I miss Bogota!!!

elmodefoque says on Mar 5, 2007, 12:07:

Back in Europe! holy crap, I really do feel for you.
I just got back from curramba after nearly a month and I feel like chocking myself. Keep in mind, I live in NYC and we got more spics here than Barranquilla. The thought of returning to Europe must be a hellish torture.

PROUD ENEMY OF THE RIGHT WING!!!!!! THANK YOU!

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scotty says on Mar 5, 2007, 12:35:

no work I bet if there was more work in Colombia and a better economy many Colombians would stay there and I bet many Europeans and Americans would be moving there. If I thought I could make good money there I'd move there tomorrow. Unfortunately we all know the financial situation in Colombia.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

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thur says on Mar 5, 2007, 12:45:

Understand. Oh, yes... the after-trip depression. Very common and I've heard it before, same here. I came back to The Netherlands about 6 weeks ago after being 3 months in Colombia (Bogotá mostly);
It's cold, there's no noise whatsoever, it's very quiet, it's grey, there are moody people everywhere it seems, there's no 'comida criolla' or chorizo, pandebono, pandeyuca or whatever around the corner. The news goes on and on about trivial things and a maximum of 8°C is _not_ helping my mood either... The difference between here and there is just too big, a whole different vibe and if I remember correctly from last year I have another 6 to 8 weeks of complaining and longing back to go *sigh*
Greetings,

~ UPDATE ~
www.pbase.com/thur

- www.pbase.com/thur

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kalder says on Mar 5, 2007, 12:47:

Returning to Europe can be a hellish torture if you do it via Madrid. The airport staff there can be obnoxious. Especially to Colombians.

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

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aztec says on Mar 5, 2007, 13:13:

scotty That is one of the things that worries me. The safer it becomes the more foreigners will move to Colombia. Thus, there goes the neighborhood.

I admit selfishness, I don't want the Country to be homogenized. Furthermore, I want it for myself and that it remain as is! Maybe a few more bombs will take care of that problem!

This was the attitude people from Oregon had about all those Californians moving into their State. There was even talk of putting up a barrier between California and Oregon to keep the undesirable Californians out.

Unfortunately for the rest of us that is against the US constitution.

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eastended says on Mar 5, 2007, 14:04:

what are you all going on about??
I came back from Bogota 2 weeks ego from a 3 week trip, was mainly in Bogota but went to Leticia for a week as well;

Anyway, was so happy to get on that plane to London!! it was sunny everyday and that sun on my face all the time was getting on my last nerve - not to mention the fact that you just dont know what the hell to wear! too hot during the day and freezing in the evening; the driving is crazy, the transmilenio is crazy and everything is really chaotic - and I moan about London?? London is paradise in comparison.

There just seems to be such a lack of coherency everywhere there - actually that is also true of Miami. Anyway, may be I have become too 'British' in my ways, I am Colombian born and bred and have lived most of my life in England and London and when I got on the flight to Miami, AA put the oscar-winning Queen movie on - it was such a relieve to hear the British accent and to know I was on my way home!

Right now it is miserable and raining in London, but you know what - would not change it for anything and certainly not for Bogota! call me miserable :-)

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manINred says on Mar 5, 2007, 14:20:

Eastended!!!! YES! I too believe that London is the greatest city on the planet, it is a fantasstic fantastic place, and if I had to get on a plane to go back to London, I certianly wouldn't complain!

Oh, and go to Medellin, it's much better, warm at night too.

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analyzethis1 says on Mar 5, 2007, 14:25:

Help me understand Other than the obvious reason (unemployment), what were your reasons for leaving? Marriage proposals by extranjeros/as? Poverty? Too many people? Change of scenery? A good friend of mine who came to Vancouver, Canada as an exchange student (9 years ago) did so well that he got offered a job. He's now a Canadian citizen and every time he returns from visiting his family in Cucata, he gets depress. But after 2 wks, he's back to normal and truly believes living in Canada will give him a more secure and prosperous future than if he stays in Colombia. However I think there's probably more to this. Perhaps pressure from his family to do well or from society as a whole since showing off (your well-to-do status) is such a thing in Bogota, whereas here in Vancouver, everyone is the same (except for the obvious rich driving a Rolls). Anyway, he earns good money enough to visit home 2x a year, sends clothing to the less fortunate, and has already proven to be successful. I think I had asked him before if he were to earn the same salary in Colombia, would he return home? He said no...

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

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elmodefoque says on Mar 5, 2007, 14:56:

my ex is at work, i'm sitting here all alone in my penthouse missing barranquilla real bad. the only thing that brings me joy is watching guys getting their heads cut off or shot. I had a great site for that but can't remember the name right now. any of you guys know? Is not youtube, they don't show stuff like that.

PROUD ENEMY OF THE RIGHT WING!!!!!! THANK YOU!

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coffee beaner says on Mar 5, 2007, 15:07:

hey elmo the only site I knew about was ogrish.com but I guess they shut it down, how about rotten.com??

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englishsettler says on Mar 5, 2007, 15:16:

im off to see my novia in cali, early Am tommorow. Im english, living near london, uk and i really dont like Cali. Totally does my head in. Total chaos on the roads and dirty as hell as well as damm noisy. Still im not really a city dweller by nature so that could make it worse for me.
I think i will prefer Bogota or medellin, havent been there but i just know Cali does my head in and i would unlikely go to cali ( or colombia for that matter) if it wasnt for my chick there.
I much prefer mexico, more laid back.
Well, that my opinion

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elmodefoque says on Mar 5, 2007, 15:18:

thanks. i'll check it out, CB, thanks. i'll check it out,
the site i was talking about had "net" "live" something like that?
It also had the greatest sexual video i've ever seeen. Guys recorded up close, maybe 2 inches away, beautiful brazilian girls farting. you could clearly see the anus open and close, releasing noisy toxic gases. it got me all excited.

PROUD ENEMY OF THE RIGHT WING!!!!!! THANK YOU!

