Elbigie has left 79 comments

Elbigie comments on Firearms in Colombia

That's what Colombia neeeds: more armed citizens.

Elbigie comments on Working on site

TOPIC IS GONE Hi Peter,

I recently posted a message ("How much Longer??" I think I called it, written by E. Galeano, saw 1 comment and then the whole thing disappeared. Is this because the post was censored or there is another reason?.

Cheers.

Elbigie comments on To Whine or Not To Whine……To Accomplish or Not....

entonces? Oiga Juan C. what are you proposing then to make Colombia a better place?.

Elbigie comments on SBS Australia Wednesday 23 May 8:30 pm

Have you been to Cuba? You're missing the point; the doco is about the quality of the health system in Cuban, where child mortality is lower than in the US OR ANY OTHER Latin country in spite of the embargo.

You could talk to the millions of Mexicans, Colombians, Salvadorians and many other Latin Americans living in USA too . All of them coming from so called "democratic" countries and also talk about how great is to live in a democracy with out the basics: medical attention, food, education, housing and food.

Elbigie comments on READY IN NYC TO VOTE FOR CARLOS GAVIRIA!!

Go Gaviria! GAVIRIA Might have a chance if he makes it to the second "round".

Elbigie comments on SBS Australia Wednesday 23 May 8:30 pm

Correction: Wednesday 24th of MAY Sorry.

Elbigie comments on Bogotá Half Marathon better than ever - Cali, Medellín

1/2 marathon or other I'll be in Col. at the end of this year and would love to participate in one of these. Any events in December (San Silvestre) or early JANUARY?.

Cheers.

Elbigie comments on Who's Your Vote for Presidential Election?

I'll vote for CARLOS GAVIRIA ! That's my first choice, lAST is Mr. Uribe

Elbigie comments on Colombian Men

FAQ: where is Dr. Elmo Defoque? I don't know in Montana but in BARRANQUILLA THEY SAY:I was just helping that burrita over the fence!"


ANyhow I was thinking that Dr. Defoque could answer locaitaliana's question with a bit of authority. After all he seems to know one or 2 things about Gringas, Colombianas and... burritas too.

Elbigie comments on Busco...

Yo tengo un amigo en Cali llamado Diego Ramos, de 26 pero no se ha hecho la circuncision...

Elbigie comments on Mexican Hypocrisy! Did you know...?

How ironic that MC includes his

"Ignorance is a Weapon of Mass Destruction..." while saying that May 1st is the communist's day...??...

Elbigie comments on Ways to say Novio

other way I had a friend in Col. who used to call her bf "gordito HP"

Elbigie comments on Gringos with "novias" should read this

I know a few gringas cheating on gringos too. Is that because some gringo males are bolsones?.

Elbigie comments on LOS QUE SE VAN

Los que se van sin querer irse Y que hay de los que nos fuimos porque asi lo quizimos?.

Elbigie comments on What Strato are you and your wife-gf-amiga con derechos?

Strato sucks!! The way some people think of the whole strata sh*it sounds a bit like the mentallity of the Indian caste system. Isn't this social segregation?

Elbigie comments on the toilet, a most important place

Modefo.....
"...my anus was now hanging outta my butt cheeks, it looked like those monkeys in Africa with the bright red ass sticking out"

Modefoque your problem is just the law of Karma:

"for every event that occurs, there will follow another event whose existence was caused by the first, and this second event will be pleasant or unpleasant according as its cause".

Elbigie comments on Bring me this, bring me that!

curious Elmo, just out of curiosity are you taking any presents for your burrita?

Elbigie comments on "Long live coca, death to the gringos"

Go EVO! With a tie or without it LATIN America needs more Morales and less Uribes.

Elbigie comments on Need Information about the town of Ibague, Colombia

PERO QUE ATREVIDO EL RIKITO !! I wouldn't call Ibague a toilet, but certainly is not the most interesting city in COl. It really comes to what sort of things interest you. For instance you could:

-Visit the Reserva ecologica Santa fe de los guaduales,
- Visit the Museo de Arte del Tolima
- The Nevado del Tolima
-The conservatorium of music
_Come to THE san Juan festival in June

Hotels: Sofitel (Carrera 1A Nª45-50)

Elbigie comments on Finding good honeymoon spots

Lugares For a HM I would recomend Cartagena (Islas del Rosario -Isla del Pirata is quite charming although a bit basic. Providencia Island seems very nice and quiet . Near Bogota you could try Villa de Leyva (Mesopotamia hotel).

Elbigie comments on Can't we all just get along?

"In Colombia we love everybody, and we respect everybody, and we have open doors and hearts for everybody". IS that true??.

