PBH / Colombia / Forums (active) Travelguide Cheap hostels Pictures

Colombia: The New Panama?

I came across this blog at:
http://medellin-colombia.blogspot.com/2007/09/colombia-new-panama.html

Has anybody heard more about this? Has it been voted on yet?

COLOMBIA: AN IDEAL COUNTRY FOR THOSE IN THE MARKET FOR A SECOND HOME?

The following Bill is scheduled to be presented to the Colombian Congress.

Medellin, September 6, 2007 – In the following days the office of Treasury Ministry and Public Financing will present for consideration, to the Congress of Republic, a proposal aimed at stimulating the economy in Colombia, with an emphasis on promoting the development of a new real estate market designed to attract foreigners interested in purchasing property in Colombia.

The proposed Bill has taken into consideration the improved security in Colombia to help sell the plan, among other benefits including; affordable medical services, advanced telecommunications, warm climate, sandy beaches, wonderful landscapes, recently added airline connections from varies carriers. The Bill also provides generous benefits to both the land developer as well as those purchasing investment properties.

The National Council of Political and Social Economic Department has already approved the general guidelines for the proposal submitted by The Treasury Ministry and Public Financing department for the development and stimulation of the Colombia’s economy. The NCPSED have also recommended that the Bill allow for more elaboration of the plans proposed framework before it is submitted to Congress for approval.

The Bill is aimed at Colombian citizens living abroad and foreign investors with the objective of purchasing an investment property as a second or vacation home. It also includes plans and provisions for those who want to retire in Colombia sometime in the future. The new Bill includes many incentives to lure retirees from around the world to consider Colombia as a retirement option. The purchase of a property can also make for a profitable and safe alternative investment with regards to income property.

The objective of the Colombian Government is to enter into the investment market that has recently developed in Central and South American. Thanks to the positive advances that Colombia has made in recent years it has encouraged investors form North America as well as Europe to look at Colombia as having great investment potential outside of their respected countries. Investments from foreigners will help improve the economy and aid in the development and improvement of the Colombia’s infrastructure.
The benefits for investors
In order to develop a successful program in the second house market in Colombia it is necessary to approve benefits for these urban projects for potential investors.

An investor will not have to pay taxes on the purchase of the property.

The import of home furnishings, personal property, one automobile, will not be taxed as long as they are not sold in Colombia to another party.

You will not be taxed if you decide to rent your property to tourist visiting Colombia.

There is also an exemption on rent income originated outside of Colombia.

In order for investors to receive these benefits a person must demonstrate a minimum income whose amount you would need to meet which would be established by DIAN. They can not deny or refuse proposals with the exception being of national interest and security.

By jimmydls05 on Oct 2, 2007, 16:52 in Friendly Talkzone.

john_stark says on Oct 2, 2007, 16:59:

What a stupid idea. Why would Colombia want to be the new Panama? Panama is a mess. I like Colombia the way it is, lawless, criminal and violent.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Simon says on Oct 2, 2007, 17:19:

"I like Colombia the way it is, lawless, criminal and violent."

You sound like a member of the FARC.

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Grateful Dead says on Oct 2, 2007, 17:28:

You are absolutely correct John Stark , Colombia is there for Colombians and for foreigners who thrive on adventure , danger and women.

Most of the white guys that live in Colombia are there because they were too bored back in Canada , England the U.S. etc, etc,...............and I think that's cool , I likie hangin' out with guys like that.

Colombia is not a place for people like....... well you know................uh... white boys.

lol

0 funny, 0 helpful.

expatriate says on Oct 2, 2007, 17:52:

Stark said "I like Colombia the way it is, lawless, criminal and violent." Yeah!

I can skip the violent part, but I love the lack of a police state, like there is back in Amerika. I also like the fact that the President is actually qualified for the job! And he seems to care! And he fluently speaks the native language! And his family did not make their fortune from the Nazis!

Things are improving in Colombia. After living in Cali for three years, I saw an amazing thing. Last night I actually saw the police DO something (besides collecting bribes for being caught driving during Pico Placa hours).

The police saw a car parked in a lane of traffic during rush hour on Avenida Sexta, basically backing up dozens of cars and buses, while the oblivious driver waited for his arepa to be grilled. The police got out of their patrol car, I mean off of the back of their dirt bike, and actually asked the driver to move the car somewhere else! It was awesome. I could not believe it.