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Simon says on Mar 5, 2007, 15:48:

"Anyway, may be I have become too 'British' in my ways, I am Colombian born and bred and have lived most of my life in England and London and when I got on the flight to Miami, AA put the oscar-winning Queen movie on - it was such a relieve to hear the British accent and to know I was on my way home!"

Eastended,


You just sound like a colombian SELL-OUT!! What we call a 'colombiano chiviado'.

Good riddance!! And tell that useless queen I said "hola"!

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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manINred says on Mar 5, 2007, 15:49:

Wow Simon mate, don't embarrass me here for defending you on the other thread.

London's my hometown and it's perfectly understandable that this bloke likes it. Perhaps you should visit and see what he's talking about.

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manINred says on Mar 5, 2007, 15:51:

"useless queen" wow, missed that bit. Simon, the defunct monarchy is still a national symbol for Britain. If you don't want people shitting on the Colombian flag and the catholic religion, well, practice what you preach mate, that's all I have to say.

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Monpirri says on Mar 5, 2007, 15:54:

Yes sir! I know a couple of those "colombianos chiviados" here on PBH and a bunch of them that hang out at co.blog

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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manINred says on Mar 5, 2007, 15:58:

come on guys monpirri1, come on man, I usually agree with what you have to say (and likewise) but the dude just said he likes London better, hardly a personal attack on Colombia...

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Simon says on Mar 5, 2007, 16:09:

manifred,
This 'Eastended' manifred,

This 'Eastended' guy, supposedly a colombian, comes and puts Colombia down so I just did the same to wherever he comes from. Don't take it personally.

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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Monpirri says on Mar 5, 2007, 16:11:

Colombialink.com - Juan Valdez - Vuelta del Queen Elizabeth Vuelta del Queen Elizabeth

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Monpirri says on Mar 5, 2007, 16:12:

ManINred I have a great respect for you! Don't mind us today.

Cheers,
Monpirri

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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eastended says on Mar 5, 2007, 16:15:

See!!! Point proven I feel - what a lack of thought and regard for someone's opinion; just an opinion - I'm not forcing it down anybodys throat, you can choose to like or dislike but you cannot take it away from me my friend,

Not that I have to prove or defend anything, but I do love Colombia. Some aspects more than others - the ignorance that creates wars and misery because simply some do not allow others to have their truth is one of the aspects I dislike and cannot tolerate and the reason why I choose to not live in Colombia;

Anyway, although I stand firmly in my opinion - the idea of my message was not to offend anybody. It was a thought, an opinion offered with humour, a bit of banter;

As for the Queen, well, her government makes sure I can have an opinion and not be killed because of it, so I like her; Long Live the QUEEN!!!

thanks for your support manINred,

---uncolombianochiviado----

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Monpirri says on Mar 5, 2007, 16:22:

? Next time you travel to Colombia take a tape recorder with you so you don't miss the accent of your beloved country.
Long Live Colombia

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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eastended says on Mar 5, 2007, 16:23:

what a clever idea Monpirri1, oh bless - did you come with it on your own? :-)

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Simon says on Mar 5, 2007, 16:33:

Haha, good one Monpirri!
Haha, good one Monpirri!

Me imagino que este tipo ya se tiño el pelo rubio y usa lentes de contacto azules!

Como yo digo, y sienten tanto alivio cuando se van de Colombia, entonces para qué diablos visitan?

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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goin_south says on Mar 5, 2007, 16:37:

I'm jus waiting for an opportunity to 'miss Bogota'.
Also, waiting to see 'miss bogota'.

Where do we go from here?

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eastended says on Mar 5, 2007, 16:45:

Call a spade a spade - cannot pretend that Bogota is a paradise when it is not, far from it; I love Colombia but I am not blind and will not lie to myself to pretend otherwise, let's not pretend that Bogota is a prototype of a European City - it simply is not whether that hurts or not, that is my opinion, do you live in Bogota?
No amount of pandebonos, tamales or empanadas is going to make it paradise - get real mate,
Tal vez visitamos para recordar how bad it is!
I'm just curious as to why you two are so defensive about it? If it is not true, then let this loco carry on with his cuento, what's the problem, hit a nerve?
-----Uncolombianochiviado------

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Monpirri says on Mar 5, 2007, 16:49:

El felizafortunado I had a dream last night you were in court with el loro and there were several loritos all dressed in yellow, blue and red.
El Loro fainted when you told the judge that back in May of 2006 el Loro was supporting a huge boycott about...I was wake up by the same blond girl that Carlos Vives was trying to kiss on the Vallenato video.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Monpirri says on Mar 5, 2007, 16:54:

Have you seen the video Luna Nueva? Well, that is the same girl that I saw in my dream last night. I am not too crazy about blondes. I do not know how the heck she sneaked into my cabeza.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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manINred says on Mar 5, 2007, 16:58:

Eastended, Go to Medellin next time. I'm not really keen on Bogota, didn't like it too much, but i LOVE Medellin, la costa, and the mid-country, Narino/Cauca and north of Cali, Quindio, Colombia has so many places of sheer beauty, next time get out of Bogota. While nothing tops good old England, Colombia comes a close second for me.

Thanks Monpirri, likewise.

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podborski says on Mar 5, 2007, 16:58:

you're wasting your time eastend with certain people on PBH, if you say you heard it rained in Colombia they will start screaming at you to go home, why are you criticising Colombia, and why the hell did you come to our country if you hate it so much and blah blah blah.

It's embarassing, I know. I am Canadian and there are lots of insecure, overly defensive Canadians too. What can you do?

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Simon says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:02:

"Tal vez visitamos para recordar how bad it is!
I'm just curious as to why you two are so defensive about it? If it is not true, then let this loco carry on with his cuento, what's the problem, hit a nerve?"

Why are we defensive...um, let's see, maybe because we actually love our country and we would never think to go around badmouthing her to non-colombians! That's like talking bad about your own mother.

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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manINred says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:03:

La gente asi vive por todas partes There are people like that everywhere. I haven't met any insecure defensive Canadians, many misguided ones though. Some of the shit here though is also so offensive that I don't blame certain individuals for getting upset.

At least it provides for a bit of drama, something someone with a name close to 'eastenders' can certainly appreciate, innit?

