My shopping list for my sweetie in Colombia .23 more days

Desideria (Moderator) says on Apr 9, 2005, 12:14:

dèja vu colored beads, mirrors, small-pox-infected blankets, gunpowder...
I'd say you're all set to buy off an entire tribe of Native Americans...
Cheers,
Desi

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

Desideria (Moderator) says on Apr 9, 2005, 12:25:

:) tinto that was going to be my NEXT line! Lingerie from the Salvation Army, soaps and perfumes from Dollar store...I wish you luck, gary, you are going to need it in Cali, where the women are extremely fashion-connscious and particular about their cosmetics and toiletries...

Cheers,
Desi

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

lostinparadise says on Apr 9, 2005, 12:25:

the dollar store i went to was had good stuff. the sopas, lotions, bodylotions all different flavors.. I'M REALLY PICKY WHAT I BUY THERE.

Desideria (Moderator) says on Apr 9, 2005, 12:33:

the sopas? Oh dear, the Dollar Stores in Palm Beach County are rather well-stocked, but that was a new item for me...why would you bother to buy soups of different flavor to take to Colombia; the local cooking is really quite good.

Cheers,
Desi

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

lostinparadise says on Apr 9, 2005, 12:38:

OK Guys, its going into trash can As i look at it now... Nahhhhhh. i like what i bought there. I know what to look for at the Salvation Army. i live in a rich area.werees there good stuff donated... I buy nothing but brand names bro....

Desideria (Moderator) says on Apr 9, 2005, 12:47:

and yet... pre-owned lingerie from the Salvation Army? You say you're loaded so why are you being that cheap?

Cheers,
Desi

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

lostinparadise says on Apr 9, 2005, 12:55:

Hey Desi .. Were you from ? if your from Cali your a lucky man if not whens the last time you were in Colombia ? I make it every 2 months,,thats a fact Desi. I seen the products in Cali, not in pressed at all w/ quality there.. tell me weres theres good shopping in Cali .. yeahhh right Chipe chappe.. give me a break.... u love the store i shOp at.

adrimm says on Apr 9, 2005, 12:59:

LostinP - trolling? You haven't been to Colombia or spent a huge length of time with a wide group of Colombians have you?

Used clothing, no matter how gently used, is *not* an acceptable gift, especially one to greet someone who matters to you a great deal. I think that as a people, the Colombian disregard for second-hand items is second to none. Their disdain for what is percieved as "cheap" is up there too. This is unfortunate becuase I have seen many a struggling immigrant family that could struggle much less if second-hand items weren't so culturally taboo to them.

As for dollar stores, well I don't know what they are like in where we all live, but where I am they don't blink at stocking things ranging from $1 to $25. I have picked up pewter keychains at $2 a pop - with a photo slot to plug photos into and take as trinkets for the extended family.

If you want to wow the family invite them out several times to a *nice* restaurant while you are there. Unless we are talking about a family who lives in Colombian-style poverty, cheap lotions won't cut it.

poco says on Apr 9, 2005, 13:09:

Think what you may This is a more interesting topic than safety in Medellin.

I'm taking a 6 pack of Jockey brand mens underware with one pair "Free". Purchased new at Walmart. I'm going to gift wrap it after I get there. Cuts down on luggage space and make excellent packing material to keep the Pistachios and Godiva truffles from getting crushed.

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

caulfield2 says on Apr 9, 2005, 13:25:

Clinique or Lancome are the two most coveted purchases I make...there's nothing funny about cheap make-up, it takes years off a woman's face, so spend a little money and quit being so cheap.

Desideria (Moderator) says on Apr 9, 2005, 13:26:

let me tell you a little story about Mahatma Gandhi and his pet goat. As we all know, Mahatma Gandhi was a great statesman, the founder of modern India and a peace activist in his time. He had this little pet goat that he loved so much that when he was invited to speak with all the leaders of the world in their respective countries he took the goat with him.

He travelled widely and frequently, spoke with all the prominent statesmen of Europe and America. He was a guest lecturer in all prominent universities all over the world. When he got back to India he had learned a great deal; he was even more enlightened than from the bginning and had grown in wisdom and experience.

