bogota has left 47 comments

bogota comments on Gift certificates to Colombia

Yes, I would, my mother would prefer colombian owned exito over the french owned carrefour any day. (she's an ornery ole' gal)

bogota comments on Gift certificates to Colombia

I use gift certificates all the time, I get them on line at www.exito.com, gives my family the opportunity to buy what they need.

bogota comments on DonGringo

His perspective is much different than most gringos Joann911,

I'm sure your find his perspective about Colombia as a gringo MUCH different than most, read and compare posts of other gringos and you'll wonder why he is in Colombia, with his perspective and disrespect of life, people and country, he's probably not wanted where he came from, surly he's hated there as well because of his negativity towards all.

bogota comments on Business for sale in Bogota

just sent a PM

bogota comments on For sale: Business in Bogota

just sent a PM

bogota comments on Search: Hotel in Bogotá

You can probably expect to have a good time. Of course depending on if you are alone or solo, and what you are looking to do.

bogota comments on Story about drugs & breast implants

GIB - Good question Why would anyone take a package of Colombian pesos to the U.S.? I bet they see that a lot. ;-)

"discusted" just doesn't have a clue, and it's everyone elses fault. Talk about having blinders on!

bogota comments on Story about drugs & breast implants

About your previous comment
"I cannot understand why the mindset does not change.No way,will I visit Colombia.I am too angry!"

You have this hatred for Colombia and you have never been there!!?? I suppose you receive all your information about Colombia from two relatives convicted of drug smuggling! WAKE UP!!!! Do you enjoy having the U.S. criticized by those that have NEVER visited the U.S.? I DON'T!!

I'm in law enforcement, (and my grandfather was Colombian) I've never dealt with a prisoner that was guilty, even when they were caught red handed! Here we have not one person but two that were caught together red handed and they are innocent?

Since you have NEVER been to Colombia, let me educate you; the airport is filled with "WARNING" signs about smuggling drugs and excepting packages. In Colombia and the U.S. before you board an airplane you are asked; DID YOU RECEIVE ANY PACKAGES FROM ANYONE" so, apparently they lied from the beginning.

SO!! If those two are so innocent and being mistreated by the Colombian government, what part of all the warnings and instructions did they not understand?

WAKE UP and blame the correct people, and place the blame where it belongs.

bogota comments on Becoming anti Colombian and not happy about it!

About your previous comment "I cannot understand why the mindset does not change.No way,will I visit Colombia.I am too angry!"

You have this hatred for Colombia and you have never been there!!?? I suppose you receive all your information about Colombia from two relatives convicted of drug smuggling! WAKE UP!!!! Do you enjoy having the U.S. criticized by those that have NEVER visited the U.S.? I DON'T!!

I'm in law enforcement, (and my grandfather was Colombian) I've never dealt with a prisoner that was guilty, even when they were caught red handed! Here we have not one person but two that were caught together red handed and they are innocent?

Since you have NEVER been to Colombia, let me educate you; the airport is filled with "WARNING" signs about smuggling drugs and excepting packages. In Colombia and the U.S. before you board an airplane you are asked; DID YOU RECEIVE ANY PACKAGES FROM ANYONE" so, apparently they lied from the beginning.

SO!! If those two are so innocent and being mistreated by the Colombian government, what part of all the warnings and instructions did they not understand?

WAKE UP and blame the correct people, and place the blame where it belongs.

bogota comments on Search: ST term apt with high speed internet in Bogota

I'd go with Colombian Service The owner Bob helped me get set up in Colombia with visa information, advice etc. and never charged me a single peso, I stayed in one of his apartments and the service was fantastic.

bogota comments on Nice Bogota Apartment for 800,000pesos a month ????

Apartment costs Even in Colombia you get what you pay for, a cheap apartment in a not so great area, or a good area like you want for more money, both are available.

bogota comments on Planning a wedding in Colombia

Colombian Marriage Visa As of Feb. 1st of this year the Colombian marriage visa was eliminated. However, the word has not trickled down to some of the notraias, talk to a notary that seems to be updated on Colombia laws.

bogota comments on Hotels in Cali

Cali finca or apartments www.ColombiaLodgingResources.com

bogota comments on Friendliest U.S. Bank for Colombian Travelers

CitiBank Part with $1.50 per transaction and use CitiBank, they are world wide (but independant) and you will receive a good exchange rate, excellent online banking and great customer service. Tie a Citibank AA Advantage credit card to make all your purchases with and receive AA miles, then make a online money tranfer to pay your credit card.

If paying a small fee for a service offends anyone, you can open up an account at E* Trade Bank and not pay any ATM fees, however the customer service, posting, and online banking system is not as good as CitiBank.

bogota comments on International Call to Mobile # in Cali, Colombia

calling cali 011-57-311-number

bogota comments on Colombia y USCIS Washington Appeals

Try & see if it works? Your comment "Leidy and I are not asking for much only 90 dias to live together and see if it works" if that was stated to the interviewer during Leidy's interview that is a for sure fire reason for a denial, a fiance is the person you intend to marry, that is the purpose of the fiance visa plain and simple, there is no visa for a 90 day test drive, when applying for a fiance visa you are expected to be beyond the trail period.

