COLOMBIAN HOUSE RULES

scotty says on Jul 10, 2007, 00:42:

Just be polite, dont stare, stay off side streets, speak basic spanish, and have fun.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

miamimike says on Jul 10, 2007, 01:17:

Don't leave too big of Tips!

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 01:36:

Hi Cangura

The best impression you can make is by trying to learn as much spanish as possible...and in six months you should learn quite a bit...you will probably surprise yourself! Start practicing now!

Also try to be involved with other members of the family and help out around the house (even though they won't let you!) , even when you don't speak the language you can make a positive impression with eye contact and smiling etc and being interested and appreciative in what is happenng around you.

You will be made to feel welcome and special as you are their guest...

That is my experience, there are no special customs (that I know of) but I like Rubito's tip about the fried chicken! When you are not sure what to do in a situation like that well you have your boyfriend to ask just generally do what the other's are doing getting drunk
Let us know how it goes....

Chao
Mona

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 02:01:

OMG I was going to say "do what others are doing EXCEPT FOR getting drunk"!!!!
and I deleted the first part

I need another coffee

jajaja

Shame on me!!!!!!!!!!!

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 02:05:

Rubito I know colombians who insist eating fried chicken with a knife and fork, mind you they do get made fun of by the other's who dont "Ay no pues tan fino" jeheh

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 02:09:

jaja you remind me of my friends some of them pick up the bone and say "Mira eso, !que desperdicio!"

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

Peter (Moderator) says on Jul 10, 2007, 02:43:

Just treat them as a somewhat conservative family-in-law. In other words, be nice. Don't offer to help with the dishes as they'll have someone to do that probably. They will offer to pay for EVERYTHING as you are their guest. They might fill your schedule (visits everywhere), and you might not like that (you might want to do some stuff yourself), so discuss it with your bf first. In general, family is VERY important in Colombia, so you'll be expected to visit grandparents multiple times and so on. Good luck!

Poor but snappy

Peter (Moderator) says on Jul 10, 2007, 02:44:

Also, I hope you're not vegetarian :)

Poor but snappy

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 02:50:

Peter is so right about the filling your schedule thing, that could be a problem and it definately was for me, maybe you could plan a trip for the two of you beforehand as 6 months is a long time!!

I agree with everything Peter said, especially wanting to pay for everything for you..

If your boyfriend has sisters your age that would be nice...

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

kat1 (Moderator) says on Jul 10, 2007, 03:01:

main thing be sociable...and stay clean jejejje :))))

engage brain before opening mouth

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 03:10:

Kat you said something I wanted to say but I don't want to offend anyone, it's just that when i went to Colombia one thing I wish someone had told me how to dress over there! As soon as I got there I got a new wardobe (good excuse jeje)

Colombians are extremely clean and that won't be a problem as I am sure you are Canguro but you should have a pedicure and manicure before you go without a doubt, make sure you have nice outfits and shoes as colombian women are always looking great every time they step out of the door, matching shoes/bag, hair "done", nails "done" and some make up or even lipstick and smelling divine!

It's just that we western women could learn alot from the colombian women when it comes to taking care of yourself....

Mind you I was in Cali, but I am sure it's the same in other parts too, Kat?

Mona

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

kat1 (Moderator) says on Jul 10, 2007, 03:20:

yes is all the same, people have showers everyday and change clothes everyday too,
I have noticed that many foreigners don't use deodorant, well i must advice everyone please DO!!!!

we are not BO friendly jijiji

engage brain before opening mouth

kat1 (Moderator) says on Jul 10, 2007, 03:21:

And if you have long hair it's ok as long as you keep it clean :))

engage brain before opening mouth

Cerealkiller says on Jul 10, 2007, 03:25:

I have noticed, however, that its women in warmer cities who are very vain. What Mona describes is like a general rule in Cali, everyone does their nails and wears mathching shoes and purse. In bogota however, I have never seen such thing, if its not for something special people wont dress up. I have had breakfast in my pj bottoms at Crepes in Parque 93 and no one bats an eyelid...have been to unicentro in chanclas and havent gotten odd looks...I have NEVER worn shorts in bogota though because i know that is almost scandalous. But in general people in bogota are extremely casual but only if its before midday...after 12pm you just have to look decent.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 03:29:

Jajajaj

yes people in London (ojo not all) have a reputation with the colombians for being "cochinos" dirty

I am sure people in Australia are not like that?

