eagle46 has left 45 comments

eagle46 comments on What is Colombian art and where can I find it?

Another Colombian Artist - Omar Rayo Hi Aaronfromus,

Here is another Colombian artist to check out. He is a distant cousin of my wife on her father's side. He does some unique stuff. A lot of his paintings are geometrical in style and expression. But he does some other stuff though. He is very popular in Colombia as well as New York. But like all art, the interest is in the eye of the beholder!

Here is the link: http://karaart.com/artists/rayo/

eagle46 comments on What is Colombian art and where can I find it?

Colombian Artist - Omar Rayo Hello Aaronfromus,

Here is a Colombian artist that is a distant relative of my wife (on her father's side). He is very popular in Colombia and New York as well. Here is the link to check out:

http://karaart.com/artists/rayo/

He does some interesting stuff. But like all art, it is up to the "observant" whether it is something that you might be interested in or not. A lot of his paintings are geometrical in style. But he has some other stuff too.

eagle46 comments on

Possible Change of Address Hi,

I was wondering if had had taken another job in another state (say Florida) while our paperwork was still being processed (the I-130 stuff). Currently, immigration is working on the month of May (19th) 2005. They received ours on June 21st 2005. Would there be any complications?

Thanks

eagle46 comments on Colombian counterfeit dollars

Now That is Funny!!! That is funny! I needed to laugh today!
Thanks

eagle46 comments on Can I live on $600 per month in Colombia?

Poco Do you live... Poco
Do you live in Colombia? You mentioned a rural area, farming area. If so, how has that worked out for you? And types of jobs in that area?

Thanks!

eagle46 comments on My Trip to Visit My Novia in Tulua - Unexpected Experience!!! But Happy Ending!!

My Response Again Utopiacowboy

U hit the nail right on the head, the foot, the hand, etc.... :) Yeah, folks will say all sorts of things. I am one to listen to "contructive" and I say "constructive" criticism, but even in that, you are right, I have to live with her and she with me! Bottom line is that I have to make my own decisions. What did bother me a bit was that Bufalo made a remark about people in Tulua. Hmmm. I wonder what was his motives for marriage??? The girl I met in my perceptions and time with her was great, consistant, and again consistant with my belief structure and character. Sometimes, some people do hide the way they. What you see is what you get. And that is how I am. What you see in me is what you get. And maybe the two of us saw that and we both liked what we saw.

Thanks Utopia for the encouragement and the words. I look forward to a happy, successful marriage! And wish you a long successful one too!

For dwmte

Thanks for the encouraging words of support. I wish you too a long happy, successful life! Nothing in life that is worth the value comes easy. Lots of elbow grease is needed!

eagle46 comments on My Trip to Visit My Novia in Tulua - Unexpected Experience!!! But Happy Ending!!

for Bufalo - In Addition Bufalo,

I forgot a few things you asked about. For now, we will live in the US. But who knows where we will end up. Life is strange, I try to keep myself adaptable to situations and changes.

Also, she is middle class and came from a family who at one time owned much land and houses in Tulua. But due to family issues, her father lost most of it.

Rich girl/poor girl. Not a problem for me. My first wife was dirt poor. So what. May be important for others. But we managed and did very well together.

ALso, you mentioned about Intro services... She was on a dating site like many Americans and other folks now a days. Folks meet each other in many different places. Just another way to advertise your interest. I did not use the Intro service only to get her address. She in turn sent me her phone number with no pressure to do anything but to be friends. I took the initiative to arrange things myself, me and her (not the service).

Guess what? And you will probably say that is a no no for you and most folks. Call it stupid or what. But this was a test for me to find out if I could trust her and see her real motives.

I sent her money in advanced for cabs, food, etc. She did a great job in planning (didn't steal my money), buying food to prepare, paying for taxies, busses, etc. That helped me in my decision as well.

So that is my story! :)

What's your story? Where do you live? Still satisfied?

eagle46 comments on My Trip to Visit My Novia in Tulua - Unexpected Experience!!! But Happy Ending!!

My Reply to Bufalo Bufalo,

Thanks for wishing me the best and thanks to all who wish me the best. And the best of life to you all.

