Chriscan has left 185 comments

Chriscan comments on Should Obama, If Elected, Make a Clean Break With Bush's Latin America Policy?

Clombia is the only country where the U.S has made a positive cantribution in Latin America. Most Countries have seen their elected leaders overthrown in favour of dictators. Basically the U.S is the bully that beats you up and steals your lunch money. It's no wonder that countries are starting to refuse dinner invitations.

Chriscan comments on IloveCidy

Find another woman

Chriscan comments on teaching english in Barranquilla,Colombia

are you the dude I met in the garage?

Chriscan comments on Listen to Radio calls of police of Man cutting head off and eating body..

It's funny how Canadians think that Colombia is so crazy but it wasn't so long ago that another Canadian fed 49 hookers to his pigs.

Chriscan comments on MSF work in Colombia hindered by the confusion between military actions and humanitarianism

There is a military outpost near where I live that looks like a school at first glance. There are cartoon charactors all over the walls. I'm not going to make an official complaint but it certianly does bother me. On the other hand, I feel better knowing that they are there.

Chriscan comments on Santa Marta advice needed for a father and 3 little boys

The risk would be if a lot of people know that you are wealthy. Nobody is going to kidnap you beofer doing a large amount of research first.

Chriscan comments on

I have been scammed by American Airline too. There is no question in my mind that they are the worst airline I have flown.

Chriscan comments on Why Can't I be a "Doctor" in Colombia?

You're a doctor of philosphomy? I'm a dentist of toe nails! Call me doctor, doctor

Chriscan comments on I am very proud of Colombia!

I lover Uribe for getting things done, but I'm hoping that the next leader can make the transition to a peaceful Colombia that doesn't wake up screaming "There are commies under my bed" Colombia needs more social programs. There is no doubt in my mind that there is enough money in Colombia for free health care for all. Now theat we beat the commies (or will soon) we should steal a few ideas. It would be nice to end conscription as well. I think that the police and military have a fantastic reputation and should be able to recruit volunteers. It won't be long before Colombia is the envy of the americas

Chriscan comments on Need info on living in Neiva

I only stayed there one night but I had a bit of a funny experience. Every time my wife and I arrive in a town, I wait at a resturant with the bags and she goes hotel shopping. There were two hotels that when I arrived, they didn't have rooms all of the sudden. The only reason we could think of is that they didn't want to rent to gringos. I got the impression that there was a pretty rough edge to the town. The town seems pleasant enough though. It's not stunningly beautiful but it's not bad. I really liked the nearby town of "La Plata". We stayed there a while. nice people and nice hot springs. Note that this is a very limited experience

Chriscan comments on Colombia rebels seize 10 hostages

I hope the FARC are imploding but I think that there is still a long way to go.

Chriscan comments on COLOMBIA, The Only Risk is Wanting to Stay

I really laugh at that slogan. Other Dangers: Traffic, cracking out, AIDS, Coconuts falling on head, land slides, earthquakes, WAR, being shafted, fake police, getting jacked, drinking bad home brew, having a Colombian wife.

Chriscan comments on Anyone traveled to POPAYAN? It's in the Departamento de Cauca south of Cali about 90KM

I hear a lot of comments on here about how standards in Colombia are so low and everything is so crappy. Living in Santa Marta, I can certianly realate. However, these comments often make me reflect on Popayan and other towns like that where I couldn't really imagine highers standards. It's not the most exciting place but it's enchanting. For me, 2 or 3 days there is enough. Also, there is a hot springs a little ways out of town that is worth checking out. The water comes out at 80 degress but it gets mixxed with cold water so you don't overheat. There are 2 hotels about $5-10 a night. If you like changing ladscapes, the bus from Popayan to San Augistin is really cool.

Chriscan comments on Is the word "Ahora" only used in Colombia to mean "Later on"

my wife drives me crazy with this

Chriscan comments on Five Reasons Why Liberals May Dislike the Betancourt Rescue

If you can only see politics as left vs right, you have a very limited mental capacity

Chriscan comments on bucaramanga

Giron is pretty touristy but you might like it.