More improvements in Cali. They are actually chopping the weeds down in the public parks and roadway medians. You can see from one side of the park to the other now! A mayor that is not blind is a good thing.

Colombia and its culture may not yet be ready for retirement prime time, and that day may never come, but when you are reasonably young and adventurous, it's great.

You better take care of me Lord, if you don't you're gonna have me on your hands.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

RussianFred says on Oct 2, 2007, 18:11:

Grateful Dead, "Most of the white guys that live in Colombia are there because they were too bored back in Canada , England the U.S. etc, etc,...............and I think that's cool , I likie hangin' out with guys like that."

Bored with America? Well Colombia is no America. Anyone bored with America must have their head examined. They come here for cheaper sex and a lower cost of living.

Panama is a great country. It's the financial capital of the the world - Panama City!
Colombia is also great for it's sexy chicas at a cost of a McDonald's happy meal!

Annual Drug Deaths: Tobacco: 395,000, Alcohol: 125,000, 'Legal' Drugs: 38,000, Illegal Drug Overdoses: 5,200, Marijuana: 0. Considering government subsidies of tobacco, just what is our government protecting us from in the drug war?--Ralph Nader

0 funny, 0 helpful.

expatriate says on Oct 2, 2007, 18:20:

You better take care of me Lord, if you don't you're gonna have me on your hands.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Robert Jorge says on Oct 2, 2007, 19:57:

You mean "Bennigans"? Actually, Bogota has 3 TGI Fridays.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

christobeldawg says on Oct 2, 2007, 20:00:

jeez I hate those kind of places in Bogota. too expensive, too US like. First trip, they felt very comfortable to me, but ok, they are there, that is comfortable to me, but I don't want to go to Colombia and go there

traveling hopefully is always better than arriving

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mr. Hollywood says on Oct 2, 2007, 20:27:

The financial capital of the world is actually London now, I think. New York has been on the wane since Sarbannes-Oxley made it harder to commit white collar crime against shareholders in the US.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

lpdiver says on Oct 2, 2007, 20:53:

John_Stark we gotta do something! Maybe we can have the kidnapping revived or something. Please lets not let Colombia follow in Panama's footsteps!

t

Remember what the monkey says, "Fuck money it's free"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Oct 2, 2007, 21:06:

I only read the first two paragraphs, and the first line in the second one makes me laugh.
Not in regards to my own reality,...
............. but as for 'selling tourists/real estate to the masses in the world, on the basis of "improved security",... I think they got a long way to go before they start thinking they can 'go the way of the rest of the world' for the tourists' bucks.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Oct 2, 2007, 21:07:

In this regard, no,....no, no.. IT'S NOT! THE NEW PANAMA!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

miamimike says on Oct 2, 2007, 21:26:

For the life of me I can't understand why Colombia didn't move faster on attracting foreign Retirees. Great source of hard currency with little downside as Mexico, DR, Panama, Nicaruagua, Costa Rica and Honduras found out years ago. Hopefully they will really offer the same financial incentatives as these others. I think many many moons will be pass before it is the attraction Guadalajara, Mexico enjoys for American/Canadian Retirees so I wouldn't worry about it turning into "God's Waiting Room" or "Greenbench City" as St. Petersburg, Florida was formerly known as due the large number of elderly northern retirees found lounging around and on the 100s of metal greenbenches in Old Downtown St. Pete's. Now the Greenbenches are gone and the large elderly population has greatly decreased also. Security has greatly increased in Colombian cities but still too many stories about Murders, sequesters ect abound in many US Newspapers for it to attract large numbers of married American Retirees; these retirees may want a little excitement but not this type.

"You can take the Banana Out of the Republic but you Cannot take the Republic Out Of The Banana"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

john_stark says on Oct 2, 2007, 21:28:

As I have said before Colombia's only opportunity for attracting geezers is with Alzheimer's patients who have no idea where the hell they are anyway. Actually Colombia would be a good place for them.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Oct 2, 2007, 21:29:

If they got a big Convoy of them.. Al's Patients... I think they could scare the FARC off the map ;)

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Man Tequila says on Oct 2, 2007, 22:04:

Panama sucks. Viva Colombia, but not Gran Colombia. ;)

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

0 funny, 0 helpful.