Bufalo, you mentioned that meeting her through an introduction service for you is a "for me a big uh-oh". That's OK. I think that if you would have been there, met her and her family, despite all the other tragedy, I think that you may have a different view and thought about this girl. She is different, in that fact that we both have very similiar strong beliefs (Christian), like qualities, dislikes, and characteristics. Now I guess you say well how do I nkow this in two weeks? Well, I watched closely, we talked almost every day before I met her, wrote, etc. And those things we talked about stayed consistent with her actions. As for her, she is taking a risk too. But, the REAL proof in the pudding is when you live with someone! Even if you dayed for 2, 3, 4, years. Not to say the dating that long is bad, it just was never my style.

Your other comment: "Will she be happy?"

Heck, I do not know. Will I be happy if I didn't marry her? Will you be happy in two years from now? Who knows? I hope tha she will and myself also, and her daughter.

Here is what I saw. Maturity in her and commitment to her daughter and family, and a love for the Lord. Now, I think with those values, I hope that we as a family can tackle imes when we are not happy.

Your other comment:

She´s from Tuluá, not exactly the most well to do place (NOT going against Colombia here people, just being a bit realistic).

Bufalo, I was not look for a popular city to select a woman from. I hope that you read my last post so you can see how this whole thing unraveled. Now, maybe you have different criteria and that's OK. For me, my path was unique (to me). So I don't understand what you mean when you make that comment. I guess are you saying, (as they said in the Bible about Jesus), "What good thing can come out of Tuluá?" Hmmmmm???? Well I hope that I have the jewel of Tuluá!!!

But any way, thanks for wishing me the best. Hopefully, in 5 years from now, I won't have any regrets and I hope the same for you!

eagle46 comments on Honeymoon in Cartagena??? Any thoughts???

Cartagena Pics ColombianoX

Thanks a lot!!! The pics are very convincing. I spen some time on the internet checking out other pics too of Cartagena. It seems like a great place to visit. I think that Cartagena will be my choice as I had heard so much about it before.

Thanks all for the comments in helping me to consider some selections.
For an estimated 3 days, about what should I plan to prepare to spend,

1 - apartment preferably or would a hotel be better???
2 - food, restaurants
3 - entertainment

Thanks!!!!!!

eagle46 comments on Honeymoon in Cartagena??? Any thoughts???

Cartagena Penthouse for Honeymoon - Good or too pricy? Hi all,

Some have asked me to post this URL for their comments about apartments in Cartagena for a (my) honeymoon in June/July 2005.

Here it is:

http://cartagenaapartments.net/

I really like the night view and the way the rooms are laid out. Do you think that it is a bit pricy for about 3 days for $139.00???

Anything else comparable? Night view, room layout, etc?

Thanks all!!!

eagle46 comments on My Trip to Visit My Novia in Tulua - Unexpected Experience!!! But Happy Ending!!

My Reply to My Trip Hi All,

Yeah it seemed like things were "rushed" if you define them that way, even my folks thought that I "rushed" things. But that has always been my style. Maybe bad, maybe good. I don't know. Someone suggested to me that I go to Colombia and tkae out a lot of women and then make a decision to whom that I like. Well, that was not my style either!

When I saw my novia on the Internet after looking at many, many, many women on this particular web site, and other sites, someting in my heart "jumped" for her (when I first saw her). Now, I can't put on paper my emotions or that "special feeling" either, but she was always my first choice. And I know it was a real feeling that I had. Then I said to myself, if I can't make correspondence with her, or if she is not interested, or don't respond to my letter (I did not even send a picture the first time), I had decided not to pursue any more women in Colombia. That was my decision! Bad or good, that is what I decided. I was only interested in her! Well, when she responded to my first letter (and she was the ONLY woman that I wrote, I did not solicit other addresses), I was very excited to meet her. Now at that point, as time developed and as our conversation and interests developed, we both decided that whatever happens, happens, whether we continue the relationship or not. And we did not want to pressure each other into anything. Actually, she told me that if I wanted to be friends only, that was fine too.

As I said, things went very natural for us. Now, yeah, I don't care what anybody says about emotions, even in your decision making, logic is needed but you better believe that your emotions are probably what got you to pursue your novia in the first place!

