hard to find items in Colombia

poco says on Mar 9, 2008, 22:56:

The Colombian peanut butter sucks. Peter Pan is around but that's not my brand.

I never seen a can of JIFF extra crunchy,, actually I've never seen the brand Jiff. I always take a jar,,,, and keep it under lock and key.

I've never seen a bottle Hersheys SEMI-Sweet chocolate. Necessary for ice cream. It's kept under lock and HIDDEN !

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

miamimike says on Mar 9, 2008, 23:15:

Poco, does the Actual Colombian Peanut Suck or do the ingredients they add to the Peanut Butter suck when they grind 'em & mix 'em? Doesn't any store there make Natural peanut Butter minus the Salt, Sugar ect? I buy mine this way in Miami and its great, the downside is you have to use it a few days as it hasn't any added preservatives.

Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." GW Bush

poco says on Mar 9, 2008, 23:50:

Quote: Poco, does the Actual Colombian Peanut Suck or do the ingredients they add to the Peanut Butter suck

After eating peanut butter for half a century,, I'd suspect I like my peanut butter with the list of stuff you mentioned. Out of desperation I purchased Peter Pan Smooth in Cartagena. They didn't have crunchy.
Colombia Survival


MUSHROOMS,, yep they are expensive in comparison to the US. I remember $5 to 6K . I pay about $.69 cents for a 6 ounce can. I always take 3 or 4 cans. Dump a can into scrambled eggs, add sausage slices, onions,, what ever you can find. Greeeeeeeat.

The regular breakfast is OK.



A real breakfast needs mushrooms. This is a SPECIAL christmas morning plate I prepared. Totally surprised the girl,, not so much the Mushrooms, but the fact I could cook, something most Colombian men have never done.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

miamimike says on Mar 10, 2008, 00:17:

Poco-I ate mine that way for the better part of the same amount of years but after using the Natural Peanut Butter, I would never go back. Can't due to added salt. Its great on toasted Peanut butter/Banana sandwiches,,,

Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." GW Bush

ozgringo says on Mar 10, 2008, 06:30:

Can't find a wombat steak anywhere in Medellin...

A wombat took my baby..

jack_jason says on Mar 10, 2008, 06:39:

Why do not you change the peanut butter to Arequipe? or Hersheys SEMI-Sweet chocolate to manjar blanco?

This is just spanglish, please do not correct me

Adanimal says on Mar 10, 2008, 06:41:

Arequipe....barf

You don't know your there until your there!

rocinante says on Mar 10, 2008, 06:58:

PeterPan and Jiff both exist here in Medellín - crunchy or regular. Go to Exito in poblado or Carrefour on 66.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

SiV says on Mar 10, 2008, 06:58:

Baked beans. Why can't you get them? People love beans here.

You can get relish in La 14.

An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. Mahatma Gandhi

E-Man says on Mar 10, 2008, 07:22:

For whatever reasons blueberries are hard to find in Cali. I go to Costco in the US and buy the blueberrries in the bag. It is kind of ironic since the blueberries they sell in the store here are from South America.

rocinante says on Mar 10, 2008, 07:28:

Baked beans and refried beans (canned) both exist in Medellín.

The one thing they don't have here and I am completely FLABBERGASTED is freakin LEMONS - the yellow ones.

Lemons are used in hundreds of recipes. I just can believe that there are no yellow lemons here. WTF?

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

jorgegdiaz says on Mar 10, 2008, 07:30:

Carrefour and Mercadefam (local chain) carry Jalapeños :)
about $1200 COP / lb ;)

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

jorgegdiaz says on Mar 10, 2008, 07:31:

We have only green lemons (limes ??)

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

rocinante says on Mar 10, 2008, 07:39:

Yes we have no bananas.

No yellow lemons. Only green limes called "limones".

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

ColombianoGringo says on Mar 10, 2008, 07:49:

All this talk of peanut butter and arequipe reminds me that when my dad first came to the US, he tried peanut butter thinking that it might taste something like arequipe. Needleass to say, he got a rude surprise and consequently hates peanut butter. I always give him shit about it since he could read English at the time, but he's the one missing out on a good PB&J.

morphus says on Mar 10, 2008, 08:01:

THe peanut butter from the U.S. generally tastes better because the fat is hydrogenated. Every 8 servings will give you over a gram of trans fat.

tomtom33 says on Mar 10, 2008, 08:20:

Thanks, Morph. I never looked at the label. No trans fat for me, if I can help it. Two heart surgeries were enough, thank you. Like they said in cardiac rehab, "If it tastes good, spit it out. You can't have any."

morphus says on Mar 10, 2008, 08:24:

Trans fat is hidden from the label. They can list 0 grams if it is'nt over a certain amount. Just look for hydrogenated fat on the label. I think Jiff makes a brand without hydrogenated fat. It tastes pretty good.

An Elvis grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich anyone?

rocinante says on Mar 10, 2008, 08:25:

Label on Jif and Peter Pan both state: 0 Grams Trans Fat

No Welch's concord Grape here but there is Smuckers.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

nueva york bombero says on Mar 10, 2008, 08:26:

I need an intravenous drip of Skippy creamy every day! I grew up on that shit.
Do Colombians know what tartar sauce is? Probably not if they've never seen relish!
I asked for it in Santiago, Chile for the sea bass they were serving me and the waiter looked at me like I just arrived from Jupiter!!!

morphus says on Mar 10, 2008, 08:27:

They all say 0 grams but its in there. Watch out!

azunoman says on Mar 10, 2008, 08:38:

Being American and loving anything time saving I have started buying Peanut butter with the jelly already scientifically injected with swirls of strawberry jelly. It da bomb...and cuts my sandwich making time in half.