Deoderant is essential

Mona

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

Cangura says on Jul 10, 2007, 03:37:

Finger lickin' good advice, thank you!

Rubito, what's a "mozza stick"?

I've found that since being with my boyfriend I've started putting my outfits together and wearing makeup and heels, but I still dress quite conservatively. I know many Colombian women here in Australia and they seem to dress more provocatively.

I'm curious about the toilet situation, I know you're not meant to flush the paper, so what happens to it? Do you wrap it in other paper?

Cerealkiller says on Jul 10, 2007, 03:44:

nooo you just throw it in the bin. If there is no bin then you flush it.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 03:44:

Cangura,

I now dress differently too ;-) but I wouldn't say provocatively, you will see what I mean when you are in Colombia because sometimes the colombiana's in other countries do not represent the colombiana's in Colombia, of course there are women who dress provocatively and those who don't, it doesn't have to be in your face sexy just make sure you look feminine, there are alot of women in Colombia who dress conservatively and very femenine as well....

Mona

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

Cangura says on Jul 10, 2007, 03:44:

Australians wear deoderant, it's too hot not to, but for many that's the extent of their grooming. People generally dress very casually. Going to work on the train in the morning, many people still have wet hair, mismatched clothes, sneakers, and no makeup - and this is for the office. Australia is pretty relaxed when it comes to dress standards.

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 03:47:

Cangura,

Totally opposite in Colombia!

It's good that you know so you can be prepared...

Mona

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

kat1 (Moderator) says on Jul 10, 2007, 04:27:

you don't have to dress provocatively, but maybe smart and casual, example jeans are ok with t-shirt and an a nice jacket, many women in Bogota wear boots or high heels you will see very few in trainers
people go to work dressing very smart.

engage brain before opening mouth

elmodefoque says on Jul 10, 2007, 05:04:

mira cordoba, cuando es que llegas a beautiful new jersey?

over 5 million colombianos in USA and only 27 barranquilleros, i'm one.Curramba, el mejor vividero del mundo!

miamimike says on Jul 10, 2007, 05:04:

Make sure you have a Clean Ball Cap, eh Kat? LOL

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

miamimike says on Jul 10, 2007, 05:09:

If you are going out for Pizza, you may want to don a hat like this; if your Spanish isn't up to speed, just point to your head and there will be no mistaking what your order will be; http://www.hatsinthebelfry.com/hatstore/prods/1908.html

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

Philly says on Jul 10, 2007, 05:13:

Just be you. My wife family loves me for being me

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 05:22:

Philly is right, but if you want to feel comfortable and make that all important first impression dress, grooming and manners are essential, the rest as in your personality is you being yourself and not feeling pressured to impress

Sorry to say but it's ok for a man to be "himself" in that sense, but not for a woman, it's just the way it is....

Mona

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

kat1 (Moderator) says on Jul 10, 2007, 05:55:

you mean Newark?

I will arriving to Newark airport i=on the 24 of July at 1:30 pm i think?.... :))))))

engage brain before opening mouth

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 05:56:

Kat do you know how I can change my pic, I have been trying to upload a new one and I haven't had any success yet..

Mona

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

Tinto (Moderator) says on Jul 10, 2007, 06:04:

From the archives:

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/things-not-to-do/

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/top-things-to-dosee-in-colombia/

kat1 (Moderator) says on Jul 10, 2007, 06:06:

Mona go to your profile, click where it say pictures, reset the one you got on browse for the one you want to display and upload it :)))

engage brain before opening mouth

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 06:11:

GIB - yeah right!!

Kat I did that and it says picture uploaded but it just reverts to the old one...

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

kat1 (Moderator) says on Jul 10, 2007, 06:12:

it takes a bit of time to change just wait.. :)))

engage brain before opening mouth

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 06:15:

Ok let's wait and see.....

Mona

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

kat1 (Moderator) says on Jul 10, 2007, 06:22:

yeah keep everybody in suspense :))))

engage brain before opening mouth

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 06:24:

Jijijij

but it's taking quite a while.....

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 06:24:

Jijijij

but it's taking quite a while.....

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 06:45:

GIB I just tried and nada

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

Desideria (Moderator) says on Jul 10, 2007, 07:06:

For me it took two days, Mona...
Cheers,
Desi
Peter said click refresh a few times

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 07:07:

Ah ok Desi gracias amiga

y que viva cali

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 07:08:

Hey the refresh thing worked! At least on my account page it did....