Chriscan comments on Travelers Checks?

If you are stupid and do bring them, some Bancolombias will change them. Usually only one branch in town, sometimes only in the morning. Traveler's cheques really are a rip off unless you are traveling in North america or Europe then they are only a bit of a rip[ off. For security, get as many bank and credit cards as you can. Always try to have some seperate so all your eggs aren't in the same basket.

Chriscan comments on no more fox news

Fox news always reports both sides of the story - The presidents side and the vice presidents side - cobert infantile would be the best way to describe it. Chavez even says things that are more thoughtful than the verbal diarrhea that comes out of Fox.

Chriscan comments on does anyone else find it offensive to be called GRINGO?

In Colombia, it is not offensive. In central America it is. In Colombia, all whities who don't live there are Gringos but in central america it is used to express hatered towards americans. My wife's parents would call anyone who isn't latino a gringo be they from China or Africa. I call myself a gringo in Colombia but in Central america if I am called gringo, I make sure to clarify that I am not american. To Colombians, Americans, Canadians and Europeans are pretty much the same. My buddy was called a gringo in Colombia and he said, "No, soy Canadianse" It was the joke of the night to the locals. I have been called harvie more and more from that novela with the gringo. I think I like "Harvie" more. My wife siad she is going to make me a shirt that says,"No soy Harvie". She alread made a "No molestar" shirt for me when we were in Cartagena.

Chriscan comments on Apartment in Santa Marta

not easy to find anything cheap but there are lots of apartments for rent in El Rodelero. My wife spent forever looking for a place and we managed to get a place on the edge fo town for 300000 a month.

Chriscan comments on Canadian believed kidnapped in Colombia

If you think Canadians are idiots, read the comments on the CBC site to prove yourself right.

Chriscan comments on looking for budget hotels in santa marta

First you can get what you are looking for a lot cheaper in Santa Marta. I book friends into the Hotel Saboy which has AC and TV for about $15 a a night for 2 people. There is a lot of charactor in the streets at night (prostitutes) but it is safe. Santa Marta isn't the best destination. The city isn't anything special at all. The thing about Santa Marta is that it is a fantastic hub to many smaller destinations. The only way it might move to the top of your list is if it rains. Tehre are a couple of really nice malls in Santa Marata. If you liked playa blanca, you will love Parque Tayrona. There are some rooms available but most people rent tents or hammocks. Most backpaker types will agree that it is the biggest highlight of their trip in Colombia. Take lots of money because you can't get more there. I always stay until the money runs out. If you want small beach towns, Taganga is popular - just a 10 minute bus ride from Santa Marta. It's very popular with backpackers and has a nice range of places to stay. The beach isn't that special but for $5 you can get a return trip to a beach that is close called Playa Grande. If you want to get off the backpacker trail, go to Rio Burritaca. It's very small and not much happens but it's got a huge beautiful beach. There is also a neaby park that has waterfalls called Vallencia. El Rodelero is skipped by most backpackers but is by far the most popular beach in the area for Colombians. It is small but has lots of skyspraper apetments and hotels. Many families go and rent apartments there. If you want to get away from the crowds there, you can take a boat to Play Blanca which is a smaller beautiful beach with a steep slope behind it. El Rodelero is a little more expensive, but unless you want the services of a city, it's definately better than santa marta but still only 15 min away. I wish I could remember the name of the hotel I booked my family in in El Rodelero. It's the only hotel on the beach with a pool in front and is right in your price range. If you have a week, I would visit everything I listed. The Santa Marta area is ideal for a tourist looking for beautiful natural places. As for the room service, you can almost always get room service. For a dollar, any hotel can find someone to go to a resturant and get you some food or whatever you want.

Chriscan comments on World's happiest place Denmark, followed by Iceland, Colombia slips to third place....

I think american happiness has dropped a lot since 911. I also think that the quest for money makes people unhappy. But I don't know. There are different types of happiness too. It's not such a simple word. It's easy to feel happy in a moment but if you relflect on your life and look at where you are and maybe where you could be, that is a different thing.

