carldecolorado has left 73 comments

carldecolorado comments on Col. architect getting registered in the U.S.?

Architecture Stamp in USA It is a very complicated process to become registered in the US, first she will need to supply her diploma along with courses discriptions translated into english. Then there is a fee that needs to be paid for the acredidation board to examine the documents. Fianlly after all that is done the exam for that state needs to be taken. I know it is a long and very costly process. My good friend is an architect from Colombia and investigated the whole process and then decided the cost was not worth all the effort. I would suggest you first visit the local AIA office in your city and ask them for the steps to take. Secondly each state will also have a web page that explains what is needed as well as contact information. Finally if you would like more info or help, feel free to PM me and we can discuss this further offline or through emails.

Good luck
Carl

carldecolorado comments on Need Information about the town of Ibague, Colombia

Ibaque is not that bad! Here is a web page for Ibaque. My friend has family that lives there and in fact he just got back from a 3 week vacation out there. The climate is nice (not to hot like Villavo and not to cool like Bogota). There is a nice golf couorse there, so if you like to play golf bring your clubs. I will see if I can find a web link to the city. PM and I will see what other info I can dig up for you.

One thing to know however, the drive out there is horrible!!

carldecolorado comments on Best Restaurant In Colombia

Harry Sasson My friend just got back from visiting his family in Colombia and recommended this restaurant as well. He said it is a sort of Fusion Thai Restaurant. I willl give it a try in March and give everyone my opinion as well. I also want to try and visit Andre Carne de Res one night as well, I have read previous posts about this restaurant.

http://www.harrysasson.com/hb.html

carldecolorado comments on Surfing in Colombia

Try this link Mr Superior Surf

Try this link for surfing spots and maybe some shops that may rent boards. http://www.wannasurf.com/spot/South_America/Colombia/Caribbean/index.html

I found it is easier to just keep a board in Bogota and then take it with me to Santa Marta. I have heard the swells on the Pacific side are really nice, but it is not a safe place to surf yet. Maybe in another 4 years it will be better.

Carl

carldecolorado comments on Cartagena Old City, Printable Map:

Thanks for the map Thanks for posting the link to the Map of Old Cartagena!!

!Feliz Navidad!

carldecolorado comments on Slang

I have one Tenaz - Can either mean something is horrible or really cool

carldecolorado comments on Best restaurants in Cartagena?

Chef Julian For some of the best paella you will ever have, go to Chef Julian.

carldecolorado comments on luxury Bogota Hotels

Both are nice Tequendama and Fontana are both very nice hotels, if you want romantic though, I would reccommend Hotel de La Opera.

carldecolorado comments on Where can I take my Colombiana here in the Los Angeles to have a good time.

Santa Monica Pier, Rodeo Drive, Fashion Alley, & Santa Barbara If you are in the LA area, I would take her to Santa Monica Pier on a Saturday afternoon. They have a few amusement rides there as well as some nice restaurants and stores nearby. Plus it has the notoriety of having been used for quite a few movies. Rodeo Drive in Beverley Hills is a nice spot to go if you have cash burning a hole in your pocket and there are also some nice and somewhat affordable restaurants in that area. Fashion Alley is in downtown LA and has some of the best and latest fashion out at 1/2 the price, if she likes to shop and buy clothes she will love this place. Santa Barbara will only be a 1.5 hour drive from LA and has nice little shops along the street and could also be a nice weekend getaway.

Oh and for more bargain shopping, take her to the outlet malls in Camarillo (just before Ventura) lots of great barbains to be found there.

Universal Studio Mall / Center is always a nice place to visit, seems like there is always something happening around there.

Also go to the Getty Museum up off of the 101 (North of town) very beautiful and memorable.

Disney World is a must see for her though, nothing even close to it in Colombia.

Hope that helps

Carl

carldecolorado comments on Being called "Doctor" in Colombia ?

Doctor Yes you are correct ytosan.

Doctor is simply a salutaion of respect for those with a Professional type carreer. My frineds down there like to ease me and call me Doctor Carlitos since I am an architect here in the states. But typically someone with a professional type career, Lawyer, Engineer, Architect, and so on will be greeted with Doctor.

carldecolorado comments on BUILDING TIPS IN COLOMBIA

My friends own a Developing Company in Villavo I will talk to my friends in Villavo and see what advice they can offer, but from what I have seen personally there seems to be a pretty good market in Villavo for Middle to Low Income duplex and townhome communities. I know a few of thier projects were actually subsidized by the local government. I also know it is common to have the design completed and then set up a sales office to do pre-sales prior to construction, the idea being sell a certain percentage to pay for the construction of the building.

