CasaSol has left 39 comments
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CasaSol comments on Why do Colombian people have to have new flashy things Thrifty dressing I personally love thrift shopping and while we lived in the States my wife and I spent a lot of time (and little money) buying "used" items or even finding stuff on the streets in New York. You would be amazed at what people throw away. The best story is when we found some old Levis in the trash in the East Village. When my wife tried them on she found a $20 bill in the pocket. Here in Medellin there are only a few thrift shops that I have come across. If anyone knows of any please post the info. Having just returned from the States I brought a huge load of "used" designer clothing, top line stuff like Kenneth Cole, Hugo Boss, etc. My wife loved what I brought her and wears all of it. Her family on the other hand, well I have yet to see her mother wear the "like new" Adrienne Vittadini blouse I got her or anything else. I gave her sister a bunch of baby clothes, again "like new". She seemed happy when I gave them to her but I don´t know if she will ever use them. Maybe I should have just gone to Ross (Dress for Less) and bought a bunch of stuff there.
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CasaSol comments on Are Colombians Racist? How Funny All the Colombians I know in the States are very clear on the difference in BLACK and WHITE.
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CasaSol comments on Are Colombians Racist? Go Ahead Privilege yourself. They used to do the same thing in the South. You think it's cute to call someone a negro or whatever while you live your white privileged lifestyle. Yes, the "negro" is the woman who waits on your ass all day making nothing and returning to her shack in the hills. You think that's sweet right? Call it whatever you want but in the end it is racist. Why? Well, you are the one calling the shots and you are the one living a privileged lifestyle soley based on your skin color.
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CasaSol comments on Are Colombians Racist? The ugly truth of racism in Colombia Ok, they don't say "nigger", they say "neeegeeer". I've lived in the city for over a year and heard this reference at least a dozen times. Plus, The only Afro-Colombianos I ever have seen in Medellin are either on the streets begging for money in shanty towns far above the city. From my observations "paisas" are very racist and judge everything based on skin-tone and shade of color. Go to areas of Medellin like Poblado and everyone is proud of their whiteness.Maybe it's different elsewhere but I have observed blatant racism in Medellin.
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CasaSol comments on lets talk about us americans Native American They have nothing to say since we killed and enslaved them all.
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CasaSol comments on Don't Visit Colombia if... Why... We allowed this person to stay with us because that was the agreement we had and it was our hope that over time things would get better. Well, they only got worse to the point where he was intending on leaving (sneaking out) with out so much as a thank you. This, after we took him all around the city, to the country (Rio Negro) to local bars clubs and introducing him to friends. As far as the "lay around and do nothing" point, it is absolutely correct that one can do whatever they want. But when they are sharing a house with two other people they might want to consider that maybe the hammock isn't reserved exclusively for their use. Additionally, I find it incredible that this person was so cheap they never spent the 10K pesos to see Botero's art! Call me a cultural snob or overly PC but c'mon you travel 3K miles to lay around in a hammock? We would have and wanted to ask him to leave any number of times but always felt bad about kicking someone out. So, we asked for it but it was the first and last time.
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CasaSol comments on Big White Puffy Jackets in Medellin It gets cold here at night... But I've never seen white fluffy jackets.
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CasaSol comments on What Are The Best/Hippest Retaurants, Bars and Clubs in Medellin Ideas for Medellin I would go with Dann Carlton over Intercontinental since it is within a very short (walking if you want) distance from Poblado's "Zona Rosa". The Intercontinental is more remote and is kind of worn out for the price. There are some hotels that are much nicer than Dann Carlton, which is not a "boutique" hotel, just a big hotel. You may like Hotel Belfort (Teléfono: 3110066). As far as what's hip...just walk around Poblado near Parque Lleras and you can pick and choose. If you like "loungey" places check out Melodie Lounge or SkyLounge. There are also some bigger discos in the San Diego area. As usual, go to a cool clothing store and ask what's up.
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CasaSol comments on Cafe Colombo For any one who might have considered going to Cafe Colombo, I am no longer DJing there. Seems my mix wasn't quite right for their "paisa" tastes. In any case, the place is not suitable for DJs anyway since it is quite small and nobody dances. Stay tuned for future DJ gigs at another, more appropriate club.
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CasaSol comments on Translations of Docs for NGO visa Use a professional From my experience it is best to use a professional and to do everything in a way that leaves little room for error. We used a certified translator here in Colombia although I had orginally used on in Miami for my spousal via. Any specific questions, just write me.
