What's Good or Better in Colombia?

Rubito says on Mar 27, 2008, 09:26:

The food I love in Colombia (not keeping my diet in consideration)

Any and all of the fresh fruit and fruit juices (no sugar please)
Ajiaco
Roast chicken especially at El Rey Del Pollo
Chiguiro and Carne a la Llanera
Grilled fish like mojarra or anything similar
Chicharrones
Chorizo
Lengua con salsa
Pinchos off the street
Mouth watering desserts from just about any bakery
Hamburgers and hot dogs with the whole world on them. Especially the Corralisima Todo Terreno.
Buying some quail eggs frying them up and having them on toast. Brilliant!
Queso doble crema
That lamb cold cut thing they have. Also the BEST headcheese
The yogurt and avena drinks. Yum yum
Fritanga, fried hen, caldo de gallina, beef chitlins and lungs etc.

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

Rubito says on Mar 27, 2008, 09:30:

Things I DON'T like about food in COlombia.

Morcilla and lechon with rice stuffed in it. WHY fuck up a good morcilla by putting dry-ass rice in it?
The pineapples there are just too sweet for me.
The pizza. The cheese is wrong and the ingredients just don't go together.
The fact that it's hard to get a cut of meat with the bone in and sometimes it's hard to get it rare.
The lack of yellow lemons.
The ceviche and the seafood in general (I'm sure it's way better on the coast though)

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

kat1 (Moderator) says on Mar 27, 2008, 09:39:

fish specially mojarra
coconut rice
sobrebarriga
frijoles
cuajada uhmmm

tejasmarcos says on Mar 27, 2008, 09:39:

chicharrones is the shiz! why don't they do this in the USA?

grand pollo here in mde is good

ajiaco and sancocho

the new fruits are great. right now i am on a grenadilla kick

* i will never get over the elaborate hot dogs here. the first time i saw quail eggs on my hot dog here, i was perplexed to say the least. too many years of mustard, relish & heinz stood in the way of me fully enjoying that treat - and brawts with sauerkraut!

god is in your head

kalder says on Mar 27, 2008, 09:41:

Colombian burgers are the business.

The juices are good.

Eggs seem to taste so much better over there too.

But, as has been alluded to in an other thread, Colombia has nowhere near the range of beers as (say) Belgium, Germany or the UK.

And there's no such thing as a reasonably priced, decent wine in Colombia.

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

kalder says on Mar 27, 2008, 09:41:

And I particularly agree with Rubito about the seafood.

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

tejasmarcos says on Mar 27, 2008, 09:42:

i see kat went for the less indiana jones look today ;)

me gusta tus colores mucho!

god is in your head

kat1 (Moderator) says on Mar 27, 2008, 09:44:

2 things i won't eat in Colombia just because i don't like them
Sancocho de pescao or caldo de pescado
Caldo de gallina which is different from sancocho de gallina or pollo or ajiaco.
lechona,

Rikito says on Mar 27, 2008, 09:50:

I know about the stuff that people don't like, but WHAT IS BETTER IN COLOMBIA THAN THE U.S. I can't buy the hamburger thing. Just go to any ehtnic 'hood' in the U.S. and you will get the best burgers.

I agree that the beer here sucks...it's like drinking 'Bud' which really sucks. One beer and 2 minutes later it's in the toilet.

I like the fruit thing. I have two papaya trees in my back yard, a rasberry bush and a mandarin orange tree all providing good fresh furit all year long. In the U.S. I never ate papaya but here I make a pig out myself.

It is not life that matters, but the journey.

Man Tequila says on Mar 27, 2008, 09:53:

I'm with Rubito. More specifically, with the first two thirds of Rubito. I ain't got much use for chitlins, yogurt drinks and headcheese.

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

jorgegdiaz says on Mar 27, 2008, 09:55:

Almuerzo corriente !
All that variety for $5000 ?

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

kat1 (Moderator) says on Mar 27, 2008, 09:55:

Milk in the Usa or UK milk doesn't have taste
but meat in general taste better in Colombia than in USA or UK specially chicken and mince beef

jonas says on Mar 27, 2008, 10:01:

but most milk sold here (supermarkets/tiendas) is UHT larga vida. The process kills the best parts of the milk. The only "fresh" milk (pasteurized) I can find in Bogota is usually from Colanta and tastes kind of weird.