His goat, however, having stayed in all the goat stables and sheds all over the world came back to India being just the same goat he always was.

Cheers,
Desi

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

lostinparadise says on Apr 9, 2005, 13:30:

my last letter on topic, Not to offend to anyone. I go tru racks and racks of of clothing at the Salvation Army. i look for certain clohing that have to meet my standards. # 1. brand namees, such as levis, gap, old navy, the list goes on.. nothing but brands mames, brand names = good quality. # 2 they must not look use. no stains , no tears, just want good quality plus fashion in mind.. The manager told me that stores such as Gap, Burdines, donate stuff there, because there changing shelf items or the people bought it wore it once and returned it... they just write it off on taxes,,thats a fact.. The stuff i buy from there are in excellent condition.. You can pay 25 bucks for jeans, Im paying 2 bucks,, i know what im looking for,,same goes for lingerie,,,,nothing used. there were domated new to store... the label still on lingerie when i buy them . Im sorry to offend any1 here.. no troll here.. just a good shopper... i love my 50 dollar dockers kakia pants. You know the 1s w/ no wrinkle kind, ..2 bucks

Desideria (Moderator) says on Apr 9, 2005, 13:30:

no, gary, I'm not that lucky, not being from Cali or even being a man:)
Cheers,
Desi
(Ps. adri was right on about used items as gifts. It's a definite cultural taboo in Colombia!)

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

adrimm says on Apr 9, 2005, 13:55:

No worries I think we've all been itching for nice meaty topic to sink our teeth into, and those related to Colombian society and standards are always such. :)

I'd love to see this Salvation army that carries nice new designer clothes with the original tags attached. The closest thing we have is a store called Winners (purchase designer overstock and sell at 30-40% off).

Desideria (Moderator) says on Apr 9, 2005, 14:00:

oh please gary don't quit on us yet, this is one funny thread you started! Also very educational:)
Cheers,
Desi

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

RobertoNY says on Apr 9, 2005, 14:06:

Penthouse So, Mr. lostinparadise, you have a 2500 square foot penthouse apartment in Cali and all you can offer your "sweetie" are dollar store items? You can't even correctly spell Mariachi. You're just another knucklehead with champagne taste and beer money. Perhaps someday your dream will become reality. For now, it sounds like a joke.

Desideria (Moderator) says on Apr 9, 2005, 14:27:

"aw shucks" gary is probably on his way to Salvation Army to leave back all the cheapo junk he bought...I feel "almost" guilty for ruining a perfectly good Saturday afternoon for somebody,
Desi
(shedding a tear)

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

caslug says on Apr 9, 2005, 14:38:

inexpensive gift sets.. Gary, if you live near bed&bath store check it out, they always have stuff(lotion, candles, girlie nick-nacks) on sales for $2-3 dollars, i would buy 3 items, put it all in a nice gift bag $1-2 from Target and give the whole thing as a gift set. Or try Victoria Secrete store NOT for lingerie, but for the lotion and stuff, they'll also have items on sales for buck or two.

poco says on Apr 9, 2005, 14:38:

Better NOTHING than cheap. There is a difference between getting something cheap vrs. getting an item for a good price.

YOU WILL NEVER be able to overcome a mistake based on “cheap� perfume toiletries, hair care products and cosmetics. The women will cut back on essentials to buy a brand name shampoo they KNOW is good,, because they have tried many. I’ll be packing a jar of Loreal Shampoo.

Just a thought,, walk through Neiman Marcus and “sniff� perfumes. (Now is a good time to pretend you are a rich gringo,, not when you get to Colombia). They don’t mind giving me a few samples so I can see how my wife likes the smell. Do this a few times and you will have plenty of “stocking stuffers�.

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

ColombiaRiz says on Apr 9, 2005, 18:34:

TIMELY TOPIC This is a timely topic for me. I am going to Colombia in a few weeks and would like to buy gifts for friends. Let me first say that going to a dollar store or the salvation army is not on my agenda!

What would you suggest are nice gifts to take to someone in Colombia. Buying a gift is not hard, but I was wondering if there were particular items not available in colombia, or overly expensive that they would value more as a gift.