RussianFred says on Oct 2, 2007, 22:14:

Miamimike, "For the life of me I can't understand why Colombia didn't move faster on attracting foreign Retirees. Great source of hard currency with little downside as Mexico, DR, Panama, Nicaruagua, Costa Rica and Honduras found out years ago. Hopefully they will really offer the same financial incentatives as these others".

I have four letters why Colombia can never be! F.A.R.C.

They could offer free trips and most America(99%) would not come! Ask an American 9 out of every 10 friends think they are nuts for visiting Colombia.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Oct 2, 2007, 22:23:

If I had a month off, I'd spend 2 weeks in Colombia, and then I'd go to Thailand.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

nine inch nails says on Oct 3, 2007, 06:00:

"I was in Panama City for a week. It is very expensive, hot, sweaty, and really is boring, but it does has some good U.S. franchised restaurants such as Bennington's."

To see the real Panama must get outside the city. Even the Panamanians I talked to in the city talk up the countryside and lively fiestas there. Plus Panama como Colombia has the indigenous and their cultures too. Even close to the city there is Amador causeway which is amazing to be out on esp. at night.

I like the whole band of countries from Colombia on up into the C.R.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

tampavallenato says on Oct 3, 2007, 09:13:

Ten years from now Colombia will be full of Americans. I'll bet anyone of you, Shall we say a Pilsen Beer or a beer of your choosing!!!!! There coming like it or not. The coast will be the first hit and then they will spread inland. Rising the price of everything as they go. Slapping down gobbs of american culture as they spread.

Ay Hombe!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mr. Hollywood says on Oct 3, 2007, 10:06:

I'm not that old and I remember being in Costa Rica when seeing another American was a VERY rare event. But Colombia really needs to put the violence to rest before it has any chance of becoming the next CR or Panama. You notice that El Salvador still hasn't exactly become a retirement heaven... Do you think it has something to do with the constant sound of gunfire at night?

The other big disadvantage compared to Mexico or even Panama is the expense and difficulty of going back and forth. Most expat retirees still have ties to the US or Canada.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Grateful Dead says on Oct 3, 2007, 10:24:

RussianFred : " Bored with America? Well Colombia is no America. Anyone bored with America must have their head examined. They come here for cheaper sex and a lower cost of living"

I can't understand why somebody would move to another country just for sex. I mean you can get sex in the states theres all kinds of gold diggers here. As far sa the lower cost of living yeah maybe but most likely not , it's like oh you are going to go live somewhere for cheap but your chances of getting kidnapped or killed increase by 90%

You guys Colombian women aren't THAT hot, You're gonna tell me the US doesn't have hot chicks ?

0 funny, 0 helpful.

tampavallenato says on Oct 3, 2007, 10:42:

Greatful Dead- how can you say Colombian Women aren't that hot. You ok ????? I worry for ya. I think Colombian Women are some of the prettiest women in the world. And yes the U.S. does have hot women but that would be on the outside. Scratch the surface and the ugly truths come out.
Mr. Hollywood- Let enough Americans start Going to Colombia and watch airfares Drop.

Ay Hombe!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Lowell says on Oct 3, 2007, 11:21:

The next few years will be interesting. In this moment some of the biggies in the drug world here have been put out of business. Money laundry operations are being discovered and shut down, the attitude of some Colombians is shifting away from the FARC, there seems to be an increased desire for their to be a solution to the resistance, more international goods are now imported, various types of crime have been reduced, a substantial and increasing amount of foreigners now reside in Colombia...

If this trend does continue, I don't see how Colombia could be missed by the increasing numberr of Expats and others looking for new living havens. Colombia is also too much of a jewel to be missed.

Panama is turning sour reaL quick, Costa Rica is getting bad press and El Salvador and Nicauragra are still a bit unsettled and Chavez is in the picture/involved. More plusses for Colombia.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Grateful Dead says on Oct 3, 2007, 11:39:

Tampavallenato :"Colombian women are some of the prettiest women in the world"

pictures ??