What I have, I do not want to lose, but Where I am I do not want to stay, but those I love, I do not want to leave, but those I know I no longer want to see, but Where I die, I do not want to go;I want to stay where I have never been

tejasmarcos says on Mar 27, 2008, 10:04:

i started drinking the alpina deslactosada milk and it is pretty good. it took me a few times to find a good milk.

god is in your head

bopenyan says on Mar 27, 2008, 10:19:

The meat is definetely better in Colombia than the US or Canada. My guess is that most of the beef is from grass-fed in the pasture animals, as opposed to corn-fed feedlot stuff you get in north america. There is probably much less of a factory type environment for chickens and pigs as well.

kat1 (Moderator) says on Mar 27, 2008, 10:22:

coffee unless you make it yourself, i know everytime i go out in Colombai I can find a good coffee, I don't need to go to Juan Valdez or those fancy coffee shops

Rubito says on Mar 27, 2008, 10:40:

I try to stick with Alpina dairy products in Colombia. I even found a store here in the Bronx that carries some of them if you catch them on a good day.

Grass-fed beef isn't just common in Colombia it's THE LAW. Cows aren't allowed to eat ANYTHING that they are fed in the US and Canada in Colombia.

The beer I'm kinda neutral on. There are certainly dozens of good beers that KILL anything domestic in Colombia. As for wine I'd get an Argentinian or Chilean wine, but I won't die if I don't have wine. The rum on the other hand I LOVE (Caldas of course!).

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

Lcacique says on Mar 27, 2008, 10:48:

kalder:

If people want beer they don't need to go to Europe anymore, the US has been producing the best beers with a greater variety for over a decade.

Portland, Oregon is the beer capital of the world. 3 years ago, the Portland Metro area was home to 38 breweries, more than any other metro area in the world.

"Portland, with more breweries than anywhere — including Germany — is now considered the beer capital of the world."
http://www.thebrewsite.com/2007/10/23/beervana-documentary-on-opb.php

And many states have followed suit, microbreweries have popped up all over the US producing excellent craft beers.

Colombia = fresh foods (I agree with rubito on this one).
Guascas: they are pretty hard to find in the US (at least in the NW). You cannot make Ajiaco without them.
Fruit: Sapote, Guanábana, Cherimoya, Tomate de Arbol, Lulo, Maracuya, Curuba, Uchuva, Mango, Papaya, Guava, Mangosteen (in Mariquita), Granadilla, Pitahaya, etc.
Avocado: huge and delicious
Coffee: duh...

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

kat1 (Moderator) says on Mar 27, 2008, 11:02:

excuse me the question was
WHAT IS BETTER IN COLOMBIA THAN THE U.S

Rubito says on Mar 27, 2008, 11:02:

guascas actually grows wild in the US but it's considered a weed here IIRC

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

rocinante says on Mar 27, 2008, 11:12:

life

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

kat1 (Moderator) says on Mar 27, 2008, 11:13:

good one Roci ;)

morphus says on Mar 27, 2008, 11:15:

Thats if you don't get killed :)

Desideria (Moderator) says on Mar 27, 2008, 11:22:

I like Colombian ice cream (helados) better than the US brands.

"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free." —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Rubito says on Mar 27, 2008, 11:37:

Death is the ultimate rush, that's why they save it for the end!

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

Cerealkiller says on Mar 27, 2008, 11:41:

Chain restaurants in Colombia kick their counterparts' ass in the US, food is healthier and tastier!!!
Examples: Crepes and Waffles, El Corral Gourmet, WOK...
As for beer, I honestly don't see how American beer could ever be that much superior to Colombian...popular brands in both countries really kinda suck. Just the thought of going to the US or Colombia for alcohol makes me chuckle.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

tejasmarcos says on Mar 27, 2008, 11:44:

mimos pistachio is excellent - my fav so far..... although the price is almost double than the usa.

god is in your head

Lcacique says on Mar 27, 2008, 11:48:

rubito, I was aware of that, but I am not to good at hunting down and discerning specific types of weeds.

kat1: If you are responding to my comment: it was a brief side comment, correcting a mistake written about where the best beer is produced. I followed it with a handful of things that are better in Colombia than in the US.

roci: nice! I guess friendships would fall into that category as well.