Ready, Fire, Aim

kalder says on Mar 10, 2008, 08:48:

Until the mid-80s, I'd always assumed that 'peanut butter and jelly sandwiches' were a fictional foodstuff only found in the Charlie Brown comic strip.

I still have difficulty believing you guys actually eat that stuff.

"kalder- have you ever had a woman?"--Sam Salmon

Lowell says on Mar 10, 2008, 08:51:

I made a PBJ for my wife and wifes son one day. They both turned their noses up at the sandwhiches and wouldn't even try a bite. Loosers. Let them eat the suegras repeated daily servings of rice, potatoes, platanos and fried tough beef.

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

morphus says on Mar 10, 2008, 08:52:

I prefer almond butter :)

rocinante says on Mar 10, 2008, 09:03:

Tartar souce in Exito.

Morph so that is 1/8 of a gram of trans fats in a seving of peanut butter? How much/many servings go on a PBJ sandwich? Anyone know?

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

morphus says on Mar 10, 2008, 09:14:

Its not a lot but they say you should'nt comsume more than 2 grams of trans fat a day.

rocinante says on Mar 10, 2008, 09:15:

"Being American and loving anything time saving I have started buying Peanut butter with the jelly already scientifically injected with swirls of strawberry jelly. It da bomb...and cuts my sandwich making time in half." Azunoman

A PBJ Blasphemy! This is for you:

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

Gator says on Mar 10, 2008, 09:17:

When in Rome.......

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

rocinante says on Mar 10, 2008, 09:23:

A serving size of Peanut butter is two TBS. I think more goes on a sandwich.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

rocinante says on Mar 10, 2008, 09:24:

Serving sizes:

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

britabroad says on Mar 10, 2008, 09:27:

Proper sausages, Heinz baked beans, thick bacon, Earl Grey tea .... and why are Milky Ways actually Mars bars, and visa versa?

Leave the big stick at home...carry a cannon!

Mononoke28 says on Mar 10, 2008, 09:28:

I can never find good salsa or chips for that matter. Making taquitos, tacos, or even fajitas is quite the ordeal since their selection of chilis is pretty much null.

nueva york bombero, they do seel tartar sauce in Colombia, just ask for salsa tártara.

Diana

Adanimal says on Mar 10, 2008, 09:36:

I remember another I couldn't find. Corn tortillas...only found flour. Anyone?

You don't know your there until your there!

vicshere says on Mar 10, 2008, 09:37:

i agree good old fashion america/canadian bacon....yes cheap tacos chips

listo

britabroad says on Mar 10, 2008, 09:55:

I heard yesterday that Chaves says the reason there is such a food shortage in Venezuela is due to the increase in Gringos visiting Colombia. Peanut butter, jelly (jam), and waffles were in particularly short supply.

Leave the big stick at home...carry a cannon!

miamimike says on Mar 10, 2008, 09:58:

Lowell says on Monday March 10th, 2008 8:51:

I made a PBJ for my wife and wifes son one day. They both turned their noses up at the sandwhiches and wouldn't even try a bite. Loosers. Let them eat the suegras repeated daily servings of rice, potatoes, platanos and fried tough beef.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lowell-if you want to see them turn their Noses up-try serving a Thanksgiving dinner with Traditional sides of Cranberry sauce, stuffing, sweet pototoes and see how far the noses turn up! LOL

Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." GW Bush

jorgegdiaz says on Mar 10, 2008, 10:00:

we found chips in Mercadefam and Carrefour Vic. They sell salsa too (real) but it`s got no kick. We make salsa. Also they sell frozen corn tortillas, altought I haven`t tried them.

I`m going to start a bussiness. Salsa in MX restaurants here is either "frigging" spicy or completely bland.

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

vicshere says on Mar 10, 2008, 10:09:

yes jorge they have em at the exito but i find them rather expensive for their size

listo

tomtom33 says on Mar 10, 2008, 10:11:

No lutefisk. Of course I wouldn't eat that stuff anyway. Wouldn't mind some lefse, though.

eywed says on Mar 10, 2008, 10:12:

Me , Thats what I dont find in Colombia. I think I need to find Me in Colombia more often. Someone should pay to have me brought to Colombia and It would be a much better place.

Ay Hombe!!!!!

eywed says on Mar 10, 2008, 10:12:

.

Ay Hombe!!!!!

ColombianoGringo says on Mar 10, 2008, 10:12:

jorge, Remember that probably most Colombians have a very different concept of spicy. What might be considered as simply spicy in the US or elsewhere would be considered "picante" in Colombia.

jorgegdiaz says on Mar 10, 2008, 10:31:

oh, I know CG.
My family think I`ve become Mexican...

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

jorgegdiaz says on Mar 10, 2008, 10:31:

oh, I know CG.
My family think I`ve become Mexican...