0 funny, 0 helpful.

tampavallenato says on Oct 3, 2007, 11:48:

Here is a web site for ya Greatful Dead www.pegateya.com

Ay Hombe!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

expatriate says on Oct 3, 2007, 13:19:

Don't they have great looking shoes?
Image and video hosting by TinyPic

You better take care of me Lord, if you don't you're gonna have me on your hands.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

tampavallenato says on Oct 3, 2007, 13:21:

Greatful , after I gave you that web site you got real quiet?

Ay Hombe!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

El Polo says on Oct 3, 2007, 13:23:

what a work of art!!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

expatriate says on Oct 3, 2007, 13:29:

Typical Cali girls.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

You better take care of me Lord, if you don't you're gonna have me on your hands.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

tampavallenato says on Oct 3, 2007, 13:40:

OH MY!!!!!!!!!!

Ay Hombe!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Grateful Dead says on Oct 3, 2007, 14:16:

Tampavallenato :Greatful , after I gave you that web site you got real quiet?

Oh I just got back from Lunch ,

yeah your'e right theres some fucking hot chicks there, see the thing is that my cousins are Colombian and growing up I had all kinds of guys always telling me how hot my cousins were right, so it was like wait man those are my cousins I don't look at them in that way , so when I see other Colombian chicks I get a deja' vu like oh man those could be my cousins and then I feel like pervert.

lol

0 funny, 0 helpful.

gabolicious says on Oct 3, 2007, 14:42:

mmm esa foto de expatriate me recuerda a Sabrina Sabrok, una Argentina que vive en mexico con unas tetas màs grandes que un balón de basquetbol, solo ingresen a google y pongan sabrina Sabrina mexico y veràn.... talla 42XXX

=P

Elección no canonización....

0 funny, 0 helpful.

webmanco says on Oct 3, 2007, 14:54:

Tampavallenato :"Colombian women are some of the prettiest women in the world"

Not only that, but they (Colombian women) know how to score as well.

No hay extremo cierto o verdadero, porque los extremos opacan, enruedan, (lavan cerebros) verdades. Yotas

0 funny, 0 helpful.

tampavallenato says on Oct 3, 2007, 15:13:

One scored me . Or should I say I scored her or Just maybe we scored each other. I never been happier and she feels the same way. We been happy 7 years. Tho I'm advised on here (pbh) that shes only using me and will be leaving any day.

Ay Hombe!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Oct 3, 2007, 15:20:

expatriate! good 2 C U R still breathing.... I especially like the 'shoes' on the right ;)

0 funny, 0 helpful.

webmanco says on Oct 3, 2007, 15:33:

Not too white for me. With or without "pepueca". That would do it.

No hay extremo cierto o verdadero, porque los extremos opacan, enruedan, (lavan cerebros) verdades. Yotas

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Medellin Traveler says on Oct 3, 2007, 18:10:

"The next few years will be interesting. In this moment some of the biggies in the drug world here have been put out of business. Money laundry operations are being discovered and shut down, the attitude of some Colombians is shifting away from the FARC, there seems to be an increased desire for their to be a solution to the resistance, more international goods are now imported, various types of crime have been reduced, a substantial and increasing amount of foreigners now reside in Colombia...

If this trend does continue, I don't see how Colombia could be missed by the increasing numberr of Expats and others looking for new living havens. Colombia is also too much of a jewel to be missed.

Panama is turning sour reaL quick, Costa Rica is getting bad press and El Salvador and Nicauragra are still a bit unsettled and Chavez is in the picture/involved. More plusses for Colombia." - Lowell

Good post. I had a one day layover in Panama on my recent trip to Medellin and don't know how anyone could want to live in that HEAT!!!

Colombia is in Transformation. Mexico is fast becoming one of the deadlist citys, Panam is too HOT, Costa Rica is a dump, and I would not even consider El Salavador and Nicauragra.

If that law passes, look out!!

Here I come Medellin, Colombia!!

