PBH / colombia (travelguide, pictures) / post

Urgent help needed!

Now folks I really need your help! Just spent a month in Colombia and ended up with -- yes -- a novia. After I left I was calling her every day until last Saturday, then every time I called her cellphone since then Comcel just says "systema correovos" or something like that and there seems to be a menu for leaving a message which I totally do not understand. This is serious because I don't want to lose that girl and I have absolutely no way of communicating with her. I tried sending texts but no reply. Please someone answer the following questions for me:
1. Is Comcel having a problem? Is it working?
2. Can someone tell me how to leave a message with that system?
3. Is there any other way I can contact her? She lives in a pueblo north of Medellin.
By the way, I am now in England.
Thanks for helping

By tabla on Sep 5, 2007, 14:04 in Friendly Talkzone.

RAAAY says on Sep 5, 2007, 14:16:

Send me a p/m with her number......I'll have my g/f call her and get back to you.....

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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robi666 says on Sep 5, 2007, 14:27:

I'll have to take a trip north of medellin next week. Send me a p/m with her address and i'll help you.

"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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toneloc24 says on Sep 5, 2007, 14:46:

LOL!!!! at the PM suggestions.

Dude, wait for the tone and leave a message. Simple enough.

Or send a 150 character text msg to her phone at www.comcel.com.co. If she has credits on her phone, she'll get it.

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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britz30 says on Sep 5, 2007, 14:51:

I know I have trouble calling my fiancee too. I will call and it will have this weird ring to it and just ring and ring and ring or sometimes go directly to voice mail. When it rains down there sometimes the signal is bad...

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morphus says on Sep 5, 2007, 14:55:

You should have got her email address.

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panthdave says on Sep 5, 2007, 17:45:

Comcel have not noticed any problems and after the tone leave a message or text message her..You don't have her house number or email....I don't know if you can leave a message if there is no credits if prepaid Good Question..G/F and I have postpago accounts with Comcel.
To your question Comcel is not having any problems I notice of in Medellin always have excellent coverage even out in the country.G/F cousins or sister have Tigo and Movistar and they lose coverage while Comcel still has a signal...

Good Luck...If your calling her like crazy she might think this is too intense and is taking a cooling period..

.

panthdave Miami

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pedro says on Sep 5, 2007, 17:54:

Comcel should be working fine.

You are going straight to voice mail, which means the phone is not switched on. This might be because the phone got stolen, or it's simply switched off or out of range.

If you don't have an alternative means of contact, not much you can do.

que nota!

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tampavallenato says on Sep 5, 2007, 18:40:

I just hope that your not a victim of the BBD( bigger better deal) and she moved on without telling you.

Ay Hombe!!!

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Robert Jorge says on Sep 5, 2007, 20:54:

It is easy to get nervous and insecure when this happens. Been there, done that. But my fiance at the time lived in Villavo, which is not a small pueblo, and getting through to her was hit or miss. You girlfriend's phone could have just been turned off when you called, in another room, stolen (hopefully not, but common), or just no service. I have gotten the "systema dos" recording a lot when she had her phone on her. If service is out, sometimes it will default to the voice mail message. Out of service range is also common.

Now, with that said, give it a break - as hard as that will be. Just force yourself not to call for two days. You don't want to overwhelm her with phone calls. The worst thing to do is to come across as desperate - not that you are - but she might interpret it that way. Anyway, good luck.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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john_stark says on Sep 5, 2007, 21:50:

She went back to her Colombian boyfriend. Get over it and move on. She has.

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gold digger says on Sep 5, 2007, 22:10:

You forgot to pay her phone bill.

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robi666 says on Sep 5, 2007, 22:44:

Leave her a message that you need her cedula number for sending 1,000 USD at Western Union... she'll call you back in a minute!

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Robert Jorge says on Sep 5, 2007, 23:32:

robi666 has a good idea. Leave the message that you want to send money, but need more info from her. If she calls back shortly, watch out.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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christobeldawg says on Sep 5, 2007, 23:39:

good one gold digger, forgot to pay her phone bill. I find myself being sucked into some of your funny cynicism. dude, I hope this is not the case, but but but...well, I don't know what else to say. there are so many wide eyed innocent gringos going there, and there are some great girls there, but man, it either takes great luck or alot of experience. These are not mail order brides, not the good ones.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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tabla says on Sep 6, 2007, 02:26:

Thanks for all those ideas, guys. Let's try to eliminate the technical problems before we assume the worst. First, I want to know how to use the Comcel message service. After you speak your message, it presents you with a menu. It is faint and gabbled, and I really do not understand it. I just need to know which number to press to send the message.
Also, what does the "sistema correovos (or dos)" mean? Does it mean the cel you are calling is busy, or does it mean the system is unavailable?
Next, maybe I am giving her the wrong instructions for calling me in the UK. The country code is 44. What should she dial before the 44?
Keep up the good work, folks. I am sure we can crack this one, especially as I also have her mother's cel, which I had forgotten about, due to jetlag.

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morphus says on Sep 6, 2007, 04:12:

Correo de vos? Thats voicemail.

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morphus says on Sep 6, 2007, 04:19:

Whats with all these guys jumping the conclusions? She might be a nice girl. Just because you had a bad experience or hang out with whores does'nt mean its the same deal for everybody.