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CasaSol comments on Why is Medellin Regarded as Being So Beautiful? Miami? Miami might look great from your car but have you ever walked around it? It is the least pedestrian city I have ever lived in. And, sorry, but it is a disaster of urban planning. Maybe it's the sun, sea & sex combo that stuns people into thinking Miami is beautiful. But, having lived there several times and both on South Beach and in the Design District I can tell you Miami is not a real city. Medellín on the other hand has all of the qualities of a real city: pedestrian activity (the streets are full of life not just cars), a downtown that is both lived, shoppped and worked in, a metro system that is actually used, civic institutions that are used by all, a citizenry that is not just on vacation from their life, a sense of place & history (everything in Miami is torn down. Case in point: Biscayne Blvd. North of Downtown). Medellín might not have the glistening condos of South Beach and Brickell but when I travel around here I feel like I am in a city, not a glossed-over suburb.
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CasaSol comments on Why is Medellin Regarded as Being So Beautiful? Growth versus restoration I agree with all of the above posts, although the rains this year seemed to never end and caused a lot of flooding and destruction. Since I come from Western North Carolina it reminds me alot of home with its mountains and fair climate. However, Medellín could take some lessons in growth and development since it is eating up the mountain sides at a cancerous rate. There are some mountains that are completely stripped of trees and one can see plumes of smoke from brush fires on any given day. The Poblado area is rapidly consuming the mountain side as new developments pop up every day. This type of development is ruining what makes Medellín so beautiful. The city should have a line of delineation where development cannot pass. Imagine one day when the development goes all the way to the top and over the mountains. This is sprawl in its ugliest form. I know the mayor wants to revitalize downtown and is renovating a home in the Pardo neighborhood to make his official residence. Hopefully more will follow since this area is by far the most beautiful, with block after block of spectacular old mansions. Restricting growth and preserving older parts of the city will guarantee that Medellín remains a beautiful city.
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Reggaeton is huge in Colombia I may not be its biggest fan since I view it as a watered-down derivative of Jamaican dancehall but reggaeton is huge with youth culture in Colombia. My friend's son has a reggaeton group, Golpe a Golpe that has just released their debut CD so look out for them. They are more talented than most and put a strong emphasis on strong songs instead of just pumping out beats. If you are in any area where younger people are driving their cars you will hear reggaeton blaring. Not always a pleasant sound but this is their music. They also watch the Miami TV program "The Roof" like it is a religion. Again, not my flavor but that's the way it is.
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CasaSol comments on Tell me about the women to avoid Get over yourself One suggestion: don't come. One thing Colombia doesn't need is another person like you. Why travel this far to exploit women. Do it in your own home town.
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CasaSol comments on Have you changed your appearance to visit Colombia? Looking When I was here for the first time last summer I buzzed my head and was pretty tannned most of the time. I already have dark features, so I seemed to blend in. That said, there must be an built-in gringo-dar that some people have. You can see it in their eyes as they scan you over. Or maybe it's my good lucks, as my wife says. Either way, there are a lot of stares, which I have become used to now. These days the look is more shaggy hippy, with a mustache and beard with longish hair. My wife says it's better to go with the hippie look cause everyone assumes you are poor. I have also dressed the metro-sexual way and enjoyed getting some hard stares from the ladies. People tend to dress pretty much the same, kind of an off-the-shelf look not too different from any other place. Would like it if there were more freaky types, though the occasional punk with a mohawk does pop up here in Medellín. Guess it would be different in Bogota.
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CasaSol comments on CNN replaced by Fox Fox is gone now so what´s next? And just because a network is #1 in the States is no indicator of its popularity elsewhere, although I have heard it is very popular in China, another oppressive right-wing state.
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CasaSol comments on Wanted: Furnished Apartment In Medellin An alternative to your situation My wife and I live in a huge terrace apartment in Suramericana neighborhood, which is a couple of blocks from the metro station, close to shopping, cafes, museums and very safe, quiet and comfortable. We have a small room available with a private bath and will rent it to you at a very reasonable rate. I am from the States, she is from Medellín so you can get both perspectives on the city and Colombia. Write if you are interested: ricolombia at mail.com
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CasaSol comments on Cash or C.C.? Debit card is best I live here and use a debit/Visa check card with no problems. I have found that the Servibanca (green colored tellers) are the best. They will not charge a transaction fee upon withdrawal but your bank will charge you on your statement. It is rougly $1 per transaction, including checking your balance.
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CasaSol comments on Cheapest Way to Buy Tickets to Colombia Air-Supply.com Try air-supply.com in New York. I purchased a ticket from them for a great price and service.
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CasaSol comments on Centro Colombo Americano For anyone not familiar with it, Centro Colombo Americano is an excellent culture center in downtown Medellín. Its purpose is to promote cultual exchange and to offer programs for English study. With several cinemas, a library, bookstore, teaching facilities and Cafe Colombo it has something for all needs and interests.