Cheers Desi!!

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

analyzethis1 says on Jul 10, 2007, 07:51:

Kat, La_Mona: Hear! Hear! Great advice/tips for Cangura. I wished I had known some of these tips especially the dressing up part. I, too, am a very casual dresser: shorts and shirts. So it was a huge adjustment for me to wear anything longer than shorts when in Bogota. For the life of me, I couldn't wear anything higher than the soles of my running shoes or flip flops. The only pair I can wear without spraining my ankles are my cowboy boots! Oh how I wanted to wear them soooo much but not in the city!

And makeup? I lucked out. I didn't have to wear much...only my lip gloss and mascara and that was it.

Oh and most importantly, sorry to be so specific for everyone else, but if you use them, bring your own supply of TP (no, not toilet paper...the other ones:-) For some reason, correct me if I'm wrong ladies, but it's not popular usage amongst most Colombianas? Evident also buy the small selections offered at supermarkets.

There are two kinds of gratitude: The sudden kind we feel for what we receive, and the larger kind we feel for what we give. E.A. Robinson

Cerealkiller says on Jul 10, 2007, 07:55:

Analyzethis, I have never had any problems getting them. Maybe in smaller towns? I dont know...You can find them at any carrefour, exito, fedco...

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

analyzethis1 says on Jul 10, 2007, 07:59:

I agree that you can get them BUT they're not the slender ones you know? I bought 3 different kinds and they were all thick which is fine for the first couple of days I guess. But one thing I loved were the liners. They came in all forms and sizes. I guess for the type of jeans women wear down there, it makes sense, eh?!

There are two kinds of gratitude: The sudden kind we feel for what we receive, and the larger kind we feel for what we give. E.A. Robinson

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 08:00:

analyzethis1 - thanks- when I went to colombia and a load of people were waiting for us at the airport, when I seen the other ladies, I said to myself ok so tomorrow I will be shopping!

I love heels but I am trying not to wear them too much, but one can look nice in flat sandals, pesqueros (you know the 3/4 length) jeans or pantalones and a nice top? It doesn't have to be too much of an effort :-) but anyway you look great in those shorts!

Make up mostly slides off in Cali anyway, but mascara and lip gloss is an absaloute essential! If you have frizzy hair bring some good products too...

About the TP situation, I wouldn't know I don't like 'em!

This is so girly!

Mona

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

analyzethis1 says on Jul 10, 2007, 08:02:

jajaja! I know! Isn't it great?! It's about time don't ya think?!

There are two kinds of gratitude: The sudden kind we feel for what we receive, and the larger kind we feel for what we give. E.A. Robinson

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 08:04:

Yeah but the guys shouldn't be able to see our "tips" jajajaja

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

analyzethis1 says on Jul 10, 2007, 08:21:

It'll be a good thing for them. They could learn some tlc tips when it comes to women!

There are two kinds of gratitude: The sudden kind we feel for what we receive, and the larger kind we feel for what we give. E.A. Robinson

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 08:28:

Yeah their girlfriends will be wondering why they are so kind, considerate and romantic lately - due to the training and guidance of the PBH girls...

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

podborski says on Jul 10, 2007, 08:56:

OK I'm just going to ignore those last 10 or so comments...

But I wanted to say it does seem very important (for women anyway) to leave the house looking, I dunno the way to say it, put together?

I was at my gf's apartment and she got into a big argument with her mom, who wanted to leave the house without PROPERLY brushing her hair. She looked ok to me, but my gf said she looked like a 'loca'.

It was a long argument, and in the end my gf said fine, go ahead, but I'm never going to tell you again when you look horrible.

So mom relented and went to brush her hair, and said please tell me when I look bad.

I'll never understand mother-daughter relationships, in Colombia or out.

podborski says on Jul 10, 2007, 08:57:

BTW, nice pic LM : )

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 09:06:

Pod: jajaja que parecia una loca!! L pobre suegra... You see what I mean, you get like that when you are over there, it takes me much longer to get ready over there than here...

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

Desideria (Moderator) says on Jul 10, 2007, 09:28:

My mother-in-law (gods bless her soul) never liked my laid-back style of dressing; shorts, jeans, tees, sandals, hair in a ponytail , almost no make-up. She like me as a person, however, and we got along very well.

She told me that I wasn't expected to have any taste or know how to dress, afterall, I was not a Colombiana, but a GRINGA!