Chriscan comments on Beyond Cartagena

Venezula is a little more dangerous but if you want to go, don't let the above stop you. It has more to do with police corruption and culture than idealisim. Colombia is way nicer to travel though and I agree with the two above but it is a lot of bus time. San Gil and Villa de leyva are fantastic if your more into small tow or country stuff. San Gill is fantastic for rafting and other adventures but if you want a more urban experience you may want to visit Medellin. As much as I am bothered but the Colombian Lonely Planet, I suggest that you will find what you are looking for in there.

Chriscan comments on Switching languages can also switch personality: study

Whenever I speak Spanish, I feel more like ripping people off and throwing a fit. Maybe it's just me.

Chriscan comments on Cartagena, where to stay...questions about lodging...

Some here disagrees with me but I like Hotel Las Vegas if you can get a room with a balcony. It's about $20 for 2 people a night and overlooks a University (major babe traffic) Juan Valdez Cafe and a cute little puta bar. A little noisey perhaps but it gets you a couple of blochs from the tourists only part and into a little more local crowd.

Chriscan comments on travel agents/flights to Cuba from Cartagena

It's always expesive to fly from cuba or dominican. I've always wanted to stop in Cuba on my way to Colombia because there are some great deals from Canada to Cuba but it costs multiple times to get to Caracas or Colombia from Cuba. If you find a solution, let us know.

Chriscan comments on

This is so true. I remember a buddy introducing me to a girl he'd met the day before and by the end of the night, she wasn't only asking him for money but everyone he was with. We were nice, we paid for her cab ride home. Girls asking for money may be universal but they are definately more forward on the coast.

Chriscan comments on Use of American Dollars in Colombia? Quick!

The first time I went to Colombia, I had a hell of a time changing american money. Now it is at least possible. The only place it is easy is Cartegena. I changed some american money at the back yesterday and asked if I could change some Canadian money that was sent to me as a gift. The banker was surprised that there was a difference between the two - the thruth is that there isn't in calue at the moment. Bancolombia lets you take out the most at the atm. I always max out to avoid the $5 fee over and over. If you have time, it's the same price to take money out on you credit card at the bank teller and you can take out much more but that is being really thrifty.

Chriscan comments on Blood work and std tests

Don't worry about it, having sex with a virgin clears up everything.

Chriscan comments on San gil/Macondo latest

If I could move anywhere in Colombia right now, it would be San Gill. I'm getting bored here in Santa Marta and the heat is getting to me. San Gill reminds me a lot of my home in the mountains in Canada too.

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

I love the fruits of Colombia but I miss the berries in Canada. There are also a few veggies that are better at home and the corn is way nicer. The big proble with all of the goodies I miss in Canada is taht they are only available fresh for a few months.

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

My fault - all of my money gets converted to pesos.

Chriscan comments on

I didn't need the photos and I have 3

Chriscan comments on More Immigrants saying "Hasta La Vista USA" & Going Back Home

One thing that Latinos have to deal with is a big drop in their class status too.

Chriscan comments on Colombian citizen visa requirements to travel to Costa Rica or Panama.

I'm canadian and I looked at getting my wife to Costa Rica to visit some friends. We decided that it's not worth the trouble. We did however meet in Panama where it is easy for Colombians to travel. Panama is way more fun than Costa Rica too.

Chriscan comments on Seeking info on areas to the east of Tayrona

for a day, Rio Burritaca is nice. Just outside of town there is a nice park called Valencia,just of the hiway. Take a bus to the park in the morning (from Santa Marta) and go to Rio Burritaca in the afternoon. It's a very small beach town and is beautiful, natural and pleasant.