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panthdave says on Sep 6, 2007, 04:37:

JAJAJAJ Morphus ....I need to read inbetween the lines with you..

Take a couple days and don't call...Your in England and your going to stress yourself out...You just met..Better yet buy your ticket and do that long ass flight and don't tell her and see if you can find her..

Take RJ's advise the couple of days don't call..or do leave a message on the money thing if she calls you know exactly what's up..

panthdave Miami

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robi666 says on Sep 6, 2007, 04:53:

Morphus' typical Colombiana's cell phone... how to call the US with this? :-)
Gosh... you can't even dial *123 para el correo de voz!
Image and video hosting by TinyPic

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robi666 says on Sep 6, 2007, 05:14:

Hey Ken,
what do you have against mr.Stark?
He's the only one who always tell the truth on PBH!

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RAAAY says on Sep 6, 2007, 05:35:

...tabla says............."....After I left I was calling her every day until last Saturday.."............
".....I also have her mother's cel, which I had forgotten about, due to jetlag."

hmmmmmmmmm......................long time for jetlag..........you wouldn't be winding us up now.........would you...??

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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tabla says on Sep 6, 2007, 07:12:

No I left Colombia and called her from Atlanta every day, (no jetlag). Then I flew to UK Sunday and the lag hit. So you see my story holds up and you're not all wasting your time, after all.

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robi666 says on Sep 6, 2007, 08:24:

We are not wasting our time here... this thread it's quite entertaining after all... :-)
RAY, RAY, now you don't want to ruin everything, wouldn't you?

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morphus says on Sep 6, 2007, 08:30:

Maybe there is no house phone. I don't have a house phone here in the U.S. They are becoming obsolete. I have 2 cell phones. One personal cell phone and one issued from work. I use DSL/Cable to access the internet.

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RAAAY says on Sep 6, 2007, 08:31:

True ..Robi............I'm just pissed the Englishman didn't PM me with her number...........

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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tabla says on Sep 6, 2007, 10:21:

Guess what guys? I have some good news. I called my gf's mother just now. And she (the mother) sounded greatly relieved to hear from me. Unfortunately the accent of said pueblo consists of an Antioquian accent spoken extremely rapidly, and they have no word despacio, and my Spanish is rudimentary, to say the least. Anyway I gather she was saying my g/f's cel needed topping up, and I managed to get her to understand she should text me with what she was trying to say, which was I think about what time I should call to speak to her daughter.
Watch this space!

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Robert Jorge says on Sep 6, 2007, 11:05:

GB, maybe in Bogota everybody has a house phone, but I would say it is not unusual for people not to have house phones in other areas. My mother in law's doesn't have a house phone. I can think of only one house in the family that did have a land-line. They all use cells. Half the family had two cells. And when they needed to make a call, they would just walk down the sidewalk and buy a minute or two at the little tienda.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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

lol morphus

correo de vos.. is the cell phone paisa? jejeje

it's correo de voz, which it means voicemeal as you said.

...

engage brain before opening mouth

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tabla says on Sep 6, 2007, 11:21:

I've not received a message, so I really need to check how they should dial my UK number from Colombia, in case I am telling them incorrectly.

So what should they dial before the country code?

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morphus says on Sep 6, 2007, 11:21:

Kat1, thanks for the correction. In English its voicemail. You wrote voicemeal. You must be hungry...lol

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englishhunk says on Sep 6, 2007, 11:25:

tabla, how old is this girl ?

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robi666 says on Sep 6, 2007, 11:26:

tabla, relax... if she wants to call you she will.

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pedro says on Sep 6, 2007, 11:26:

That doesn't make sense (idea that the cellphone needs topping up, so it won't receive calls).

If it's a postpaid plan and has fallen behind on payment, the account gets suspended until the person pays.

In this case, you hear the message (Comcel):
"el numero marcado no se encuentra en servicio".

If it's a prepaid with no credit, it should still receive calls just fine.

que nota!

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pedro says on Sep 6, 2007, 11:29:

Oh, and I wouldn't rely on texts. Depending on who your operator is, there may not be a message link and the messages may just go into the void. You have no way of knowing if they get delivered or not, in either direction, except confirming with the recipient.

I never text international from Colombia. But I would imagine to enter your number it's just a plus sign then 44 then your phone number.

que nota!

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morphus says on Sep 6, 2007, 11:30:

In Colombia, you can use a pre-paid phone for incoming phone calls without putting any minutes on it.

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robi666 says on Sep 6, 2007, 11:31:

pedro, please don't do like RAAAY... everybody will think he is a troll and abandon the thread... now that we are having some fun...

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pedro says on Sep 6, 2007, 11:47:

Robi, nah I don't think tabla is a troll.

I do think he needs to look at the situation differently. Maybe ask a different set of questions along the lines of "now this girl can't possibly be being straight with me, right, with that story?"

que nota!

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tabla says on Sep 6, 2007, 17:21:

Don't forget I really don't understand what the mother says. Just she was clearly trying very hard to communicate. It does seem I will manage to speak to my g/f soon. We have learnt to communicate with some difficulty but a lot of laughs. Where there's a will there's a way. I believe the will is there. And it's good for my Spanish, which I studied formally for 2 weeks.

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john_stark says on Sep 6, 2007, 17:26:

"Whats with all these guys jumping the conclusions? She might be a nice girl. Just because you had a bad experience or hang out with whores does'nt mean its the same deal for everybody."