My advice number 1 as for House Rules in Colombia: Make the Mum your ally and your best friend. After that, everything else is a dance on roses.

Cheers,
Desi

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 09:34:

Desi-

Now that is wisdom, can you please tell us ALL how to do that?

Just joking ....My suegra is lovely ....

Mona

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

Desideria (Moderator) says on Jul 10, 2007, 10:04:

Yeah, that's easy. Give her a couple of blue-eyed, blonde grandchildren. She'll be delighted with you.

Or, serve your BF/hubby breakfast in bed. But only once, when you guys sleep over at the suegros.

Follow her example when she talks about how decisions are takenin the house. Smile demurely and say: "My husband/BF has decided...." while in the reality it's you, of course, but give him the credit in front of your suegra.

There's more....

Cheers,
Desi

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 10:09:

Uy Desi

Definitivamente, la voz de la experiencia....

If Canguro is blonde and blue eyed that's a bonus then...

That is classic, "Smile demurely and say: "My husband/BF has decided...." while in the reality it's you, of course, but give him the credit in front of your suegra."

Contigo aprenderemos....

Mona

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

Man Tequila says on Jul 10, 2007, 11:03:

Use the plastic gloves to eat your fried chicken. ;)

When in Colombia do as the Colombians do. Manners and presentation are very important.

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)

miamimike says on Jul 10, 2007, 11:08:

Hey GIB--How would this Hat go over in Bogota? Again, if you don't speak the Langauge--just point to your Head!

http://www.hatsinthebelfry.com/hatstore/prods/19722.html

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 11:08:

GIB and MT;

Have you guys ever had a "hamburgruesa" en Cali? I only got through half of mine and thanks goodness they had a lot of plastic foil around it otherwise I really would have had to use the cutlery or plastic gloves, it has piña, papitas and a load of stuff....

Mona

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

waltzer says on Jul 10, 2007, 12:07:

bloody hell if i knew all of these rules on clothing i wouldnt have had so much trouble

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 12:12:

Waltzer that's why we're helping Cangura, so that's she is prepared 100%

Mona

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

Desideria (Moderator) says on Jul 10, 2007, 12:26:

The ladies I was chatting with here, rubito, are smart enough to know that my advice is given tongue-in-cheek. Yet they know that when two people of dirrerent cultures meet you do have to "make nice", ok, perhaps not you, but most everybody sees it as a give and take. Everything else would be intolerably arrogant. I'am no less true to myself if I show some social courtesy to avoid a direct confrontation or a collision with somebody as important as my husband's mother, in their country, in their culture. Actually, since we were both quite young when we met we kind of just got adjusted to each other without making such an issue oit of everything. I became a little Colombian, he became a little European .

There is no such thing as "one's true self", we are not monoliths but our personality and way of thinking evolves with new environments, new cultures, new experiences. I add to my "true self" but almost never take anything away. It becomes like an onion, layer on layer.

I never actually did any of those things I was telling the girls here, except giving birth to two (blond) babies, pride and joy of their grandparents. Yes, the grandparents thought they were lovely, there weren't so many other blond babies around, we used to kid about them and wonder who was the daddy because I'm not that blonde myself. I believe that because my mother-in-law had German blood in her and was hazel-eyes, white and had light brown hair herself she was happy that the family remblence was carried on and strengthened. Call it racism, if you want. We all have our preferences.

Cheers,
Desi

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

Frank Rizzo says on Jul 10, 2007, 14:41:

La Mona, be careful of those Colombian hamburgers, word is unless you can tell for sure, it might be worms.........................

LA_MONA says on Jul 10, 2007, 14:43:

eeew!

jajaja no this one was the real deal, I am not into burgers but apparently had to try this one!

Are you trying to scare canguro jajaja malo

Mona

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

Cerealkiller says on Jul 10, 2007, 15:01:

Ive heard the worm story before. People used to say the Corral ones were made with worms...but even if they are...I remember those being the best ones ever.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

houstongal says on Jul 10, 2007, 15:02:

I was once having lunch at El Corral with colleagues and saw a young couple eating with plastic gloves on (like the ones food workers wear). It was quite a sight. At our table (I'm the only gringa) one used a knife and fork, the women tend to eat with the wrapper on, and the men ate unwrapped burgers with their hands. Quite a diverse manner of eating.

At my company's office in Bogota, it was pretty formal. Suits and ties for the men. The women wore suits as well. But on Fridays, it was jeans day and I felt overdressed in a jacket and slacks.