I agree about the ice cream as well, Mimo's was one place I remember, but there were many places that served great ice cream (although, Tillamook Ice Cream is to die for).
raspado is delicious as well

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

robi666 says on Mar 27, 2008, 11:52:

Arroz de lisa
Arroz de fideos
Paticas de cerdo con frijoles
Sopa de ojos

"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."

DodgerDogs says on Mar 27, 2008, 11:57:

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.Martin Luther King:

tejasmarcos says on Mar 27, 2008, 12:06:

i guess the last photo is dessert?

god is in your head

kalder says on Mar 27, 2008, 12:56:

Lcacique- "If people want beer they don't need to go to Europe anymore, the US has been producing the best beers with a greater variety for over a decade."

Yes, I've read over here that the US produces some excellent beers. And I've certainly heard about the Portland thing. I'm wondering how readily available they are though?

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

kalder says on Mar 27, 2008, 12:57:

Lcacique- "If people want beer they don't need to go to Europe anymore, the US has been producing the best beers with a greater variety for over a decade."

Yes, I've read over here that the US produces some excellent beers. And I've certainly heard about the Portland thing. I'm wondering how readily available they are though?

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

kalder says on Mar 27, 2008, 12:58:

And regarding pizza in Colombia- I must be easily pleased or something, but I really like the stuff in Kerens.

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

Lcacique says on Mar 27, 2008, 13:06:

kalder: Several are available on the opposite coast (i.e. New York), but I have no idea how many are exported and there are stores here in Oregon that carry hundreds of microbrews from the throughout the US.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

Saltador says on Mar 27, 2008, 13:23:

Ok, Ok, the suspense is killing me...Why hasn't anyone mentioned the obvious PBH answer?
"THE WOMEN!"
And I'll vote for the jugo de mango con leche, I can't get any in Chicago...
The papa fritos seem to be better in Colombia too.

Lcacique says on Mar 27, 2008, 13:51:

saltador: Dodgerdogs already beat you to it.

I'm not to sure about that, though. Colombia has a lot of beautiful women, but the US is blessed by immigration resulting in greater diversity.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

MaFe says on Mar 27, 2008, 14:19:

Lcacique says on Thursday March 27th, 2008 10:48:

"If people want beer they don't need to go to Europe anymore, the US has been producing the best beers with a greater variety for over a decade."

I agree 100% with you on this LC!! =)

I supposed most of this is repeated, but I like
-the fresh food
-fruits
-los jugos
-all bakery things...mmm fresh
-pescados
-postobon sodas
-hot dogs (no egg on top)
-hot chocolate
-all chesse
-candies

things that are not so good:
-milk

"No comment" is a splendid expression. I am using it again and again." -Winston Churchill

Lcacique says on Mar 27, 2008, 14:29:

I went to a dairy in Sopó that had excellent cheese...yummy, w/ a little chunk of panela and some coffee.

Hot Chocolate is definitely better in Colombia.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

Simon says on Mar 27, 2008, 14:33:

I like the taste of milk in Colombia much better.

"You want to talk to God? Let's go see him together, I've got nothing better to do."---Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)

Desideria (Moderator) says on Mar 27, 2008, 14:36:

Agree about hot chocolate, not about milk. The milk in Colombia is only marginally drinkable. I put it inmy coffee but I can't drink it straight. It has an unpleasant aftertaste, I think from high-temp pasteurization needed because of the tropical climate and many cattle diseases. The long-life milk sold in cartons from the shelves that does not need to be refrigerated is just vile.

"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free." —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

robi666 says on Mar 27, 2008, 15:05:

Tu estas mal acostumbrada Desi... Scandinavian milk is the best on the planet.

"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."