What other kinds of Colombian women would hang out with gringos? I keep telling these losers to go to www.realdoll.com but it's like the toll booths at Los Cedros. Nobody ever does.

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robi666 says on Sep 6, 2007, 18:25:

Sacred words, John...

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morphus says on Sep 6, 2007, 19:00:

Well, its bad advice. The Realdoll is no match for a Colombiana wether she be a ho or whatever. Besides, I have'nt heard Tabla complaining yet.

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timeforachangeofscenery says on Sep 6, 2007, 19:44:

Again with the digs at Colombianas who marry gringos John Stark ???

Please tell the nice people where you are from John...........and then tell the nice people where your wife is from John.

Then we can all sit back and laugh at how FULL OF SH!T you are.

Tabla - get Skype. It's 9c a min to call Colombian mobiles. And the best part is that the first call you make - she's not going to know it's YOU.

That means that if she picks up - she's screening you.

Take care

Timefor.

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gold digger says on Sep 6, 2007, 21:37:

I hope that things work out and you found the one in a million girl. I know that it seems that alot of us are giving you a hard time but we are speaking from experience.
Does this sound familiar? You saw her staring at you with a big smile and you went over and talked to her. You took her out to dinner and everything was great. You ended up having a great time, dinner,sex,snuggling, staring into her big brown eyes, hours of great kissing, etc.. Everything seemed so perfect. It killed you when you had to leave...
Been there done that! Emails/telephone calls fall off very quickly, usually within 2 weeks. I would type an entire paragraph and she would write back 5 words. lol
They don't have much faith in long distance relationships and have a live for now type attitude.
I bought an international phone card online and I can call anywhere in the world usually for 10cents/min or less. There are also online email translation sites that work pretty well.
Please keep us informed and I wish you the best of luck. Nothing like a feminine, soft,dark skinned big eyed Latino woman talking Spanish into your ear. Gets me everytime!

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tabla says on Sep 6, 2007, 23:08:

No I met her mother first

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Robert Jorge says on Sep 7, 2007, 02:13:

Tabla, you have taken a lot of crap from posters here, and stayed pretty steady and calm with your responses.

First of all, John Stark is a guy that used to be known as Utopia Cowboy. He has been around a long time and used to have great advice and information. Occasionally, he will post good advice as John Stark, but for the most part, he writes nothing but crap now. So pay him no attention. He likes to comment on going down on chicks that are having their period when it pertains nothing to the topic, for example.

If I were in your shoes, I would just call her once a day. If you don't get through, that is the "one time." I hope things work out. It sounds like you have a good relationship with the mother ... which is huge. But, you need to eventually establish contact with this girl and let her know what the deal is. If you get a hold of her soon, great. But MAKE SURE you get an Email address, MSN Messenger address (they all got 'em), etc. Make sure she has every bit of your contact info. Then, if you can't get a hold of her for an extended period of time, call it quits and move on. If she knows you can and want to be able to reach her anytime, and still makes it so you can't: that is when it is a good time to go out drinking and chalk another off. Hopefully, there is a good explanation. And there very well could be, despite what some cynics and A-holes will lead you to believe here. I crack up when the guy who tries to put the most doubt into a gringo / Colombiana relationship (JS), is himself married to a Colombiana while he is from Texas. They reside in Bogota. He is a gringo, yet he calls all of the Colombianas "whores" if they get involved with a gringo. So, he is the very definition of a hypocrite and self hater - though he would disagree and say he is being antagonistic because of his maltreatment here on PBH in the past. Poor UTC. What is weird, is that he is a grown man, and I think in his 40s or older. Yet, he comes across like a drunk, 18 year old would, with his dribble and snide, smart-ass comments. A couple of years ago, he was very articulate and helpful.

Anyway, good luck with your girl, and if possible, don't sweat it too much. Ya right, easier said than done. But let us know what happens.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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tabla says on Sep 7, 2007, 04:59:

When I met these 2 they didn't have email addresses. I opened boxes for them but I can't get them in the habit of using them. To be honest, I think the problem is extreme poverty.

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Sep 7, 2007, 05:04:

LOL Morphus jaja I didn't noticed, voicemeal..jajaja Gezz i was hungry

engage brain before opening mouth

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Sep 7, 2007, 05:14:

BTW tabkla i don't know what type of phone your GF have but for example my mum is comcel but she has a very simple cheap phone, when i text her from my phone, the messages never arrive and viceversa, I can call her but i tell her not to call me on her mobile it will be very expensive for her.her credit will run out in seconds.

to call to the UK to a mobile phone you dial 0044 and omit the O, as you know all mobile phone numbers here start with O, but to call from abroad you omit that one.

so it will 00 44 77 0r 787 etc.....

engage brain before opening mouth

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tabla says on Sep 7, 2007, 05:33:

Hey good news guys. I spoke to the girl! She is very sick with the flu, but at least I made contact. I need to send her a little bit of money so she can check internet and use phone. Problem is having good enough communication to get her to open a bank account and paypal/moneybookers account -- otherwise very expensive to send small sums. I guess I really need a go-between/translator in Colombia who can convey the details and help her organise. If the go-between also has paypal etc I can even pay them!