Culture is language and language is culture - Dr. Annamaria Napolitano

podborski says on Jul 10, 2007, 17:23:

Rock Garden is bloody expensive! But I'll probably go there anyway.

I just had the 2 best bowls of home made ajiaco ever. I think I'm getting into 'mom's' good books.

houstongal says on Jul 10, 2007, 19:38:

Pod - Does that mean things are going OK with the gf?

Culture is language and language is culture - Dr. Annamaria Napolitano

podborski says on Jul 10, 2007, 20:02:

Hi Hg, yes, I tried to be a player for a few days and when that didn't exactly work I went running back to the nice girl, jaja.

I won't get lucky but at least I'll be well fed for the rest of my stay!

houstongal says on Jul 10, 2007, 20:24:

pod, it must be that you're just a nice boy through and through.

Culture is language and language is culture - Dr. Annamaria Napolitano

podborski says on Jul 10, 2007, 20:51:

I was only there once rubito, I just recall whatever I ordered being more than the Pub, which is pretty damn expensive.

I'll give it another look and report back.

podborski says on Jul 10, 2007, 20:56:

Not true HG! I'm quite capable of being a bad boy, it just takes a LOT of alcohol to get me there.

podborski says on Jul 10, 2007, 21:03:

about Rock garden, I don't think it's way out of line for ZR, but I was surprised it was not cheaper than the long established competition. But they of course don't have live music.

(BTW, just saw the hamburgueseria opened a new spot on parque 93.)

In general, things seem very expensive here now...but Ã? do tend to eat at expensive places just out of habit.

Still, I would say BsAs is clearly less expensive now than Bogotá. And the number of high end BMWs and Lexus' running around here is astonishing.

A lot of people are making a lot of money here it seems, but what the hell are they doing to make it?

Cangura says on Jul 10, 2007, 23:20:

I won't be able to count on potential blond haired, blue eyed infants to ingratiate me, as I have olive skin, brown hair and eyes. Many people mistake me for Italian.

Desi, you said "serve your BF/hubby breakfast in bed", would this really make a good impression? Australian mothers would likely think I was a pushover or desperate if I tried it here.

miamimike says on Jul 11, 2007, 01:10:

After you use the Bathroom in a Colombian's Home, ALWAYS leave the door open,,,

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

Cerealkiller says on Jul 11, 2007, 01:20:

Pod, I hope youre not really expecting an answer to that question, Ill give you a clue, its the same thing that happened during the 80's. Lets just say bussiness is doing good...

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

Cerealkiller says on Jul 11, 2007, 02:07:

LMAO rubito, you got it right. I wonder how long will it last...

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

Desideria (Moderator) says on Jul 11, 2007, 02:12:

Cangura, it was tongue-in-cheek. My mother-in-law complained once that I didn't serve my husband breakfast in bed like her other daughter-in-law did with her hubby. We told her that we had a maid and woke up every morning to served breakfast. He also said that if he had wanted a maid for a wife he would've married one...

Babies don't really have to be blond or blue-eyed either...just babies. That's a big hit with Colombian mothers-in-law, heck, ANY mothers-in-law.

Cheers,
Desi

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

Cangura says on Jul 11, 2007, 02:18:

Sounds like you have a good man Desi. :-)

I just received an e-mail from his family, would someone please be able to translate it? I've tried internet translators but they're falling a bit short...

"Querida (my name)

Recibe un saludo especial y un fuerte abrazo de (names of his family).

Te agradecemos a tu familia y a ti por tu hospitalidad, solidaridad y orientacion para con nuestro hijo.

Andres es una persona muy especial que eligio viajar a Australia en busca de un mejor futuro, conocer nuevas culturas y proyectarse como profesional; conto siempre con nuestro apoyo por que para nosotros es de vital importancia que nuestro hijos maduren con responsabilidad ante los retos que les da la vida.

(My name) te esperamos en colombia como se espera a una nueva hija esta es tu casa y cuenta con el apoyo de nuestra familia brindandote un hogar de calidez, ayuda mutua y amar.

Esperamos que ustedes consoliden una vida con amor, respeto, tolerancia, y ayuda mutua y oi que estos factores son indispensables para conformar un hogar.

Estamos interesados en que nos mantengan informados sobre los detalles del viaje.

besos y abrazos de toda tu familia".