Like I said though, I will ask my friends for more advice and can share that with you off line.

carldecolorado comments on Pict or information about Pinalisa

Thanks for the info, I knew about the spelling with the tilde on the "N", I just have no idea how to do that on the keyboard.

Serious thought, thanks for the input I appreciate it very much!

carldecolorado comments on Anyone interested in going out for a beer?

I will be out there in July Hi Maria

I will be out in Bogota in July if you woul dlike to get together for a beer then, message me and we can work out details.

Carl

carldecolorado comments on Travel to Armenia

I was recently in Armenia Armenia is a pretty safe city, just like any other city. I really do not think you will have to many problems while there. You can take the local bus over to Salento and visit the little artesian shops. You can also spend the afternoon at Cafe Parque (sort of an amusement park and history of coffee all rolled into one package), and there are also the balsa rides down the river, there are really fun and relaxing.

There is a fun night club called guitar & rumba or something like that, it is also alot of fun and you should have no problems there either.

Actually the biggest problem with Armenia is not the rebels, but the earthquakes.

If you have any other questions, feel free to message me.

Carl

carldecolorado comments on suggestions

Luz I wish your cousin luck on getting here to the states, I know how it is to be away from family for long periods of time. Please keep me posted as to the status and your options. Feel free to message me as well, and again best of luck.

Carl

carldecolorado comments on First Time

No Visa for US Citizen If you are just going over for a few weeks to vacation, then you do not need a visa to enter into Colombia, you will however need your passport. The only time a visa is required for US Citizens in Colombia is if you plan on staying over there for a very prolonged period of time, I am not sure how long that is, but I am sure if you use google to search on this site you will find the answer or visit the Embassy Web Page and it will tell you there.

carldecolorado comments on

AC 130 was also called Puff The Magic Dragon Murpho is correct when he stated that this plane was designed to inflict heavy heavy damage. The weapons systems is as follows; two 7.62mm mini-guns, two 20mm guns, one 25mm Gatling gun, two 40mm cannons, and one 105mm cannon (AC-130H)

My dad has told me several stories after a few beers about this plane during Vietnam, it seems this plane saved his life on more than one occasion. According to him,they called it Puff The Magic Dragon because when it startes to fire its cannons, it literally looks like it is breathing fire and smoke.

I also know that this plane is being used currently in Afghanistan and was used quite a bit during the first Gulf War. How many planes are actually in existance and where they are all currently deployed is information I do not have. But if CNN is correct and this plane is indeed in Colombia, the FARC better look out!

Carl

carldecolorado comments on Going to teach English in Armenia. Any advice?

Armenia is a great place I think you will enjoy your stay in Armenia. After reading all the posts here I think everyone as given you very good info. Cafe Parque is a sort of History Lesson on coffee and also a small amusement park. I had fun there, but then I was with my friends and their little kids. So needless to say we were running around having a good time. Panaca is more of a pettign farm, so if you are into seeing farm animals up close you will enjoy it. If you decide to go to Nevados, just be careful, I was down there over New Years, and was told by my friends that it is still somewhat dangerous in that area.

As far as churches go, well there are plenty all over Armenia and the surrounding cities. So check them all out and see which one you like best.

I also think you will find the kids to be very respectful in your classes, especially at that age. I know that they will be taking their studies very seriously by the time you get them because they need to prepare for the big college exam.

Carl

carldecolorado comments on Shipping to Colombia

Suitcase for the bike It might be easier to get a suitcase for your bike. I have a hardcase bag made specifically for bicycles and traveing by air. I do triathalons around the country and need to travel with my bike. You can probably find a used one at one of those play it again stores that sell used sporting eqiupment at a reasonable price. I know flying domestic, I pay about $50 dollars for the bike to fly with me. That will probably be quite a bit cheaper than shipping it Fed Ex.

Carl

carldecolorado comments on Eight dead in Caribbean plane crash (Providencia)

My friends brother was the pilot I just heard from a good friend of mine in Villvo today that her brother was the pilot of this plane! I felt bad when I initially read this post, but now it really strikes close to home!

Carl

carldecolorado comments on Tourist Visa info

Maybe... Who knows Thanks Gator and to answer your question, the best I can say is maybe.

