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How did you meet your novia or Colombia

This is minefor what it is worth:

The year is 2001. I have gone to France on a booze run with my daughter, (Freudians keep off) Booze run? Large car and take the ferry from Dover(England) to Calais (France) and load as much duty free alcohol as you can into the free space.

Take the slimmest daughter, this leaves more room for the loot. Return to England and convince HM Customs that the two cubic metres of liquid elixir is for your own consumption.

Deciding to treat my child to an evening in Paris we went there first and booked into a hotel. No room for her husband as he is the equivalent weight/space of 7 crates of Stella Artois

We found a lovely little Restaurant on Rue Cambraceres which turned out to be fairly crowded, I sent her in as the advance party to secure a couple of seats as I had to visit the W.C. and make a meal enquiry. (NO horse meat, snails, frogs legs or French whisky)

When I returned and I found my child she was sitting facing me from the other side of the table with three seats, her face partly hidden by a huge mass of luxurious black hair from the incumbent of the chair opposite her.

Dawn (my child) said "dad, this is Alodia, she is on her own and it's OK to sit here"

I sat and as soon as I saw this lady from the front I knew that this was what I had been missing all of my life. I thought that she was French at first and she said very little. Then the reason became clear, she only spoke Spanish but had a very basic grasp of English. I thought then that she came from Spain. Not so, it appeared. Colombia. (‘God Bless Colombia').

She has relations in France and was staying with them. She had been shopping for her return to Colombia and only had a short time (few hours) left, before meeting her friends and going home.

Normally I am rather quiet and more introverted than I suspect is normal, but, on this occasion I just had to get to know everything about her, and I did. When her friends arrived and she had to go, all I had was a telephone number of her place in Bogota and an E mail address. And the memory of her indelibly imprinted in my mind.

At that point I have to admit, I had the feeling that this relationship had gone as far as it was going to. My daughter nagged me mercilessly for weeks to call her and I finally picked up the courage to do so. That was the most productive and sensible thing that I have done in the past 64 years.

1653 A4 pages double sided of Messenger/E mail courting, (sorry don-negro) later, I went to Colombia, she picked me up at the airport in a (covertly) armoured car, I am serious, and spent what was the most enjoyable holiday adventure in my 64 years. (She is 54) with a figure that English maidens can only dream of. (When previous wife sat on the beach, the coastguard would come to her and ask her if she would mind going up to the high water mark as the tide was waiting to come in).

I spent the first Week in a local hotel (Hotel San Diego, cheap and cheerful and close to the Plaza del Toro (disgusting barbarous spectacle)) The remainder in her Apartment.

We got along famously. I fell deeply in love, twice. Once with her, and then with Colombia. (I didn't know elmos burro at that point). I became mesmerised and facinated with everything about this region of Colombia, the people are generous with their feelings and I was accepted by everyone without question. I knew then, I wanted to stay there.

She came to England and stayed with me for six months and I have to say that she did not enjoy England at all and were it not for our situation she would have returned to Colombia early.

We hope to marry this year, those belligerent, contentious, numb nutted, morons in the British embassy permitting.

I will go to Colombia then, never to darken these dark satanic shores again, except to see my children on an annual holiday.

She will be my third wife, My daughter thinks that I just love wedding cake? She does not need me for the money, I have none having been surgically separated from that by the previous two wives. I still get food relief parcels from The Sudan.

She is not a bewitching, ravishingly, gorgeous goddess that can be found in abundance in Colombia. To me however she is much more than that, think of every adulatory phrase that you can, you are about 10% there. That's her.
What is it all about??

Love and more love. Ad infinitum. And for me real love, for the first time, really.

Wish me happiness good folks, I have the lady and all the luck that I need.

By ARMacleod on Jan 29, 2005, 01:39 in Friendly Talkzone.

Lionheart says on Jan 29, 2005, 02:00:

once I finish laughing ... I will wish you good luck and the very best for your future together. Kick them asses and get them moving ....

You have an incredible writing talent, James. I do hope you start writing a blog, or I as I prefer to call it, a journal, and share it with us. When I have advanced some more I will start writing about all of the adventures myself. I believe the positive side of Colombia needs to be made more public, including wonderful relationships.

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ARMacleod says on Jan 29, 2005, 02:47:

Lionheart Thank you for you magnanimity, I appreciate that. I shall put pen to paper so to speak and do a short version of something appropriate when I have some free time.

I will be in Colombia by the end of this year for good, even if I have to swim there. (I have started taking swimming lessons, along with anti shark kung foo and, so as not to waste time, a waterproof version of Teach Yourself Spanish) (Unabridged), Speaking of bridges.......................?

Being of unsound mind and dubious disposition, I cannot be held legally liable for any indiscretions."¡El diablo me hizo hacerlo!" But don't worry, be happy.