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

Mononoke28 says on Mar 10, 2008, 10:31:

My husband considered Taco Bell way too "spicy" when he first got here. He's learned to like it and is slowly graduating to spicier foods.

Diana

Bill Turley says on Mar 10, 2008, 10:50:

I have had pangs from missing PB and Smuckers, also Clam Chowder ( New England Style) ,Apple Butter, I found sweet gherkins and made my own relish in a small food processor.

Mr. Bill Somondoco

rocinante says on Mar 10, 2008, 10:57:

Old El Paso Think and chunky salsa "Gotta have Hot" is pretty darn spicy - sold at Makro in Medellín and maybe I saw it in Exito/Carrefour as well. I just had a spoonful after reading this post. Delectable!

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

jonas says on Mar 10, 2008, 11:06:

Patak´s original curry paste!

What I have, I do not want to lose, but Where I am I do not want to stay, but those I love, I do not want to leave, but those I know I no longer want to see, but Where I die, I do not want to go;I want to stay where I have never been

poco says on Mar 10, 2008, 11:07:

Folks would be very unhappy if I didn't bring some exotic food items from the United States.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

jonas says on Mar 10, 2008, 11:08:

And I hate it when they run out of Barrila pasta because I am not paying 7mil for a lb. of other imported pasta and the local pasta is unacceptable soft mash. They don´t have the right flour here. But thank god for now it´s back on the shelves.

What I have, I do not want to lose, but Where I am I do not want to stay, but those I love, I do not want to leave, but those I know I no longer want to see, but Where I die, I do not want to go;I want to stay where I have never been

miamimike says on Mar 10, 2008, 11:15:

No Lutefisk. Of course I wouldn't eat that stuff anyway.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TT-you'll never be nominated as an Honorary Swede of the day! Man in my northern hometown with all the Swedes, what you say is Blasphemous and would get you run out of town on a Rail! If someone were to say they don't like Boiled Codfish&Potatoes, Kiss of Death! LOL I love the stuff! Once a year of course,,,

Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." GW Bush

poco says on Mar 10, 2008, 11:37:

Take an electronic scale. I have yet to see one. When curious about the weight of giant chicken feet it can't be beat. Ha, almost half a pound. Down side is the three AAA batteries. Up side is they are cheap on ebay. Paid about $15 USD and it's great for weighing luggage. I've got two.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

jorgegdiaz says on Mar 10, 2008, 11:43:

Poco,
Are you sure they are not Condors feet, or may be chickens raised by Mr Burns nuclear plant?

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

poco says on Mar 10, 2008, 11:51:

Poultry shears are a must have, especially after seeing chicken preparation using a knife. This is a pair of Henckels purchased in the U.S. I like the quality plus there is a slide button handle closure latch. Colombia has a relatively small selection and they are expensive.

Especially handy for toe trimming.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

azunoman says on Mar 10, 2008, 12:55:

rocinante - Croutons!...now that would awesome and would save me serveral more steps and no nice either a spoor or my finger!...thanks for the advice....

I will write Smucker's who makes Goobers peanut butter with jelly swirls and see if they studied the marketing of bread in the mix.

Ready, Fire, Aim

pedro says on Mar 10, 2008, 13:32:

Speaking of Mexican places in Colombia.

There's some kind of unwritten rule at Medellin's taquerias that you must serve hard tacos to the customer with a solitary plastic fork.

¡save pow wow!

SiV says on Mar 10, 2008, 14:28:

Britabroad, you can get half (3/4?) decent bacon in some of the small shops in the Alameda, Cali, just around the corner from where the street vendors sell their vegetables. About $7000 the lb.

I've had no problems getting tortillas, croutons, cous cous, etc. in the supermarkets.

A bottle of Daddies' or HP brown sauce would go down a treat, though. Especially along with a decent bottle of bitter.

An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. Mahatma Gandhi

poco says on Mar 10, 2008, 14:42:

Quote: Poco, Are you sure they are not Condors feet, or may be chickens raised by Mr Burns nuclear plant?

Ha, you must know your chickens. Giant Chickens were raised for Christmas. Hard to believe but the last two were sold for 24,000 pesos. The purchaser had reserved two fat ones or he wouldn't be getting any for the dirt cheap price.

Chickens get bigger the longer you feed them. I wonder how big they would get? The feed cost is prohibitive most of the year.

I’ve built several habitats for chickens as part of my piece corp projects. Economical tools in Colombia,, no way,, try double or more the cost. I’d wanted a small cheap 10 inch table saw for some time. No way I was Paying 500,000 pesos and UP. A decent craftsman saw that sold for about $125 in the US was about $300 in Colombia.

I ran across this saw at Lowes. Determined it would fit in my luggage (minus the base) and decided to purchase. Nope,, they didn’t have one in a box but offered to knock off $30 dollars. With the $10 off coupon final price was $59 (plus tax). Cheap unit but it get the job done. Actually it really isn’t that bad.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

adrienne79 says on Mar 10, 2008, 17:32:

In the last few months I have learned how to make great flour tortillas. Way better than any store bought ones anyhow. Yes, it takes some work but I think it is worth it. I now don't miss not having cheap store bought ones now. I have also started making salsa. Love it, and couldn't live with out it for long. There was no way I was going to be paying about 10,000 for a jar when I can make a huge batch for 1,000.