I don't think that I made a "rush" decision. Maybe from the standpoint of "statistics", or how other folks make decisions. I had to follow my heart. But I do hope that it works out as I would hope that it would work out even if I took two, three, or four years. It just happened not to go that direction. Maybe for me, things are different than "most" folks. But I do appreciate the comments because I know that they are not meant to be critical but caring and constructive.

When I said "rushed us off" to the notoria, I didn't want to imply that there were some under lying motifs. Because I did not sense that at all. If you were there, it would have been easy for you to see how things actually materialized. I thought the whole thing was beautiful!

But I really am thankful for the comments. I think that is healty. I guess you had to be there to see how and what things went on, and how the whole situation turned out.

Something about me. I have never been someone to date long, nor have I ever had a bumch of girl friends, etc. Maybe this is just my style of sizing up "my mate to be" and then making a decision.

Or maybe I fall in love easy and quick too. Bad or good. It is just me. But when I see someone that I desire, and when we are together for some time, and if I am interested and they are feeling the same stongly, then it's a go for me.

I went on a few dates here in the states, been on numerous dating sites, etc. None of those "possible potential girls" were pinging my heart strings until I met my novia. So, I hope that it all works out. Maybe this time it was destiny!

Comments anyone???

Thanks

eagle46 comments on Added New Pictures to my gallery

Pics Great pics, daver! Beautiful bride too. Look good together! Thanks for sharing them.

eagle46 comments on Board Games/Games to Bring

Board Games Hi All,

Thanks folks for all the suggestions! Again, I appreciate all the comments. I hope to have a great time!

eagle46 comments on Special visa no longer needed

Marrying in Colombia Critter,

You made this statement...
"and must be delivered to notary 20 days prior to wedding."

Does that mean that if you are in Colombia for less than 20 days, and the bells go off about 1 week before you are to return to the states (but you have the docs perpared), then "No Marriage!??" Can you help out on that one?

Also, do you have to get the letters of singleness notarized also? Or get everything notarized?
Thanks!

eagle46 comments on help

Oops! Sorry Sorry,

I thought that I was posting as a "new" topic, but make a mistake and posted here. Sorry for breaking the conversation.

eagle46 comments on help

When Marrying in Colombia - Do you still need to keep proof of? Hi,

I don't think that I asked this before, but there has been a lot of info about marrying in Colombia vs the fiancee' visa. My question is this:

Do you still have to keep up with all the phone calls, e-mails, etc to validate your "marriage" in Colombia with the immigration service? Or is that only necessary for the Fiancee visa?

Thanks!

eagle46 comments on Language Difference (Barrier)

Butts??? Hmmmm... Ok now. This started as a "Language Barrier" question. How did we move to "butts"??? Are we looking at the "wrong" opening? The subject was about the "mouth". ha,ha

eagle46 comments on Language Difference (Barrier)

Crash and Burn - Necessarily not a "bad thing" Gee SiempreHero regarding your comment:

"My advice is not to marry the first colombian you meet, unless you could live togeather first (fat chance). Colombian girls are different from gringas in so many ways you cannot even imagine until you have crashed and burned with a few (that is not necessarily a bad thing). Anyway, good luck, and just keep in mind, with a colombianita, it is not the destination but the journey that counts."

I would hate to be in an airplane and the pilot radioed back, "Sorry for the late announcement folks now that we are airborne...this is my very first flight solo, so me might have to crash and burn a few times (not a problem because my boss said it is not necessarily a bad thing) until I get it right!"

Man, after being married for 25 years (my first marriage), I would surely HATE to go through that again. I did not know that Colombian women were that disposable? Unfortunately, some folks can care less about other's emotional feelings and well beining. But for me, I hurt when others hurt. I am sure that these women have been hurting for a long time and are hoping for a successful marriage as well as a good life. I guess if I were to "crash and burn" a few more times, I would have to check myself out first. Maybe I got the issues and not my mate!

Comments anyone????

eagle46 comments on Language Difference (Barrier)

Crashed and Burned with a Few??? Gee SiempreHero,

I would hate to be on a plane and the pilot radioed back to say, "Hey folks, sorry for the late announcement since we are air bound, but this is my very first flight. We might have to "crash and burn" (Oh and by the way, my boss said that was OK to do) a few times until I get it together!"