Carl

carldecolorado comments on Tourist Visa info

Crap Shoot Didn't pan out!! Well I just got off the phone with Martica and it seems that after waiting in line for about 3.5 hours today she was told NO, for her tourist visa request. I sort of figured this was going to be the response, but at the same time I am a bit disappointed.

So it seems that I will be traveling out to Armenia again towards the end of this year as well to celebrate Christmas and New Years with her family.

Thanks to everyone that had their fingers crossed for me, and I hope that someone here in the future gets lucky with the whole tourist Visa thing.

Carl

carldecolorado comments on Possible move to Armenia

Manizales I have not been to Manizales personally, but have heard wonderful things about that city as well. I know they have a big festival there right after New Years with a beauty contest. I seem to remember the contestants where from all over the world.

I also know that the weather there is colder than Armenia, but I could not give you exact temperatures. As far as contacts go for Manizales, sorry I do not know anyone there. But I am sure there are quite a few poeple on this site that do, good luck in your quest for info. And I know that you will have a wonderful time in Colombia, no matter what city you end up in.

Carl

carldecolorado comments on Tourist Visa info

Student Visa Requires Proficiency In English I did look at trying to get her a Student Visa as well, but for that she needs to be proficient in English and take the TOFEL test. She is currently studying english, but is no where near ready to take and pass that test so the only other option for us to to try for the Tourist Visa.

I also know what you mean about the way of life down there and the outlook on life as well. It is very refreshing.

Good luck to you as well and let me know if I can be of any help to you.

Carl

carldecolorado comments on Possible move to Armenia

I Second Marcomundo Armenia is a small but wonderful city! The people there are so very friendly and the climate is very nice all year long. Also the city of Salento (15 Minutes from Armenia) is filled with lots of arts and crafts stores. You mentioned wanting cultural things (Arts and Theater??), I do know there is a nice museum in Armenia I want to say it is called Museo de Oro, but I am not positive about that. But the museum has lots of information and artifacts from Colombia's past.

I do have quite a few friends in that area, Circasia and Armenia that I can get you in touch with while you are out there. They are all professionals such as yourself; Doctor, Respiratory Therapist, Nurse, Lawyer, and Structural Engineer.

Also feel free to send me a personal message if you might have any other questions.


Carl

carldecolorado comments on Tourist Visa info

Well her Visa Interview is this week, cross your fingers for me Well her interview is this week, St Paddy's day to be exact. Please cross your fingers for me.

As far as paper work goes, she has an apartment in her name, a car, a contract as a Respiratory Therapist at the hospital in Circasia and 6 Million Pesos in the bank. Hopefully all these documents will be enough to get her the Visa.

If she doesn't get it, we do have a Plan B which is me going back out there for the Christmas Holidays.

Carl

carldecolorado comments on

Thanks for posting this news Gringo In Bogota

Thank you so much for posting this news article. I called my friends in Armenia this afternoon after reading this just to make sure they were ok and that thier house was ok as well. I was told by them that it was a pretty strong quake but they were all fine and that their houses were fine as well.

I also checked the El Tiempo web page after reading your posting to see if htey had any more info, but they didn't even have anything posted about the earthquake.

Carl

carldecolorado comments on no dating??

I felt pretty safe For myself, I felt very safe on both my trips to Colombia. But please keep in mind that both times I have gone it has been with several other people and all of them are Colombian. Also I can pass for a Colombian as long as I don't open my mouth. It was a constant joke on my last visit to just pretend to be a mute if we ever got stopped by the rebels that way they wouldn't know I was actually a gringo. !Aye que feo! Finally the cities and areas I visited during my stays are suppose to be fairly safe.

Colombia does have its problems and yes there are inherent risks involved with living there, but I believe if you are careful, don't flash around your money or wealth you should be fairly safe. I will tell you this, I am seriously looking into one day retiring in Colombia. Ofcourse that is still quite a few years from now, but I do love it there and look forward to one day relaxing in a hammock and drinking a glass of whiskey.

Carl

carldecolorado comments on no dating??

Some Ideas Well there are lots of nice cities to call home in Colombia. I just it will just depend on what you want. Big city living in Bogota is a bit pricey, but it is a nice city with lots of things to do. Villavo is close to Bogota (1.5 hour drive), not very big, it can get pretty hot there. I like Armenia quite a bit, but you do have to worry about the terramotos (earthquakes)there. Cartagena is my favorite city, but I honestly am not sure if I could live there. During the rainy season they do have quite a problem with flooding. I have heard really nice things about Medellin, but can not say anything first hand.