As for tortilla chips, we recently discovered some inexpensive ones sold at some exitos and mercadefam. When I first saw them I didn't even know they were tortilla chips because you can't see in the package. They are sold in a silverish and white bag. Dorritos is the brand that makes them and they are called "Dippers". A nice size bag (180 grams) sells for less than 2,000. It is so funny that it even has directions on the bag for the colombians to know how to dip the chips. They are exactly like the chips I would eat back home.

Being a Texan, I sure do miss tex-mex but I have started to learn to make it all from scratch. I have not quite mastered good refried beans but I have come close.

miamimike says on Mar 10, 2008, 21:18:

Poco--IYO, how much in Col would the 19.2V Drill only sell for In Colombia? Drill Only, not the whole Kit.Thanks

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00917189000P?cName=Craftsman Tool Catalog&sName=Portable Power Tools

Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." GW Bush

Rubito says on Mar 11, 2008, 00:49:

Most of the stuff you guys can't find is available not only at Exito but I've personally seen it at Paloquemao, including ANY hot peppers you could possibly want. You can also easily go to any butcher all over town anywhere and get your bacon cut as thick as you want.

Roci is right on with the yellow lemons though. For some reason they just don't seem to exist anywhere in Colombia!!

I personally prefer NOT to eat ANY of my food out of a package so it's a big relief to have fresh stuff all the time everywhere down there. Peanut butter, eeeeeeeeeeeeeeh... I have a hard time imagining a grown-ass adult jonesing for peanut butter!!!

I'm also surprised anybody wouldn't like the cheese in Colombia. I find it delicious. You can't get cheese of that quality here in the US unless it is imported and VERY expensive.

One thing I haven't been able to find yet in Colombia: laundry detergent with NO perfume in it.

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

Cerealkiller says on Mar 11, 2008, 01:48:

Im not sure there is anything Id like to bring to Colombia that I cannot replace for something tastier and healthier in Colombia...Perhaps pomegranate juice, but that's pretty much it.

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

Rubito says on Mar 11, 2008, 01:57:

Pomegranate juice can be made fresh! Much better that way!

I HAVE had blueberries in Bogota, they are very different though because of differences in the soil (I think).

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

Saltador says on Mar 11, 2008, 06:31:

Mi suegra en manizales was jonesing for Duct tape of all things. Claims they can't get it in manizales, at least not of US quality. Now, I can see how that would be a problem. How the hell can you fix anything without duct tape?
Hersheys kisses with carmel in the center go over big every time as well...

huskie says on Mar 11, 2008, 06:42:

You guys just don't know where to shop, all the stuff above mentioned is available in major cities, try the San Andresitos, Carrefours and Exitos
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

huskie says on Mar 11, 2008, 06:44:

But check, expiration dates, however.
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

tomtom33 says on Mar 11, 2008, 07:22:

Salty, you have a suegra? When did this happen?

Desideria (Moderator) says on Mar 11, 2008, 08:31:

I really don't have a slightest idea why any of that stuff would be important. So you can't get your favorite brand of cheese in Colombia? Learn how to like the local brands (Just an example). Peanut butter? Hershey's kisses?

Laundry detergents and all cleaning stuff is heavily perfumed in Colombia because people like it like that. The maids used to dab a little sanpic lavanda behind their ears before going on that hot sunday date. Allergies are fairly uncommon because people are exposed to a lot of different stuff from the very first days of their life and that's why nothing hurts them.

Sausages have improved a lot lately, cheeses are great (ok, not like our European cheeses, but the fresh country variety so popular in Colombia is fine)...really, if they only could produce a wine of drinkable variety I could live in Colombia very happily with just local products.

"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free." —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

mranderson says on Mar 11, 2008, 08:49:

I think it's important because people miss the stuff they grew up on. There's a big difference between peanut butter and chocolate in colombia and the u.s. Different people have different tastes.

Can't you just learn how to like colombian wine?

mranderson says on Mar 11, 2008, 08:50:

..

Desideria (Moderator) says on Mar 11, 2008, 08:54:

LOL mranderson, no I can't, but I can live without it too....no biggie. I think if people miss too much the stuff they grew up on they have no business living abroad, where they might have to acquire new habits and learn to like new stuff.

"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free." —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

vicshere says on Mar 11, 2008, 08:58:

its nothing about missing stuff...I for one can't see making a pizza using doubla cream which is the main cheese used in pizza making here....therefore I look for a good mozzarella..and the best I could do in my area is alpine....now it make not be exactly like back home but its just going to have to do...dam this is Colombia

listo

Desideria (Moderator) says on Mar 11, 2008, 09:00:

Vic I remember seeing mozzarella in Carrefour.

"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free." —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

kat1 (Moderator) says on Mar 11, 2008, 09:03:

well i have to say it, but hard thing to find in Colombia a bra size D and over. they seem to stop in C

ColombianoGringo says on Mar 11, 2008, 09:03:

What is wrong with longing for those things like food that remind you of home? Despite growing up primarily in the US, I spent a large part of my childhood in Colombia and I miss a lot of the great food you get there. Consequently, I frequent stores and bakeries where I can buy things like arequipe, pan de yuca, bocadillos, achiras, etc. My parents, who did grow up in Colombia, love that I travel there often since I always bring back tons of treats for them.