Bluesdude says on Mar 27, 2008, 15:52:

A good variety of Fresh Fruits and Juices
Veges seem to taste better, but not as much of a variety
Baby Beef, but the rest of the beef is tough
French (Belgian?) fries seem to tase better
Bandeja Paisa
Ajiacho
Combo of fried whole fish, arroz de coco and patacones
Patacones with guacamole or that tomatoe and onion salsa they make
Arepas with just about anything on them

with all that said, there is a lot of stuff missing that I like in the US
Goood Hamburgers (hot and juicy Wendy's or Red Robin ooor FuddRuckers)
T-bone, Porterhouse or New York steak
BIG Baked potato with all the trimmings
Peanut Butter is just too expensive
Good Cheeses are too expensive
whole smoked ham
walnuts
Almost any food item sold by Costco
Cranberry Juice, although Mora is close with the right amount of sugar. I have actually made Cosmorapolitians for my guests
California Wine - I'm spoiled for price, quality and variety

The Chilean and Argentine wines are good, but there's no break on the price for a good one. When Casiero del Diablo Cab was $6 in the US, it was $18 here - more now with the tanking of the dollar (tanks to Bush). La Huerta Savignon Blanc at 13,000 is ok for a white and the Gato Negro Carmenere at 17000 is ok for a red - they are just ok though. Castillo Molina Cab at 40,000 (good fruit with a nice creamy finish) and the Casiero Del Diablo Chardonnay (nice, oakey, creamy, buttery taste) at about 31,000 are good wines for special dinners. Don't know about other parts of Colombia, but the Carullas in Cartagena run 3 for 2 specials and 20-30% discounts pretty regularly. Any Chiliean/Argentinian wine tips from other PBH folks?

Bluesdude No Mas Gringas Por La Vida

Ryan619 says on Mar 27, 2008, 16:15:

-Music on the busses

-Chivas

Oh, yes they are edible.

Dreaming of better days

MitchAlvarez says on Mar 27, 2008, 16:23:

food
women
bars
clubs
parks
gun fights
shoot outs
hit and runs
cab rides
freedom to drink out in the open as much as youd like
beautiful scenery
mountains
rivers
lakes

now in spanish:

fincas
chivas pa rumbiar y tomar
el guarito precioso
la pilsen pal guayabo
la sopita pal guayabo que no se cura
los maizitos
la morcilla de envigado
el arequipe
el parcerito gritando en la manana vendiendo de todo!!! pa que compra uno despertador pues
los alumbrados en la navidad
la natillita
los buñuelos

muchas cosas mas........

y claro que las muñequitas, mamasitas, cositas lindas, bom bones, taraos, y creidas de mi tierra hermosa.

Tengale miedo a una huelga de mujeres o a una escacez de aguardiente. :)

buggy says on Mar 27, 2008, 16:34:

"If people want beer they don't need to go to Europe anymore, the US has been producing the best beers with a greater variety for over a decade."

It looks like you never drank beers from Belgium.

"Artículo 20 de la Constitución Política. Se garantiza a toda persona la libertad de expresar y difundir su pensamiento y opiniones,...No habrá censura."

Lisa Zee says on Mar 27, 2008, 16:41:

Patacon pisao con pescao frito, y una brava en botella de vidrio bien fria!

Los paisajes de mi tierra bella.

Nadar en rio claro.

La familia

tejasmarcos says on Mar 27, 2008, 16:48:

wow, buggy "masked"!

god is in your head

Lisa Zee says on Mar 27, 2008, 16:49:

las frutas!!!!!!!!

La libertad, freedom!!!!!

You can find anything, and there you can have some empanadas delivered to you door, arepas, tamales, de todo!

You can drop by anytime, at anybody`s home and you are always welcome.

Anything is a reason to start a party, no mater what day or time it is!

You could be very poor and with problems, you always smile, and have a party!!!!! or go to a party.

Lcacique says on Mar 27, 2008, 16:59:

buggy: I have had a lot of beers from Belgium and many were excellent. I have enjoyed Trappist brews (monastic), a few lambic beers, white beer, and a lot of Belgium ales to name a few. For Europe, I think they are the best (though the Germans and the Brits produce many quality beers as well).

Nevertheless, Oregon produces an abundance of beers, many of which top those made in Europe. There are so many microbrews producing relatively small quantities of beer with an emphasis on quality. And there is a growing number of microbrews throughout the states that are making topnotch craft beers as well.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

Lcacique says on Mar 27, 2008, 17:02:

Estoy de acuerdo, Lisa Zee!

