MIA

theflatline says on Jun 26, 2009, 14:32:

Here is the thing with Miami, it is worse than Atlanta. I hate the Miami airport.

It will certainly give you an idea of the hustle and bustle of a latin country.

You have everyone flying to and from South America, plus everyone who vacations in the islands going through there.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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thepieman says on Jun 26, 2009, 14:35:

i will let you know about MDE when i return johnny.. the sound of the climate in rionegro sounds like it will suit me down to the ground..

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theflatline says on Jun 26, 2009, 14:42:

MDE is a good airport. I never had any problems there, well I did get my stomach xrayed there once.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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thepieman says on Jun 26, 2009, 14:45:

isnt it normally your luggage thatgets xrayed theflatline? :)

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Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Jun 26, 2009, 14:45:

I have never ever had a hard time in MIA and I think it gets a bad rap!

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

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lpdiver says on Jun 26, 2009, 14:54:

I alway leave plenty of connection times between flights...ESPECIALLY at MIA. That said I have never had a problem other than a looooong hike that took some strange route during construction. Had my wife been alone she would have missed her flight.

ts

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

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Rikito says on Jun 26, 2009, 14:54:

Atlanta is the biggest toilet in the USA. The especially enjoy fing with Colombians with all of the delays and crap to make people from SA pissed.

One of the best for me used to be the La Guardia Airport when I worked in Saudi Arabia. There is a bar right next to the Saudi gate that is always full of the good little non-drinking muslims who get completely wasted before boarding the palne.

...and so it goes

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thepieman says on Jun 26, 2009, 14:56:

i have a 3hr connection time is that enough?

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lpdiver says on Jun 26, 2009, 14:59:

Where are you connecting from to. I easily cleared immigrations and customs in two hours; so, I would think it is plenty.

ts

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

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Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Jun 26, 2009, 15:01:

"I agree with PCL, the queues can be a bit long to get through passport control but it is ok
PCL a queue is a line"

Common bro,, I know all of your lingo.. I work with tons of Brits..

Mossies
Lift
Torch
Subway
Cue
gimme some more..

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

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thepieman says on Jun 26, 2009, 15:03:

PCL:pavement, boot(car),sweets,fags!!

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thepieman says on Jun 26, 2009, 15:04:

im going lhr-miami-mde

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goin_south says on Jun 26, 2009, 15:05:

I love Miami Airport.
5 of my seven trips to Colombia, I've went through Miami.
Never a problem with anything.
Even one time for bad weather,... still.... my flights were all go!
And, I like, because it gets me in the spirit of muchas latinas!
Never a problem.
Now, a six or seven hour layover isn't very pleasant, in any airport.
(because I'm gonna get drunk and miss my connecting flight!)

And, an expensive drunk THAT IS!

I was in Chicago airport last weekend and Sammy Adams pale ale was going for either $8, or I think it was $11 per tall draft! DAMN! What is the world coming (or, goin_ ) to!!!

Simon: "What the hell does this have to do with Colombia?"

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Darloup says on Jun 26, 2009, 15:15:

Sorry to barge in, but I'll be in Miami in a few weeks time. My flight from France arrives too late in the day to transit to an Avianca flight to Barranquilla the same day and I'll thus have to spend a day there...

Anyone know a reasonably-priced hotel around the airport?

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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goin_south says on Jun 26, 2009, 15:30:

I took a five hour nap, one time... right there on the floor, behind the 'smoke room'... goin towards the international wing. Save the bucks.

Simon: "What the hell does this have to do with Colombia?"

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Darloup says on Jun 26, 2009, 15:48:

GS: I arrive at 5pm and the connecting flight is the following morning (apparently). A 5 hours nap, I could certainy do with (especially in view of the jet lag). But a 14-hour nap in Miami airport?!

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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tasco66 says on Jun 26, 2009, 17:45:

MIA is terrible if you are in transit and you have to change airline...ready to walk, and walk, and walk...

Newsweek on Uribe: "he's delivered the trifecta of peace, security, and prosperity"

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Darloup says on Jun 26, 2009, 17:47:

tasco: Right... How about a neaby hotel/motel I can nevertheless stay overnight? (I don't have a choice).