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manINred says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:05:

Simon, I hope you are not insinuating that there exists a flawless Colombia! Without recognizing the flaws, how can the country improve??? It's natural and even healthy to have flaws, and Colombia, like every country, has its fair share of unhealthy flaws itself. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the country, but there are certain things that I would love to see improve.

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podborski says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:07:

Bogotá is not really a great city on it's own IMHO, but I love it there because the people are amazing and you can have some really great experiences, it's unlike anywhere else I have ever been.

The weather is not so good though...lots of rain it seems to me, and it does change every 15 minutes, which is typical of mountain regions.

London is hard to beat, but bloody expensive and I'm sure you can't meet as many interesting people in a year in London as you can in a week in Bogotá.

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Simon says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:11:

"I hope you are not insinuating that there exists a flawless Colombia! Without recognizing the flaws, how can the country improve???"

And the flaws are gonna be fixed by exposing them on an english-language website about Colombia? The only thing this character is doing by that is making the country look even worse. It's bad enough we have to deal with the media always highlighting the negative in Colombia, but now he have 'so-called colombians' doing the same! He should feel proud of himself!

If his intention were to change the flaws, I suggest he write the city council of Bogota.

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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Monpirri says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:11:

Podborksi There is no insercure, overly defensive Colombians here. In fact, there are very, very few Colombians that get upset when someone put down the country on this Colombian site.
There are several examples that I can share with you. For example, how many colombians did you notice that got upset with the Colombian anthem?
The problem that we have here is that there is more negative stuff about Colombia that positive. So four or five members here always try to balance the comments when somone visit us and leave us another comment as the ones you see everyday in the biased media.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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podborski says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:14:

but manINred to say 'I'm happy to be going home' is hardly offensive shit.

I would think a normal response to that would be: 'Sorry you didn't like it, maybe you came with a bad attitude.' or 'What didn't you like?' or 'If you had a bad time in Colombia you must be one of those really anal stuck up brits'.

All that seems reasonable to me.

But this:

"You just sound like a colombian SELL-OUT!! What we call a 'colombiano chiviado'.

Good riddance!! And tell that useless queen I said "hola"!

is childish, useless, insecure drivel. (not to mention super hypocritical as you yourself pointed out)

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Simon says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:19:

'If you had a bad time in Colombia you must be one of those really anal stuck up brits'.

-------------------------------------

But that's the thing... the guys isn't a Brit! He himself said he's Colombian and now acts as if the country were beneath him, can't stand people like that!

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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manINred says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:19:

no no no podborksi, read my previous posts in this thread, that's exactly what I'm saying to simon, trying to add some perspective... we're on the same page mate!

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podborski says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:21:

that thread is a perfect example monpirri 140 posts and about half of them complaining that rubito said he didn't like the anthem (and then it turned into a religion thing).

Somone's opinion of the anthem is so trivial it's beyond belief anyone even cares. There are wars going on in the world and people get upset by opinions on anthems?

I don't know of anyone here who posts here who doesn't like or love Colombia, that's why we are on this site, but if someone says, oh, I had a bad meal, or I can't get a good steak, or my cell phone was stolen, the colombia defense team starts yelling like little children.

Trust me, it's unnecessary and does more to give Colombia a bad name than someone's comment about bad food/weather/service or whatever.

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Monpirri says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:24:

It does not sound very good Let's say you go to Germany to visit and things did not work out the way you expected. So just before you return back, you go to the German website and post something like, thanks goodness I am going back home because I miss my country, my culture, my tea, my rain..Allelujah I am leaving this mess.

That is our point, it does no sound to good particularly when the visitor is a native visiting his country.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Simon says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:25:

"I don't know of anyone here who posts here who doesn't like or love Colombia,"

Are you kidding? You must be new here!

Have you ever read of the posts by a "former" member called 'GringoInBogota'? All that guy ever did was bitch about Colombia! There's several others but I'll refrain from mentioning them to avoid another all-out war.

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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Simon says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:26:

"Let's say you go to Germany to visit and things did not work out the way you expected. So just before you return back, you go to the German website and post something like, thanks goodness I am going back home because I miss my country, my culture, my tea, my rain..Allelujah I am leaving this mess.

That is our point, it does no sound to good particularly when the visitor is a native visiting his country."

----------------------------------------------




Monpirri, you are the man!

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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podborski says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:28:

yeah I know manINred I thought you were saying that what eastender said was offensive shit, but I guess you meant elsewhere.

otherwise we are on exactly the same page, no place is perfect, and one person's opinion means very little.

I sure hope Colombia continues to improve, because I'd love to live there some day.

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podborski says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:30:

so Simon if eastender's criticism is not going to have any effect on improving things, I presume because this english speaking site has no influence, then I don't see how it makes anything worse either?

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manINred says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:34:

Simon, stop being thick!!!!! And I mean that in a friendly way ;) Constructive criticism can oftentimes be a good thing. People hear things that need improving and then eventually someone important hears about it and does something about it. Eastender admitted he LOVES Colombia, and us two, podborski and myself, both love the country and want for it to improve, so there's no one on this thread that would actually put down Colombia.

Once again, his preference may be England (and I don't see the harm in that) but his being a Colombian DOES NOT exclude him from criticism of his own country.

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Monpirri says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:35:

No Simon We are the people. You, I and several more excelsiors who are now probably having dinner.

"Se unieron los que tenian que unirse"
Joe Arroyos' Regatteon Son video

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Simon says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:36:

"I presume because this english speaking site has no influence, then I don't see how it makes anything worse either?"

Sure it can. Impressionable people who have never been to Colombia and browse this site may read it and think, "man, even the natives say this place sucks", or something to that effect. By this, he's doing the country a disservice.

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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podborski says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:38:

monpirri and Simon my response would be:

"sorry you had a bad time, maybe you don't know the right people, the right places to go, or you have a bad attitude"

and I might even say 'good riddance' but i sure wouldn't get upset about it or so defensive. It's one person's opinion, nothing more.