I guess you will need to decide what type of climate you want to live in, what sort of things you like to do for hobbies, and finally what you will do for money when deciding where to live in Colombia.

Carl

carldecolorado comments on Graduate project update. Need feedback, please

Colombia already makes an on demand water heater. I spoke with my Colombian Architect friend the other day and he gave me this web site for the Colombian Manufacturer of the on demand water heaters. http://www.haceb.com/

I hope this helps more in your project.


Carl

carldecolorado comments on Article about Andres Carne de Res

I am interested to hear if anyone has been here. Sounds like an interesting place to check out on my next visit to Bogota!


Carl

carldecolorado comments on Gira Juanes 2005

Any other Colorado members going to Juanes?? I already have my tickets as does one other member on this site from Colorado. Just wondering if there might be a few more Colorado members that will be giong to this show. If you are, we should plan on meeting at Marlowe's or Paramount Cafe before the show.

Carl

carldecolorado comments on Help with graduate project!

The hot water heaters A very good frined of mine is an architect in Colombia and telld me that the high end houses he designs come equiped with the on demand hot water heaters. If you are looking for a web site with more info on them go to www.foreverhotwater.com I hope that helps!! I am not sure what brand he is using in Colombia, but I do know that this brand is considered one of the best.

Carl

carldecolorado comments on Uribe: Colombia Faces Battle vs. Rebels

Does anyone know where Puerto Toledo is? I was actually just getting ready to post this same article, it makes me so sad to read these articles. The fighting does nothing but hurt everyone involved.

Also where is this town of Puerto Toledo, I think it is in Meta, but not sure where.

Carl

carldecolorado comments on Recommendations on sending roses, chocolates, teddy bears to Col.?

Don't ask don't tell Isn't that Clintons Navy?

carldecolorado comments on Recommendations on sending roses, chocolates, teddy bears to Col.?

Another Site http://www.flora2000.com/index.asp?f2l0o0r0a=5as7a73tz78465x1z84aa7x&sh=yes

I send flowers out to my novia just about every month just so she knows that I still care about her and I have had nothing but prompt and realiable service from this company. So compare prices and see which one offers a better deal.

Carl

carldecolorado comments on Website with Colombian links

Great Site Great with, thanks for sharing it with everyone here!!

Carl

carldecolorado comments on

Ok I made a few calls and this is what I heard I have a friend that is currently down in Colombia training forces and I asked him for some input on boots for jungle use, he said the Altama's are a very good boot with a proven track record, but a little uncomfortable because of the steel shank. He also went on to recommend some fairly new boots on the market by a German boot maker called Haix, apparently they make a Jungle Boot, but it is very pricey. Somewhere around $210.

You are also correct, the Danners although very good boots are better suited for the cold weather climates, so unless your buddy is hiking up near Los Nevados, I do not think they will be the right boots for him.

carledecolorado

carldecolorado comments on

Sand Fly and the Boots Atrevideo is correct the soldiers are having more problems with the sand fly bites than mosquitos, he is also correct when he mentioned that the soldiers are issued some repellant as well. But being in the military myself I also know that doesn't always mean everyone has it. So again Tinto buy your friend the long sleeve Under Amour shirts in OD Green, they will leave less skin exposed to the flies. After having seen the damage or rather scars that these flies leave on the skin, trust me when I say buy your friend the strongest stuff you can get your hands on.

The boots, I would reccommend Danners, they hold up really really well and have a new comfort lining that keeps the feet at a constant temp no matter if it is cold or warm. They are also waterproof and yes they are very very pricey, mine were around $250 USD. The binoculars that are very popular are the Stieners I belive, chjeck the lenes though, they need to be non reflective. Don't need to be giving your position away by reflecting light.

Again if you have any other questiojns, feel free to drop me a private message.

Carl

carldecolorado comments on

Get the strongest stuff possible Hey Alex, nice to see you are back.

To go further into this thread, where exactly is your friend working or doing his military excercises? The reason I ask this is because I know the Colombian Army Personnel that are deep in the juncle are having a terrible time lately with the flies. I am not sure of the name of the fly or the bacteria they are carrying, but the result is very similar to the Iraqi Boil that the US troops are getting in the sand box.

So if your friend is out in the jungle, I would suggest getting him some Under Amour shirts in OD green (long sleeve) and the 100% deet. Also if you do buy him some BDU's from here in the states, just make sure they are the summer weight type (lighter weight cotton). If you have other questions feel free to send me a private meassage.