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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theflatline says on Jun 26, 2009, 17:49:

expedia.com is your friend darloup.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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tasco66 says on Jun 26, 2009, 17:50:

Darloup I've stayed in the Holiday Inn (airport) and Crown Plaza (airport), both were good and have an airport shuttle. Prices depend on the season. If you can go to the Crown Plaza it's a very nice hotel, you can walk to some restaurants and is 5 minutes from the airport…

Newsweek on Uribe: "he's delivered the trifecta of peace, security, and prosperity"

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pedro says on Jun 26, 2009, 17:51:

There's a hotel right in the airport, though I think their rates are $100 and up.

You can find hotel shuttle vans going past the arrivals area at all hours. There is one van that goes past that has a price on the side (I forget the name of the establishment and the price). All the others are name brand hotels.

There may be a hotel display in the airport with a phone that's programmed to directly dial your choice of hotel. I never noticed it in Miami, but I know they have one in LA.

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

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Darloup says on Jun 26, 2009, 17:58:

I'm on a tight budget since I would rather spend my hard-earned money in Barranquilla than on over-priced airline fares (July/August) or hotels ;-)

But then I'm also practical. I have absolutely no idea of what the rates are in Miami. I assume that hotels in the vicinity of the airport would tend to be more expensive... Right?

In France, some hotel groups are offering 45$-a-night accommodation near the airport... Nothing grand, but you get a bed and a shower!

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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pedro says on Jun 26, 2009, 18:06:

This one I referred to with the price on the side of the van is decent. It's about 5 minutes drive away from the airport. I forget what the price was when I was there a few years back... $40 maybe, including tax? It did the trick to get some proper rest.

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

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tasco66 says on Jun 26, 2009, 18:06:

Check prices below, both hotels I listed are under $100 per night

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/pc/1/en/availsearch?filterHSR=true&er...

Newsweek on Uribe: "he's delivered the trifecta of peace, security, and prosperity"

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Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Jun 26, 2009, 18:07:

Nothing like that here Darloup $.. there is a hotel in the airport... ill check for you!

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

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Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Jun 26, 2009, 18:08:

http://miahotel.miami-airport.com/

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=miami airport hotel&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g10

Check the ones in the middle! days inn or embassy suites..

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

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tasco66 says on Jun 26, 2009, 18:13:

If you want to go budget try the Days Inn (just make sure they have an airport shuttle). You can expect to pay around $50 a night.

http://www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/control/Booking/search_results?entry_so...

Newsweek on Uribe: "he's delivered the trifecta of peace, security, and prosperity"

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Darloup says on Jun 26, 2009, 18:31:

Thanks Pedro and Tasco!

Sorry, I tend NOT to trust the promotional fares available on Internet sites (especially in Summer). This is why personal experience from posters such as you two is invaluable (Pedro, I wish you wish you'd remember the name on that van!).

Thanks for the Days Inn pointer, tasco.

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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theflatline says on Jun 26, 2009, 18:41:

Darloup,

I have never had a problem using Expedia or Orbitz, and I travel quite a bit. Once you buy the room through expedia it is locked. Hotel's will always honor it because if not expedia will take them off the site.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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theflatline says on Jun 26, 2009, 18:42:

Dar,

What date do you need the room?

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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tasco66 says on Jun 26, 2009, 18:44:

"(Pedro, I wish you wish you'd remember the name on that van!)."

That's the SuperShuttle:

http://www.supershuttle.com/Miami_airport_shuttle.aspx

Newsweek on Uribe: "he's delivered the trifecta of peace, security, and prosperity"

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Darloup says on Jun 26, 2009, 18:55:

theflatline: Remember that I am doing my bookings OUTSIDE the US.... Not that obvious in case of problems or of complaints.


"What date do you need the room?" I'll let you know if you wish, but that will be late July...


Hey Tasco: "That's the SuperShuttle". Right and thanks! But that was sheer advertising on the sides of the buses, no?