My point is, from a foreignor's point of view, reading your responses would make most think 'wow, those colombians sure are touchy (overly-sensitive)' which is worse than any effect eastend's comments might have.

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Monpirri says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:38:

Ok guys let's take a break It's dinner time here. We continue tomorrow with this BS. I am about to have pig head a la reina.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Simon says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:41:

Yeah, we forgive you Eastender. We've seen a lot worse written about Colombia here than what he said.

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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Monpirri says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:44:

Simon Well stated, "Sure it can. Impressionable people who have never been to Colombia and browse this site may read it and think, "man, even the natives say this place sucks", or something to that effect. By this, he's doing the country a disservice."

I am starving I have to go...please do not post anymore.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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podborski says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:47:

but simon my point is you would do a better service by pointing out how much colombia has to offer, rather than by telling people to get lost.

But what the hell am I trying to be the schoolteacher for?! jaja

Every once in a while I feel like fighting a losing battle I guess.

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podborski says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:53:

I have read this site for years and all GIB used to do, and still does as DG, is warn people not to be too complacent about safety in colombia, and give good tips on what to do and not to do while enjoying this great place (which, by the way, he likes so much he does sometimes veer into trying to scare off some people in hopes of keeping it all to himself, the selfish bastard. :))

I'm sure you take that as a huge insult, but for most people planning to visit a country for the first time it's just good advice, and most experienced travelers appreciate learning a bit about a country before they visit.

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podborski says on Mar 5, 2007, 17:58:

enjoy your dinner mp I am at persico cafe in BsAs eating the most decadent dulce de leche ice cream you can imagine.

I have to say, dulce de leche is so much better than arequipe (jajaja!)

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analyzethis1 says on Mar 5, 2007, 18:18:

Piapo Ummm...back to your question...or was it mine...
If your husband could find a job in Colombia that would provide a similar standard of living to what you have in Europe, would you move back? Please be specific as to why you would or wouldn't (ie. food, music, family gatherings, siestas, weather, crime, etc.)
I'm trying to empathize with my new Colombian friends here in Canada and understand their perspectives on how their country has changed (for the better or worse).

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

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Simon says on Mar 5, 2007, 21:50:

I heard they DONT like anti-christians in Bogotá.

BTW, who said I don't live in Colombia?

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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goin_south says on Mar 5, 2007, 21:57:

wait Simon... stop the 'who said?' shit; Do you live in Col or not?

Where do we go from here?

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Simon says on Mar 5, 2007, 22:06:

Let's just day I don't want you as my neighbor.

You can be as anti-Christian as you want, as long as you keep it to yourself. If you go around talking about "JC" in Colombia as you did before on the other thread, I'm telling you, you're gonna get in trouble!

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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manINred says on Mar 5, 2007, 22:07:

oh great, i can see where this conversation is going...!!!

But Simon, you have to admit it is hilarious that you, as a Colombian, choose to live elsewhere and then make general negative classifications of people like Eastender (people like yourself?)... just an observation, don't take offence :)

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goin_south says on Mar 5, 2007, 22:15:

why Simon! That's not nice of you. Most of us would love having Rubito as our neighbor; hell, he stays couped up on the computer writing on pbh and col blog all day and all night; doesn't bother anyone (but YOU and MONPIRRI....Desi, a lil bit) and he's gonna be leaving for Bogota soon, anyway ;)

Besides; if he was your neighbor, then you would have more time for RECRUITING HIM FOR THE KINGDOM.

Where do we go from here?

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Simon says on Mar 5, 2007, 22:21:

"Besides; if he was your neighbor, then you would have more time for RECRUITING HIM FOR THE KINGDOM."

Yes, I do like that challenge, hahaha!

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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Simon says on Mar 5, 2007, 22:41:

Rubito Rubito, first of all, I am a Catholic and from what I gather Monpirri is not.

Second...yo estoy aquí en Colombia! And I know I speak for many colombians who don't know english when I say that we don't want people with your views about our religion in our country. You yourself saw that there were other colombians who were apalled by your beliefs and guess what? There are many more. Now I don't know what circle of colombians you hang out with, probably some empty, punk metal 'gomelos', but rest assured that they are a small minority.


But don't worry Rubito, I'll pray for you. There's still a lot of time to save your soul. Good night.

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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Piapo says on Mar 6, 2007, 03:29:

Moving back I have a "good paid" job in Europe and I don't think I would earn the same amount of money in Colombia so I that's why I wouldn't. Of course crime is an issue but that doesn't scare me that much. I do worry about my husband, about his security; he doesn't care that much, he knows the political and economical situation of Colombia better than I do so he is aware of the dangers. I miss my family as I'm only child, my city and the people. Here I'm always acting as in a theather piece, I want to be my self and I don't think I'll find another place that I could call "home"

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Monpirri says on Mar 6, 2007, 03:46:

science fiction fandom You talk a lot of bullshit! You should thank your God that you are lucky that someone in Colombia is not aware of your propaganda and I am not talking about just the Colombian anthem. When I say someone in Colombia I do not mean the dudes you hang out at your local bar in Bogotá and I do not mean Colombians or Colombians wanna be on the Internet.

You have a record, a pattern of sinister comments against Colombia, and when your BS is not sinister in nature, it’s false!
Dude, do not judge the silence of many members on these sites as you being an intellect on Colombian issues because you are not! I am still looking for the threads about that false info you posted about vallenato, I have not found them yet.!!!
I do not know who or what is funneling your mundane ideas but if I was you, I stop now.
On you next trip to Bogotá, do something positive and rewarding for yourself and the rest of your friends, gather the pimps, the prostitutes, the alcoholics, the drug addicts and the ones that look normal but need help and tell them there is a better way, help them out!

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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eastended says on Mar 6, 2007, 04:03:

"Yeah, we forgive you Eastender. We've seen a lot worse written about Colombia here than what he said."

Yeah? thanks Simon - I was sick with worry and almost could not sleep; feel better now you have forgiven me;

Next time I have an opinion, can I pvt you and run it past you to see if you approve? Wouln't want to spend another sleepless night like that. Anyway, I promise I will never say anything 'bad' about Bogota or Colombia because I wouldn't want ignorant and small-minded people to get the wrong impression and decide not to visit Colombia.

