Santa Marta advice needed for a father and 3 little boys

pavo says on Jul 30, 2008, 09:35:

You can never let your eyes off your kids in Colombia. You should get a couple nannies to help you out.

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Philly says on Jul 30, 2008, 09:40:

That is true for anywhere!!!

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Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 30, 2008, 09:48:

Gator says on Jul 30, 2008, 10:16:

When we watch FOX news in Bogotá that seemed to be all we heard taking place in the USA. Unless you are very wealthy I would say, with normal parental watchfulness, you should be OK. Now are you talking Santa Marta proper or the El Rodadero area? No bilingual schools there. A couple in Santa Marta that have excellent credentials are Colegio Bureche which is out near the new bus station on Troncal del Caribe and the Colegio Franciscano de San Luis Beltrán which I think is middle and highschool. there are acouple of others.

Just remember just being alive involves a certain element of risk. What the heck, you could go swimming and a shark picks that time to wander by.

Go for it and enjoy our favorite area to vacation(too damn hot/humid for us full time so we remain in Bogotá)

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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paisa710 says on Jul 30, 2008, 10:18:

save a nice pile of money and label it.....kidnapp money...........haha

tengo un filo que si me agacho me corto!!!!

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jul 30, 2008, 12:01:

Dave, you don't say what the other options are. All danger is relative. What are you comparing SM to?

Santa Marta is hardly the safest place on earth but the lifestyle benefits might very well be worth the risk.

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Chriscan says on Jul 30, 2008, 21:59:

The risk would be if a lot of people know that you are wealthy. Nobody is going to kidnap you beofer doing a large amount of research first.

************* WARNING ************* my words often come from my ass. www.independentbanff.com

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divingdave911 says on Jul 31, 2008, 07:50:

Thanks for the tips. I am not wealthy, but get by with what I have and can work in the USA remotely, here. My main concern is safety for the children, a GOOD education for them and a good quality of life for me. Everyone knows that life in the USA is all about work, work, work and us Gringos prefer the life here. I know my blood pressure is much lower here and I can be happier in Colombia. Being 48 and divorced with 3 little kids in the USA assures me of not finding any (or very few) interested women. Thankfully the women here, who are screwed over and abandoned by their ex-spouses hold me in high regard for caring for my children. I just want to make smart moves in my life and have a happy one. Any more advice is appreciated :)

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pavo says on Jul 31, 2008, 08:26:

If you are raising your kids by yourself, Colombia could be a very good option for you. Domestic help is inexpensive and would make your life much easier. You could get a good nanny with references that could help you with the kids. Get a good live in maid that does a little cleaning and a little raising the kids as well. Get a nice place in a safe area and get the kids in school. I would do it. I did do it but in Bogota. Just not by myself fortunately and I'm sorry about that for you.

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vicshere says on Jul 31, 2008, 08:33:

hell with that....the Domestic help is usually in on the kidnapping

listo

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turnmeon (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 31, 2008, 09:02:

Mr. Hollywood says on Jul 31, 2008, 11:23:

Sorry to be so blunt, but "wealthy" also has a lot of different meanings. People are kidnapped all the time in Colombia over sums of money that most of us wouldn't think of as constituting "wealth".

Low key is the best approach, and treat well the people you depend on for your day to day safety. Especially nannies, maids and others who know your routines and have your trust.

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webmanco says on Jul 31, 2008, 11:44:

Unless you are not into illegal business or owe people money I doubt you would be in much danger than your next door neighboor, but then again what do I know since I am not "wealthy"

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

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divingdave911 says on Jul 31, 2008, 12:38:

Barranquilla is the armpit of Colombia as far as beaches go, in my opinion. The city is livable, but I want a nice ocean view and a good quality of life. The area that I am really looking is in Rodedero. I found some nice places and a wide range of prices. I was told there were 2 bi-lingual schools in Santa Marta that I will check into for my boys. I am not so concerned about the hired help being in on anything like a kidnap as I am sure they will know that they would be the first ones suspected. I need to get the kids back and forth from school and will probably do that myself if the school does not have a bus.

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Gator says on Jul 31, 2008, 13:47:

Colegio Franciscano de San Luis Beltrán is out by the soccor stadium on Avenida Libertador and fairly close to El Rodadero http://www.sanluisbeltran.edu.co


Burche School the closest to Rodadero http://www.colegiobureche.edu.co/

Collegio Biliningue de Santa Marta http://www.bilinguesantamarta.edu.co/

Both the last two are on the Rodedaro side of the Troncal del Caribe and probably have a bus.

If you need the name of a real estate agent let me know.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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guacharaca says on Jul 31, 2008, 14:50:

I live here in S.M. also. I understand why you want to do what you are doing. However you are making a choice for others who are not old enough to make the decision for themselves.