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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theflatline says on Jun 26, 2009, 18:58:

darloup,

there are rarely any rate specials for the summer in miami, pretty much summer all year around, and it is a popular tourist destination all year around, especially in the winter.

I say give me dates, and I will give you a link with hotels and rates!

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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Darloup says on Jun 26, 2009, 19:01:

theflatline: OK, I will as soon as I book my dates - thanks.

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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Gator says on Jun 26, 2009, 19:03:

We usually stay at this motel

Days Inn to Miami Airport North. With taxes runs about $60 USD. Right by the airport and restaurants-why here? The KEY is making sure where you stay has good shuttle service to the airport-this one offers this service 24 hours a day.
VERY IMPORTANT IF YOU ARE TAKING AN EARLY FLIGHT LIKE THE 7AM AVIANCIA. For an international flight I would allow about two hours lead time. Nothing wrong with MIA

e-mail daysinnmia at aol.com

from their business card:
Days Inn Miami/Airport North
4767 N.W. 36th St.
State Road 112 & I-95 Hwy 826
Miami, FL 33166 US

e-mail daysinnmia at aol.com
www.daysinnmiamiairport.com

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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Darloup says on Jun 26, 2009, 19:08:

Thanks Gator. That's useful info especially since you're the second person to recommend Days Inn.

The links you provided will certainly prove to be very useful - thanks again.

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Jun 26, 2009, 19:14:

People dont recommend the days inn... people just stay there once in a while because of budget... I really would like to stay at the BILTMORE in coral gables... jajajajaja

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

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Gator says on Jun 26, 2009, 19:38:

PCL the Biltmore? Why not the Sofitel? But that's not the information he wanted. I gave this one because he can book by e-mail and it met his criteria and is priced reasonably. Hell man, that hotel runs $160/239 USD without the taxes. I did not think he was looking for afternoon High Tea in the Grand Lobby

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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goin_south says on Jun 26, 2009, 20:12:

Darloup... since you got all these fokn hang-ups with this and that.... and since you're a tight-a**.... just spend your time sleeping and walking through the airport.

Simon: "What the hell does this have to do with Colombia?"

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Darloup says on Jun 26, 2009, 20:21:

GS: I'm sure a tight-ar.. (but I'm certainly no "tacaño").

I will have flown 10 hours (since I have to go Germany to catch my flight). I'll be sweaty and dirty. I'll be jet-lagged. I'll only wish to take a shower, eat something, then hit the sack (in that order).

As Gator rightfully wrote, I certainly won't be be looking for High Tea in the Grand Lobby nor wishing to sip piñas coladas around any swimming-pool nor even to have a taste of the famous Miami night-life. Just a good night sleep before my early morning flight Miami-Barranquilla. Thus a reasonably-priced hotel in Miami not too far from the airport is my only concern right now...

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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goin_south says on Jun 26, 2009, 20:23:

hell then, get on a dating site and find some young lady to meet you, take care of you and put you up for the night, who lives close to the airport

we won't tell Ms Nelly ;-))

until next week.

Simon: "What the hell does this have to do with Colombia?"

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viajero123 says on Jun 26, 2009, 20:28:

just look here Darloup http://www.couchsurfing.org/

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Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Jun 26, 2009, 20:55:

Medo, melting pot and maybe Ugly but inbred as well? no way! I have to disagree.. ji ji ji..

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

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Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Jun 26, 2009, 21:01:

"Gator says on Jun 26, 2009, 19:38 (today): flag
PCL the Biltmore? Why not the Sofitel? But that's not the information he wanted. I gave this one because he can book by e-mail and it met his criteria and is priced reasonably. "

Im sure he would love to stay at the Colonade, Hyatt, David Williams, Biltmore.. All very close to the airport off LeJuene but they are way way out of his budget.

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

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goin_south says on Jun 26, 2009, 22:51:

too fuckinbad med 2 med.
Is that short for Medicine To Medicine?

Simon: "What the hell does this have to do with Colombia?"