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

Lisa Zee says on Mar 27, 2008, 17:08:

"My wife is from a poor poor family. Her mother had 12 children and her husband was killed in front of her over a labor dispute. He had his arm cut off as did his brother, who also died. Although poor; this is one of the happiest families I have ever known on any continent, despite their miseries they have endured"

I just copied this from a Desi`s post, that is running right now.. Right on Lcacique!

tejasmarcos says on Mar 27, 2008, 17:13:

here is a pic of buggy "unmasked"!

god is in your head

Lcacique says on Mar 27, 2008, 17:25:

Lisa: Nobody in their right mind would blame a Colombian for being extremely depressed, angry, disillusioned, jaded, etc. However, the majority of them are survivors who know how to overcome adversity and they do so in such a positive and uplifting manner that it is infectious.

I would hesitate to say the same about many people in the US (thought this is a generalization).

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

Lisa Zee says on Mar 27, 2008, 17:39:

Yes, what are we doing here, I am blue this days, I need to go pronto.

Lcacique says on Mar 27, 2008, 17:45:

The quote you cited is almost identical to the story of my closest friend's family. Her father died in an accident when she was very young leaving the mother to care for 8 children. They have suffered other misfortunes as well that I do not want to go into, but similarly they are extremely positive people and through my friendship with them I have grown into a much more optimistic and happy person.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

Lisa Zee says on Mar 27, 2008, 18:04:

I heard in NPR once, there was a poll (encuesta) about where were the happiest people on earth, and they said Colombians!

MitchAlvarez says on Mar 27, 2008, 19:24:

el almuerzito por 5000 pesos por todas partes; sencillo o ejecutivo.

man i need that shit here in nyc. $20 daily for a freakin half as good lunch.

Tengale miedo a una huelga de mujeres o a una escacez de aguardiente. :)

Rubito says on Mar 27, 2008, 21:15:

Microwbrew breweries in the US and in Canada for that matter are not allowed to sell to the entire country. They are only allowed to distribute in the local area. National breweries can hit the whole country but they have to follow stricter standards, including a very high-temperature pasteurization which ensures that the beer tastes like garbage.

5000 pesos is expesnive for an almuerzo corriente even in Bogota. The most I've ever paid was 4500, and that's including domicilio!

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

Lcacique says on Mar 27, 2008, 22:04:

rubito: Microbrew sales are not limited to local areas, there are some factors that may prohibit them from being sold in certain markets (i.e. Alcohol content), but most can be sold nationally as well as internationally. It mostly depends on the goals of the brewery and their capacity to produce a higher quantity without sacrificing the quality of their beer. Some from Oregon are exported to international markets.

"Industry pioneers such as BridgePort Brewing, Widmer Brothers, McMenamins and what is now Pyramid Breweries started in Portland. Full Sail Brewing, Deschutes Brewery and Rogue Ales also started in Oregon and now have regional, national and international distribution."

http://pacificbrewnews.libsyn.com/index.php?post_category=Oregon+Brew+...

As I said, I've bought Oregon beers in New York, and three blocks from my house I can buy microbrews from all over the US.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

Rubito says on Mar 27, 2008, 22:13:

If they want to sell nationally they have to pasteurize it at a high temperature IIRC. So I bet that particular brewery pasteurizes to a certain standard.

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

Chriscan says on Mar 28, 2008, 03:38:

As much as I would like cleaner meat here in Canada, I have to say that the hormone and anitbiotic injected beef is really nice but I do like the thinnly sliced BBQ beef in Colombia too.

I wish that Colombia would learn to cook better. You couldn't ask for better ingedients but the spices are ignored.

Colombia is good for simple natural food

Juice (Santa Marta)
Deserts (Bogota)
Hot Chocolate (Santer)
Fried fish (any beach)
beef on a stick (everywhere)
Shrimp cocktale and civiche (Cartagena)

Popayan has some great local cuisine but I never know what I'm eating when I try it.

I had a good chuckle at the guy promoting american beer but I would laugh out loud if he said the same about Colombian beer. I don like the Aguila girls though especially the one across form the airport in Cartagena.

Thank god the wife hangs out with some Italians that have taught her how to cook.

