number of Mc Donalds in Colombia increases :)

bob777 comments on Colombian wife's weight gain

That's what I've read... In the United States, to make our food look and taste better, we add hormones, preservatives, salts, and every other thing we can think of that might make the food look and taste better, but probably wreaks havoc on our systems.

bob777 comments on Colombian wife's weight gain

too much s**t in our foods Besides the lack of exercise, due to riding everywhere in a car or taking elevators/escalators instead of stairs, I think there is something about all the s**t we add to our foods. Colombians have currently, for the most part(but changing slowly), very simple non-processed foods. The more addatives like oils, colorings, chemicals, preservatives, flavorings, thickners, "non-caking agents", etc. the more unhealthy the food becomes. Also, I believe that the more the food is processed the more of it gets absorbed into your system. unprocessed food require more work for your body to digest. (I read that somewhere.)

bob777 comments on No posts for you! Next!

Elmo's memoirs... Elmo, if you ever decide to wright a book about your life, put me in for a copy of your memoirs. It would have to be a most interesting read. :) jajaja

bob777 comments on IRA and Colombia

If anyone wants the FARC to flourish... If anyone would want the FARC to flourish and succeed, it would be that nut in Venezuela, Chavez. They both have close to the same philosophy, and Chavez would love to make Colombia, its neighbor, into another socialist, Chavez-type Government. If the FARC were ever to succeed, Chavez would have another ally for his crazy plan of ruling the Southern Americas.

bob777 comments on Is there any "Jersey" in New York????

Technically, there is no jersey... I was born in North Jersey, and I grew up mostly in South Jersey, but I noticed early on that you are either from the New York area, you say you are from the Philadelphia area, or you are from the Shore(beach). New Jersey does not really have a full identity, because it is between two major cities and much of the area in Jersey is considered sub-burbs of these cities.

So, New Jersey doesnt really exist :)

bob777 comments on Gift ideas to bring *back* from Colombia

Emeralds My mother wanted something from Colombia and heard they had emeralds, so I got her a nice small gold pendant in the shape of the country of Colombia with an emerald mounted in the center. She seemed to like it very much.

My Colombian wife purchased for my mother, one of those small model house (fincas) that you can mount to a wall.

bob777 comments on Of Burras and Men: Look out Elmo!

One of the family... I know a lot of families that treat burros as one of the family. I thought it was similar to it being a very close pet. However, I never thought of the possiblity of them being that close to the family :P

bob777 comments on Of Burras and Men: Look out Elmo!

Prostitutes too expesive in Barranquilla??? Prostitutes too expensive in Barranquilla???

bob777 comments on Of Burras and Men: Look out Elmo!

Sick!!! What kind of world do we live in, when a prostitute is not a good solution?

Again, Sick! Sick! Sick! individuals

bob777 comments on With no public assistance, what do families do?

No, my wife is not pregnant......yet Seams there are good women in Palmira. :)

bob777 comments on Of Burras and Men: Look out Elmo!

??? Did they at least buy the chicken dinner first?????????

bob777 comments on With no public assistance, what do families do?

She's not in Bogota She is presently in Palmira, waiting patiently until the paper work will be complete and she can join me here in Orlando. Palmira is just North-East of Cali.

I knew she was a good one, because she never asked a dime from me, I always had to offer, and I could see how she was raised by staying at her family's house and watching the family dynamics.

I know it means sacrificing a lot of the comforts we can find in a hotel, but I recommend staying during your visits to Colombia with the family of your wife or fiance. You can learn a lot about your wife or future wife, her family, and their culture. Sure there will be a possibility of sleeping on a matress that is just one level softer than the ground your standing on, and sure you will have to take some rather cold showers, but think how much better you will know and understand the person you are thinking about marring. :)