You know after my first marriage that lasted 25 years, I would HATE to go through that experience again! I think that the lives of people are very important and I certainly don't look at these Colombiana women any differently! The are people too looking for a good relationship, stability, etc. I guess if I crahsed and burned with three women, I would wonder if it were me with the issues????

What do you think? Comments anyone???

eagle46 comments on Language Difference (Barrier)

Do I look Fat in This??? Now Lionheart....that's a question that if you say something you are wrong, if you don't say something you are still wrong. I have not figured out a way out of that one at all. You can't even ignore the question! Why can't us men come up with "trick" questions sometimes??? :)

eagle46 comments on Flying to Bogota - Spending a few Days

Saty in Bogota Thanks again for the suggestions folks! I will add those to my list. Sounds like FUN!!!

eagle46 comments on Language Difference (Barrier)

Language Yeah...true!

eagle46 comments on Language Difference (Barrier)

Language Yeah, fzrdan, I know it can be a head ache to say the least. Not a problem. I was going to learn it anyway even if I did not meet my Colombiana. I think I will enjoy my visit though. Her family seems to be very nice, unlike some folks families in the US. But what the heck, I was in Philly one time and this "American" guy at the parking garage said something to me (I guess it was English) and I said something to him (supposedly in English) and both of us at the same time said "What did you say?" The funniest thing. So, not a problem for me to learn. But you are right. Sometimes I have to think of 50 different ways to say things in Spanish because we have so many ways of saying one thing in English. And it might not be correct in Spanish. Boy, just thinking what you are saying about English. I can here her questions now...."What did they say....???" ;)

eagle46 comments on Language Difference (Barrier)

Language Hey UC,

You know what a "gag" prize is? Well, I am two of them!
ha,ha

eagle46 comments on Language Difference (Barrier)

FARC??? I think the FARC would be very disappointed that they would probably recruit me to get their money's worth. This will be one gringo that when kidnapped, they will be GLAD to buy me a plane ticket back to the US. :)

eagle46 comments on Language Difference (Barrier)

Language - Shout At Hey UC,

It wouldn't be the first time that I was shouted at. It will all go to the same place any way! ;)

eagle46 comments on Language Difference (Barrier)

Language - Gringo Bucks??? Hmmmm. They will be SADLY dissapointed when they see those gringo bucks tied into credit cards! ha,ha Maybe this gringo have to move to Bogota! Might not be a bad idea after all!

eagle46 comments on Language Difference (Barrier)

Language Will do!!!

eagle46 comments on Language Difference (Barrier)

Lanuage Thanks fzrdan. I am studying Spanish as well as her learning English. Yeah, maybe the UC was being funny. That's OK. Humor is good. We talk a lot, and e-mail too, but more on the phone. I spoke with one of her good friends married to a gringo in Miami. I spoke with him also. I have a good feeling about her. Once she ran out of money for the Internet and I offered to send her something. We went back and forth debating, but she laughed and never wanted the money. I thought that said a lot about her. Both her friend and her friend's husband have really said some good things about her. But thanks for the advice and heads up. We'll see how things progress.

eagle46 comments on Language Difference (Barrier)

Language OK. Thanks!

eagle46 comments on Language Difference (Barrier)

Language But did her parents/friends think that y'all were a bit "adventureous" to say the least?

eagle46 comments on Language Difference (Barrier)

Language Barrier Thanks Utopiacowboy, I thought about the same thing (as a backup), so at least I am on the right track! ;)

eagle46 comments on Hispanic

Hispanic Man, good question. May be like the "Jewish" thing. I still can't figure it out if being Jewish is a religion or a race, or both? I think that we (people) get into the habit of using terms/names etc. so loosely that eventually the names/terms loose their true meaning. Check out how the government defines it. Maybe that will help!

Adios!

eagle46 comments on What does it mean if a guy calls a girl una: "Roya, Rolla o Roya?"