I'm going to buy stuff for people of all ages including young kids, teens, young adults and a few elders too... so any suggestions would really help me!

Cheers.

utopiacowboy says on Apr 9, 2005, 18:45:

Oh, come on, Poco, are you sure you couldn't have gotten some used Jockey underwear to give? I'm sure if you look hard at the thrift store you can find some without skid marks.

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.

jacobtafler says on Apr 9, 2005, 18:45:

traveling informtion hello my name is jacob i like to visit colombia for the fiorst time i can speak some spanish any informtion about save cities with good night life and discos how about the city of bacaramanga is it save place thanks for any informtion how about cartajena and baranqqilla jacobtasfle at yahoo.com

utopiacowboy says on Apr 9, 2005, 18:54:

Another gringo in search of rumberas. Barranquilla, dude, is where you want to go. More rumberas per capita than anywhere in Colombia. Sounds like you're European so pasting a few Euros on your head will probably work as well as the Ben Franklins we like to use. That's about the only time we gringos use a $100 bill.

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.

kernow62 says on Apr 9, 2005, 19:50:

What do you mean the only time we use $100 bills, I stuffed my matress with the things. Working on a couple of pillows now. Nice and firm for my bad back.

poco says on Apr 9, 2005, 20:21:

Baaaaaa Did they say if the goat felt better or worse upon return?

I hope the goat didn’t pretend it was a sheep just to get a good spot in the manger.

Topic,, Almost forgot,, I don't remember seeing a lot of spandex in Colombia.

Take photos of the condo.

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

hopeful says on Apr 9, 2005, 20:47:

ColombiaRiz Everybody always says pistachios jejejeje

Miguel says on Apr 9, 2005, 21:47:

Mis dos centavos Don't take cheap crap to a colombiana. There is an affordable line of hair products and cosmetics made by John Frieda that will be well-received. And Utopia, do you base your comments about Barranquilla on personal experience? Thanks Tinto for your Korean soap warning! If Studio F has a shop in Cali, save the luggage space and just take her shopping there.

miamimike says on Apr 9, 2005, 22:26:

Right On !! Hey Lostinparadise--if you ever get to the Miami Area-check out the Red-White-Blue store. Its second hand run by the vietnam veterans of America and there are several in the miami area.Brand names such as Levis going for $2-$4. I bought a pair of Teva Sandals last week there (very lightly used and throughly sprayed with LySol before used) for $11-new these are like $75. Many Many great buys to found there. The closer you get to W.Palm Beach the better the deals and quality you get.A Word on WHO shops at many of these 2nd hand consignment stores and WHY --if you check out the parking area of many of these stores you will see Mercedes, Bmws as well as Fords and Chevys. Many folks WITH Money shop there and THAT is why they HAVE money. Clothing, shoes, ect depreciate wildly from Day one and these folks see no reason to lose their Money. They Buy lighly used and stick their$$$$$ into tax exempt bonds, CDs, Stocks, real estate ect.--something that Appreciates in Value. A firend of mine from Bogota shops these stores-usually buys $2,000 each trip and takes it back to Bogota and sells it as New after a good dry cleaning. Caveat Emptor.:)

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

Raleigh1590 says on Apr 10, 2005, 00:00:

One more thing Now I agree with saving money with second hand items, but it's a different story buying these for yourself and for your Colombian sweetie. Especially if this is your first visit, I would advise you stick with a few well thought out & new pieces instead of a huge value bundle. If you HAVE to go the used route for her this time, I would only buy gucci or zara caliber clothing that you can't find in average stores(hey sometimes celebs donate their stuff!), but that's just me. Especially beware of cheap cosmetics etc (ya'll are absolutely right up there!) cuz they really do wear out your skin.

My advice is to spend your $$ taking the family out to a nice dinner/entertainment because experiences in my opinion not only make you grow as a person & forge a stronger bond, but don't depreciate in value like new items do.