************* WARNING ************* my words often come from my ass

Juanes says on Mar 28, 2008, 07:13:

postobon drinks for sure much better than coco cola or sprite.....

viva atletico nacional

http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/Juanes/

MitchAlvarez says on Mar 28, 2008, 07:44:

juanes claro que viva el verde preciosoooooo.


as for chriscan........ la comidita colombiana es muy rica. no se de que hablas vos parcerito

Tengale miedo a una huelga de mujeres o a una escacez de aguardiente. :)

MaFe says on Mar 28, 2008, 08:24:

Mitch...un almuerzo Colombiano- en Colombia no lo cambio para nada...que cosas tan delicosa...mmmmmmmmmm

"No comment" is a splendid expression. I am using it again and again." -Winston Churchill

Pappassito says on Mar 28, 2008, 09:13:

Marcos... We have chicharron where I grew up in SW Louisiana... they`re called graton.... the same as Medellin... also boudin... the same as morcilla,only it`s made without blood and is very tasty.

beisbollover says on Mar 28, 2008, 10:11:

Speaking from experience I would say that there are better things to do for children in Colombia than the USA. There are more places to go and things to do that are affordable. Some of the things that are better for kids are the shopping malls. They all seem to have excellent games for kids to play and the prices are very affordable. The theme parks are numerous and also not too pricey compared to the USA. Lessons are better in Colombia than the USA, such as swimming, guitar, horseback riding, soccer, baseball, dancing etc. Teachers are plentiful, inexpensive and come to your home. Not to mention that you can go from the desert to the mountains to the jungle to the Ocean and Sea all in one or two days so your kids can experience so much more in less time.

Chriscan says on Mar 28, 2008, 11:15:

Good point about children. I always tell people with children that latin america is the place to go.

************* WARNING ************* my words often come from my ass

Rikito says on Mar 28, 2008, 11:19:

WOW! Looks like I got some shoppin to do. I agree with most but the last post from beisbllover. Colombia has a big problem with kids...there just are not that many activities they can do. The ones that are out there require their parents to get them there and there is always the security problem. In the U.S. primary, secondary, and universities all have well organized athletic teams. But not in Colombia. The real problem Colombia has in activities is the way the women are treated. It's like they don't exist. There is little attention or focus given to Colombian women’s athletics. Just watch the news. If it were not for soccer there would be no sports reporting. For example, In Colombia there is only one team that has world class recognition and they are the very best in the world. They are all female. I wonder how many in here even know who this team is with a smart come back?

In the States, even outside of school there are many organized activities, but not here unless you are fortunate to belong to the elitist Club Compestres, etc.

Sorry, but for all that Colombia has…outside activities are much better than the U.S. And Shopping Malls were not made for kids last time I heard.

It is not life that matters, but the journey.

Simon says on Mar 28, 2008, 11:47:

"In Colombia there is only one team that has world class recognition and they are the very best in the world.They are all female. I wonder how many in here even know who this team is with a smart come back?"

The roller skating team.

"You want to talk to God? Let's go see him together, I've got nothing better to do."---Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)

jonas says on Mar 28, 2008, 12:22:

bluesdude: Here is my favorite wine at the moment, sold at Carrefour for about 23mil
but it is french...

Chateau Rocher Lideyre
2001
Cotes de Castillon
(this is Bordeaux)

Best price to quality ratio if you ask me. Try it.

What I have, I do not want to lose, but Where I am I do not want to stay, but those I love, I do not want to leave, but those I know I no longer want to see, but Where I die, I do not want to go;I want to stay where I have never been

beisbollover says on Mar 28, 2008, 14:27:

Rikito,

I send my kids for the summer to Bogotá and they have family with memberships in lots of different clubs. They also get to go to Melgar, Giradot and Nemocon to stay on Fincas. The shopping malls were built for everyone. Last time I checked kids go to shopping malls as much as adults do, in the USA and Colombia. Is being a member of a club make you an elitist? Do you even understand what that word means? You can be an elitist without membership to any club. Your comments about security and woman and organized sports at school, I assume, come from your personal experience. I have none since I do not live in Colombia but you should be more careful about your choice of words when describing membership clubs that offer recreation to people. My family in Colombia is not rich nor poor. They struggle like I do to live the life they want. Part of that is offering diversity of activities to their children. In fact, it is in these clubs where all members are treated equally, woman or man, because they are paying to belong. That should be a good thing for you to know as you pointed out how terrible it is for women in public organizational activities.

Ryan619 says on Mar 28, 2008, 14:31:

Womens attitudes not necessarily their looks. Those aren't bad either. Win win situation....in the states women will just ignore the hell outta ya' cause they have no need for a man whereas in Colombia things are more old fashion. Hmmm....I want a beer.