Rolo No, I think it is a guy while like chocolates!!!

eagle46 comments on would people prefer me to stop posting

For Isaac from Leon Isaac,

CONGRATS man!!!!! Live it up. I hope to follow in your footsteps! Will keep you posted. I am happy for you!

eagle46 comments on Shipping companies

Shipping Companies OK Cereal Killer, you said "It was indeed an unforgivable..., and I will blame it on the boogie ;)

Blame it on the boogie??? Hmmm. Is that what MJ is saying in court now? "Blame it on the Boogie?" ha,ha....

eagle46 comments on Learning Spanish by CD course or on internet. any ideas

Learning Spanish Well said gringoinbogota! Living it is the best teacher!

eagle46 comments on Learning Spanish by CD course or on internet. any ideas

Learning Spanish Hey Widower,

Another good site is Spanish.about.com A great site with a lot of info. Now who ever told you to stay away from the CDs. Well, you have to decide on how do you "learn" anything? What is the best way to learn that fits you? The reason is that many people have a variety of ways to learn. For instance, some folks learn by visual, others learn well by aural, some need both. In your case, let me ask you this? How much Spanish do you "hear"??? That is important to the learning process as well. You definitely do not want to sound "gringo-ish" when you do get up to speed? Didn't we all "imitate" our aural surroundings in order to learn to say or pronounce anything? When I am learning about another culture, language, etc., I try to eliminate "me" out of the picture and try to put aside all my thoughts and hopefully immerse myself in that particular culture so that I can hopefully understand about them. It helps me to learn the people, the way they think, speak, live, etc. It helps with the whole learning process. Well, that's my thought. I am using all of the above...free stuff of the Intertnet (I printed the lessons out from some of the free sites and put them in a binder), my old high school books, listening to Spanish television, sleeping with the Spanish TV on, reading Spanish papers(even if I do not understand the words because I know that I will eventually hear them again!) etc, etc. As with any language, everybody do not speak "all the words in the dictionary" (even as in our English language we only generally use the most common expressions and words in day to day talking). You will find that many of the words used are repetitive. So you can get familiar with the most common words. Another good thing we did in high school was memorize dialogs. That helped a lot. Today after almost 30 years from high school, I can still "hear" (important for me is listening) the teacher drilling the dialogues in our heads!

Talking with my love interest in Colombia often that helps to! It makes it easier to learn because now there is a need to learn. But first, learn to spell COLOMBIA...that's a start! ha,ha Take the joke lightly. It is a beautiful language (easier than English) that definitely match the warmth and beauty of the people. Unfortunately for me, my roots are Hispanic, I have a Spanish name, look Hispanic, have hispanic blood, realtives, etc., but they did not teach us, so I have to learn it as well. Plus there are about 3 percent of Hispanics who do not speak Spanish, so do not feel left behind or overwhelmed. Do the best you can at your pace with the tools that will work for you! Put yourself on a schedule/a program so you can mark your progress! You will eventually realize that you know some Spanish words already as you dig in. Plus, some Spanish words and English words are pretty similar but the endings are slightly different. Adios!

eagle46 comments on Sending post to and from Colombia

Shipping Post to and From Colombia OK Boomer, you said "I found one that ship's only to Colombia at a rate that is unbelievably low and the delivery time to the door is 3-5 days. Ask around. You'll find..... (any Latin Supermarket is a good place to start)"

So, are you able to share the shipper with us, or would it be better to find one in our own neck of the woods? I had shipped something right before the Christmas rush. IT was a sizable box with all sorts of stuff in it. I guess I was fortunate that nothing was touched. It went to Tulua. But the USPS did warn me that packages to Colombia, Mexico, and some other countries have MUCHO problems arriving at all or in tact! It took about 4 weeks to get there though. It was risky!

eagle46 comments on any suggestions for restaurants in Bogota, I want to propose to my girlfriend in Bogota

Proposing to Girlfriend in Bogota Rolo, now you said that you wanted to propose? Will you get married in Bogota also? I am curious. Wanted to hear the pros and cons of marrying while in Colombia versus the States. Is the wait time about the same to bring her back to the states? Or Rolo, will you live in Bogota?

Thanks for the comments!

eagle46 comments on Tulua??????