Have to go now and serve Queen and Country :-)

Perfection lives in Colombia,

----Uncolombianochiviado------

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elmodefoque says on Mar 6, 2007, 05:10:

Call me crazy or plain ol stupid, but I never EVER had any desire to gotto Europe. The thought of landing in Spain, turns my stomach and not due to the tainted odor from it’s citizens, but to be treated like crap by them for being Colombian, THEM of all people, just boggles the imagination.
I’m a typical costeño, cheerful, gregarious, generous, unassuming, loud and most happy when surrounded by people just like me. The though of hanging around those famous, most fun loving, most joyful, most colorful people in the planet, Brits, Indians and Arabs is just too much excitement for me. Not only that, enjoying their blissful company under a cold, drizzly, grey sky, drinking warm beer in a cold, dark pub, is just too much exhilaration and more that my heart could handle.
To me, Mexico is the most stunning place in the planet, Barranquilla, just like New York City is a lotta fokin fun, and Miami is my favorite fishing spot. I don’t need any other place in the planet.

PROUD ENEMY OF THE RIGHT WING!!!!!! THANK YOU!

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eastended says on Mar 6, 2007, 05:30:

"The thought of landing in Spain, turns my stomach and not due to the tainted odor from it’s citizens, but to be treated like crap by them for being Colombian, THEM of all people, just boggles the imagination."

I have to agree with you there, in my experience it does not matter where you land in Spain you get the same arrogant, ignorant and ugly attitude accompanied by the unbearable accent and use of the Spanish language; I feel for those poor latino inmigrants that have to live there and endure all of that. How dare they? Look at the mess they left in South America, a mess that is still going on! What's funny is that they really think of themselves because they are in the European Union...

Isn't there a lot of arabs in Barranquilla too?

You say you are unassuming, however you also say "Not only that, enjoying their blissful company under a cold, drizzly, grey sky, drinking warm beer in a cold, dark pub, is just too much exhilaration" You have not been to Europe or London so how do you it is how you describe it? is it because you have seen it in Bridget Jones? anything you say about London would be an assumption - I speak of Bogota because I have the experience of being in Bogota,

As for Mexico, well - there is one country I do not feel inspired to visit - have seen many mexican telenovelas to know everyone there is rich and sleeping with la muchacha del servicio,

----ignorance is a weapon of mass destruction-----

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elmodefoque says on Mar 6, 2007, 05:45:

Dude, yes we do have a lotta them there Arabs in Barranquilla, but they conformed quite quickly to the costeño way. They are not fanatical at all and as a matter of fact they are a lotta fokin fun, I’m not kidding.
As for London, I grew up watching the Man from Uncle and The Avengers and it looked boring as all hell.

PROUD ENEMY OF THE RIGHT WING!!!!!! THANK YOU!

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elmodefoque says on Mar 6, 2007, 05:55:

Lets contiune talking about Spain, I wanna tear them a new asshole.

PROUD ENEMY OF THE RIGHT WING!!!!!! THANK YOU!

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eastended says on Mar 6, 2007, 06:15:

They were dragged out of the middle ages with a mirror, screaming into the 21st Century by the rest of Europe... and now suddenly they are above it all;
They have a lot to answer for, they killed, raped, robbed and mistreated the peace-loving south american indian tribes that lived in syncronicity with the earth and the sky and left a legacy of violence and ignorance - and now they are 'civilised', as if...

On your other point though, there are people who do not conform everywhere, ETA in spain, FARC and paras in Colombia, extremists in Europe and the USA but it is not a good reason not to visit - by that same measure then all extranjeros should stay away from Colombia?

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elmodefoque says on Mar 6, 2007, 06:29:

I told this story before.
The first time I saw anyone from Spain was in NYC ,circa early 1960’s.
About 4 Spanish families lived in my building. The men were short, fat with a constant 5 o’clock shadow and always smoking, not very attractive. The women also short and wide wore babushka and had small yellow teeth. One thing that most shocked me about them was the smell. It was a putrid stomach wrenching smell. A combination of grajo (under arm odor), jopo (ass), pecueca (feet odor) and cigarettes.
They looked at me funny, and I in turn looked a them funny too, while holding my nose.

PROUD ENEMY OF THE RIGHT WING!!!!!! THANK YOU!

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elmodefoque says on Mar 6, 2007, 06:39:

I used to give the Spaniards my menacing Injun look, this one

PROUD ENEMY OF THE RIGHT WING!!!!!! THANK YOU!

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elmodefoque says on Mar 6, 2007, 06:43:

They in turn gave me the, i wanna stick a long sword in your neck, look.

PROUD ENEMY OF THE RIGHT WING!!!!!! THANK YOU!

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elmodefoque says on Mar 6, 2007, 06:47:

Then I gave them the “I wanna hang you by your smelly balls from a mata raton tree and beat you to death, look”

PROUD ENEMY OF THE RIGHT WING!!!!!! THANK YOU!

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elmodefoque says on Mar 6, 2007, 06:52:

we were all one happy family! In 5 years together we never said a single word to each other, only dirty looks.

PROUD ENEMY OF THE RIGHT WING!!!!!! THANK YOU!

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aztec says on Mar 6, 2007, 07:02:

DonGringo "Not to mention the fact that this is one of the most boring cities I have ever lived in. I had to live here for logistical reasosn but man there has to be something better than this. Waking up freezing my ass off every morning is getting old."

I was under the impression you lived in Bogotá because that was your preference. Sounds as if you may be moving to some other location. If not Bogotá then where in Colombia do you recommend.

We may have different criteria but since you have been there 4 years I would like your opinion.

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juanalejo says on Mar 6, 2007, 07:09:

DG I still do not get it, you do not need a visa to get out, why don´t you do the same, instead of bitching and bitching. And to call Bogotá boring means you either have lived all your life in New York or London or you are a traditional gringo which finds anything outside their good ole USA boring by nature. I know you are the second type and hence understand your permanent bitching.