I agree with norman, they are really big JERKS, but if you jump through the hoops, comply with the law, complete the paperwork properly, them few fiance visas are denied. As for filing am appeal, it's quicker to refile and do it correctly. The Embassy will also usually give another appointment in order to correct minor errors.

bogota comments on Please recommend a lawyer for getting colombian spouse a US visa in bogota

George, I sent you an e-mail I forgot to mention that I do have numbers for English speaking lawyers for business, civil etc. but forgot to memtion it in my e-mail

bogota comments on Working illegally?

platano you are 100% correct Being illegal or working illegal is a crime in any country, either be, legal or get the hell out!

I myself was illegal for two days on Colombian visa, I noticed it two days to late, I went for my renewal and was interigated for 5 days and fined. Bottom line, it was my stupidity, I was happy to explain & pay up. Some have said, "All the money we spend in Colombia and you were harrassed" Bullsh*t, I broke the law and I can admit it was my fault.

It there were not so many "criminals" entering and working illegally in the U.S., Canada, etc, more good honest people that deserve to be granted visas would have them.

bogota comments on Finca in Armenia

sorry wrong address try: www.colombialodgingresources.com

bogota comments on Finca in Armenia

Armenia Fincas try www.bogotalodgingresources.com

bogota comments on Translation Services in Bogota

Translator You will probably need a certified translator, I have one that will charge you Colombian prices. If you need more information you can e-mail me at bob at bogotacolombia.net

bogota comments on Mens Magazine offends Colombia!!

Offended, not in the least bit! It's a saying I've heard about the Colombian women many times over, the women in other countries should be so lucky to be thought of so highly.

I'm one person addicted to my Colombiana.

bogota comments on In love and wanting to marry

Here's the guy to ask Gary Bula, an immigration attorney, he has the answers to your questions. http://www.visa-attorney.com/

bogota comments on Is Bogata safe?

Aztec Good observation and great advice.

bogota comments on I found the best international calling card ever!

A link for callingcards.com can be found through
http://colombian-services.com/colombia-calling-cards.htm

bogota comments on Colombian Business Visa

Calipro I thought about the part for signing everything before being notarized but that's why I said talk to Monica before hand just to make sure everything is set. (including signing all the documents)

I also have had pre-arranged appointments but have had to sign everything before hand at Docurapid, but like I said, they work closely with each other so maybe they have everything arranged, but if there is a glitch they are only about a 1 min. walk apart.

Night life? Miami Beach where it's at! A club called Mangos is a must see. I hope to be back there in July for a couple days.

The Holiday Inn is the one you mentioned in Coral Gables, it's a full blown hotel not a motel and worth the money. They stay full so you may need an advance reservation. It's close to the Consulate, on the same street to the airport entrance, close to the freeway for getting to Miami Beach.

I usually rent from Alamo hop on the Alamo bus, pick up my car and head to the Hotel.

If you book your flight on American they allow a stay over in Miami, you can take care of business in Miami and head to Colombia the next day or 2.

If your living in Colombia there are many good reasons to set up a U.S. home base around the Miami airport, everything is there and handy that you need, even Tiger Direct (tigerdirect.com) for computer supplies.

Good luck & enjoy Mangos!

bogota comments on Colombian Business Visa

Monica's phone number I had her extension number but I lost my phonebook last March, now I just call the Embassy number and listen to the prompts, she quits taking appointments at 2:30 and you may be able to get her after that. she does answer the phone when she's in the office.

I've always had to have everything apostilled that needed to be translated and notarized. The biggest pain was when I received my first business visa I lived in AZ and because it's a closed state for getting police records (even your own) I had to go through the FBI and that took a month and that also had to be translated, notarized and apostilled (and it was several pages long) I think I received a notice that the police report was eliminated when they eliminated the Colombian marriage visa Feb. 1st but I'm not sure.

The best Consulate for visa information on the web is Houston, here's the website address, It's all pretty self explanatory.
http://www.colhouston.org/english/visas/business.htm

Depending on where you live, Houston would be my 2nd choice for a Consulate to use, but Miami is very convenient with Docurapid doing all the work and I prefer to fly American from Miami, I just pick up my visa on the way.

There is a good Holiday Inn Hotel a couple blocks away if you need an over night stay.

bogota comments on Colombian Business Visa

Docurapid To be on the safe side make sure you verify everything with Monica before your appointment. In March there were a couple of glitches from Docurapid but I was prepared, great service from both.

I've had experience with each Colombian Consulate and Miami is the best, Houston second.

bogota comments on Colombian Business Visa

Colombian Business Visa I've used Docurapid for the past 4 years, never a problem, the last time was in March.

There is a new lady working there now and I was a little concerned but all went well.