The brain is like a parachute, it only functions correctly when it is open. Pax vobiscum.

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Lionheart says on Jan 29, 2005, 02:56:

I told my novia the same I promised I will come to her this year and if I have to swim or be a stowaway on a tuna fisher. I am already dying hair, moustache, and skin to not look like a gringo when I crawl through the country side to Cali, maybe I'll hijack a burro. And I will hide the rosa glasses that Gomez insists on that I am wearing.

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miamimike says on Jan 29, 2005, 03:26:

JAmes, Great Love Story By Jove !! Wow, that's a great Tell-all. Your future wife should be very happy with you--she will never be able to say you have no sense of Humor. Like you, I like the "classic models" of colombianas as well-less likely to fly the coop as we say. Stable.I have been to your country twice and visited London-great historic sights and the such but to be honest-I could not live there. I think my joking would get me punched in the nose.Good luck, next time I get to colombia We will have to share a beer-

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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dwmte says on Jan 29, 2005, 04:38:

yo james.... what a wonderful post, i can't resist adding to the thread. however, all to often when i'm posting, the 'timer' kills my post and i can either start all over or simply say screw it.

in this case, i'm gonna follow the advise of others and write in word and transfer.

i loved your story and, of course will look forward to more. some time later today, i'll add to this thread. these are the types of posts i love and serve well the promotion of the right side of the land so many of us love...colombia.

more later,

dwm

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YEP says on Jan 29, 2005, 04:43:

Reminds me of our trips from Denmark to Germany

Take the slimmest daughter, this leaves more room for the loot. Return to England and convince HM Customs that the two cubic metres of liquid elixir is for your own consumption.

------------------------------------------------------------------- Just another scandinavian getting ready to explore South America

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Michael_B says on Jan 29, 2005, 05:03:

Well done old chap Bravo

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utopiacowboy says on Jan 29, 2005, 08:09:

Very amusing story, James. Told in your own inimitable style!

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jan 29, 2005, 09:36:

MMMM How I meet my British husband... I kidnapped him, nobody paid the ramson so I kept him.

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oldbongo says on Jan 29, 2005, 10:31:

it's just too complicated to spill..... however, ...
la commandante crossed paths with the oldgringo,
completely innocently, at just the right place and time,
and the rest is history being made.

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lpdiver says on Jan 29, 2005, 10:42:

Gringo are you 100% sure it was innocent and coincidental? hmmmmm? I don't believe in coincidences and removing coincidence what are you left with?...Just yanking your chin dude...jejeje

T

"cook some rice!"

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mzzmerized says on Jan 29, 2005, 12:09:

This is a great story!!! I believe I have said this several times already...Colombia is full of gorgeous, loving women who are NOT 20 years old! The country is very youth-oriented so these women just get kind of left by the wayside...if they were in Canada, for example, there would be an abundance of men their ages for them to hook up with! All you middle-aged guys looking for that magic elixir of youth...you are wasting your time! The 20-year age difference WILL matter! Be realistic and go for a more mature woman, that is where you will find your genuine happiness!

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utopiacowboy says on Jan 29, 2005, 12:18:

Any elixir of youth that is dependent on another person is a very tenuous one. I prefer to supply my own elixir and see what turns up. I do know some gorgeous sexy widows in Medellin that IMHO are far more attractive than any young woman. But, each to his own!

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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mzzmerized says on Jan 29, 2005, 12:34:

Cowboy You say "to each his own"...but it is easy for a guy of average looks, income, etc. to get dazzled by the beauty and seeming availabilty of young Colombian women...to the point of thinking "why go after someone my own age when I have this plethora of young, gorgeous women to choose from?" It is a huge mistake, because...oh, to hell with it...all you guys will just end up with gringa-bashing and pie-in-the-sky dreams of that 20-year-old body curled up against you for all eternity...

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Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jan 29, 2005, 12:40:

first things first, James Velez Hernandez (right?) thank you for sharing your story with the board. It's truly an inspiration for everybody else seeking a new partner in life: reality being more wonderful and surprising than many a fantasy. I wish you both all my best. This is the stuff that dreams are made of.
One day I will also go ahead and share my story, when I feel that the time is ripe.

Cheers,
Desi

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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lpdiver says on Jan 29, 2005, 12:48:

All of eternity? No but they probably will have it for the 2-3 years it takes to gain residency...jejeje. Most of my Colombiana caution comes from stories the Colombianas have related to me themselves. THEY were the ones who warned me to be aware. I listened.

Tony

One in a million becomes one hundred percent when it happens to you!

"cook some rice!"

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oldbongo says on Jan 29, 2005, 17:59:

diver.... the oldgringo's still with you kid...

just imagine pissing off a natural redhead latina....

what's worse??...that?.. or stepping on an urchin.

mzzmerized....sorry for your cold hearted perspective...

the oldgringo and la commandante feast on pie-in-the-sky.

why wouldn't we?....it's good.