Mononoke28 says on Mar 11, 2008, 09:04:

The one thing I have a problem with is the little bags they use for milk. I'm used to having plastic bottles or even cartons for milk and those little bags make me spill it every time I pour some in a glass. It's annoying as hell.

Diana

Desideria (Moderator) says on Mar 11, 2008, 09:07:

Diana, try pouring the milk in a pitcher. No prob. Or putting the bag in a holder.
CG, nothing much wrong, but it kind of takes away the thrill of trying out new things and developing new tastes.

"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free." —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

mranderson says on Mar 11, 2008, 09:35:

It's not going to take away the thrill of trying new things or even developing new tastes. Colombia has a lot to offer as far as different tastes. But when you try something and realize it sucks, for example peanut butter and wine, then people would rather have the better import.

I mean what's next? I shouldn't bring my american music cd's because I should try new music and develop a new taste? lol

mranderson says on Mar 11, 2008, 09:36:

Acutally I have developed a new taste in music.. But I still like good ol rock and roll.

poco says on Mar 11, 2008, 09:43:

Quote: LOL mranderson, no I can't, but I can live without it too....no biggie. I think if people miss too much the stuff they grew up on they have no business living abroad, where they might have to acquire new habits and learn to like new stuff.

Most of the items are REQUESTED and if they are available (in any brand) they are expensive. Expensive three years ago and MORE expensive now. Like mushrooms at 3 or 4 times the price.

For instance, I had some left over microwave popcorn that I threw in my carry on bag.
Yes, it's available in Colombia, for a price:



I'm sure if I looked around a LARGE city it might be cheaper but these things aren't worth a days trip.

Ha,, at todays exchange rate thats over $3 USD. The "regular" is slightly less than $1.50. I think it's 10 bags for maybe $3.00 in the US ??? I need to check.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

poco says on Mar 11, 2008, 10:18:

Lots of things are much more money. Local brand,, ha, ha. not this type of system. This is cheap by Colombian standards.

One Million Pesos with ONE nailer, They do have a COLOMBIAN special,, for 150,000 MORE you get a DEAL. Whats that, oh,, $625.00, more or less.

Homecenter 2008 special.


I picked the MOST expensive similar item listed on ebay. Buy it Now price Slightly less than $250 with two nail guns and includes shipping. Oh, oh, no ones buying it now.

http://tinyurl.com/2ccehu

I'd pay $350 in Colombia and be happy but that's not the situation.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

Saltador says on Mar 11, 2008, 10:37:

tomtom,
check your pm's...

Saltador says on Mar 11, 2008, 10:38:

to

huskie says on Mar 11, 2008, 11:37:

Milk is sold in cartons too
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

poco says on Mar 11, 2008, 11:46:

Quote: but I can live without it too

Well, I suppose a person can live w/o a lot of things,, like hot water and decent Cooking Pots and Pans.

I thought a person should live better,, unless of course you’re backpacking.

Several years ago I took a Teflon 10 inch skillet with lid to Colombia. After years of seeing nothing but tinny cheap, thin pots and pans and this was about the only choice. This skillet is THICK aluminum with a ribbed bottom. I’d say TWICE as thick as QUALITY Colombian skillets. I’d looked at EXITO, LA 15, Homecenters, shoping centers of towns etc. In my mind,, junk. OH, I know this can be found in ?? OK, maybe but at what cost? This skillet cost $10 USD on sale at bed bath and beyond. I think a regular price is maybe $15.

Starting a spaghetti sauce with cubed pork. See the bowl of spice?


This is the spice. It cost 28 cents a package or less the 500 pesos.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

mranderson says on Mar 11, 2008, 12:07:

I have to agree. Things seem pretty expensive here and the quality sucks. Skillets seem to scratch way too easily and you have to replace them after a few years. I've never replaced a skillet in the states.

lpdiver says on Mar 11, 2008, 12:08:

Cast iron is the only way to go baby!

t

"cook some rice!"

poco says on Mar 11, 2008, 12:34:

Quote: I've never replaced a skillet in the states.

Me either. I don't cook often and some are 10 years old. I have a "fancy" set with thick bottoms, really thick ! so the thinner sides are acceptable. These were purchased 25 years ago. Look like new but they are not teflon coated.

I've taken several smaller skillets (six inch?) as christman presents. They really appreciate the gift and I doubt they cost over $10 USD.

I'd agree cast iron is pretty good. Thought about taking a large flat skillet for heating arepas or making toast or ????. More of a weight issue,, new xxxxx or skillet. They are harder to clean,, but I don't clean dishes in Colombia very often.

I'll edit this: How much in Col would the 19.2V Drill only sell for In Colombia? Drill Only, not the whole Kit.Thanks.

ebay,, I'd guess with shipping it would be around $20 USD w/o battery. Noticed a battery for sale,,ha,, more than $30 !!!! and they were still bidding. So,,I'd say a 1/2 inch with battery should be around $50 to $60 with shipping. My guess is this item would be about double the price in Colombia. Craftsman is sold at LA 14 and I remember seeing the brand at homecenters.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

mranderson says on Mar 11, 2008, 12:44:

Are you talking about the large flat skillet you place over two burners? I saw them at exito but they are really light and I think about 50.000 pesos??? I saw other ones at homecenter that were much heavier but I can't remember how much. I've been wanting to get one.