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john_stark says on Sep 7, 2007, 05:48:

"Please tell the nice people where you are from John...........and then tell the nice people where your wife is from John."

I'm from Missoula, Montana (Go Grizzlies!). No wife but I do have a wonderful Monica Belluci real doll. She never has a headache, never wants to shop and is anatomically correct. You can't beat it or maybe you can with the help of your real doll.

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robi666 says on Sep 7, 2007, 05:50:

...

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morphus says on Sep 7, 2007, 06:59:

Los Cubanos dicen "amor de lejo es amor de pendejo"

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Sep 7, 2007, 07:34:

o amor de lejos felices los cuatro :)))

engage brain before opening mouth

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RAAAY says on Sep 7, 2007, 07:59:

...........whew..........Tabla ........I for one, am relieved that contact has been made............and the flu.......of course....of course........it's been going around here.............best send money pretty quickly..................if nothing else she'll need asprin..................as for ongoing supplies of money..............that is always a god idea also.....................the best way to organize this is just to mail her an ATM card or one of your credit cards.............then you don't need to be messing around with wires and western union or paypal.......or any such shit...........................If you wish, you can mail your credit cards to me and I will see that see gets them...........

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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gringoloid says on Sep 7, 2007, 08:17:

I can't believe you guys fall for all this trollin........pretty good thread though.

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gringoloid says on Sep 7, 2007, 08:18:

UTC, that blow up doll thing is getting kind of old.....if someone has a colombiana novia, prometida, esposa.......why would they need this doll? maybe some gringos residing in the states do.....

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RAAAY says on Sep 7, 2007, 09:00:

Why Gringoloid......you doubt our amigo here..............pray tell why..??............the only thing he has'nt added to this never ending saga is that he his also Asian..........and perhaps his next remarks will be ...............do we think that that is perhaps why SHE was out of touch for a few days...............?

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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gringoloid says on Sep 7, 2007, 09:07:

raay, since the beginning of august there has been about 50 posts like this and there were probably more deleted before I saw them.

i've been wrong before though; i thought someone was the 6th coming of pow wow about a month ago.

even if it is true, gringos need to experience a couple of bad relationships in colombia before they settle on one. that way you know the good from the bad.

women everywhere in the world i've found, are very good at concealing their true feelings.

this is a good thread though...

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RAAAY says on Sep 7, 2007, 09:12:

good thread..........absolutely....................great entertainment......................However if it was genuine I think the correct thing to do would be to send me the young lady's number......I could then pay her a little visit and comfort her during her flu.

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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gringoloid says on Sep 7, 2007, 09:25:

Raay.........she sounds pretty hot, and not with the fever; i think it would be a good idea, strictly from a therapeutic standpoint.

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RAAAY says on Sep 7, 2007, 09:38:

without a doubt...................and also.....I have a little nursing experience.....................................so if she needs any sort of a bed bath or gereral rubbing down.................................................either way..........the sensible thing to do would be to send me the little hotties number.................................I'll quickly get to the bottom of the whole sorry affair...............

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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robi666 says on Sep 7, 2007, 10:02:

She's from a pueblo north of Medellin... brrrr... be cautious!!!
I HOPE for god's sake that she's not from Remedios or Segovia... those places are famous for "brujeria".
Tabla, did she make you drink anything strange? Or kept something from you? Are you sure that none of your underwear is missing from your trip?
Anyway (in case she's from Remedio or Segovia) you can still make a living with her, just:
1) if she give you something to drink, always accept it with the left hand.
2) always wear your underwear upside down (I mean, changing the exterior with the interior)
3) try to find someone who can "rezar" you.
4) as ultimate defence, go to the guajira and make them "cruzar" you or put a golden "nino dio" inside your skin

If you do not believe me, any Colombian or John_Stark can surely confirm all of this!

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morphus says on Sep 7, 2007, 10:40:

" crack up when the guy who tries to put the most doubt into a gringo / Colombiana relationship (JS), is himself married to a Colombiana while he is from Texas. They reside in Bogota. He is a gringo, yet he calls all of the Colombianas "whores" if they get involved with a gringo"

Thats right! Ever time another gringo goes down to Colombia looking for a wife it undermines their own relationships with Colombianas. They thought they were the first ones to do it. They realize that if it was'nt them, it could have been anybody else in their place.

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RAAAY says on Sep 7, 2007, 10:53:

PLEASE ..stay on topic here...................this young lady needs help.................she is inflicted with a terrible flu..............it is extremly important that no further time is wasted............................this guy needs to send ME her number post haste...................I will personally look after her welfare from there.........and of course.......keep the Englishman informed at all times.......hmm hmm...............SEND ME THE WEE F--KIN HOTTIE'S NUMBER.........agggghhhhhhhhhh.....f# at k f# at k........f# at k

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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tampavallenato says on Sep 7, 2007, 11:55:

low ray very low !!!!!!!!!!!

Ay Hombe!!!

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john_stark says on Sep 7, 2007, 20:49:

"UTC, that blow up doll thing is getting kind of old.....if someone has a colombiana novia, prometida, esposa.......why would they need this doll? maybe some gringos residing in the states do....."

The doll is the best way to go and if you're too cheap to buy the doll, short-term rentals are the next best option. Buying the cow is the worst option.