Anyway, I'm Colombian and have lots of Peruvian and Colombian friends. We're all latinos, brothers in my opinion, with similar problems and aspirations. There are a few Colombians who think they're better than Bolivians, Ecuadorians and Peruvians or anything slightly Amerindian. I despise this people (specially some "arribista" middleclass).Overall Colombians are friendly and down to earh. If you have the chance visit both countries, sure you'll have a good time.

Elbigie comments on Ibaque- Please tell me what you know

Ciudad Musical de Colombia. Ibague is about 3 to 4 hours drive from Bogota. I would add to Juanalejo's comments by saying that Ibague has 2 major universities (Universidad del Tolima and Coruniversitaria) + a few smaller private univ. 2 main hospitals (Federico Lleras and Clinica del seguro) and a few private smaller ones. The city and the region have high unemployment . Ibague tends to be a bit warm (around 28 to 30 degrees) and in general is fairly calm when compared with other Colombian cities, which is a good thing, but then it can get a bit boring at times (not because of the lack of hassles!).It has a few cinemas and a conservatorium of music. The population is about 600,000 people. Yes the city is not that expensive.
If one day you get there have a few Tamales tolimenses for me. Thanks.
Let me know if you need more info.

Elbigie comments on libros favoritos

Recomendado

-Ilona llega con la lluvia.
-La nieve del Almirante

ambos de Alvaro Mutis

- Mi Alma se la dejo al Diablo. German Castro Caicedo

-Cronica de una muerte anunciada
-Cien a~os de soledad
-Relato de un naufrago
-Vivir para contarla
Todos de Gabriel Garcia M.

Elbigie comments on what's your favourite Colombian food

what's your favourite Colombian food?
In that order:

1. Tamales Tolimenses
2. Ajiaco Santafere~o
3. Lechona Tolimense
4. Bandeja paisa

Elbigie comments on La suegra y el martillo

Strange, very strange. I would get all the stuff at home made out of plastic o foam or some soft material. Better not to take chances....

Elbigie comments on Colombia Unida??

Lastima que no tengamos inmigrantes de otros paises, por que en ese caso la xenofobia y el racismo dejarian de ser interno. Asi tendriamos un buen chivo expiatorio, algunos otros a quienes culpar de nuestras desgracias (No se preocupen solo trato de ser sarcastico sin mucho exito). Por supuesto que este seria otro ingrediente a los muchos males que aquejan a nuestra sufrida Colombia.
La aceptacion de gentes de otras culturas es un principio de enmienda hacia una sociedad tolerante, es un principio de respeto por los demas y por nosotros mismos.

Elbigie comments on More Scientific Proof: Colombia is Happiest Country

I know most people always look for greener pastures, and yes that could be a good thing, I agree with you. But the actual question still remains: if the country is so happy why the Diaspora?. It's ok. to leave a country to see other cultures, study abroad, etc. But, it gets a bit tricky when you have to leave your country, not by choice ,but because you are threatened by the right or the left -or by those in the middle too- or because you're in your early 30s and no one is going to give you a job. Those that have the chance to migrate legally are the unhappy lucky ones. Those that stay behind in the same circumstances are the unhappy unlucky people.
A large number of Colombians living abroad come during the Christmas season and get a feeling that everything is a lot better, you know "Diciembre mes de parranda y animacion" but outside that small window things are quite different. I honestly do not believe in the 'sigamos de rumba mientras Colombia se derrumba". Perhaps we Colombians express our sadness by making jokes, dancing and all that; -al mal tiempo buena cara- kind of thing- but still I’m not convinced we’re the happiest people on earth.
I could add “la prosecion va por dentro� ?

Elbigie comments on More Scientific Proof: Colombia is Happiest Country

Not that Happy How do you explain that thousands of people leave the "happiest" country?. That doesn't make sense to me. I have the feeling we're not the happiest people after all.

How do you define happiness?. How do you measure happiness?.
Does Iraq rank second as the happiest country?

Elbigie comments on the cheapest and safe way to travel from Columbia to Panama

aja al reves... See I got confused too. ANyhow, West Caribbean Airways and AIRES have connections from CARTEGANA to Panama. .

Elbigie comments on the cheapest and safe way to travel from Columbia to Panama

Isazhou,

Must be a long , long, long trip by bus from Panama to Columbia (Distric of Columbia???). On the other hand forget a trip From Panama to COLOMBIA in SA (once again ColOOOOOOombia) because there are not roads, and no buses. The Darien Gap (Tapon del DARIEN) is infested with paramilitares and guerrilla. Get instead a cheap flight from Panama to Cartagena (COLOMBIA).