If you just opened your mind a bit, hard for a gringo I know, you might actually enjoy the many things there are to be done in Bogotá. Buy yourself a GO guide or a Plan B, there are multiple options of any sort, yes including the dark world gringos like to attend. Plenty to do 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I know it is not watching football or baseball on TV, but hey 95% of the world enjoys life beyond that so maybe if you give it a try you might actually begin not to be around this site as much.

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elmodefoque says on Mar 6, 2007, 07:30:

Tinto, my ending was not as dramatic. As I got older and much taller than them, they discontiued looking at me with hatred, more with fear. When I hit my late teens I was heavy into leftist political issues and my buddies were all native Americans which ignited my dislike for my neighbors even more so. I used to show up at home with 6’4” Sioux Indians from the Dakotas. We all had long hair and towered over those little smelly bastards. It got to a point were they just avoided eye contact with me.
Before my dad died, a few months ago, I went to that building and bumped into one of those modefoques. He pretended not to see me and I pretended not to see him too, but the stench was still very obvious.

PROUD ENEMY OF THE RIGHT WING!!!!!! THANK YOU!

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Mar 6, 2007, 07:36:

well, i am a colombiana chiviada too, although I like Colombia, I don't want to go and live there full time, I know it's hard for some people to understand but I am happy living here in the UK, I dont mind splitting my time in both countries, but i have to said I love living in Europe.

unacolombianachiviada, ya casi tengo los ojos azules.

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elmodefoque says on Mar 6, 2007, 07:48:

kat, mi reina de inglaterra, where the hell were you? I thought you got ran over by one of those double decker buses?

PROUD ENEMY OF THE RIGHT WING!!!!!! THANK YOU!

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kalder says on Mar 6, 2007, 07:54:

Spanish treatment of Colombians- an anecdote I was in transit, Cali to London via Madrid.

The airport staff in Madrid were OBNOXIOUS to the Colombian travellers. They refused to hand them the necessary boarding passes their onward journey tickets entitled them to. They ignored the Colombians' polite requests on how they could get these passes. I mean, literally ignored, as if they couldn't see or hear the Colombians. At one point the Colombians begged the Guardia Civil for help, fearing that they'd be trapped in the airport forever. The cops made sympathetic noises, but said there was nothing they could do...

The Colombians were tired and stressed and the Spaniards gave them this absurd runaround for about an hour. When one of the bitches behind the 'Information Desk' deigned to even notice her Colombian customers she yelled at them. F*cking shrieked at them!...'I don't know anything. Go away'... It was bizarre; like a Kafka novel. I've never witnessed anything like it before. Airport staff in the former Soviet Union are way more polite (and that's saying something).

This pantomime finally came to an end when one of the Spaniards called me to the head of the queue and dealt with my British passport ahead of the Latinos. I demanded he gave the same treatment to the other customers. Acting as nothing had happened, he condescended to get his lazy, rude arse into gear and do what he should've had done in the beginning: his f*cking job. After another 20 minutes all was calm. Like nothing had happened.

It was cruel, insane: a stupid, petty exercise in power. In the UK, those Spaniards would have been fired on the spot. I just hope that they try their shenanigans on some drunken soccer hooligans one day.

Man, this memory has got me all riled up.

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

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podborski says on Mar 6, 2007, 08:12:

so according to Simon and monpirri they both want to make sure no one says anything bad about Colombia as it might discourage someone from visiting, then they make veiled threats that anyone who does come who does not share their religious beliefs ' will be in trouble'.

My last word on the subject, they are beyond hope.

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manINred says on Mar 6, 2007, 09:04:

Better than Bogota is basically almost everything in Colombia. From the ridiculous airport to the coldness of the people (in comparison to the rest of Colombia), my experiences there weren't incredible, nada del otro mundo, honestly, if you want originality and character, go to Medellin, or even Cali, Cartagena or Santa Marta, or any main city for that matter that isn't Bogota.

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Mar 6, 2007, 09:36:

Si quieres conocer al pueblo colombiano subete en un bus del servicio urbano... jeje i just felt like singing.

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webmanco says on Mar 6, 2007, 10:00:

I had been in all those cities I you want to visit for a weekend, maybe a month, yes go to some of those cities, go to the Festivals and a few cultural events that go there, but to live nothing beats Bogota. ManInRed if you had "carisma" you won't get cold aptitude from no one, but if you come to any city in Colombia with an arrogant aptitude then you will be treated as well.


The capital is the reflection of a Country.

I even found a Wayu restaurant at La Candelaria

...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ...

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raulinho says on Mar 6, 2007, 10:07:

bogota I have been to Bogota four times april, june, august, november. I love the cerros (mountain backdrop) but hate the pollution and the weather. I did not visit the nightclubs because was with my girlfriend so missed that essential experience of all cities. The women were really disappointing in terms of looks. I was in the financial district many times , centro ,zona norte where all the pijas live but still no luck!. They must all be hiding!

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Simon says on Mar 6, 2007, 10:14:

"DG
I still do not get it, "DG
I still do not get it, you do not need a visa to get out, why don´t you do the same, instead of bitching and bitching. And to call Bogotá boring means you either have lived all your life in New York or London or you are a traditional gringo which finds anything outside their good ole USA boring by nature. I know you are the second type and hence understand your permanent bitching."

I agree with Juanalejo 100%! This guy just needs to leave.

DonGringo, I've heard from several colombians that your country is boring to live. They say they're only there for the money!

-------------------------------------------------------------------



so according to Simon and monpirri
they both want to make sure no one says anything bad about Colombia as it might discourage someone from visiting, then they make veiled threats that anyone who does come who does not share their religious beliefs ' will be in trouble'.

My last word on the subject, they are beyond hope.

Podborski,

When I said he'll be in trouble, I mean spiritually. Remember, Jesus said he is way, the light, and the truth.


-----------------------------------------------------------------

"well, i am a colombiana chiviada too, although I like Colombia, I don't want to go and live there full time, I know it's hard for some people to understand but I am happy living here in the UK, I dont mind splitting my time in both countries, but i have to said I love living in Europe.

unacolombianachiviada, ya casi tengo los ojos azules."