Yep.

dwmte says on Apr 10, 2005, 05:03:

for everybody's info... i had stores for nearly 40 years in calif. 3 in berkeley, 1 in palm springs, 1 in malibu, and one in west hollywood. anyone who thinks that 2nd hand items are not good/valued/sought after, is badly mistaken. i sold to the deepest pockets and gladly took the money to the bank.

true, 2nd hand items were not our main lines...hardly, however, the folks that are out with the disposable cash are looking for trippy interesting items that they can buy (cheap?).

when i finally moved permanently back to colombia in about '97 i took about 1500 or 2000 lbs of very fine 2nd hand clothes to medellin which i had no difficulty selling for a handsome profit. first of all, where would some lady buy a christian dior blouse for $5.00 in medellin or for that matter, anywhere?

there's a store in downtown medellin, but the mercado de flores that's all second hand clothing. it's owned by a friend of mine and she does a land office business.

dw

dwmte says on Apr 10, 2005, 05:12:

P.S. lost in paradise don't let these nay-saying nuckleheads bring you down or make you rethink your actions. if on any of your purchases, you've made a mistake, so fricken what? anything can always be thrown away. and you can always give it away to someone else who will love it.

when i presented my inlaws with 2nd hand items, they had never even heard of them--they are a bit rare in colombia--but that didn't keep the friends and family from diggin in and enjoying their scores.

keep up the good works. love is doin what you do with a clear heart and a happy mind.

happy trails to you and your gal.

p.s. if you take the trouble to buy something for someone in colombia and they don't like it...that's their tough problem. next time leave them off the list.

i have spent years and a fricken fortune on my family and friends there and if anyone of them ever gets something--for free!!--that they don't like...give it back, i'll quickly find another happy recipient.

dw

kernow62 says on Apr 10, 2005, 06:13:

DW and Miamimike it must be us guys in Florida who have access to these great Charity Shops, I got hooked on them in the UK. I used to buy brand new Irish cottage knit sweaters for £5 and sell them on eBay for $50-$60 USD. Leather jackets for £5 again sell them for big dollars in the US.

Now I am in the US I buy cameras and stereo gear at these shops mostly and resell at handsome profits. Last week I scored an amplifier for $20 sold on eBay for $450. I have purchased cameras for $3.95 and sold for $300. While I am shopping my wife has a look at the women's clothes, especially in Winter Park (upscale area) she usually finds a nice dress for a few dollars, always a brand that would cost $$$$ at the shops. We have a rule though, anything Prada goes on eBay. ja ja

Helps pay for a holiday in Colombia.

Desideria (Moderator) says on Apr 10, 2005, 06:29:

I'm not against shopping at a thrift/flea market/Dollar stores in general at all. I do that too, but only for myself and for my own use. I would, however, never ever buy pre-used underwear no matter what the price is. I wouldn't take it if it was free. I'd rather go with a naked butt.

Cheap gifts is also a no-no in my opinion. Junk can be bought everywhere in the world for a few pennies.It's not worth the trouble to lug it all over the world. A gift well-given is a form of art in itself. Better a few, well-chosen items than a a carboard box of trinkets and junk.

I don't know about other places in Colombia but in Cali where women spend two-thirds of their salary to look and smell good cheap toiletries and pre-owned garments is a cultural taboo.

Cheers,
Desi

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

dwmte says on Apr 10, 2005, 06:46:

desi... glad you told me about not using 2nds in the undies dept, and that you'ld rather have a bare butt. next time i'm getting you 2nd's ha ha.

i agree, no reason to take coal to newcastle, there is junk in every corner of the world. i might point out, if i was selling junk in malibu or palm springs or west hollywood, i wouldn't have had stores for 40 years. enow, saith the great odin.

peace dear..dw

utopiacowboy says on Apr 10, 2005, 08:21:

No, Miquel, I am basing it completely on my wife's goofy opinions. Yesterday she was going through all the cities of Colombia and what each was noted for and when she came to Barranquilla she said the fiestas and rumberas. Of course she does have personal experiences there - she's been all over Colombia. Could be worse, when she got to Bogota all she could say was "It's the capitol".