Thank you!

elmodefoque says on Jul 11, 2007, 05:43:

Guys, how many times do I have to repeat this?.
First of all, if you’re 6 years old then be concerned of your families reaction. But if you’re an adult, you should not give a flying crap what the fok they think.
Another thing, all visitors to Colombia from USA, Europe, Canada even Australia don’t even sweat it, Colombians will trip all over each other to make you feel welcome.
Now if your ass was coming from Haiti or Zimbawee, then is a whole different ball game

over 5 million colombianos in USA and only 27 barranquilleros, i'm one.Curramba, el mejor vividero del mundo!

Desideria (Moderator) says on Jul 11, 2007, 06:58:

What a lovely, lovely letter, cangura!
Your suegra sounds like a wonderful, warm, well-educated and open-minded person; I don't think you'll have anything to worry about. Lucky girl!

I won't try to translate the letter because I'm better translating English to Spanish than Spanish to English and there are many people here who will do much better job on it.

Elmo, a young woman from Australia coming to meet her future mother-in-law in Colombia will be well-adviced to know what kind of situation she is going to face. It's not the same thing as a pasty gringo (thought to have money) coming to Colombia to court a young girl from the poor barrios. Two totally different situations, two totally different persons; many, many possible variables , but probably a very favorable outcome for the young Australian.

Cheers,
Desi

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

elmodefoque says on Jul 11, 2007, 07:09:

a most favorable outcome i'm sure!!
come on desi, this young girl is gonna single handed put this colombian family way on top of the colombia social ladder.
Now if she was from haiti, they gonna stumble down that same ladder. si o no?

over 5 million colombianos in USA and only 27 barranquilleros, i'm one.Curramba, el mejor vividero del mundo!

elmodefoque says on Jul 11, 2007, 07:10:

listen i'm all about being real. I keeps it real!

over 5 million colombianos in USA and only 27 barranquilleros, i'm one.Curramba, el mejor vividero del mundo!

podborski says on Jul 11, 2007, 07:19:

great letter, I don't think you'd see such a nicely written welcome from a gringo family, even if the intention was the same.

(But then I also haven't had a gringa hand me the telephone to talk to her mother to assure her that I will 'look after' her daughter just before we jump into bed, as has happened to me more than once here in friendly Bogotá)

Desideria (Moderator) says on Jul 11, 2007, 07:24:

Elmo, I had a mother-in-law with a pride larger than a small town. There was NO woman, from anywhere who was good enough for her baby. The granddaughter of a German latifundista from Valle she had a stiffer upper lip than an English Lady. Along comes this little wisp of a girl, ponytails and wearing shorts and not a penny to her name and she was not happy. She accepted me only because her son would have disowned his family if she didn't. She came to like me, even to love me but it was a rocky road from the beginning. She didn't want any GRINGA for her son, but this plump girl from next door the only child of a wealthy businessman, whose parents were not only neighbours but also good friends of hers. That I brought "good" genes to the family was perhaps the only alleviating factor, after all we were both "European". I was an independent, headstrong girl who had her son helping in the house mopping and carrying market baskets and doing things that no son of hers should have been talked into. We became good friends but it took many years, lots of effort, lots of meeting half-way.

I kept it real with her for 12 years in Colombia and then after that, until she died. I miss her.

Cheers,
Desi

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

podborski says on Jul 11, 2007, 07:25:

OK, OK, CK and rubito, I know that's the obvious answer. Does it really explain ALL of what's going on here?

My gf just took me for a walk through a brand new neighbourhood (Sendera de colina or something like that) around 149 and the autopiste. Block after block of brand new apt buildings. Cost: 2 million a sq meter!

I mean, it's not a bad area, but it's not Rosales.

So ALL these people are employed in the perico business? Not that there is anything wrong with that ; )

podborski says on Jul 11, 2007, 07:47:

Ok, let me try my translation skills, although everyone else here is better, I have more spare time:

Dear -----,

(We hope/wish) you to receive a special greeting and a strong hug from all of us.

We appreciate the hospitality, solidarity and orientation that you and your family have shown our son.

Andre is a very special person who chose to travel to Australia in search of a better future, to learn new cultures, and to put himself forward as a professional; he can always count on our support because for us it is of vital importance that our son mature with responsibility in face of the punishments (can't think of the right word for reto) that life gives.

------ we wait for you in Colombia as we would wait for a new daughter. This is your house and you can count on the support of our family to bring you a home of warmth (quality?), mutual help and love.