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mzzmerized says on Jan 30, 2005, 14:32:

Old Gringo... Cold hearted? Me? Sorry, that's not the case...just spent too many years in the tropics...and while there, watching guys like you make fools of themselves over all those cute young things, thinking that they really wanted you. But, hey, it's great...everyone is getting what they are REALLY after...but, Old Gringo, you know that you and guys like yourself could NOT have that happening back home, I don't care how much you say that that you don't like North American women and that it is your preference to go after latinas. I know you realize that and that's why you are so obviously not into marrying anybody, just playing the field in a third world country where bad economic conditions for women have turned you into someone desirable to pass a few weeks with.

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oldbongo says on Jan 30, 2005, 14:44:

do you know the word vitriolic..??.. thats what your diatibe is..

the oldgringo HAS had THAT at home,
and this is the perfect example of the
reason that la gringa is less pleasant to be around.

for your info, the oldgringo was not "playing the field"
when he met la commandante tres anos pasada.

and further..la commandante wants nothing from me...
..........and boy,.....do i deliver!!!!!!!

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mzzmerized says on Jan 30, 2005, 15:05:

Sorry Old Gringo That you find me vitriolic and oh-so-typical of what you are trying to get away from. And I am sorry that your experiences with your female peers have made you so bitter about us gringas. But your sense of humour persuades me that you have been luckier than most in your pursuit of happiness in latina-landia. I have been going to Colombia for more than 25 years (maybe i should call myself "Old Gringa"!) and work with Colombian refugees here in Canada. My opinions are certainly not meant to be anger-inspiring. I get upset at the objectifying of Colombian women, where their thoughts and dreams and ambitions are trivialized and ignored. Where their attractiveness and youth become their only assets. Where women over 30 or even 25 are no longer considered viable mates. i am sorry Old Gringo, but these things tick me off.

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oldbongo says on Jan 30, 2005, 15:20:

thank you...mzzzz tranquilo..the oldgringo has also been
going to colombia....only 33 years...

luckier......maybe better prepared..
.
there has been no pursuit for happiness
in colombia..it found the oldgringo.

you're ticked off, partially, for the same reason women
in all times and cultures are,..competition from younger women,
if not you, directly, then for the others.
in cuba, a girl is washed up at 22, retirement age from tropicana.
no doubt, this is very sexist, chauvinistic, and unfair,......
it's not the oldgringos' fault. ...this is nature....

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mzzmerized says on Jan 30, 2005, 15:47:

Old Gringo I am not entirely convinced this is nature's way...it is more the way of economics...and it has existed like this since memory...but that does not make it NATURAL.
And I am not ticked off (although if I was middle-aged in Colombia I might be!) because in my country I am not at all washed up...I am in my 40s and I can still get plenty of men, and, by golly, in latin america, even more! (That attrraction works both ways you know.)
I am going to come out of the closet a bit here and tell you that in Colombia I had the misfortune to meet 2 different pedophiles (one European and one American). What they got away with there was absolutely disgusting...and it has unfortunately coloured my perception of the whole May/December romantic scenario.
I AM NOT AT ALL INSINUATING THAT THE MALE MEMBERS OF THIS BOARD ARE PEDOPHILES!!!! I am only trying to express why I may come across as overly strident or overly cynical...it is just that I saw first-hand what the power of money can do to people's judgement.

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oldbongo says on Jan 30, 2005, 15:54:

and naturally... this experience has affected your judgement of others.

problem is,...generalizing.

one of the oldgringos' best friends is 65.
her partner in pie-in-the-sky, is 39.
go figure...

and "economics" is a driving force in nature.

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mzzmerized says on Jan 30, 2005, 16:00:

I am sorry I ever started this because now you are going to generalize that i am generalizing and you can therefore dismiss everything I have to say.

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utopiacowboy says on Jan 30, 2005, 17:40:

Well, Mzzmermized, my wife is now 44. She was 42 when I first met her. She was and is the hottest chick on the planet!

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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Mariangela says on Feb 2, 2005, 17:14:

Wow! James,
What a neat and romantic story. I enjoyed every sentence. Congratulations! Be happy now and forever!
Mariángela

Mariángela

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silviat says on Feb 6, 2005, 11:51:

Congratulations James!

I loved your story...

I hope you guys have a relly really happy life together.

I am a Colombian and I met my future husband (american) while we both were living in Argentina.

Ours is a long but very happy story, now we are waitting for the visa.

Anyway I wanted to say I am happy to read your nice nice post, I am kind of tired of reading posts from people talking bad about Colombian women, or interracial relationships that involved a Colombian.

Have a beautiful life together!

Silvia

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