Rubito says on Mar 11, 2008, 12:44:

In August, we went window shopping for kitchenware and decided that it would be cheaper to buy in Colombia than buy in the US and take it down. Of course, that's in Bogota so YMMV.

I found Colombia's chorizos to be the absolute BEST I've ever tasted.

Kat that reminds me of something else!!! I wear a 4xl t-shirt and 3xl pants. Fat chance finding THAT anywhere in Colombia!! By the time I move there I'll probably have a good 30 t-shirts just so I won't run out! Fortunately they are 4 for $10 for the white ones and 5 for $20 for the dyed ones here!

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

poco says on Mar 11, 2008, 13:03:

Quote: Are you talking about the large flat skillet you place over two burners? I saw them at exito but they are really light and I think about 50.000 pesos

Yep,, I've noticed several acceptable brands (IMUSA?) but still not the quality. Can't remember the price but that sounds about right. When it comes to an item that should last I don't mind paying a reasonable price in Colombia,, but the cookware either lacks quality or is high priced.

Took this blender to Colombia a year or so ago when they weren't being imported. Noticed they are available now for about $130. I paid $80 on Amazon and that included shipping. I can't recommend,, electronic but it will do a number on ice and the six blade is nice and it has a short duration reversing setting. I think the six blade fits on any regular oster blender.

Blenders,, a Colombian necessity. Don't think I've seen a home w/o one. This is a banana, pineapple, powered strawberry soy w/o peppermint candy smoothie.

The DOW closed up 416 pts. highest one day gain in 5 years. Doubt this will hold.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

Rubito says on Mar 11, 2008, 13:15:

I saw a GOOD version of that skillet for 80k pesos in Bogota at El Bodegon Del Cheff. Up here they are about $50.

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

poco says on Mar 11, 2008, 13:26:

Quote: You can also easily go to any butcher all over town anywhere and get your bacon cut as thick as you want.

Yep,, buying the packaged bacon in a store will give you sticker shock, plus not much of a selection.

This was last months meat prices. Feb 1, 2008.

I think inflation will be high this year. I take same photo next year.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

Rubito says on Mar 11, 2008, 13:27:

You guys pay more than in Bogota, that's incredible!

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

tomtom33 says on Mar 11, 2008, 13:27:

Time change. I'm not used to the Dow closing at 3:00 Colombian time. Whether it holds or not, I feel good about it right now.

I know, Rubi, Armageddon is coming.

mranderson says on Mar 11, 2008, 13:31:

Medellin is an expensive city with less opportunity than bogota. From what I've heard.

poco says on Mar 11, 2008, 13:38:

Quote: You guys pay more than in Bogota, that's incredible!

That's possible. I have no reason to believe they sell beef or pork for less. This was a grocey store but I think it is about the same in the butcher shops. Very few eat a lot of pork,, pigs are a cash crop and I don't think they sell them any less than the going price. I'd guess a vast quantity heads north. I'd imagine selling to 10 million people for less money is a lot better than 20 twenty thousand. I believe that's one reason why prices are lower in the US,, quantity.

Why not post some prices along with the spanish names that match?

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

buggy says on Mar 11, 2008, 15:09:

Camembert (and other cheese) made with raw milk.
I bought a so-called french Camembert in Carrefour at Bogota last month and it had no savor and no odor !
It is true that with a true mature Camembert many of my colombian friends would run out of the house immediately !

"Artículo 20 de la Constitución Política. Se garantiza a toda persona la libertad de expresar y difundir su pensamiento y opiniones,...No habrá censura."

pedro says on Mar 11, 2008, 15:41:

Men's shoes in sizes 44 and above.

¡save pow wow!

morphus says on Mar 11, 2008, 15:46:

"well i have to say it, but hard thing to find in Colombia a bra size D and over. they seem to stop in C"

Maybe there are'nt as many breast implants in Colombia as we thought :)

nueva york bombero says on Mar 11, 2008, 16:11:

No, there definitely are!
I think the style is for Ta Tas to be spilling out!

miamimike says on Mar 11, 2008, 20:36:

I see those Good Glass Oster Blenders going for approx $10 in our neighborhood thrift Shops and in great working order also. Best of all, the ones I see are older models with the desireable Glass containers. I believe I payed around $10 for my last one 5 years ago-used of course. These old sckers are so powerful you could mix a batch of Concrete in them! And they are made in the Good old US of A!

Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." GW Bush

vicshere says on Mar 11, 2008, 20:55:

mike ....in Colombia you have to be careful as there is many knock off osters made in Venezuela and run cheaper than the USA made....but the cunning Colombians have now some how figured a way to switch the plates or copy them and put them on Venezuelan osters...so be very careful...I would buy at the exito or brand name store and not buy a oster at the san residitos...they will rip you off for sure

listo

Aaron21 says on Mar 11, 2008, 21:49:

Vic, your post is a joke - right?

vicshere says on Mar 11, 2008, 21:52:

no i am very serious

listo

Aaron21 says on Mar 11, 2008, 21:54:

Nevermind.

Rubito says on Mar 11, 2008, 21:59:

Poco, when I buy, I post the prices. You have to look on CBlog these days though, its just too hard to find on PBH once it gets buried.