Carl

carldecolorado comments on Top things to do/see in Colombia

Well in my humble opinion:

1. Most beautiful beach? Being from a land locked state, I am happy to see any beach.

2. Best National Park? Parque de Cafe

3. Most beautiful small town? Salento

4. Most beautiful City? Cartagena

5. City with best Nightlife? Bogota

6. Best small town? Salento

7. Number 1 must see tourist attraction? Termales in Santa Rosa de Cabal!!!

14.Most interesting/beautiful piece of Architecture? Catedral de Sal

15.Best Museum? Museo del Oro

16.Best festival? Feria de Manizales (early january)

18.Best Market? Artesanias in Salento

20.Friendliest locals? Zona Cafetera (Los Paisas)

carldecolorado comments on Temporary Marriage Visa is Gone

Thanks Dave Dave

Thanks for clearing this issue up, I know there have been quite a few threads over the last 2 weeks regardign this issue, but it does now finally seem to be put to rest.

Carl

carldecolorado comments on Advice on how to get from Bogota to Villa De Leiva and surrounding towns

Photos and web sites for Villa De Leiva To load photos into your gallery, they need to be compressed down quite a bit. I know if you do a google search opn this site you will find some other threads that discuss the exact steps to post pictures. Let me know when you get them posted, I would love to see them. I also have some picts of the Hotel Duruelo that I will try to post in the next few days as well as picts from the Termales in Santa Rosa.

One last thing, I have found a really helpful web p-age for anyone else interested in going to Villa De Leiva it is http://www.villadeleyva.net/

Unfortuneately I can not seem to find a web page for more info and picts of El Molino la Mesopotamia, so it looks like I will have to call them from the states and try to get info over the phone. I hope they understand my terrible spanish.

carldecolorado

carldecolorado comments on Advice on how to get from Bogota to Villa De Leiva and surrounding towns

Mesopotamia looks very nice Hey Goosekirk

You are right, the photo you have of Mesopotamia is really nice as are the other picts on your web site. Thanks, I will see if I can find out more info on Mesopotamia and try and make some reservations.

And having been to Bogota twice now, I know I am not comfortable with driving in that town, besides I am not big on using the horn and that seems to be a requirement to driving out there.

Thanks for all the help!

carldecolorado comments on Advice on how to get from Bogota to Villa De Leiva and surrounding towns

Yes I am from Colorado Yes I am in Colorado, Dever area. And yes the traffic to the mountains on weekends is horrible anytime of year now.

As for the other suggestions on things to see and do around Villa De Lieva, right now I am thinking about spending an afternoon in Paipa and relax in the termales, also spend an afternoon in the town or rather Pueblo of Tibasosa (I have an old family friend that lives there).

As far as were I will stay at night. I will look into the suggestions listed here, but I am also looking at possibly staying at Hospendencia Duruelo. I had breakfast there last summer and it seems like a really nice and romantic place to stay for a weekend.

The drive thing is something I still need to figure out, I am leaning toward finding a driver for the whole weekend. I know I will have to pay extra, but I just dont want to deal with driving, and honestly the drivers in Bogota scare me to death. I now understand why Pablo Montoya drives the way he does.

Ciao carldecolorado

carldecolorado comments on Advice on how to get from Bogota to Villa De Leiva and surrounding towns

Thanks for all the feedback so far Thank you for all the feedback so far, I really do appreciate all the helpful advice that people are willing to give on this site!

Carldecolorado

carldecolorado comments on Colombia and Her Reputation

I agree with the other post on this thread If you are cautious, just like you would be in any other big city around the world you will be fine.

Also like sandramoreno80 said visit the Zona Cafetera region if the opportunity arrises. The balsa rides down the river are incredible and the views around Solento are very very beautiful.

Carldecolorado

carldecolorado comments on surfing in Colombia?? cannot find wax!!!! [bring your own] looking point near Buenaventura

Check out this surfing site Hey, I know what you mean about the waves on the caribe side, flatsville. Check out this web site, they list some surfing spots on the pacific side. www.iwannasurf.com


Carl

carldecolorado comments on Santa Rosa de CabAl

Small town, but very beautiful I got a chance to visit the Hot Springs up there in January and it was really a beautiful site to see. Seeing the waterfall and the lush green vegetation all around you is really a site not to be missed. I will try and post a few picts in the next few days.

carldecolorado comments on Trios

How about in Armenia?? Any web sites to hire a Mariachi band in Armenia??