Dreaming of better days

Juanes says on Mar 28, 2008, 14:47:

whats better is that everyone expresses themselves on the dancefloors without feeling inhibited like in england and really let it go, especially la costenas, its one thing getting hold of em never mind trying to get your head round the costena acento...

http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/Juanes/

Monpirri says on Mar 28, 2008, 19:16:

Meals with grains of all types; red, pinto and white beans, meals with lentils, meals with chick peas...
Comidas con todo tipo de granos; los rojos, pintos, blancos, con lentejas, con garbanzos..
All the soups
Todas las sopas y sancochos
All the natural fruit juices
Todos los jugos naturales de frutas
Chichas
Men's underwear made in Colombia
Ropa interior masculina confesionada en Colombia
Colombian music
La musica colombiana...

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

Rikito says on Mar 29, 2008, 08:05:

Beisbollover, I only referred to memberships in places like the Club Campestre's that are in several larger cities in Colombia. These clubs are elitist in every way…and I do know what elitist means. If you are not aware of these clubs maybe you should look at the underling of such organizations. There are many clubs around here that are open to both men and women, but you should also know that the preponderance of activities, events, and awards are bent towards males. This I do know since I do live in Colombia. I see this first hand everyday. This is a problem not only in Colombia, but probably in most of Latin America. Women are not given equal access such as men are. Oh…there are words to the contrary, but not actions. Just look at the only contest that women are ever reported on in Colombia? It is held in Cartagena every year and the women are given the same treatment as horses and cattle are at auctions. But, we must keep the old fashion ways…keep the bitches barefoot and pregnant.

I also, can’t believe that you even mention shopping malls as an activity. Parents use shopping malls as a dumping ground for their kids…in Colombia and especially in the U.S. It surely is not an activity for a parent to proud of. “Hey Bob, what are your kids doing lately? They are performing activities in the shopping malls. Isn’t that great? It teaches them almost everything they need to know in life.�

And before you shoot back at me…yes the U.S. needs to do a better job of providing equal access for women. Many European countries do a much better job than the U.S.

In Bogotá, my 8 year old niece is really into rollerblading, but she has to go across the entire city of Bogotá to get to a venue to skate. Why? Well my friend, go to almost any park or recreational facility in Bogotá on the weekend and only one major activity is played…soccer. More specifically, men’s soccer. And if a bunch of women came to the park first the men would throw them out.

Why am even discussing this?

It is not life that matters, but the journey.

Rikito says on Mar 29, 2008, 08:14:

Thanks for the great input everyone. I am always hearing how everything is better in America or England, and sometimes even the word 'France' sneaks in. I have always felt that there are many things in Colombia that are the same as or better than in the U.S. I am an American and there are some truly great things in Colombia that people should be more proud of as you all have posted.

But wait a sec. The beer in Portland, Oregon is the best in the world? Someone is living in a closet. I have had beer in Egypt (the origin of beer) that is better than most U.S. beers. I hate to start a trend by agreeing with 'buggy', but he is probably right on with Brussels having the best beer. It has long been known and agreed by professionals that the abbey of St. Sixtus of Westvleteren in Brussels makes the world's best beer and have been doing so for hundreds of years. Portland? A good soft drink maybe...but a great beer? Nah.

It is not life that matters, but the journey.

Lcacique says on Mar 29, 2008, 10:03:

"Throughout the month of September, an esteemed panel of international beer judges tasted their way through hundreds of lagers and ales from the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, Australia and beyond to find the "Best Beers of the World." The vast majority of beers brewed in the world are lagers, and in one of the most elite sections of this category, Premium Lager, a small employee-owned brewery from Hood River Oregon claimed the top prize.

Session Premium Lager, brewed by Full Sail Brewing Company, took top honors at the World Beer Awards where it was deemed the "World's Best Premium Lager." The competition was held in the U.K. and was conducted by Beers of the World, an international consumer magazine promoting the very best beers of the world."
http://www.katu.com/news/local/10578576.html

Frankly, I think Session Premium Lager is crap, but it won gold.