If I were a parent, I would not make the same decision for a child or any other person. I arrived only an hour after a ¨hit¨on the small hill on the road between SM and Rodadero just last year. As a result, you see a new police checkpoint at the top of that hill. It was not a pretty sight. No one seemed surprised about the incident. I have only seen one foreign child here in SM so far and he was off a cruise ship for a day trip. If anything were to happen for your selfish choice, you would not be able to live with yourself.

Colombianos: Las armas os han dado independencia, las leyes os daran libertad. (Santander)

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robi666 (Trustee board) says on Jul 31, 2008, 18:34:

I understand and agree with guacharaca.
SM is not the best place on earth for a child to grow up.

But, probably, Colombia in general is not...

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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scumbuster says on Aug 1, 2008, 05:39:

There are millions of kids that grow up in Colombia every day. Most seem to grow up into great people. I say go there Dave and just take normal precautions. The live in house keeper to help with the kids is a great idea. I am with Gator though on the hot and humid thing. I prefer the climate in Bogota and only would visit the coast. If I could have the climate of Bogota on the coast it would be heaven. lol With a little luck I will be living in Colombia in a few years too.

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Azul says on Aug 1, 2008, 06:27:

Millions of "Colombian" kids grow up in Colombia every day. I wouldn't think twice about living in Colombia, but I probably wouldn't want my gringo kid to live there. I say that as a father. Just my opinion.....and I would say the same thing about A LOT of areas in the US too.

las cosas caen por su propio peso

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divingdave911 says on Aug 1, 2008, 08:09:

Hmmmm..... Good advice from many good people. So, Where should I focus my search in Latin America where I can be with my children, enjoy the warm coastal climate AND have safety for the children? I would say Florida except that it is too expensive to have a maid and private school. Maybe Puerto Rico?

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pavo says on Aug 1, 2008, 08:29:

I wouldn't take that negative advice. Coast of Colombia is very nice. I would challenge the posts that say Colombia is not a good place to raise children. Look at the youth in the USA today. Drug Addicted, rapping, baggy pants, sexually active, unmotivated generation.

You do have to be careful but that is part of Colombia. And in the USA many kids disappear constantly so you have that challenge there as well. And if part of your goal is a woman. Well, Santa Martha sounds about right. You should be able to find a nice wife/maid/nanny. hehehe just joking but not really.

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pavo says on Aug 1, 2008, 08:31:

And you can live up to your name---divingdave-- in Santa Marta.

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Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 1, 2008, 08:34:

Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 1, 2008, 08:36:

vicshere says on Aug 1, 2008, 08:38:

woow?????????

listo

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GregYohn says on Aug 1, 2008, 10:02:

Hola!

Go to the Philippines if you want to dive and have warm weather.

Maids are cheaper there too!

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

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papiChulo says on Aug 1, 2008, 10:28:

wooo... looks like guacharaca struck a nerve.

avoid the unhappy and the unlucky

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vicshere says on Aug 1, 2008, 10:33:

you mean someone is very touchy today

listo

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elmodefoque says on Aug 1, 2008, 10:40:

"Barranquilla is the armpit of Colombia as far as beaches go, in my opinion." diverdan

I BEG YOUR PARDON!
barranquilla is the best situated city in colombia, idealy located between santa marta and cartagena.
we have no jungles or mountains or farc'
If you want ocean view , you get them thar nice buildings in the north with a great view of el mar caribe and el rio
as for schools, we have the best gringo schools in all colombia, remember quilla was founded by a gringo and germans and french
check out el colegio americano

I'll get there, when I get there!

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elmodefoque says on Aug 1, 2008, 10:42:

just cus most barranquilleras prefer barranquilleros is no reason to call it an armpit

thank you

and yes we aint got no bananas in barranquilla but plenty of cocos

I'll get there, when I get there!

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elmodefoque says on Aug 1, 2008, 10:53:

if barranquilla is the armpit, then bogota, cali and medellin son el CULO CAGAO PELIGROSO de colombia

I'll get there, when I get there!

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elmodefoque says on Aug 1, 2008, 10:57:

KEEP IN MIND, WE TRIED TO CIVILIZED ALL THEM INDIANS DOWN THERE, BUT UNFORTUNATLY MANY STILL REMAIN VIOLENT

I'll get there, when I get there!

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elmodefoque says on Aug 1, 2008, 11:06:

the civilization came tru barranquilla and then it expanded to the rest of the country, we brought the civilization to the cachacos.