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CasaSol comments on Room available in Medellín We have a room for rent in our large terrace apartment in Suramericana. We are bi-lingual, know the city well and also offer tours to Rio Negro, Sante Fe, etc. Excellent location, close to metro, downtown, shops, cafes, etc. Very cheap rates, write ricolombia at mail.com for info.
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CasaSol comments on For Colombianos and Gringos Cocina Depending on the pronunciation, cocina has two meanings. One is for food, the other means disgusting (or close to that). Well, I was trying to talk about Colombian food and I said "cochina Colombiano". A mistake I won´t forget.
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CasaSol comments on Western Caribbean Check out Western Caribbean Air when you get here. Great rates, great routes and great service.
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CasaSol comments on Cartagena? Cartagena & Rosario Islands I would stay in the old city and recommend Tres Banderas Hotel (http://www.hotel3banderas.com/). Don´t stay in the newer Bocagrande area unless you like tacky highrise buildings. If you go to the beach, brace yourself for a continuous onslaught of vendors. At the beach, try a "Coco Loco" around sunset. Just don´t have two. Another fun, if not tacky tourist actitivity, is the "Chiva" bus tour. Basically, it´s a crazy, drunken bus tour around the city. Crazy! We had a great time just walking around the old city with a (small) bottle of rum, sitting in the many parks, walking on the wall and taking it all in. The park in front of the Sofitel Hotel is particularly charming and has a number of cafes. If you want to really get away from it all, visit the Roarios Islands. Here´s one hotel worth checking out: http://www.hotelislapirata.com/english/english.htm Enjoy!
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CasaSol comments on Deportation - A True Story - does the penalty fit the crime USA worth it? For all the time and money you will spend to stay in the U.S., is it really worth it? There are plenty of democratic nations in the world with many opportunities for growth. If you are an entrepreneur or have good skills you should find plenty of places that will welcome you. The truth of the matter is, the U.S. is a decaying nation with an ageing population. Its economy will implode sooner or later since there is no way it can keep paying its debts and take care of its entitlement programs (social security,etc.). My advise is, forget about the U.S.A. and take your dreams where they can be realized in the new century. Suerte!
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CasaSol comments on Medellín Studio Apartment Available for Oct. Pictures of Studio Not quite sure how to post photos here, but you can view some of the studio at Ricolombia.com
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CasaSol comments on running/jogging Running in Medellín I run here just about every day, either on the cycle paths in Suramericana-Laureles or up to Cerro el Volador which offers a stunning view of the city. Previously I ran various roads in Poblado and also did some serious moutain running last summer in the Robledo neighborhood. Apart from cars that never stop for pedestrians I have found running here to be pleasant and without problems. The air can be thick sometimes and I have found it best to go in the morning. Anyone wanting to hit the path with me can e-mail me at jctripp64 at yahoo.com
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CasaSol comments on Travel deals from or within Colombia West Caribbean has great fares and goes to most major cities in Colombia as well as Costa Rica and Panama. Just used them for Bogota and Panama City and had a good experience.
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CasaSol comments on Getting a Conyuge Visa A win-win situation for Colombia There is nothing wrong with wanting to change laws, it is part of the democratic process and the last I knew Colombia is a democracy. I think it is kind of patronizing to say one should just accept things as they are. Colombia benefits from feedback and input, just as any country. Colombia and its economy could certainly benefit by allowing visitors to stay within the country to extend their visa. At the consulate office in Bogota I witnessed dozens of people, of all nationalities, being told they have to go to a neighborhing country to change their visa. Many left the office in tears or furious. I wonder if the Colombian people would prefer that these people be allowed to stay within the country´s borders and spend their money. My wife and I spent $600 to go to Panama, money which could have been spent locally. Wanting to address this situation by writing to the proper tourism or immigration officials is a reasonable move. Maybe you are rich and retired, so you have nothing but time and money on your side. But many people, both in Colombia and abroad, would find it impossible to cover the expenses of getting the conyuge visa or to navigate the process, which in my case took 6 months (Miami-Bogota-Panama). It is a win-win situation when visitors have a clear idea of what the requirements are for any type of visa, can stay within Colombia´s borders to change their visa, and spend their money in Colombia.
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CasaSol comments on AIRLINE TICKETS TO COLOMBIA TACA/West Caribbean You may want to look into flying TACA (taca.com) airlines to either Costa Rica or Panama and then connecting to Colombia with West Caribbean Airlines, which is based in Medellín (http://www.wca.com.co).