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.

dwmte says on Apr 10, 2005, 08:32:

heh, utopia... tried to p.m. you but couldn't find a link.

wanted to share something with you off line.

e me--if you want--and i'll chat about it..dwmte at bellsouth.net

douglas

poco says on Apr 10, 2005, 09:24:

NOT where I stay Trash is Rare,, almost zero. Second hand clothes, tennis shoes or anything of value is usually for sale in a “store� in one of the barrios. During construction the kids ask for empty cement bags,, they take them somewhere and sell them. Card board boxes are more valuable. Scrap wood pile is picked over, guadua supports are resold when finished. An independent scrap dealer drives around town every 6 months to “buy� any metallic object.

Not a bad idea: Sit in front of an upscale second hand clothing store and wait for an "upscale" women to drive up in her Mercedes. Better than going to the grocery store.

eBay has allowed the second hand stores to increase their profits. Buy Wholesale, sell Retail.

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

miamimike says on Apr 10, 2005, 09:52:

Used Clothing/shoes on eBay Poco-great deals on eBay on these items.A lady here in my neighborhood sells Used ArtDeco Clothing on eBay. My present Car was purchased Used off eBay-a Nice '99 Red/Black VW Turbo Diesel(new beetle)and it a Beaut--this same Car on a dealer's Lot would have been maybe $2000-$3000 higher.I buy many tools off eBay also. These metal scrap dealers have been around for many years in the Northern US cities--actually these dealers bought ANYTHING. Now besides metal, SCRAP newspaper is the HOT Commodity due to the Chinese Market.Like many posters here-I draw the line at used underwear and socks-these I buy only new. After all I have Class ja ja.

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

dwmte says on Apr 10, 2005, 10:26:

right, ya'll... farts and 'cheese' don't wash out.....yich

carter says on Apr 10, 2005, 12:21:

Im a huge 2nd clothing fan Nearly every item of clothing I own is 2nd hand and my Colombian friends think this is terrible when i tell them. They tell me they really like my shirt when I say it cost 4,000 from a second hand store they are shocked and no longer like it.

Buying presents for kids (ie toys) is fine from 2nd hand stores

But all this really depends on the family you are buying for. If they are high or middle class they may be insulted. If they are lower class they may still be insulted over the clothes but you can always lie and say the Cosmetics were expensive.

I would never have a problem buying a shirt, jacket or something second hand for any of my friends or for a girl when I lived in Australia, UK or Canada as long as I thought they would like it, but in Colombia image is everything and having 2nd hand clothes is considered bad for the image.

Desideria (Moderator) says on Apr 10, 2005, 12:46:

bad for the image and even worse for your luck. There's this superstitious belief that old rags attract bad luck, everything cheap will make you even poorer and the best thing to stop that is to surround yourself with new and expensive items. Signs of poverty bring even more poverty on you.
Cheers,
Desi

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

dwmte says on Apr 10, 2005, 12:57:

yeah... i mean, who'ld want the mona lisa, or the creation, or some shabby work by titian? those old canvas rags, they just add poverty to poverty.

tell me desi, what would odin think in this situation...does he like old armor or swords?

dw

poco says on Apr 10, 2005, 13:20:

Business Opportunity Some business ideas have been posted recently, some concerning importing clothes or carrying them using luggage. Bad Idea.

There is one potential,, finding Black Panther figurines with rhinestone eyes, lava lamps and velvet paintings. They may recognize Elvis but religious scenes would be preferable. Roll the paintings and have them mounted locally.

Doubt the used clothes superstition is true for any meaningful percentage of the population. Superstition is a “class thing�. The more wealthy are not superstitious and the poorer will buy used (but nice) items ie: fake Nikes.

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

EncantoSuPais says on Apr 10, 2005, 13:38:

Back to the question, what did our friend Gary forget? This is a great thread indeed. But I fear we have strayed from the original question prosed by our host here. (the Rosanne Rosannadanna effect, if you will)

What does he lack? Let's think this through now. What if they turn out to be a nice match? And here we are with a suitcase full of Walmart rejects, stale candy, and an engagement ring from the bubblegum machine.

What does he lack? I'm going with 'class.' I mean no real offense at all. But a spade is, after all, a spade by any name. Hopefully your second relationship goes better than your first promises to become.

Anyone?

boomer says on Apr 10, 2005, 14:37:

kernow62 I think I hear the IRS knocking at your door? They love you Ebayer's.