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gold digger says on Sep 7, 2007, 21:14:

Tabla, what did you give that poor girl... the English flu?
How many years did she pay her own phone?

Now starts the money outflow... I need money for my phone....
2 weeks later... I need some money for this. and that.....
1 month later, my mother needs to buy....
another month later, my third cousin twice removed need to buy....

just wait and see

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christobeldawg says on Sep 7, 2007, 21:33:

dude seriously that is a very bad sign when they start asking for money. I try not to be cynical about these things, as I have heard of many success stories, mixed in with some disasters, but it is a bad sign when they start the needing of money train of pain.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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tabla says on Sep 7, 2007, 22:39:

I actually received an email from my g/f overnight. She said all the right things, and I understood 75% of it. She didn't mention money. Yes, she was delighted when I suggested sending some. but it is clear that money is not the sole reason for her interest. I think her needs are genuine. I think it would be unreasonable in the circumstances to expect to give her nothing, when she is giving me her full attention. She says she received none of my messages, text or email. So she still doesn't have my UK tel no. You guys have kindly explained why she may not have received my texts, but why on earth would she not get emails? Maybe I should try copying them to the box I opened for her mother?

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gringoloid says on Sep 7, 2007, 22:46:

how do you know that she didn't ask for the money in the 25% of the conversation you didn't understand?

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tabla says on Sep 7, 2007, 22:49:

But goodness knows how to send money. I realise PayPal and Moneybookers won't work because they require a USD bank account. Western Union and wire transfers are expensive for small amounts. The debit card idea may work, but how to get it to her? She may have to wait till I am there again -- targeting 15 October. Must ask if her pueblo actually runs to an ATM. It had a good hotel BTW, only 20,000 per night. When I asked the name, no one had a clue, though we were standing in front of it. Ahh! Colombia!

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christobeldawg says on Sep 7, 2007, 22:51:

cold loid cold, but that did give me a good laugh. good one dude poster, seriously, be careful. there are some good ones there. if she is not it, let it go, and find another one, but be real with yourself. don't take any more irrational nonsense from her than you would from one in your own hometown. it is ok to dream, but this area of life is too important to be foolish in. you know that. she is or she isn't serious, and into you. don't rationalize to us here about her, just have common sense, and make the tough call if you need to.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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Aaron21 says on Sep 7, 2007, 23:13:

Tabla's questions and profile indicate to me that his post is simply the latest version of the age-old and tired (although it is presented in an ingenius manner) assertion that Colombian women are generally manipulative gold diggers.

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pedro says on Sep 8, 2007, 03:35:

You know, now I'm wondering if you really are a troll. Or do you read the responses? Everyone is advising you not to send money, but you're dead set on sending it.

If you must start splashing the cash, don't send money but at least do something for the Dia del amor y amistad, which is on the 15th of this month.

Once again, if you must send money (don't!), Servientrega has a service where you can send money point to point within Colombia. Like Western Union but without the currency conversion and probably a more reasonable fee. Servientrega has a very good network around the country. If you have a gringo contact within Colombia you can paypal them the money and have them do a money order via Servientrega.

Let me repeat this -- your phone calls are free for her to receive. She does not require any cell phone credit to receive your phone calls. So why send money for phone calls, when you should be the one calling her? Asking her to call you is like asking her to buy her own flowers. It's a nicer effect for her if you take the initiative and call. If she is not there with her phone switched on at the time you call, then "que pena" and try again at a time that's convenient to you. Don't leave voicemail as many people don't check it.

que nota!

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morphus says on Sep 8, 2007, 05:15:

Well one or two things can happen if gringos keep giving Colombianas money. It could possibly give the rest of us cheapos a good reputation with the Colombianas or they will turn into whores. Most likely they will turn into whores. I remember the old days (1990s) in Cuba when tourists started going there in the masses. The women were free. Then tourists started giving them money. The women were corrupted. Now, it is impossible for a foreigner to have a normal relationship with a Cubana in Cuba without people thinking the girl is a prostitute. Normal Cubanas don't want anything to with tourists because they don't want to be labled as whores. I think the same thing happened in Brazil. Every time a girl is seen with a tourist, people think she is a whore.

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RAAAY says on Sep 8, 2007, 05:55:

tabla says on Friday September 7th, 2007 22:39:
"She didn't mention money. Yes, she was delighted when I suggested sending some"

If she didn't mention money..........how did she express this delight..?

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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gringoloid says on Sep 8, 2007, 06:54:

Raay, we need to stick to the issue at hand........i think we should use our nursing and caregiving skills to bring the little hottie back to health.......where should we start; I have this thermometer that can be inserted anally so we can take her temperature; what do you think?

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slguy says on Sep 8, 2007, 07:04:

"Yes, she was delighted when I suggested sending some. but it is clear that money is not the sole reason for her interest. I think her needs are genuine. I think it would be unreasonable in the circumstances to expect to give her nothing, when she is giving me her full attention"

Ummm...hellloooo! She vanishes for days- but is giving you "her full attention"????

Soooo...you think is a good idea to send money, since NOW, you get her full attention? You don't see the implication here- her "attention" costs you money????

If you aren't a troll - you'll have a bad case of (in months from now) "how could I have been so stupid!" written all over you, my friend. Good luck! I guess we all sometimes have to learn lessons the hard way, even when LOTS of experienced guys try to save you the turmoil, here...