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

DodgerDogs says on Mar 11, 2008, 22:01:

Aaron21,
Where you at in Cartagena , you can find knock off Sony Stereos and IPods all with
official looking packaging and user guides. China is the king of copies and people sell
these China knocks offs all over the place.
It happens in the USA at times, Walmart and J.C Penny's has sold items
that were fake before. Sam's got busted last year for selling fake Diesel jeans and also got busted for selling fake Seiko watches.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.Martin Luther King:

Aaron21 says on Mar 11, 2008, 22:06:

Yes, Dodger... I was going to make the China point - the "San Andresito" (that it is a place in most large cities here - instead of a store named Sandresitos or something) point - and many other things such as the knockoffs being "Oester" instead of the actual "Oster", but I grew tired... thank you for pointing that out though

DodgerDogs says on Mar 11, 2008, 22:08:

Even Exito can will sell fakes. here is a exapmle from Walmart.

Fendi and WalMart Settle
Filed under: Fendi Bags , In The News
And the saga between the giant WalMart and Fendi has finally met a settlement. After Fendi realized that WalMart - Sam’s Club had 12 fake designs of their bags, Fendi sued. But now, all is happy in the happy land. My question is, why did this ever happen??

Italian fashion group Fendi S.R.L. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc.’s Sam’s Club warehouse division settled a dispute over allegations that Sam’s Club was selling counterfeit Fendi bags in its stores, the companies said on Wednesday.

The companies said Sam’s Club will pay Fendi a confidential settlement amount, and Fendi will dismiss its lawsuit against Sam’s Club.

Last year, Fendi sued Wal-Mart, accusing the world’s largest retailer of selling counterfeit handbags and passing them off as genuine at its Sam’s Club warehouse stores.
Read the rest of the article below. Article from MSNBC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Best Buy , is always getting cought selling China copies.


The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, said Sam’s Club stores sold knock-off handbags, wallets and key chains that were identified as “genuine‿ Fendi products.

The suit by Fendi said that Wal-Mart had never purchased its products and never asked Fendi if any of the items bearing its trademark were genuine.

Fendi products are typically sold at high-end department stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue in the United States and Fendi boutiques all over the world.

“During this litigation, Fendi provided us information that the 12 types of bags and wallets specifically listed in its complaint were not genuine,‿ said Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Sam’s Club, in a statement. “We accept this information.‿

Sam’s Club said it has removed all Fendi-labeled bags, wallets and scarves from its shelves. Customers who purchased bags, wallets, or scarves with a Fendi label at a Sam’s Club can return the item for a full refund, the company said.

As of April 30, Wal-Mart operated 582 Sam’s Clubs in the United States. Customers buy memberships at Sam’s Club in order to shop in the warehouses, which sell everything from bulk groceries to diamond jewelry to office supplies.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.Martin Luther King:

Aaron21 says on Mar 11, 2008, 22:09:

Again - nevermind.

vicshere says on Mar 11, 2008, 22:10:

yea nevermind you dont have anything important to say..thats ok...

listo

Aaron21 says on Mar 11, 2008, 22:13:

I already said it.

DodgerDogs says on Mar 11, 2008, 22:18:

If you buy Sony or other name brands in Colombia or Panama its probally Fake.
______________________________________________________________________-KEY PLAYERS IN COUNTERFEITING:
Southeast Asia, particularly China, is the major manufacturing center for
counterfeit products. Besides China, my company has identified counterfeit
manufacturing operations in Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, and South Korea.
Many U.S. companies who have set up manufacturing plants in China have
learned to their chagrin that the Chinese are quite good as copying products,
especially those not covered by patents or trademarks. However, in our
experience the Chinese have not been willing partners in trying to crackdown on
counterfeit operations. In fact our sources tell us that Chinese government and
military officials in certain provinces are involved directly in the counterfeiting
activity.
Another set of key players in this process are the “Hong Kong Brokers�.
According to testimony and documents we have collected in the Colon Free
Zone, the “Brokers� are Hindu merchants (actually Sindis) based primarily in
Hong Kong and Central America who offer to produce any merchandise someone
wants to sell. A merchant in Panama who wants to acquire and sell counterfeit
products has several options:
· They can visit the office the brokers maintain in the Colon Free Zone and
place an order, or
· They are visited by a sales representative for the broker, who has a
catalogue that describes potential products, or
· They can travel to Hong Kong (there are biannual fair in March and
October of each year) to view merchandise and place orders.
The product brokers specialize in providing “knock-off� items, arrange for the
manufacturing, and facilitate the delivery of the finished goods.
The final set of actors are the merchants that work in free trade zones (Figure
1). The free trade zones provide retail and wholesale merchants a chance to buy
inventory for their businesses on a tax free bases. The Colon Free Zone of
Panama is the second largest trade zone in the world. In addition to Colon,
there is the city of Maicao, Colombia, Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, and Iquique,
Chile. Most Americans have never heard of these cities. These trade zones
provide a massive distribution point for merchants who work inside those zones.
In my experience the majority of commercial activity in these areas represents
legitimate commerce. However, I also know from personal experience that there
is significant movement of counterfeit and contraband merchandise.
Who works in these free zones? The answer depends on the country. In
Panama, for example, about 25% of the merchants are of Arab/Islamic descent.
Another 30% are Jewish immigrants, 20% Hindu. The fact is if you bought a Sony
in Panama or Colombia it's probally not a Sony.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.Martin Luther King:

Cerealkiller says on Mar 12, 2008, 00:50:

I still believe you can get anything you're heart desires in Colombia. If you want perfect meat, off to Kohler (we don't eat pork so I wouldn't know about bacon), you want european cheese? (because thats the only decent cheese really) Off to Pomona, they have a pretty decent selection of french and dutch cheese...German beer? Pomona and Carrefour...as for fattenting packaged 'food' Im kind of glad its kept expensive in Colombia, but thats just me.
Chaning the subject, Medellin has always been cheaper than bogota.