Full Sail Amber has won 10 Gold Medals at the World Campionships of Beer
http://www.fullsailbrewing.com/amber_more2.cfm


"BridgePort Brewing Company’s heritage beer, Blue Heron Pale Ale, received a gold medal at the 2006 Brewers Association World Beer Cup, the world's largest and most diverse international beer competition."

"The 2005 Brewing Industry International Awards (BIIA) competition announced its award winners last week, and BridgePort Brewing Company once again received a gold medal for BridgePort India Pale Ale in the International Ale Competition class, a feat the brewery first accomplished in 2000. The BIIA judging took place at Drinktec 2005, the world fair for beverage technology, in the New Munich Trade Fair Centre."

http://www.bridgeportbrew.com/about/press/pressrel.php

"Rogue Ales: The world loves these great beers with great names: Yellow Snow, Brutal Bitter and Old Crustacean among them. The Newport brewery has won more than 200 medals, including four recent golds at an international competition in London."
http://www.rogue.com/news-events.html#PRESS

Do a little research, subscribe to a beer magazine, work for a brewery (not any that you see commercials for: Bud, Miller, Coors, Pabst, etc.), I have. NW beers have continually won Gold Medals in World events and high quality craft beers are produced across the US in microbreweries. As for living in a closet, a closet full of beer maybe.

p.s. If you notice, I already mentioned the Trappist beers of Belgium, and agree that they are excellent. Egyptians may have created Beer, but they produce crap now (originally they were hopless and that spells hopeless for me).

And I never said Portland produced the best beers in the world, I said that Oregon produces many beers that top those produced elsewhere (including those produced in Belgium).

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

germuno says on Mar 29, 2008, 10:31:

stone beer...double ruination

Lcacique says on Mar 29, 2008, 10:56:

Stone Brewing Company in Escondido,California is great and the Double Ruination IPA is an excellent India Pale Ale. I also love Arrogant Bastard by Stone as well.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

Rikito says on Mar 29, 2008, 13:29:

Mea Culpa, mea culpa. Now that I have apologized I think I should get a free Portland Lager...si?

It is not life that matters, but the journey.

Lcacique says on Mar 29, 2008, 13:50:

Come to pdx and we can hit a bunch of breweries throughout Oregon...It's a relatively small state. The wine is excellent as well. I wouldn't buy the Sessions Lager, I think it is crap.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

Man Tequila says on Mar 29, 2008, 13:56:

I place more stock in RateBeer, enjoyed the top brews I've tried.

http://www.ratebeer.com/Ratings/Ratings-Top50.asp

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

Lcacique says on Mar 29, 2008, 14:48:

That is a great source MT, especially if you want to know what consumers think of certain beers.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

beisbollover says on Mar 30, 2008, 08:46:

Rikito,

Your question was, What's Good or Better in Colombia? Not, What activities are best for children to do. All I was saying was that the shopping malls in Colombia are better than the shopping malls in the states. I wasn't suggesting that everyone should move to Colombia because their children will get into Harvard if they take them to the shopping malls. The fact that the shopping malls are better than the ones in the states is just another reason I think that Colombia is more kid friendly.

As for the clubs....I still don't understand why you think they are elitist. All I know, from personal experience at Club Campestre outside of Bogotá is that my female cousins take their daughters there all the time for lessons and social activities. Do you have to be middle class or rich to join, yes. But I don't know of any clubs outside Cuba or China where you can join for free. Is that what you are saying is elitist? The fact that you have to be middle class or rich to join? Please explain.

MaFe says on Mar 30, 2008, 09:11:

I actually like American malls better...

What is better in Colombia?
-the fact that in Colombia I can eat yummy mazamorra.
-the fact that I can purchase mango viche o dulce in the streets.
-every corner you can find great bakeries
-hair cuts are cheap and good
-viejitos playing chess outside, in the parks
-Colombian jeans for girls

"No comment" is a splendid expression. I am using it again and again." -Winston Churchill

Rubito says on Mar 30, 2008, 18:08:

Just where do they play chess in the parks in Bogota anyways?

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

Robert Jorge says on Mar 31, 2008, 07:30:

I think tejo is "good or better in Colombia". In the US, we have horseshoes. In Colombia, you can throw a 1lb piece of steel 20 meters into clay and hit explosives. It don't get any better than that. Especially with a case of Aguilas and a bottle of Llanero Aguardiente shared with the other 3 players.