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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goin_south says on Sep 8, 2007, 07:19:

If I remember correctly, tabla, you said when you first entered here, 5 or 6 months ago, that.... you yourself were on quite the budget...no? Oh. I see; you wanted to stay at the cheap hotels, so you could give the excess to the girlz.

I'D RATHER BE.........IN COLOMBIA :-))

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robi666 says on Sep 8, 2007, 07:47:

Yes, Rubito, but think about the kind of look one would receive when going around with stark's Monica Bellucci doll...

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robi666 says on Sep 8, 2007, 07:49:

Tabla, you did not mention the name of that pueblo North of Medellin yet... I'll tell you if they have an ATM there.

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john_stark says on Sep 8, 2007, 08:35:

What a success story. Another Colombian family finds a gringo cow to milk. Can you say "Moooo" dude?

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RAAAY says on Sep 8, 2007, 08:54:

PLEASE........pare with the nonsense that she is only looking for money........................
This is plainly not the case.............she told him so................in a manner of speaking..............

TABLA..........it's important that funds get delivered as soon as possible........and unlike all these other unhelpfull f# at kers above, I can organize this for you. Just mail me an ATM card and the pin number. I will make sure that she gets it........Oh yes......I WILL make sure she gets it.
This flu could get worse. Gringoloid appears to have some medical experience and has kindly offered to assist me in the treatment. I will administer the initial dosage.........he can take over after that.................
Lets get the funds sorted out quickly..........that alone may improve her sickness quite a bit.

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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tabla says on Sep 8, 2007, 09:58:

"If you must start splashing the cash, don't send money but at least do something for the Dia del amor y amistad, which is on the 15th of this month."

Thanks for telling me about that Pedro. It explains her words "felis dia de amor y amista" which meant nothing to me at the time.

What's it about, and what does one do?

I now understand 87.5% of her email. What would you say esperoqueteencuevien means?

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RAAAY says on Sep 8, 2007, 10:07:

tabla says on Saturday September 8th, 2007 9:58:

...." I now understand 87.5% of her email. What would you say esperoqueteencuevien means? "..........

TABLA ........my Espanol is not fantastic.................but I think it means......................" quit with the romantic shit......and send me some f# at kin money...."

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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goin_south says on Sep 8, 2007, 10:29:

lol

I'D RATHER BE.........IN COLOMBIA :-))

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goin_south says on Sep 8, 2007, 10:30:

I thought it meant, 'take that funny lookin scarf off yer neck'

I'D RATHER BE.........IN COLOMBIA :-))

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gringoloid says on Sep 8, 2007, 10:42:

i think it means: if you don't send the money quickly, i am going to be madder than a one-legged waitress at IHOP.

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tabla says on Sep 8, 2007, 11:40:

C'mon guys. When you've correctly translated that bit I'll tell you the other bit I don't understand.

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RAAAY says on Sep 8, 2007, 12:57:

..........hmmmm......let's see.............what could the " other bit " be................Tabla......is this a competition..??...............if so......................the little hottie's number is the prize...??

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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tabla says on Sep 8, 2007, 13:05:

Holds telescope to blind eye. "I see no prizewinners."

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Leeroy says on Sep 8, 2007, 13:17:

esperoqueteencuevien

"I hope you're okay"

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pedro says on Sep 8, 2007, 14:57:

Tabla -- "Thanks for telling me about that Pedro. It explains her words "felis dia de amor y amista" which meant nothing to me at the time.

What's it about, and what does one do?"

OK, since you asked...

Here is the traditional celebration in a Medellin pueblo for Dia del Amor y Amistad.

It's customary for gringo boyfriends living outside of Colombia to each supply one marrano for the occasion. Once the whole village has gathered in the town square, the marranos are set loose. Now the festival organisers have already written the names of each gringo sponsor in permanent markers on the side of their marrano (pig). Example, "OLAF", "JOE BOB", "GUNTHER" in big block letters. And around each marrano's neck is a decorated floral necklace with the name of his colombianita beloved written on it.

Now the idea is for the young colombiana maiden to identify which marrano is hers (going by the names, of course) and for her to catch it. Except she doesn't catch it herself (her clothes, hair and nails, imaginate!). To catch her marrano, she appoints one of the young village men as her proxy. This chosen young man is usually referred to as the "amigovio" or "pretendiente".

Once all the marranos are rounded up, the local men cook them and share them around for the whole village to eat. It's customary for the young colombian maiden to phone her extended family, who come in from other towns and cities to share in the feast.

As the marrano is sacrificed, they say a short blessing to pray for a bountiful Western Union harvest in the year to come.

If there are excess marranos (for example, if a young lady had more than one foreign sponsor on the day), these spares are sold for meat, and the proceeds used to buy aguardiente so that everyone can get nice and drunk.

As the gringo boyfriend, it's traditional to call and greet your novia like this:
Him: "¡Yo soy tu marranito, mi amor!"
Her: "¡Si, eres mi marranote gordote hermosote, papi!

;op

que nota!

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pedro says on Sep 8, 2007, 14:58:

PS: esperoqueteencuevien = a poorly spelled, slangy version of "I hope this finds you well".

que nota!