Kat,

Qué bonito ver a un colombiano practicando su inglés despreciando a Colombia. Me imagino que debes caerle muy bien a los rednecks de este portal.

You should feel proud of yourself!

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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manINred says on Mar 6, 2007, 10:15:

Sorry Webmanco you are wrong I found more character in run-down men's room in Medellin than i found in the whole of Bogota. You seem to be very good at arrogant assumptions yourself. It's my opinion that your precious Bogota is NOT as good as the rest of COlombia.

Read DonGringo's posts, he has lived there and is getting fed up with it.

Anyway, I never go anywhere with an arrogant attidtude, I HAVE met really nice Bogotanos, but in general I find that they are much more frio and bland in my opinion and from my experience than Paisas, Costenas, and people from the South.

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manINred says on Mar 6, 2007, 10:19:

And in terms of nightlife, Bogota doesn't even begin to compare to cities like London and Barcalona, doesn't even top Toronto, at least not in terms of the club scene. Good casinos though, nice to see one aspect of the government not playing big padre and making us feel bad about natural vices like they do in Canada.

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manINred says on Mar 6, 2007, 10:30:

Better than Bogota's That's all i was highlighting.

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elmodefoque says on Mar 6, 2007, 10:32:

man, you guys are vicious!!
why can we all get along?
take me for example, I like everybody, well, just about everybody.
give me a 60 mil hooker, a bootle of aguardiente antioqueño and i'm happy as pig in shit.
bogota is not my cup of tea, but that's just me, i like hot, sunny, noisy, crowded places

PROUD ENEMY OF THE RIGHT WING!!!!!! THANK YOU!

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Simon says on Mar 6, 2007, 10:34:

Yeah, I bet they really know how to salsa in Toronto or London!

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Mar 6, 2007, 10:38:

Simon yo despreciando a Colombia solamente porque no quiero vivir allá todo el tiempo? si lo quieres tomar así, Bien sea, pero es la Verdad. ya yo no me amaño allá 100%.

me gusta vivir acá y punto como hay miles de Colombianos que les gusta vivir en el exterior, no todos somos infelices en el extranjero y ni tampoco despreciamos nuestro país por eso.
osea los padres de monpirri están despreciando a Colombia también, porque la verdad no creo que ellos quieran volver a vivir en Colombia permanentemente, supongo.

Simon tu donde vives?

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manINred says on Mar 6, 2007, 10:39:

Believe it or not they do Simon, actually, they do. Lots of latins in Toronto and lots of latins in London. Not as many in Colombia, which is probably why they salsa better in Colombia.

But, truthfully, someone could even refute that statement, seeming as how perhaps the best salsa dancers in Colombia may choose to go to cities like London and earn a good living as performers!!!

On that note, was salsa born in Cali?

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Mar 6, 2007, 10:47:

I don't know manINred, I don't know much about music really.
rubito knows more about Colombian music than me. I just listen what I like regardless the origin.

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elmodefoque says on Mar 6, 2007, 10:48:

I’m kneeling here sticking my head inside a toilet working and trying my best to be as open minded as possible regarding this subject. But, for the life of me I just can’t imagine London or Toronto (where the hell is that) as salsa leaders.
Salsa was born in the streets of Spanish Harlem, New York “fokin” City where half the population is Latin.

PROUD ENEMY OF THE RIGHT WING!!!!!! THANK YOU!

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Mar 6, 2007, 10:51:

keep your head inside the toilet Elmo.

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elmodefoque says on Mar 6, 2007, 10:51:

Cali is in the middle of the fokin jungle, they had nothing to do with the birth of salsa.

PROUD ENEMY OF THE RIGHT WING!!!!!! THANK YOU!

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Mar 6, 2007, 10:53:

And buy a geography book while you are at there :)

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oldbongo says on Mar 6, 2007, 10:57:

nice to see you two.. lovebirds chirping at each other for a change.

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manINred says on Mar 6, 2007, 10:57:

hahah elmodefoque! unless you mean an urban jungle! Cali is part of the coastal plains if i'm not mistaken.

No, I specifically said that Colombia was ahead of Toronto (biggest city in Canada and relatively close to you in New York) and London in terms of salsa, hardly salsa leaders. I merely suggested that perhaps COlombia's best salsa masters go to London to make a living, a good one at that.

ANd kat1, you have a good philosophy on music :)

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eastended says on Mar 6, 2007, 10:58:

I heard a story once that salsa was actually born in NYC in the 50s and 60s within the puerto rican and dominican settlers... how true that is, don't know but certainly and interesting theory, before anybody jumps on me for a perceived attack on the roots of salsa, this is merely something I heard once, don't know how true it is as I have never looked into it,

anyway, Bogota a few weeks ego decided to check other salsa bars/clubs apart from Casa del Libro en la 93, was tired of it by then and wanted to check another good salsa place- I can get anything else I want i.e. house here on London, so someone sent us to 86 and 13 or something, got in the taxi with my friend and arrived in this bar to at about 11.30pm to find only the bar staff there??? what's going on tonight? don't people go out on a Thursday in Bogota? Thursdays are the new Fridays in the UK...

I go up to the bar and get a couple of beers and ask the barman 'at what time does this joint get full then?' barman says 'full?' he says... 'it won't get full, we will get another 20 to 30 by half twelve but it won't get full'

Back to Casa del libro then for a bottle of Tapa Azul.. wishing my life away thinking - if I was in London, the party would just be starting now!

-----ignorance is a weapon of mass destruction---------

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elmodefoque says on Mar 6, 2007, 10:59:

10,000.027 million new yorkers. 3 million blacks, 2 million modefoques from across the big waters, 5 million spics and 27 white guys from the mid west passing thru

PROUD ENEMY OF THE RIGHT WING!!!!!! THANK YOU!

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oldbongo says on Mar 6, 2007, 10:59:

oldbongo misses cartagena.. that's why he's flyin back muy pronto,..
but he sure as hell don't miss bogota.