Discover Medellin, Antioquia - Colombia www.medellintraveler.com

0 funny, 0 helpful.

miamimike says on Oct 3, 2007, 20:35:

This Picture and news article is one reason(big) why Colombia will not be a mainstream American retirement Mecca for many moons. WHEN PHOTOS LIKE THIS STOP APPEARING IN AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS, Maybe then,,,

http://www.miamiherald.com/915/story/259092.html

"You can take the Banana Out of the Republic but you Cannot take the Republic Out Of The Banana"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

lpdiver says on Oct 3, 2007, 20:41:

Long may they keep appearing. Too many gringos will ruin the paradise that is Colombia.

t

Remember what the monkey says, "Fuck money it's free"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

christobeldawg says on Oct 3, 2007, 20:50:

just asking, why do you consider it a paradise, as it is now? Everything, every place changes, over time. I'm not arguing, just asking.

traveling hopefully is always better than arriving

0 funny, 0 helpful.

lpdiver says on Oct 3, 2007, 20:54:

dawg...I am too lazy to make a good reply tonight. It will be appearing soon in its own thread titled something like..."Why in the world do you want to go live in a third world country?"

The short answer is that I like the person that I become. The long answer will be in the thread and is about four pages and growning...

t

Remember what the monkey says, "Fuck money it's free"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

christobeldawg says on Oct 3, 2007, 20:57:

I asked someone there, someone Colombian, but who spent many years in the US, which country he preferred. He said only that he felt more alive in Colombia.
I want to see your thread. Can you do some tight editing first? jaja

traveling hopefully is always better than arriving

0 funny, 0 helpful.

lpdiver says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:04:

dawg,

there will be no editing. I have always felt a strong pull to live there since my first visit in 2001. I was working in nearby Aruba. I have been struggling with the question my own self. I am pretty much a fly by the seat of my pants person; but, felt I owed it to myself to answer the question.

I prepared myself to investigate this ahead of time before my recent vacation. It is easy to love a place staying in a hotel and living off of room service. This trip I stayed with relatives in the low stratos ( 1 and 2 ). I still love Colombia (even more) and have my answers!

Of course one of the things that makes it a paradise (for me anyway) is the lack of gringos and gringo mentality. On my recent three week vacation I ran across four gringos. One in the candelaria and three at el penol. All in all it was about four too many.

Maybe I'll post the topic this weekend.

t

Remember what the monkey says, "Fuck money it's free"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

tampavallenato says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:12:

lpdiver - Put your beer where your mouth is , bet ya a six pack that in 10 years lots and lots of gringos in Colombia. Is it a bet ? All beers in this bet no matter who wins shal be drank together in Colombia hanging out. Vallanato music playing in the background optional.

Ay Hombe!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

christobeldawg says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:12:

allright then, if you post, we'll check it out. thanks

traveling hopefully is always better than arriving

0 funny, 0 helpful.

lpdiver says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:32:

tampa tampa tampa...It has to be aguardiente antequeno. Only gringos drink beer here.

Besides if the trend continues with Colombians moving to EEUU and Gringos moving to Colombia...hmmm Maybe THE USA will become the Nuevo Colombia?
t

Remember what the monkey says, "Fuck money it's free"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

tampavallenato says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:34:

Sorry bro but I fell in love with Pilsen beer but I will amend the bet to the drink of your choosing. You want in?

Ay Hombe!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

christobeldawg says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:40:

I noticed that most of the local don't drink beer like the US visitors. they all drink the hard stuff.

traveling hopefully is always better than arriving

0 funny, 0 helpful.

lpdiver says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:42:

Okay tampa but we gotta go to a salsa joint. I can't speak spanish or dance but after proper imbibation I am fluent in both.

t

Remember what the monkey says, "Fuck money it's free"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

tampavallenato says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:43:

Lots of pressure Living in Colombia I think. Migh need the hard stuff.

Ay Hombe!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

lpdiver says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:44:

No pressure at all for this gringo...I just try to get along.

t

Remember what the monkey says, "Fuck money it's free"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

christobeldawg says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:48:

no like bein called gringo

traveling hopefully is always better than arriving

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:49:

"""if the trend continues with Colombians moving to EEUU""" ......believe me, tony, it ain't going to happen OVER NIGHT.... 'esperando por siempre'..... jajja

0 funny, 0 helpful.

christobeldawg says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:50:

what would you like to be called if traveling outside your country? behind your back, of course.

traveling hopefully is always better than arriving

0 funny, 0 helpful.

christobeldawg says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:53:

instead of seeing people as individuals, and respecting them as such.

traveling hopefully is always better than arriving

0 funny, 0 helpful.

tampavallenato says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:53:

I was taking about the Pressure of what Girl should I date. Should I be loyal to my wife . Should I be loyal to my girlfriend or wife and girlfriend for some.