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brazilianhottie says on Sep 8, 2007, 15:35:

I think all you guys have given tabla good advice, but he obviously is playing dumb and insists in sending the girl money. So tabla my opinion, yes go ahead send the chick all the money you have, if you really like her and dont wanna lose her just send her all your credit/debit cards she sure will be happy. As to " I think it would be unreasonable in the circumstances to expect to give her nothing, when she is giving me her full attention" doesnt that sound to u like ur paying someone to give u attention?

Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Sep 8, 2007, 15:39:

Nice, pedrito!
Cheers,
Desi

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

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john_stark says on Sep 8, 2007, 15:50:

That was hilarious, Pedro. Hell, it was worthy of Elmo and that's high praise indeed.

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RAAAY says on Sep 8, 2007, 16:49:

Pedro.........that was a load of bullshit................you know, as well as everyone else, that the excess marranos are not sold for meat...........this is typical of the conflicting information that is so prevalent on PBH....................the mere suggestion that " a young lady had more than one foreign sponsor on the day " is nonsense.
TABLA is going to get further confused.............it's bad enough that the young lady has a terrible flu.......................now you are going to have him thinking that his marrano might get bumped upside the head by a competing one.................
The immediate issue is how to get this young lady's flu cured.............Gringoloid and myself are the only people here that have offered assistance in a constructive way.................as of right now...............all that remains for TABLA to do, is forward the young lady's phone number so that we can begin the process of healing her.......................

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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goin_south says on Sep 8, 2007, 20:08:

I'm thinking of setting up 'Su Shaman Servicio de Sincelejo'...
...for my retirement funding ;)

I'D RATHER BE.........IN COLOMBIA :-))

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gold digger says on Sep 8, 2007, 20:58:

Tabla.. what is the age gap?

"felis dia de amor y amista" = happy day of love and friendship
"esperoqueteencuevien" is supposed to be "espero que te en cuevien" =I wait for you in the house

Somebody get in touch with that "modefoque" guy on here, I'm sure he'll give some good advice. :)

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podborski says on Sep 8, 2007, 21:17:

I think it's
"espero que te encuentra bien" the txt msg version

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gold digger says on Sep 8, 2007, 21:32:

espero que te encuentra bien = I hope all is well

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billyb says on Sep 8, 2007, 22:18:

Pretty good Pedro LOL.

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tabla says on Sep 9, 2007, 01:27:

About these cards. I would never give her a credit card, as I could not control her spending. I would not give her MY debit card -- same problem. But a separate debit card (on a separate account) is a good idea. If there's nothing in the account, she can take nothing. Anything I put in it, she can have. If I put 10 dollars in it, she can have it. It's an easy way to give her money in a totally controlled way, when I choose and how much I choose. If I want to terminate, I just change the PIN. The only problem is: how to get the card to her from here?

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robi666 says on Sep 9, 2007, 06:25:

Better a good cow than a cow of a good kind... moooo

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morphus says on Sep 9, 2007, 06:31:

Debit card? It must have been some good chocha. Guys have to realize that there is no reason to send money. If the girl is a ho and you return 5 years later, the relationship will pick up right where it left off no matter what you do.

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RAAAY says on Sep 9, 2007, 06:51:

You know...............you guys are just too cynical.........casting negative aspersions on this flu ridden young lady is not acceptable at all.....................once again we have gone down that PBH slippery slope of doubting the bona fides of a young princess ................who , most likely, would have no interest in el Gringo's plata.
The question at hand.............as our English amigo TABLA has posed so elequently is............................how to get the debit card from him to her as quickly as possible ??

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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gold digger says on Sep 9, 2007, 22:40:

.. and tell her to give my card back dammit!

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manINred says on Sep 10, 2007, 15:55:

My girlfriend in Medellin would send me money to Canada through western union to help pay for school... that's when you know you're safe from golddiggers i guess .

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RAAAY says on Sep 10, 2007, 16:08:

Yeah...........but who was sending it to her...?

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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manINred says on Sep 10, 2007, 16:24:

Her employers!

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manINred says on Sep 11, 2007, 11:53:

Hahaha, well, sometimes when money is tight, there's just not much else you can do!!! I'm just an example of the reverse of the stereo-typical gringo gives latina money. To be fair, I would help her out when she needed it and i was able, and she woudl do the same for me, including inviting me to Colombia. It just proves that stuff such as money is inconsequential when it comes to loving and reciprocal relationships.

That snowy april day, geez, end of april blizzards!!! I was using public transport, something that I notice you always promote, so you giving me a lift was for the greater good i guess ;) if you remember I almost walked out with your laptop thinking it was my bag, which was highly embarrassing for me... that would have been true hustling though!!!

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bradenmiami says on Sep 12, 2007, 13:47:

"robi666 has a good idea. Leave the message that you want to send money, but need more info from her. If she calls back shortly, watch out."

That's the funniest response yet!!!!!!! So true, so true....

The "lovemedellin website" is a piece of crap made by some moron who has only been to Medellin once...you'd be better off reading the Lonely Planet advice from a guy who never even came here!

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tabla says on Sep 13, 2007, 00:04:

I appreciate the general worst-case education you guys have given me in this thread. I have learnt a lot from the many posts. My reading of my particular situation is that it is very promising and very different from your worst case scenarios. By assuming the worst case you often didn't even anwser my questions. It's a bit like going to a bank to withdraw funds and being told they won't give you any in case you spend it on the wrong things! If anyone with a more optimistic view of life is still listening, I still need to know how to send the debit card or transfer funds from UK to a small pueblo north of Medellin. Western Union is expensive and as far as I can tell can only deliver to Medellin. Be nice says the monkey!