1823: Inicio de la navegación a vapor por el río Magdalena.
1849: Primer puerto de Colombia, Sabanilla.[
1871: Primera línea férrea de Colombia (Barranquilla – Sabanilla)
1882: Primer servicio telefónico.
1885: Se funda la primera empresa privada de servicio telefónico en Colombia, la Compañía Colombo-Antillana de Teléfonos por el ciudadano norteamericano William Ladd.
1912: Primer vuelo de avión en Colombia. Lo llevó a cabo el piloto canadiense George Schmitt en diciembre de 1912.
1918: Pilotos alemanes, franceses y norteamericanos inician la aviación comercial en Colombia con vuelos sobre la ciudad los días domingos y feriados, contratados por la industria y el comercio para arrojar muestras de productos, hojas y folletos de propaganda. La aviación comercial contratada por la industria y el comercio terminó a mediados de los años 40 con la masificación de la radio y la prensa.
1919: El 18 de junio se inaugura el correo aéreo en el país, entre Barranquilla y Puerto Colombia. El piloto norteamericano William Knox Martin, en compañía del industrial Mario Santo Domingo, en el avión monomotor El Bolívar despegó a las 5 p.m. en el parque 11 de noviembre con dirección a la población citada. Al llegar el avión a la plaza de Puerto Colombia bajó hasta casi tocar el suelo, y el señor Santo Domingo entregó a Arturo de Castro un saco de correo con 164 cartas y una emisión de 50 estampillas de sobretasa de 2 centavos emitida en 1917.
1919: Se crea la primera aerolínea comercial exitosa del continente americano y segunda del mundo, SCADTA (Sociedad Colombo-Alemana de Transportes Aéreos), actual Avianca. (10 de diciembre).
1925: Primeros vuelos internacionales.
1926: Primeras Empresas Públicas Municipales de Colombia.
1929: Primera emisora comercial de radio privada de Colombia Elías Pellet Buitrago da inicio a la radio comercial en Colombia con la primera emisión de La Voz de Barranquilla el 8 de diciembre.
1935: Primer estadio olímpico (Estadio Municipal, hoy Romelio Martínez).
1936: Primer puerto marítimo y fluvial del país (Apertura de Bocas de Ceniza).
1964: Primera Zona Franca de Colombia.

thanks TURNMEON

I'll get there, when I get there!

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elmodefoque says on Aug 1, 2008, 11:09:

while colombians south of monteria worry about farc, bombs, poverty, kidnappin, crime, cold etc.
this is what most barranquilleros are doing

I'll get there, when I get there!

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scumbuster says on Aug 1, 2008, 11:11:

is that you elmo? ;)

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elmodefoque says on Aug 1, 2008, 11:16:

you worry about your kids growin up in barranquilla,
this a typical family from el norte de barranquilla. only thing missing from their privalidge(how you spell that chit?) life, safe from kidnapping and all that violent chit is singing lessons

I'll get there, when I get there!

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elmodefoque says on Aug 1, 2008, 11:46:

i'll be honest, growing up in curramba is not with out its disadvantages.
after a couple years in barranquilla your boys will insist to be call 100% curramberos.
when they hit 16 17 and 18 years old, and is 4am and they're still not home, don;t worry! they have not been kidnapped, this is not cali medellin or bogota.
go to one of the many clubs in north curramba, that's where you'll find them , skunk drunk with barranquilleras all over them
Try this place first

I'll get there, when I get there!

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scumbuster says on Aug 1, 2008, 12:30:

ssssshake it.

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divingdave911 says on Aug 2, 2008, 09:43:

Pros and Cons... I admit that I am more confused now than before. What is best for my kids...what is best for me?

I stand by my claim that Barranquilla has horrible beaches. I was a Puerto Colombia....the BLACK BEACH..with garbage floating by and nobody seemed to care....just throw the trash and let someone else worry about it. At least in Cartagena and Santa marta there are people paid to keep the beach clean.

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elmodefoque says on Aug 2, 2008, 10:18:

diverdan, i whole-heartly concur with your statement, the beaches near barranquilla are unsightly but you gotta keep in mind, most curramberos go there just to eat mojorra frita and get drunk, i personally don't go in that water. The only people we see bathing in them thar beaches are cachacos. but for them modefoques even the Hudson river in NYC is paradise.
Now if i wanted a nice beach for my kids, MIami will be my first choice.
Listen, I also love santa marta, but as far as raising 3 gringo kids there, i'll chose barranquilla instead.

I'll get there, when I get there!

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elmodefoque says on Aug 2, 2008, 10:28:

whatta you mean they don't clean the beaches, check out the guy in the background

I'll get there, when I get there!

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Lowell says on Aug 3, 2008, 08:19:

Perhaps Panama would work for you. However, Panama is going through some growing pains and at this time the police don't have effective control is some areas. Living in the City is still fairly safe.

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

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deathnova says on Aug 3, 2008, 11:53:

I think the guy in the background is just throwing the trash back into the sea.

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bamacellist says on Aug 3, 2008, 12:22:

"I think the guy in the background is just throwing the trash back into the sea."

That's what it looked like to me at first, too. Kind of like playing catch with the ocean. Later, though, he does seem to be carrying it away with his net, but he looks unhappy to have been captured on film. Maybe he was just throwing it back and then he was mad he really had to work for the camera ;)

"The future is much like the present, only longer."

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