Ay Hombe!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:54:

come on Jim; you were called almost a few things worst than that this afternoon ! jjaj

"We Need More Mods"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

lpdiver says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:55:

Hell...I have surrounded myself with so many latin people that at the parties they come to meet the "gringo".

t

Remember what the monkey says, "Fuck money it's free"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:55:

?"Should I be loyal to my girlfriend or wife and girlfriend for some.?"

I think you too are being infected by la campina

0 funny, 0 helpful.

tampavallenato says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:55:

I accept your bet lpdiver and anyone else who wants in.

Ay Hombe!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

tampavallenato says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:57:

It's pressure man !!!!!!!!!

Ay Hombe!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:57:

tony's got it right; no pressure. take (the passive/aggressive) advantage of being a gringo in Colombia... I really don't think it's so difficult.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

lpdiver says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:58:

tampa...I have already lost my friend. Read my original post, I told you I ran across four gringos on my last vacation...There are already tons of gringos in Colombia.

t

Remember what the monkey says, "Fuck money it's free"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

tampavallenato says on Oct 3, 2007, 22:00:

Fine Im buying Next time I'm in Medellin.

Ay Hombe!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

christobeldawg says on Oct 3, 2007, 22:01:

so call me a gringo but I will not call people from SA names when they visit here. As far as more outsiders in Colombia, no brainer, there will be, if the security issues continue to improve. If not, there will not be.

traveling hopefully is always better than arriving

0 funny, 0 helpful.

lpdiver says on Oct 3, 2007, 22:01:

Hmmm I lose the bet and you buy...I like it!!!

Remember what the monkey says, "Fuck money it's free"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

tampavallenato says on Oct 3, 2007, 22:02:

Hate to kick a guy while he's down ! Wish I was wrong I really do but I hear the faint call in the distance " the gringos are coming the gringos are coming".

Ay Hombe!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

tampavallenato says on Oct 3, 2007, 22:03:

The call will only get louder and louder.

Ay Hombe!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

lpdiver says on Oct 3, 2007, 22:05:

Nah that is just the putas getting ready at the white house in Pereira!!!

t

Remember what the monkey says, "Fuck money it's free"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

eywed says on Oct 3, 2007, 22:18:

Only time will tell!

Ay Hombe!!!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Lowell says on Oct 4, 2007, 06:43:

They all use it even my wife when on the phone. When the person on the other end of the line asks who they're talking to she'll say "Es Celiana, esposa de gringo", sisterinlaw, gringi, other sisterinlaw, pienche (sp way off) gringo or gringo loco or gringo frejolero....

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

webmanco says on Oct 4, 2007, 10:15:

Nada mejor que estar en la mata. De donde salen todas estas hermosuras, no solo eso sino gozar de los frutos.

No hay extremo cierto o verdadero, porque los extremos opacan, enruedan, (lavan cerebros) verdades. Yotas

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mr. Hollywood says on Oct 4, 2007, 10:32:

How many gringos in a ton, anyway?

0 funny, 0 helpful.

lpdiver says on Oct 4, 2007, 10:36:

What kind of ton. US ton about nine...;0

t

Remember what the monkey says, "Fuck money it's free"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mr. Hollywood says on Oct 4, 2007, 12:12:

You raise a good question, I suppose. What IS the proper measurement unit for Gringos. Metric ton, US ton, a gaggle, a flock...?

Curious why someone above said that Panama has turned sour? What's wrong with Panama?

I was there recently and, while I would rush to live in Panama City, the country as a whole seemed really nice and easygoing without the stress levels of Colombia.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

eywed says on Oct 4, 2007, 18:07:

The Proper Measurement for too many gringos is when there are so many they start driving up the price of everything and start putting up american stuff everywhere so a colombian city looks just like an american city.

Ay Hombe!!!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

jimmydls05 says on Oct 20, 2007, 21:33:

Did the Colombian Congress vote on this yet?