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Darloup says on Jun 27, 2009, 00:01:

PCL: And why would I love to stay at the Colonade, Hyatt, David Williams or Biltmore since my first priority will be to catch up on my jet lag and sleep? They have better mattresses in these hotels that warrant the price difference when sleeping?

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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la campiña says on Jun 27, 2009, 00:04:

el MIO es mejor

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RogueOne says on Jun 27, 2009, 01:15:

Couch surfing! Interesante...

http://www.couchsurfing.org/mapsurf.html

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Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Jun 27, 2009, 08:20:

Yes, Darloup, no bed bugs, pillow top mattresses, 1000 count thread cotton sheets, all of the luxuries..but you basically looking for a place to get some rest and lay your head for a few hours so those hotels are very not worth it and the days in is more than suffice..

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

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panthercat187 says on Jun 27, 2009, 15:23:

Always expect delays in Miami and don't get pissed when they happen. I live in Atlanta, and Miami is definitely worse than ATL. It's all the fast moving thunderstorms that roll through Miami.

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theflatline says on Jun 27, 2009, 15:43:

yep, Miami airport is worse than Atlanta, I would compare it GA 400 at 8:00 am, one of the worst clusterfucks I have ever seen in my life. I enjoyed living in ATL, but not the traffic.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Jun 27, 2009, 16:08:

MIA is the only place those TSA crooks stole items from my luggage..twice.....hell, they even stole my TSA approved locks from my luggage.......ratbastards....

"So Many PBH Potatoheads.......So Little Time"......El Titiritero (The Puppeteer).....www.slapdoll.com

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theflatline says on Jun 27, 2009, 16:59:

The only times I have had stuff stolen from an airline was twice from Avianca. They stole pants and shirts out of my luggage.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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sloopskipper says on Jun 27, 2009, 17:39:

I was in the international transit area for about 3 hours and remember no problems at MIA. They didn't even detect the coca leaves lost in my luggage.

It certainly was a lot better than Caracas on my outbound flight.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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nine inch nails says on Jun 27, 2009, 22:50:

A lot of the bad talk is pure bullshit. Not that bad esp. since two new terminals completed. Even before I always got my flights out ok on time. No delays on part of airport anyway.

One area that needs improvement however is better food service in the older terminals once you pass security. If plenty of time can simply delay going thru security to get to the better restaurants.

Yes is a big airport but I find most the workers decent, few bad apples anywhere you go.

Maybe since I live semi-locally and can drive down before my flight and drive back home after my flight avoiding a lot of extra time there it hasn't bothered me so much. I have been traveling thru MIA for going on 7 years now.

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skinnywoman4 says on Jun 29, 2009, 01:31:

I've flown thru MIA many times as all my family is up in TN. I like FTL better but MIA isn't that bad, just very crowded and looking a little run down lately. They need to spruce it up some.Other than that it is easy enough to get around

orquídeas son hermosas

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Darloup says on Jun 29, 2009, 10:17:

As usual, thanks for the great tips!

At the end of the day, I won't have much choice since I'll be landing in Miami airport.

So I guess I'll hit the sack at the Days Inn overnight (although I won't be sleeping in silk sheets).

And I'm sure that, on the whole, Miami will give me a wonderful welcome...

Hey, I have three padlocks on my suitcase! Not enough?!

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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thepieman says on Jun 29, 2009, 11:00:

thanks for the info guys and gals.. i also heard the food stalls/shops are pretty poor but as im only there 3 hrs i can cope with that..
once again thanks everyone

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kenblanquito says on Jun 29, 2009, 16:43:

Pie
Generally, I have found Miami to be just about OK but it is chaotic and will be an eye-opener to a Brit who has never been there before. The worse thing for me in the past has been the imigration department, with emphasis on the officers there who think they are so important. I once had an hour delay because they decided to "play" with me by asking stupid questions about why a Brit "retires" to Medellin. Even more fun when they started to ask questions about my profession-an analytical chemist-and how I made my money there. You can guess the rest! Nearly missed my connecting flight thanks to them!

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thepieman says on Jun 30, 2009, 03:44:

yes i can imagine ken.. a chemist retiring to colombia.. lol

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