Tulua-Valle Travel in March 2005 Hi,

I just read a posting by "Gator" and "litost" who replied to my posting about Tulua. I am planning on flying into Cali and meeting my Colombiana friend at the airport. She will come with me to TULUA because that is where she lives. She said that there is a good hotel there and safe. The FARC is in the mountains. She knows the area well. Now I speak VERY LITTLE spanish but look hispanic. She speak NO english. We have been talking for a while and is a very nice intelligent woman. SHe has family in TULUA (her parents) that she wants me to meet.

I am from New Orleans and it is no picnic there. Murders EVERYDAY! Now I am not suggesting to go run out in the street when traffic is coming, but where ever you go, pay attention and plan safely.

See responses to my posting from "Gator" and "litost" dated 11/23/2004. You can search this site under "TULUA". That's how I found out the response to my inquiry. They responded favorably. But be wise! Hope this helps!

eagle46 comments on American Traveling to Colombia

Tulua-Valle Trip (March 2005) Thanks Gator and Litost for the advice and info. You hear so much stuff about Colombia, the FARC, whether to marry in Colombia versus applying for a fiancee' visa, etc. It gets to be confusing. I guess the best advice is to stay out of "known troubled areas", and stay with someone who knows their own territory. My friend of course is a beautiful Colombiana. She speaks no English and I speak very little Spanish (HELP!!!!). Although i have a lot of hispanic in me, they did not pass the language down. I guess in those days in New Orleans, many people who came from other countries just wanted to "blend in". Funny though being from New Orleans, it's amazing that we don't speak French and Spanish. My ancestors did, but lucky for them and unfortunate for me "they kept their mouths shut" when it came down to the siblings!

I spoke to my Colombiana and she said that Tulua is safe and she knows a safe "good" hotel there. She said it would be easier for her because she has a little girl and wants to introduce me to her parents. She said that she would be my "eye", "ears", and watch out for me. I really appreciated that. Well, any more advice, I will be glad to hear that. I hope there are places we can go romantically and have a good time to enjoy ourselves.

Thanks for the info and this forum. There is a lot of good stuff on it!

eagle46 comments on Colombian weddings

Colombian Weddings (in Ingles y Espanol) Margarita,

Vi su información en este sitio. ¿Quise preguntarle si usted es actualmente en Colombia y su novio tuvo un problema que trae usted a los Estados Unidos? Visitaré a una mujer colombiana en el marzo. ¿Si será la relación grave, yo quise saber cuán difícil deberá casarse a una mujer colombiana y la trae a los Estados Unidos?
¡Gracias!! ¡Y yo le deseo el mejor!

Margarita,

I saw your information on this site. I wanted to ask you if you are currently in Colombia and did your boyfriend have a problem bringing you to the United States? I will visit a Colombian woman in March. If the relationship will be serious, I wanted to know how difficult it is to marry a Colombian woman and bring her to the United States?

Thanks!!! And I wish you the best!

eagle46 comments on American Traveling to Colombia

Trip To Cali and Tulua-Valle in March 2005 Hi,

I will be going to Tulua-Valle hopefully in March 2005to visit a friend. I saw a posting that Cali is dangerous versus Bogota'. I have to fly to Cali and then get to Tulua. I also saw from the same posting that beware of cab drivers because they will try to rob you are set you up to be robbed. Any thoughts, advice?

I do need to investigate a way to get to Tulua-Valle and a place to stay there while visiting my friend. I will ask my friend about a place to stay. Any thoughts or info on how to travel from Cali to Tulua-Valle? I hope to have a safe and great time!!! I am from the US, originally from New Orleans but live in Atlanta. Thanks for the advice!!!

eagle46 comments on American Traveling to Colombia

Visiting Colombia in March 2005 Hi,

I will be visiting Colombia hopefully with plans in March 2005 to see a friend. I have to fly to Cali and then get to Tulua. I have been to South America before (Suriname, and had a great time with friends) but not Colombia. I saw a posting that mentioned that Cali is a dangerous place versus Bogota'. Is that correct? I do need to figure a way to get to Tulua safely where my friend resides. I am investigating those options. I understand that Tulua-Valle does not have an airport so I have to fly to Cali. Any thoughts, help, safe info to provide? ANY INFO on Tulua-Valle??? Thanks!!!