Another plus with Docurapid is they work closly with Monica, the lady issuing the visa right door.

bogota comments on Temperatures and Central Heating in Bogota

Bogota Temperatures Lisa,

When the sun goes down or there is an over cast the people here think it's cold even when it's in the high 60's & low 70's.

It can get down into the 40's at night but not as a rule. I live in a modern thick concrete apartment complex and the wind (what little wind there is) doesn't blow through cracks and windows so even at night it's never cold.

I was born and raised in Chicago with heat, humidity and freezing cold, also lived in AZ where it is scorching hot, the wind blows constantly and it is like living in a gravel pit,

For me Bogota is a happy medium, never hot, never cold and no humidity, a light jacket in the evenings is what most people are comfortable with. When you go outside of Bogota it's beautiful farm country, nice and green all year around.

If you like a large thriving city then you will like Bogota.

bogota comments on AeroRepublica

AeroRepublica is a great airline. I flew it for the first time since ACES folded, late model 737, good flight crew etc.

Only thing was the pilot didn't have any gray hair and I feel a little more compfortable if the pilot has an AARP card.

Buying a ticket in Colombia at a local travel agent always seems to be much less.

bogota comments on Western Union, Moneygram, RIAENVIA or another.

Banco Davivienda 2retirensa,

Yes, they are on the Cirrus network. You can receive the daily limit your bank allows at $500.000 Pesos per tranaction instead of the normal $300.000 - $400.000.

You will find them throughout Colombia.

bogota comments on Western Union, Moneygram, RIAENVIA or another.

$500.000 at Banco Davivienda Jack,

Use the ATM at Banco Davivienda, they allow you $500.000 for each withdrawel.

bogota comments on Traveling to Bogota in July -- A few questions!

Lodging www.bogotaapartments.com

bogota comments on Wanting to get flowers for my girl and her family

flowers www.flowerstocolombia.com

bogota comments on Better an apt in Bogota or In Cartagena?

Ciudad Salitre Kat1,

Your correct about Ciudad Salitre, I own three businesses in the area including a B & B and apartment rentals, everyone one loves it except the Zona Rosa crowd, (it's 20 min. away) but for the average visitor it's perfect and not over run with tourists which mean no one is prayed upon, mugged or ripped off.

bogota comments on What's your favorite brand??

Coffee Dito on OMA, served in better resturants & coffee houses and still a good price at any supermarket.

bogota comments on 182 days as a tourist??

Over Staying Your Visa Yes, over staying your visa by two days is still considered "over staying your visa".

I know from experience, I overstayed two days and was interrogated for several hours and after 5 days of visiting the DAS I was fined $25.00 dollars.

The fine could have been $1,500 dollars and an escort to the airport, this was another persons fine that was also at the DAS the same time I was.

They were easy on me since I had several years of business relations in Colombia and my entire history was in their computer, (unknown to me) but it was explained to me it was a serious offence and NEVER do it again!

bogota comments on Bogota Bed and Breakfast near Us Embassy?

Bogota Apartments for Rent & Bed & Breakfast www.BogotaColombiaLodging.com
Many freebes and the service is great!!!

bogota comments on PLASTIC SUGERY PART 2

Plastic Surgery Plastic surgery is very popular here in Colombia and the surgeons are plentiful. Also, botched plastic surgery is high on the list of complaints received by the U.S. Embassy in Bogota.

P.S. Colombia is spelled "Colombia", no "U".

bogota comments on Colombians Rock the Vote!

Absent ballot Peter,

I went to the U.S. Embassy in Bogota and requested a Fl ballet, the ballet had to be mailed to me from the U.S., that alone took a month.

I think contacting your state directly is possible but at this late date it may be to late.

bogota comments on Colombians Rock the Vote!

Why vote? I am a U.S. Citizen living in Colombia. I've already voted by absent ballot.

One of the best reasons to vote is: "I vote, I can whine & complain"

bogota comments on Any Experts on Colombian Women?

Age Difference You and your wife are correct, proof of this is: visit any mall in any city, look around and you will see what age the women really prefer, almost all of them will be with men closer to their own age and not their fathers age. There is a "safe age range difference" but it's usually not 25-35 years difference. There are exceptions but you really need to be careful and take many things into consideration if you want a successful marriage that will not lead to divorce.

bogota comments on Search: Aparthotels in Bogota

apartments- B & B There are apartments and a bed and breakfast near the Embassy and airport. The websites are www.bogotacolombialodging.com & www.bedandbreakfastbogota.com

bogota comments on HELP—Renting an apartment in Bogota

apartment rentals, room rentals www.bogotaapartments.com
www.bogotabedandbreakfast.com

bogota comments on month rental bogota

apartment rentals - lodging www.bogotaapartments.com
www.bogotabedandbreakfast.com

bogota comments on Sending Flowers to Colombia

Sending flowers to Colombia www.flowerstocolombia.com
Delivered to all major cities.