We hope that you (meaning you and your bf) consolidate a life with love, respect, tolerance and mutual help, I hear that those factors are indispensable to make a home.

We are interested (we would like) that you (two) keep us informed over the details of the trip.

Hugs and kisses from the whole family

kat1 (Moderator) says on Jul 11, 2007, 08:09:

Desi you were the black sheep of the family :)) jijij

engage brain before opening mouth

elmodefoque says on Jul 11, 2007, 08:16:

black sheep?????? JIJIJIJJJJJI i doubt it very much, NOT in colombia anyway.
Maybe they just pretendet not to find you good enough or your mother in law was the only ONE in 43 Million colombian (how many colombians) to feel that way

over 5 million colombianos in USA and only 27 barranquilleros, i'm one.Curramba, el mejor vividero del mundo!

Frank Rizzo says on Jul 11, 2007, 08:33:

Pod, If it's real nice 2 million a meter is not bad at all. Custom, custom can go for 4 million easy in the right place. Now that's the waterfall wall w/spiral staircase, all marble, granite, north american stainless kitchen, granadillo only throughout the house,....

podborski says on Jul 11, 2007, 08:43:

Frank, these are just nice, nothing great, and the area is (IMHO) not special at all.

What makes me wonder is, if the average wage is about, what, 1 million a month, who can afford these apartments that cost 80 to 150 million?

They are building them on every street.

I guess those prices do roughly follow my rule that everything should cost roughly 1/3 what it does in NA though.

Frank Rizzo says on Jul 11, 2007, 08:55:

Hi Pod (this is Frank ..mecca, changed my name).....ahhhhh i understand....well i'd say that people in 150 million homes are more the manageral, doctor, lawyer type..yes??....not the N's...as they would start at about 15 fold that in a home.

podborski says on Jul 11, 2007, 09:03:

Hey Frank, I knew it was 'you'.

It's not so much the construction costs, it's accepting that there are so many people here making a decent wage. Or is this a bit of a speculative boom?

The disconnect for me comes because I have friends who are lawyers, opticians, dentists and they are all struggling to even get work, let alone a decent wage.

But clearly somebody is working.

houstongal says on Jul 11, 2007, 09:12:

I just checked the salary ranges in Colombia for my multinational company. A manager-level employee averages 16,000,000 per month in Bogotá.

Culture is language and language is culture - Dr. Annamaria Napolitano

Desideria (Moderator) says on Jul 11, 2007, 09:21:

Yeah, I was the bad gringa that had snatched her baby away from her. It didn't help that we lived in sin for two years before the big catholic wedding with all the works. But the worst part of it was, I think, that my husband didn't mind sharing the housework on the maid's day off or when we were between maids. "My son did not know the word for a broom before he met THAT woman" she used to tell her friends, señoras de dedo parado.

My father-in-law, however, liked me from day one.

Cheers,
Desi

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

Desideria (Moderator) says on Jul 11, 2007, 10:01:

I'm not sure. She told me once that "the girls (granddaughters) call me a racist, but it's not true. It's just that I have never really liked the negros." She had neighbours and childhood friends that were black and she liked them very much and she was generous and helped many families that she knew were suffering, many of those were black. Her son's best friends were black (from a middle class family, father was doctor) and they were always welcome home to my inlaws.

What's the definition for a racist?

Cheers,
Desi

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

Frank Rizzo says on Jul 11, 2007, 10:20:

Rubito's right about where the financing comes from. Banks are casi 2% a month...if you qualify... if not the loan officer knows where to send you so you do get financed outside normal banks.

LA_MONA says on Jul 11, 2007, 12:08:

GIB

Cool!

Mona

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

LA_MONA says on Jul 11, 2007, 14:26:

Thanks GIB!

Mona

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

Man Tequila says on Jul 11, 2007, 19:08:

Mona's picture is easy on the eye, but does she complain when you dress her in silk?

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)

LA_MONA says on Jul 12, 2007, 00:43:

Man Tequila

Mona me quedo, asi este vestido de silk jajajaja

Mona

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

LA_MONA says on Jul 12, 2007, 01:53:

Desi- Wow I wish I could have been a fly on the wall in your house! I bet there were some very funny and amusing moments between you and your mother in law! I can imagine you all headstrong and your suegra observing everything you said and did...just thinking about it makes me laugh....sometimes that type of relationship becomes the strongest as in your case....