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Oct 21, 2007, 00:08:

Some more good reasons to make Colombia your new home:

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Oct 21, 2007, 00:27:

Need more?

0 funny, 0 helpful.

john_stark says on Oct 21, 2007, 14:38:

"Ten years from now Colombia will be full of Americans."

I'll bet you a frigging case of beer and we can make 20 years or 30 years, it doesn't matter. In the minds of Americans, Colombia is right there with Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran and Libya as vacation destinations. It would take at least one generation of a peaceful Colombia which is not the world's leading producer of cocaine for this mind set to change. Is that going to happen? Not in my lifetime. And that's just the way I like it.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

john_stark says on Oct 21, 2007, 14:40:

You can plaster pictures of hot Colombia chicks all over the web - it's not going to change anyone's opinion. The sex tourists are discovering Colombia but that's pretty much it. And let's face it, any gringo with game doesn't need to go to Colombia to get chucha - it's just losers who can't do any better and end up with some chick they can't even understand. Just for some chucha?

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Oct 21, 2007, 14:48:

know, really j_s; she's my sewlmate, 2... ;) jejjej

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Man Tequila says on Oct 21, 2007, 16:15:

It will be a long time before significant numbers of Americans come to Colombia. I do wonder where John Stark met his wife, though.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

pedro says on Oct 21, 2007, 16:25:

He used the servicio a domicilio.

"this may seem a strange post but it is not...when in colombia men need to be aware that colombia women may try to be seductive and entice a travelling gringo to have sex with them..to be forewarned is to be forearmed..." -- pow wow

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Oct 21, 2007, 18:55:

maybe he met her in the 'old panama' ;)

0 funny, 0 helpful.

john_stark says on Oct 21, 2007, 21:29:

I had her built to order on www.realdoll.com. My very own Monica Bellucci.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

bickerss says on Oct 22, 2007, 11:43:

Colombia is the fastest growing backpacker destination in sth / central america. All the talk is about colombia. Everyone I saw in Ecuador was heading there. Colombia is / will be the next big thing tourism wise. Look how many backpackers are there now compared to three years ago. 3 new hostels nera p lleres alone with another coming - they are always full.

Investment Strategy - buying when others are crying!! Offloading when others are gloating!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mr. Hollywood says on Oct 22, 2007, 11:52:

How do you quantify "fastest growing"?

Maybe by percentage, as going from almost zero to even a couple hundred backpackers is impressive by that measure. But no way is Colombia even approaching the rounding error in backpacker visits to places like Guatemala, Peru, Brazil...

0 funny, 0 helpful.

billyb says on Oct 22, 2007, 12:50:

How much does the average backpacker leave behind to the local economy? $10/day? And half that is for weed. You need tourists that will actually spend something.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

bickerss says on Oct 23, 2007, 06:25:

It is not approaching those countries yet in terms of tourists, but I personally think it will in the years ahead (assuming continued stabilisation of the security situation). It is getting a lot of press including documentaries (watched on ehere on the travel channel last night), investment articles, more interest in Cartagena, Ciudad Perdida. Backpackers are the start, other types of tourist will follow.

Investment Strategy - buying when others are crying!! Offloading when others are gloating!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

billyb says on Oct 23, 2007, 06:27:

I guess you are right, they are the ones who get the word of mouth buzz going.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Oct 23, 2007, 22:35:

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Oct 23, 2007, 22:35:

yeah, but they are a 'breed apart'.
not mainstream.
I think the backpackin crowd could grow much more significantly in the next few years ahead, as opposed to the more conventional group of tourists (in Colombia)
jus my thoughts.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

jimmydls05 says on Aug 10, 2008, 19:29:

Any news concerning the financial incentives?

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Aug 10, 2008, 21:30:

j_s: " I like Colombia the way it is, lawless, criminal and violent."..... And, slower than the Old South, when it comes to getting stuff done/working.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

christobeldawg says on Aug 10, 2008, 22:09:

gs never thought, in this lifetime, that I would find a place more slow in getting basic, obvious things done than than in the south, but I have found it. maybe you and I are the problem, somehow.

traveling hopefully is always better than arriving

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Aug 10, 2008, 23:20:

that's why I moved down here...
might be why I move to Colombia ;-))

0 funny, 0 helpful.