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CasaSol comments on Getting a Conyuge Visa Excuse me? What are you so angry about? I was merely reporting my experience in getting the conyuge visa. No more, no less. Your hateful words are only a reflection of YOU. As for me, I am happy to be in Colombia, to be with my wife (who I met in New York City) and her family. The only reason I have posted my comments is to HELP people decide whether spending many months and a lot of money is worth it. Sorry to have offended you. Clearly you have no clue what you are writing about since 100% of the Colombian people we have talked to here agree that the process is nearly impossible to navigate. Sorry you are so bitter.
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CasaSol comments on Getting a Conyuge Visa Finally got it (but was it worth it?) We arrived in Panama City on Friday and went directly to the Colombian consulate and within 2 hours I had the visa. But it is only for one year, not 2 as we had thought. This has been a VERY expensive process: travel to Bogota and Panama City, lawyer fees, government fees, etc. And I have to go to DAS and pay another chunk of money (150,000 pesos or so) for my cedula. And, it is not a work visa. The bottom line is if you just want to spend time in Colombia with a fiance or spouse, I would go the student visa route. It is simply too complicated and stressful to get the Conjuge Visa. And for what? One year? Crazy, really. In my opinion it is a complete ripoff and an insult. In any case, I am in Colombia for the long run, though I must say Panama is very, very nice. Unless you have somebody in Colombia to assist in the process it will virtually be impossible to do. --A warning about coming to Panama: upon entry you have to literally show that you have $500 cash in hand --
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CasaSol comments on Getting a Conyuge Visa Alternative to Conyuge Visa: Student Visa From what my wife and I were able to determine, you CAN change your tourist visa to a student visa in Colombia. All you have to do is prove that you are registered in a school. This might be a cheaper and faster alternative to the Conyuge Visa. I am not 100% on this so you should do a little more research but it seems to be easier than the runaround for a Conyuge Visa.
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CasaSol comments on specific picture of Carlos Vives Carlos Vives pics We have this photo along with an article on Carlos Vives at ricolombia.com (scroll down until you see it). Or you can find a bunch of photos at his website: carlosvives.com (galeria de fotos).
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CasaSol comments on Extending a Tourist Visa Extending Visa I haven't done it myself, but we have a British friend who just goes to DAS every month and gets another extension. Of course, you need to show a departure ticket for the following month. It might be cheaper to just cross the border and re-enter, depending on where you are. Good luck.
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CasaSol comments on Getting a Conyuge Visa Conyuge Visa Requirements My wife and I are off the Panama City on Monday and hopefull this will be the end to this ordeal. This has been an incredibly frustrating and trying experience. I think all of us who have had to go through it should band up and send a strong message to the Colombian government that it should firstly be more clear on the process, and secondly one should not have to leave Colombia to change one's visa. In any case, it has been a learning experience and I want to share what I know to ease the pain for others.
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CasaSol comments on Getting a Conyuge Visa Criminal Check Well, I just returned to Medellin from Bogota with my wife. We had all of the papers but, alas, were denied a spousal visa because I am here on a tourist visa. More on this after we return from Panama. To answer your question on the criminal background check: I am from North Carolina and had to run around a litte but finally ended up at the country clerk's (court) office, who gave me the background check document. I am not sure how thing's are structured in Cali. but you may want to advise your parents to contact the county clerk on this matter. Of course, then you need to have an Apostille for this document, which in my case was done at the state capitol. Otherwise the document is not recognized internationally. I had this done in a few days via FedX. I empathize with what you are going through, I have never had such a run-around in my life and I am still not quite there.
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CasaSol comments on musica colombiana Toto la Momposina The reining queen of Colombian folkloric/cumbia is TOTO LA MOMPOSINA. Anything from her is fantastic! If you like artists like Susana Baca, this is your music.
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CasaSol comments on Visa, Residency, Citizenship? Tourist visa to Spousal Visa in Colombia Even though I followed the requirements posted on the Colombian consulate's Miami website and scheduled an interview assuming I would receive a 2 year visa. At the interview I was told that they needed a Colombian "Registro de Certificado de Matrimonio" in addition to the U.S. marriage certificate I had. So, I was denied the visa and had to come to Colombia on my 2 month tourist visa. Now that I am here, my wife has a lawyer on the case and it looks like we will be able to secure the spousal visa (Visado de Conyugue Colombiano) in Bogota. But, we are still waiting to know exactly what the requirements are. Talk about making it difficult to live here! Alternately, my wife ran into a British friend who is simply going to DAS every month and paying to extend his visa. Apparently they don't care how long you stay as long as you cough up the approx. 60,000 pesos each month (plus the time to go there). I plan on staying here for a while and my work is via the internet, so that is not such an issue. Just want to be legal. Once we get the word from the lawyer I will post the results for those needing these services in Medellin.
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