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

miamimike says on Mar 12, 2008, 02:41:

Vicshere, I don't doubt that at all! A big reason I shop for appliances used in the Thrifts here in the USA is besides saving a Bundle of $$$, I find many times they are older models "Made in the USA", incredible some of these are 30-40 years old and working like the day they were made. At 10%(approx) the cost of new "Made in China" models,,,

Here in Miami Beach(south beach-washington ave crooks) and Downtown Miami, there are many electronic Stores owned by Arabs selling Fake Sony Products or grey area Products with no guarentees. Many tourists sadly find this out to late, usually when they have left miami and aafther the item stops working. Here in Miami if you are buying new, better to go to Best Buy, Brandsmart ect where they back up their products.

Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." GW Bush

Juanes says on Mar 12, 2008, 04:37:

yo pienso que es muy dificl a veces para encontrar los papeles para fumar tobacco y la maria..

http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/Juanes/

morphus says on Mar 12, 2008, 05:40:

We have those type of "mom and pop" electronic stores here in New York City. You gotta be crazy to buy anything from them when there is Best Buy, PC Richards and Circuit City. You can buy a digital camera from Best Buy, use it for 2 weeks and they will give you a full refund if you bring it back. One time I wanted to scan some old photos so I "borrowed" a scanner from Best Buy :)

Robert Jorge says on Mar 12, 2008, 11:24:

An item that seems to be jealously protected and given out in extremely limited quantities - napkins. I would buy an entire broaster chicken, dripping in grease, with all the fixins', and sometimes they would bag it up with one napkin. And that was the size of a square of toilet paper.

Rubito says on Mar 12, 2008, 12:09:

Better get used to it. It is we up in North America that have the big problem, giving out enough paper to write a novel on every time somebody orders a meal in a restaurant! Can't go on forever like that!!

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

Robert Jorge says on Mar 12, 2008, 21:09:

Agree Rubi - but then, provide a rag, soap and water, or F-ing grass to wipe hands with. My first day in country, I ate a bunch of chicken. I get up politely to get a napkin - none. I go to the kitchen - none. I go to the bathroom - no TP. So I rinsed my hands under the sink and wiped them on my pants. The family looked at me with disgust - like I had farted out loud during the Lord's Prayer in church service.

Rubito says on Mar 12, 2008, 21:56:

I agree, a rag soap and water would be a kickass idea. I usually carry Purell with me both up ehre and down there. AND those disposable Charmin wipes, which i use VERY judiciously :P

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

poco says on Mar 12, 2008, 22:28:

Shoes, especially name brands that are not common in Colombia.

ColUmbia Shoes:

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

Lowell says on Mar 13, 2008, 06:59:

Some places like Frisby offer throwaway plastic gloves and or a sink to wash after eating.

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

goin_south says on Mar 17, 2008, 22:35:

poco, not true. I saw some ColUmbia stuff in Bogota a few days ago.

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

lpdiver says on Apr 9, 2008, 13:06:

yeah Lowell,

One of my favorites is watching people eat fried chicken with a glove on.

morphus,

go to Leonisa they got all sizes of womens undies. My wife stops by there every trip we make. Prices are near US prices though.

t

"cook some rice!"

goin_south says on Apr 9, 2008, 17:56:

ipdiver... eva read yer pm's?

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

lpdiver says on Apr 10, 2008, 03:55:

yes I do...don't know about this ipdiver character though. Why do you ask?

t

"cook some rice!"

morphus says on Apr 10, 2008, 05:50:

I'm not interested in purchasing womens undies. Thanks anyway!

nueva york bombero says on Apr 10, 2008, 12:28:

Are they used? I might be interested....

kat1 (Moderator) says on Apr 10, 2008, 12:29:

NYB I can offer you one belong to an 80 y/o woman interesting? :)))

nueva york bombero says on Apr 10, 2008, 12:38:

Hmmm! Shaved? I shouldn't have gone there, but you asked....!

Juanes says on Apr 10, 2008, 12:53:

rizla paper for rolling you know what, there a few shops around ecuador 58 close to parque de bolivar in medellin and one shop only i found in downtown bogota close to el museo del oro.

http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/Juanes/

Juanes says on Apr 10, 2008, 12:54:

oh and a decent grass flat football or soccer pitch to watch teams or play yourself.

http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/Juanes/

pedro says on Apr 14, 2008, 22:12:

I just bought a yellow lemon (lima) from the Carulla alongside Oviedo in Medellin.

Perhaps they're seasonal, or gradually getting easier to find?

¡save pow wow!