Chriscan comments on We would like to visit South America

If you have kids, come to Santa Marta, Colombia. There arelots of beaches and you can pay from $15 a night to $200 for hotels depending on what experience you want. San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua is another great beach option if you want to surf but for a longer period of time there is not much els around there. Argentina is great if you want people who think that they are more European than Latino and Buenor Aires definately has a European feel but is big stinky and noisey. If you want to do rafting and other rural activites, San Gill, Santer, Colombia has a lot to offer. There are also small colonial towns in the area that will rival the most beautiful towns in Europe. the province of Santer is also one of the safest regions in Latin America. Most of latin America has regions of natural beauty. I think that Colobia is the best for natural beauty but there are other contenders. Where Colombia really outshines eeryother country in the Americas is the beauty of many of its cities and towns. If you are close to the Canadian border, flights to Cuba may bevery cheap. For the family, Cuba is by far the safest option in latin america. One other thing - if your Spanish is not good, Colombia will be dificult. Id it is good Colombia is one of your safer options (believe it or not)

Chriscan comments on Rats, cats work together to sniff out land mines

Colombia has the most civilian landmine deaths per year in the world. I like the symbolism that you pointed out Tinto.

Chriscan comments on six months in colombia and six months in usa

I go to the beach, snorkle, and travel when I can. Not having enough to do is a problem. On my next trip I{m going to find an old motorbike to fix up or maybe try to do some english teaching or be a tour guide. I think that it will be a full year or two before I return after the next trip and if I do it will probably be to San Gill where I can do some rafting and other fun stuff. I know that won{t get old for me.

Chriscan comments on Buddies concerned over my 3 hour stop in Bogota

Your buddies are on crack

Chriscan comments on Can I retire at my age with my savings

It would be easier to do it pretty much anywhere else because Cartagena is much more expensive. The thing with it being expensive is that if you go into buisness that could work in your favour. It would certianly be easier to Start in santa Marta as it is a heluva lot cheaper. My rent and utilities come to under $200 a month for a new 2 bedroom flat. There is a lot of comercial property of sale as well. I feel that I could make it for $50000 here if I work hard and invest well.

Chriscan comments on First trip ever 2008 seeking recommendations

With kids I would definately recomend the Santa Marta area. There are lots of beaches and kids love beaches. For upscale places, check out the towns of El Rodelero or Bello Horizonte. the city of Santa Marta isn't the attraction. It's ok for a day or two but there are numerous parks, beaches and small towns to visit in the area. 10 days is perfect to see a bit of it all. If the kids are over 10, San Gill might be a good option for rafting paraglinding, caving and those sorts of things. There are some incredible colonial towns in the area as well. You would probably want to visit Cartagena too as it isn't far away. The adults would enjoy the history and the city there and if the kids cry about not being at the beach there are some alright ones there. Send me a message if you want more info on Santa Marta. All of Colombia has a lot to offer adults but for kids, Santa Marta is for sure your best bet.

Chriscan comments on Lima to Santa Marta

If you don't want to stop between bogota and Santa Marta, fly or try a last minute purchase. My friend got a really good deal at the last minute.

Chriscan comments on ---RED BULL FLUGTAG---PBH TE DA AAALAS---

I'm there!

Chriscan comments on

It costs to extend you visa to 120 days as it does to 90. I aked for 90 days this time and they gave me 60. Go to a DAS office, find out how much you have to pay what account in what bank, do it and return for your hand prints and photos. Oh, I think you need 2 passport sized photos to submit as well.

Chriscan comments on six months in colombia and six months in usa

I'm doing it between Canada and Colombia. Last year was 5 months in Colombia and this year will be 6-7 in two trips. It's not the idea situation that I thought. I find that I work too much in Canada and have too much free time in Colombia. I realise now that Canada has a lot more to offer but if I stay too long the lack of fredom might make me wish to be in Colombia again. My life in Canada has been worked out over years and couldn't really be any better. I think that I have to try some different things in Colombia to work out a lifestyle that suits me more. My advise is try things out. It's better to try something and find out it's not what you want than to spend you time wondering what could be.

Chriscan comments on Chavez tells Colombia not to build base for US

Colombia shouldn't let the americans do it. It will create more problems than it solves.

Chriscan comments on Driver's license

If you copy your passport it's a good idea to get a copy of your valid visa stamp on the other side. I don't but the police make a little fuss about it from time to time.

Chriscan comments on

I feel good about having redidency in Colombia for fincial security. Things will probably be better in Canada for my whole life but if things crash in the north they will crash hard because normal people who don't give a damn about politics could turn order upsidedown.