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goin_south says on Sep 13, 2007, 00:06:

E-money gram.com

I'D RATHER BE.........IN COLOMBIA :-))

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goin_south says on Sep 13, 2007, 00:07:

tabla,... look at the title; URGENT?? We are here a week later.... how urgent was it?

I'D RATHER BE.........IN COLOMBIA :-))

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goin_south says on Sep 13, 2007, 00:08:

I hope not too urgent,... if you're gonna use e-money gram.
You know, Western Union has the 'muy rapido'.... y, tambien ... "mas despacio. y mas barrato' versions of money transfer.... slower is cheaper, in case you don't...

I'D RATHER BE.........IN COLOMBIA :-))

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tabla says on Sep 13, 2007, 06:43:

Yes here we are 124 posts later. Someone clearly had fun. The urgent bit was to establish communication from UK to the little pueblo. We did that, thanks to all. Now I'm trying to figure how to send money, while I try to understand where she wants it sent. Maybe this is a female thing, not just a Colombiana thing? Not to mention a language thing.

Meanwhile, at least her words and photos are keeping me happy.

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RAAAY says on Sep 13, 2007, 07:25:

.Yawn..............

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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pedro says on Sep 13, 2007, 17:20:

You already have the best answers on how to send money.

1) Western Union or Moneygram (international)
2) Servientrega (national)
3) ATM debit card

If you want to send money exclusively to buy cellphone credit, this is easier. You can transfer money to a gringo's bank account or Paypal etc, assuming the the gringo is in Colombia. Said gringo can then buy the recharge code and transmit it by text message.

It's even more direct if you find a store with a PIN pad -- you can enter the phone number you want recharged and pay, and the number gets credited with minutes. So, for example you could have someone add credit directly to her cellphone from Bogota, no matter that she is in Antioquia.

que nota!

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Lisa Zee says on Sep 14, 2007, 23:41:

PEDRO....That is the funniest thing I have ever read, I am in tears, and I have cramps from laughing so hard! YES, that is esactly how we celebrate "El dia de el amor y la amistad" jajajajaja.

TABLA: dear man, HOW OLD IS THIS WOMAN?????????????????????????????????I hope for your sake she in not more that 10 years younger than you!!!
what is the NAME of this town??????. There are many Internet cafes, in this towns and they have long distance phones there.

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gold digger says on Sep 17, 2007, 22:09:

I asked the age difference once before and no answer. I'm betting she is 20 years younger. (not that there is anything wrong with that).

She might not know about many things going on in the world, but I bet she knows what the British Pound is trading at.

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houstongal says on Sep 18, 2007, 04:29:

Let's see...in Tabla's other post he says he's 64 so my guess is that this woman is much younger than 44.

Culture is language and language is culture - Dr. Annamaria Napolitano

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Lisa Zee says on Sep 18, 2007, 09:51:

I bet she is 40 years younger!!!!!. That could work ...LOL

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houstongal says on Sep 18, 2007, 12:09:

lisa zee...yup, i would agree. someone in their 20s is my guess.

Culture is language and language is culture - Dr. Annamaria Napolitano

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Tinto (Moderator) says on Sep 18, 2007, 12:39:

A 40-year age gap? Eeeeewwwwww. Enjoy it while it lasts because it ain't gonna last long.

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houstongal says on Sep 18, 2007, 12:46:

well tinto, do you agree that it probably is a 40-year gap? read the author`s prior post below and let us know what you think happened.

Culture is language and language is culture - Dr. Annamaria Napolitano

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Tinto (Moderator) says on Sep 18, 2007, 12:59:

I'm terrible at guessing age but if the poster is using a picture of himself, he looks pretty fit. Maybe he'll be like Jack LaLanne, still going strong at 93 with a happy and sexually satisfied wife of 53!

;-)

Whoops! Now I see what you mean by the previous post. So he's 64? Yeah...he might have found a babelicious 24-year old in Colombia. He better stay in shape and assume the position...

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

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tomtom33 says on Sep 18, 2007, 14:21:

I regularly see hotties 40 years younger than I am, but I never give them a credit card. A few pesos? Most certainly.

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goin_south says on Sep 18, 2007, 22:41:

tomtom33,.... I thought you were only 43 years old????

jajajajjejjejeeeee... damn!!!! I know you must have been drinking (water with too much oxygen or ...???) when you wrote that, now...

I'D RATHER BE.........IN COLOMBIA :-))

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goin_south says on Sep 18, 2007, 22:41:

tell me it's a 'typ-o', por favor.

I'D RATHER BE.........IN COLOMBIA :-))

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tomtom33 says on Sep 19, 2007, 04:54:

No, I am 59. And I don't drink. My weaknesses are Colombianas and food.

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morphus says on Sep 19, 2007, 17:27:

Tomtom33, you are still young. I knew an 80 year old guy from Norway in Cuba. He had a 17 year old Cubana girlfriend.

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goin_south says on Sep 19, 2007, 18:19:

g g Marquez had 'm topped: 90 with a 17! en mi putas tristes.

I'D RATHER BE.........IN COLOMBIA :-))