My deepest condolences!

Orgullo de Colombia"Chao Pescao"

dwmte says on Apr 10, 2005, 15:23:

jim, you're mistaking my door... for yours...ha ha you see they read your posts and respond accordingly.

bad boy, bad boy..whatcha gonna do......

skivies says on Apr 10, 2005, 16:25:

Hey Desi..... What's the big deal about used underwear. I happen to be a big fan when it comes to purchasing pre-owned undergarments. Why...it was just last month that I went on an underwear hunt at my local Salvation Army. You see, the one's I had were becoming so worn-out, I could have made head bands out of them. So I went to the S.A. in March and it must have been my lucky day. Someone had just brought in a set of undies the day before (pre-owned 2004, used only one year). I've had good days before, but this was ridiculous. I mean...this was a real diamond in the rough. How could I pass this up. At one fourth the cost of buying them at the department store, I figure I can put up with an occasional itch here and scrath there.

skivies says on Apr 10, 2005, 16:26:

and..... it sure beats going underwear(less)

skivies says on Apr 10, 2005, 16:27:

and further.... they make a wonderfull gift for that signifcant other.

utopiacowboy says on Apr 10, 2005, 16:31:

I think I'd rather go commando.

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.

poco says on Apr 10, 2005, 16:52:

Half a day maybe Prefer hanging loose in the mornings and dressing up in the afternoons.

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

ItchyAndScratchy says on Apr 10, 2005, 18:09:

It’s the thought that counts lostinparadise:

Don’t worry about what they’re saying regarding you’re shopping list, I’m with ya on this one. And remember...it’s not how much you spend, it’s the thought that counts. And what could be better than giving “the gift of underwear� (even if they’re slightly used). Just don’t tell her they were your ex-girlfriends.

P.S. if she could still use some more underwear, you can give her a few of yours when you leave. Keep the faith and hold your head high and proud when you give her those gifts.

I&S (alias-skivies)

utopiacowboy says on Apr 10, 2005, 18:27:

What are you saying, Skivies? That he's wearing second-hand Victoria's Secret thongs that he can pass on?

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.

GAP says on Apr 10, 2005, 18:45:

Count yourself lucky if your colombiana actually values thrift Colombian girls don't seem to value thrift as much as those in the UK or NZ. I remember a guy I came to know told me that I was miserly on account of the fact that I decided to go to a supermarket rather than a restaurant to get something for lunch. I remember another time when I said to him regarding the hotel receptionist (he works as the security guard in the hotel) "Me alegro que ella no es mi esposa: - me costaria muchisimo" (after she had been yacking on the phone for over 40 minutes) and was greeted by roars of laughter.

However, I consider myself very lucky to have found a beautiful Colombian girl, who also happens to be thrifty. I think 10 journeys on the Medellin Metro cost under 8000 pesos on the student tariff (to which she is entitled). She told me that she mostly refrains from using it on account of the fact that the buses are significantly cheaper. This is thrifty even by my standards.

I am counting myself incredibly lucky, as girls, who are simultaneously thrifty and beautiful are not as common as I would like.

ItchyAndScratchy says on Apr 10, 2005, 19:11:

Let's hope not UC

Let's hope lostinparadise isn't wearing thongs. I just thought that after he gives her the underwear he bought at the Salvation Army, if she still could use some more, it would be a nice gesture on his part to give her a few of his boxers when he leaves. Nothing wrong with her having a few boxers as backups.

utopiacowboy says on Apr 10, 2005, 19:23:

Good comeback, dude! You're right. A girl could always use a few used boxers.

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.

dwmte says on Apr 10, 2005, 19:43:

i swear... you guys are merciless...

dw

poco says on Apr 10, 2005, 21:11:

Information I was skeptical about wearing used clothes causing bad luck. OK,, maybe a small percentage. Called, asked the question,,, you could here the silence then,,, then a BIG LAUGH,, like I’d just told a joke,, then a LOOOOG explanation. OK,, I was wrong, it is much bigger than I thought,, actually quite common for the superstitious. If word gets out a house is HAUNTED,, plan on giving it away or selling at a MUCH reduced price. BTW: Her son LOVES the NEW JOCKEY underware I gave him last year. I’m buying more and may put a computer stencil on the back that says:

BESO MI

carter says on Apr 11, 2005, 13:42:

I brought up this section in the bar last night My friends here thought it was hysterical, They said it was one thing to give a friend one of your shirts if he liked it or passing some clothes down to a cousin but as a gift to a girl. Nope.