Elmo: even if a girl is gringa that doesn't make her a hit with the family because she "raises the status" believe me it is important to want to make the right impression and I'm not talking about a false superficial impression but doing what you can to fit in, I have seen alot of marriages affected due to a difficult suegra/nuera relationships - suegras can cause a lot of trouble - especially if the man is el bebesito de la mama....can't stand those types!

Cangura: Desi is right sounds like you are on to a winner, she sounds lovely! Oh and lucky you with that olive skin....

Mona

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

Whisky4 says on Jul 21, 2007, 17:54:

I've not read through all the posts here but would like to make a comment as an Australian. I too came over to Colombia but I was travelling alone. I stayed with a family in 2006. This was arranged by a Colombian student whom I knew in my home town in Australia. I suggested, and they accepted, US$270 per week as "board". (This was the "going rate" for homestays in my city.) I thought by paying that, that's where it would end. There were the visits to the abuela and various cousins which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, what left me feeling very unhappy was that I was constantly handing over money and this was to a family who obviously were quite well-to-do, judging by the furnishings and clothing and their stories of holidays in Panama and good ole USA. All the outings, restaurant meals, petrol, tolls, cabs, were paid for by me. They used sit and wait for me to do so. The last straw was when I was actually ASKED for money to pay a toll one day - no-one had brought along money, apparently. I managed to "escape" by flying to another town and eventually went to Argentina, then home. (My family thought it hysterical that I'd been "kidnapped" by a family and not the FARC). I'm back in Bogota at the moment and am staying independently and sola in an apartment and am extremely happy to financially help the maids and my "local" people but no mas am I interested in handing over money to a family who is well heeled. The experience almost put me off Colombia. They've been in contact with me and are very offended that I'm not staying with them as they considered me part of the "family" and are concerned about my safety. (I'm not). Whilst that is a very charming thought it actually leaves me a little cold. Sorry if this is a dampener. Having said all that, I've met the loveliest people in local tiendas and local caffs - people who expect nothing from one. These have been the memorable moments.. Travelling alone enables one to interact much more than otherwise. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful experience. Just remember to pack the most important thing - that Aussie sense of humor------Cheers

chester says on Jul 21, 2007, 18:07:

tip - eat everything on your dinner plate

Cangura says on Jul 21, 2007, 19:27:

Thanks for all the advice, it's really appreciated.

Whisky4, that seems like a lot of money. How much money do you recommend I take if I plan on staying 6 months? I know there's some cost of living threads on this board, but to get an estimate in Aus dollars would be great. It's good to hear you're back in Colombia and having a better time of it this time around.

Whisky4 says on Jul 21, 2007, 20:02:

Well, I'm living comfortably on about US$30 a day and that includes rent for a nice apartment in La Candelaria. This enables me to visit el cine or Teatro Colon for the odd performance plus bus trips to Tunja or any nearby towns. Plus I eat out ALL the time. You'll get by on less, I'm sure. Locals are very interested in "flora and fauna" of Australia ("It's a very dangerous country!!") so anything for gifts along the lines of "kangaroos" or koala bears goes over very well. (Having visions of you boarding flight con Skippy------) Something that cracks me up is when they mention the All Blacks as being a famous Australian football team. I have never laughed as much as I do here. My Spanish is pathetic but it's great fun to try. I find the humour very similar to the Australian humour - a sense of the ridiculous.

Make sure you've got good walking shoes - preferably waterproof!! When the rain buckets down it's a little challenging. And if you go to Kathmandu in the Valley you'll find a good lightweight warm jacket. Everything you'll need can be bought here. Maybe you're staying out in the north area? It's quite extraordinary - when I stayed out there with The Family I felt like I was in ANY city. Convenient but characterless. A huge amount of emphasis is put on safety but I'm sure that won't be an issue for you!!

I'll send you a private message as I don't want to take up this post with "personal" stuff-----

Ciao-----

goin_south says on Jul 21, 2007, 20:23:

and, don't forget to get your yellow fever vaccine, now before you go. Didn't someone say that was requisite when coming from Australia and going back again? Not sure which way. Both? Or, they put you in quarentine for a million years.

..... leavin louisiana in the broad day light

adrimm says on Jul 21, 2007, 23:44:

Hints:
Mind your manners at the table, especially until you get a feel for what goes and what doesn't
Don't point, use your chin to gesture towards something
Shoes are usually kept on within the home (tile floor is common)
There may be some reluctance to let you go off on your own (even up to the store). This has nothing to do with safety, but rather "being good hosts".