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webmanco says on Mar 6, 2007, 11:03:

I am not impress with a passport You are good a generalizations, first you don't like the airport, so I bet you think any other airport in Colombia is better than El Dorado. Then you go as far as saying people in Bogotá are cold. Very interesting POV.
The beauty of Colombia is most of its people, (not the airports, restaurants, casinos, etc,) regarding what city they are from.
A place doesn´t make me any better if GIB is getting fed up with the city, good for the city.:) if Bogotá is not you cup of tea it is fine, but to generalize people living in Bogotá is cold, that is a different history.

If not getting you or any visitor a red carpet or because I do not think you are god´s sent is being cold, then yes I am cold, because I am not impress with a passport or different physical appeareance, like it could be the case in other cities.

And yes some Colombians living abroad won´t live full time in Colombia because they donot have much choice. And is not a problem related to Colombians only, I know a girl from Costa Rica who won´t go back to her country because she is divorced and got two babies, the father from Colombia won´t sign the papers for her to leave with the kids even just to visit CR.

...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ...

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Simon says on Mar 6, 2007, 11:04:

Are you sure there are 10 million New Yorkers, I always keep hearing there's 8 million. But then again I've heard there's 8 million ewn yorkers since the sixties, could be cause while a lot of people do move to NY, a lot also move away from NY to places like Florida, so I guess that's why the population remains around that figure.

I think pretty soon there are gonna be more people in Bogota than in NY.

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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manINred says on Mar 6, 2007, 11:07:

opinions opinions You demean Toronto yet you claim Bogota's nightlife is better than NYC's??? hahahahahaha. That says it all. Toronto's is much better than Bogota's y punto.

Anyway, it's all a matter of preference anyway. Your ridiculous summation of Toronto is wrong, I live in Montreal now and am yearning to be back in London, but i'd settle with the at times stifling Toronto (lived there for more than 6 years i'll say that much) but to be honest, many people think Toronto's nightlife is better than montreal, more than vice versa from my experience. Yes agreed Toronto's latin community is much smaller than heck, even montreal's, but man, you just don't know where to go.

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Mar 6, 2007, 11:10:

webmanco, some because don't have a choice, some because don't want to, I have a Colombian friend in Argentina she moved there 16 years ago and she doesn't want to live full time in Colombia, why it is so difficult to understand that some people find other places interesting too. many British find Germany more interesting than the UK, many Italians find Spain more intereting than Italy and so on, what is the big deal.

I love Colombia afterall I was born and breed there and my family lives there, the country is nice and the people wonderful, but it's not for me 100%

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manINred says on Mar 6, 2007, 11:11:

I agree Webmanco that my summation of Bogota's people as being frio was harsh, possibly offensive. No, I do not think they are frio per se, especially compared to people in cities like, say, Toronto (since it's been brought up) but compared to the rest of Colombia, yes, I definitely would back that statement up anywhere, and it's a sentiment shared throughout much of Colombia, from my experience.

And I've only been to two airports in Colombia, airports are airports but for a massive international airport, I would expect better from El Dorado.

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oldbongo says on Mar 6, 2007, 11:12:

YAY!!!!.. we get to live in the most boring place on earth.
in fact la commandante refers to life here as a funeral.
of course, when you compare it to colombia, where life is a war,
i guess some people would say,..it's not so bad.

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eastended says on Mar 6, 2007, 11:14:

I trust your judgement manINred - you've had experience of the three cities. Anyway - like you say, I think London is the greatest city in the world, even here I found more salsa places than in Bogota and packed full of people on a Thursday, Bar Salsa on Charing x Road comes to mind...
Anyway, I feel affection for Bogota being the place where I was born and all that and once you do the family thing and all that it's best to get out and find something that can entertain you, even Leticia was a bit more interesting and that's a village!

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webmanco says on Mar 6, 2007, 11:20:

Not big deal As I said a place don´t make me happy, I am the one who has to adapt wherever destiny send me. I do find many places interesting as well, not problem at all. I am a happy halibut in Colombia. I do believe there is live outside Colombia.

...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ...

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manINred says on Mar 6, 2007, 11:21:

Eastended Thanks, I appreciate it! Trust me, Toronto has a large club district with many good places, some of the biggest best clubs and a lot of good places to go. I'd show you around if you ever visited. Partying is a MUST on Thursday too, but unfortunately I still don't think it holds a candle in the wind to Leicester Square hahaaha!

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podborski says on Mar 6, 2007, 11:22:

oh so now it's open season on my hometown TO huh? Well all you TO critics should just stay home if you don't like it and...aw shit I can't even fake that defensive attitude.

Really, 15 years ago Toronto was the most boring city on earth, no nightlife to speak of, but now there is a lot going on. It might not be edgy, I dunno, but there are a LOT of clubs of every description, and even the old NYC trick of having clubs with no name and no publicized address is old hat.

I got very bored of Toronto after so many years there, but I tell you, sit out on a warm summer night on a patio at John and Richmond, and you'll see some of the most beautiful women you can see anywhere. And at 3 am the streets are crowded.

Montreal is great, and has been for years, but Toronto beats it now by far in terms of RESTAURANTS, and the club scene might be close, but I have no idea there, I'm out of my league.

Salsa clubs have been popular in TO for years, but the city is more known for its caribbean festivals like Caribana which draws over 1 million tourists each year.

But most of all, it's safe and clean. And kinda dull. No architecture to speak of.

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eastended says on Mar 6, 2007, 11:23:

I suppose I am generalising but when there is no money involved, they are cold - if it means business then they're warm and helpful but once the got you that's it!
As for those airport officials... dont get me started on them; it is my country if I choose to go in, there should be no questions, it is my homeland I dont see what all the fuss is about, they're power crazy,
In contrast, when you arrive in the UK you show your British passport, the officer greets you and sometime even welcomes you and lets you through, no questions, no power trips,
They're cold hearted the DAS...

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Simon says on Mar 6, 2007, 11:26:

I hope that new Hector Lavoe movie starring Jeniifer Lopez and Mark Anthony will pique people's interest in Salsa, especially non-latinos.

"Tu vas a ver, llegaras a mi edad y veras que Colombia seguira igual"-----Simon Sr.

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