These friends of mine don't have much cash at all so its not because they are snobs.

They seemed to find it even funnier when I mentioned she was from Cali. They asked if she was really poor and said it was alright if she lived on the street (jokingly)

The idea that this girl has landed herself a gringo boyfriend and the family is going to step up in class only to be given someone elses old clothes brought them to tears of laughter. They think it will be an insult

So theres what a group of guys from Colombia think of your gift.

PS they didn't have much problem with the candies and cosmetics.

My girlfriend is getting sick of me always wearing the same boxers anyone up for a Boxer swap. We could meet once a week to swap boxers.

dwmte says on Apr 11, 2005, 13:47:

heh folks. there was a new thread started by lostinparadise...something like dollar stores and salvation army II....what happened to it. it no more than came up and it was gone...

??????

dw

skivies says on Apr 11, 2005, 14:58:

BESO MI poco...I was at a sporting goods store last year(can't remember if it was Gander Mountain or Eddie Bauer) and low and behold, they actually had some boxers. On the back of one of them it said "KISS MY BASS"

skivies says on Apr 11, 2005, 15:13:

Yeah....where did it go?????? Where did that thread by lostinparadise go? It was there this afternoon and then it was gone faster than a girlfriend you just gave used underwear to.

ARMacleod says on Apr 12, 2005, 11:56:

Seems like a load of tightwads to me. What are you all saving the money for?

There are no pockets in a shroud.

James.

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

kernow62 says on Apr 12, 2005, 13:09:

Who needs pockets, you can still keester your wad of cash!

lpdiver says on Apr 12, 2005, 19:01:

I brought A playstation 2 for the kiddies. We had to have it rechipped for the PS1 games the ps2 games were too expensive and not too available. Also brought telephones for everyone as they are expensive there. I packed these into a suitcase which was empty for the return trip and took my new wife shopping so she could buy what she wanted. She likes her paisa clothing and it is so much better and cheaper than what she can find here. I sent her money in advance to buy the small gifts for everyone.

T

"cook some rice!"

ktie says on Apr 12, 2005, 20:59:

cochino que tal este amarrado, tacano, es que a que clase de barrio se va a meter que le lleva esa clase de regalos a la novia?, que tal como si en Cali no tuvieramos estilo, y para que le quede claro la calidad de ropa interior es mucho mejor que otros comprados en salvation army? ewww!!! :(, me imagino que se las da de rico en Cali pero que desgracia la que le crea toda la m*&* que habla hasta asi le olera la boca comprando productos de tan baja calidad. Ademas, si no le gusta la calidad de Cali que va a hacer alla?, ahh porque le gustan las mujeres? buena claidad entonces no diga nada and I hope, que le pase algo bien feo para que no vuelva.

ktie says on Apr 12, 2005, 21:15:

ahhhhhhhhhhhh que tal este gringo pendejo, llevando m*&()$% a Cali que tal, si no se ha dado cuenta las calenas no les gustan ponerse maquillaje barato y malo mucho menos ropa usada..ahhh eso es lo ultimo, cosas de la tienda del dollar? donde todo huele a curry?? eww, ademas no es capaz de comprar algo nuevo y asi dice a los cuatro vientos que tiene dinero?? pura m*&()% lo que tine es un punado de m*&()% en la boca. lo unico que le deso es que cuando vaya a cali le pase algo bien feo para que no vuelva, es mas digame donde es el penthouse para mandarlo a limpiar..jejeje.

utopiacowboy says on Apr 12, 2005, 21:55:

Wow, Ktie, those diatribes reminded me of my wife hollering at the kids, menos las palabrotas por supuesto. Cochino, cochinado, and porqueria are some of her favorite words - no diatribe would be complete without them.

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.