Elbigie comments on Gabriel Garcia Marquez

"Kamasutra ", By ELMO Elmo could easily write a version of Kamasutra (Burrasutra?) for corronchos. Something on the lines of how to make happy your burrita. "Kamasutra for Burras' lovers". Y QUE VIVA NUESTRO PROXIMO PREMIO Nobel!.

Elbigie comments on Native Tongue

Ibague "Besides that, Ibague is a complete armpit of a city'

DSChoec,

I found that comment quite interesting. Can you tell why Do you think so?. Did you have a bad experience there?. I have some friends in Ibague that I'm planning to visit in DEC, but would like to hear your opinion about "sunny" Ibague. Are there any interesting places to visit?. How's the people?. Anything good about that city?

Elbigie comments on Direct Flights from Canada?

COLUMBIA or COLOMBIA? Make sure you find out exactly where you're going before booking your flights. If you're going to CARTAGENA & Medellin sure is Colombia. Once again.... COLOMBIA!.

I don't recomend you Medellin's beach; it's not that quiet.

Elbigie comments on

"Fortunately Americans are well-received in Colombia"

Are they?

Elbigie comments on Doberman, $3,000, and a motorized bike!

"for protection a doberman puppy....."

What a brilliant idea, I love that one!!.

Elbigie comments on 1st trip to Columbia

In Bogota a must see are the Gold museum and for a good view of the city; Monserrate. La candelarie is good too. If you're into art the Botero museum is defenetly a must.

Considering the little time you have, I personally would recomend you to visit Cartagena rather than spending time in SANTA Marta. Maybe you can travel from SANTA Marta to CARTAGENA by car (Only 3 hours). Get the lonely planet Colombia or check their web site for more info. Never being to Bucaramanga, but apparently is very nice.

Enjoy Locombia.

Elbigie comments on Barbie?

Talking about dolls..... Yo tenia un amigo al que llamaban el mu~eco, no por lo bien plantado, pero por que no tenia pipi.

Elbigie comments on F**k The G8!

I would say F*** the world Bank, THE IMF and their cronies (i.e. the G8) but not for the reason you suggest. The Africans are in that mess as a result of years of colonial power intervention. They stuffed up their culture, their borders and have been stealing their richness for the last 500 years and please spare me the “corruption argument�: I haven’t heart of any Swiss bank returning to Africans the billions that dictators have taken. Anyway weren’t western countries supporting guys like Mobuto for many years?

It's not about giving away $1 and then taken $3. It's about fair trade and democracy, it's about changing the rules. International Banks should be accountable for the way they operate by setting conditions that harm the weak. Not only Africans would benefit We Latin Americans would benefit too. I'm a Colombian living in Colombia and all I can say is the gap between rich and poor is getting bigger and bigger.

Elbigie comments on Where Is The Best Place In Colombia To Live.

DonkeyDust (Polvoe'Burro?) Dear DD

The Colombian North coast could be the place for you!. If you're into long eared members of the horse family (Burritos!) you're in the right site. Elmo I think your knowledge and experience is required.

Elbigie comments on U.S. hostages forgotten in Colombian jungle

Colombiche,
When you say:

"You were right about the assasination of Gaitan bringing about a bout of violence, which was actually not a 'bout' but rather, the peak of a bout that had been occurring long before as a consequence of the liberal reforms of the 1930's"

Are you refering to the reforms introduced by Alfonso Lopez Pumarejo (i.e "La Revolucion in Marcha")? Can you elaborate a bit more?. Sorry I'm a bit confused. Because if that's what you're saying then Platano Verde is 100% right.

Elbigie comments on Where Is The Best Place In Colombia To Live.

Bogota or Planadas?

The problem with Bogota is that the beach tends to get busy early in the morning (around 5:30 am)but you could practice decent windsurfing in the rio Bogota. No need to go MBiking in groups in Bogota, the city is extremely safe. For Cafes and Plazas... I hear the Cartucho Boulevard is getting trendier too. For a warmer place try Planadas (Tolima), the surf is not as good as in Bogota, but you'll find nice, friendly people that will treat you very well once they realise you're a gringo.

Elbigie comments on Where Is The Best Place In Colombia To Live.

MMM a hard one..
I was going to suggest Cabezeras but I think the surf is not that great there and I don't think you'll like the night life either. Sorry.

Elbigie comments on COLOMBIAN TAMALES

Tamales tolimenses Hola LatinM;

La receta de los que indiscutiblemente son los mejores tamales Colombianos:


Ingredientes:
- 400gr de arvejas secas, remojadas y cocidas
- ½ libra de arroz cocido
- 400gr de maíz blanco trillado (peto), este se deja en agua 3 días se bota el agua y se muele
-1 gallina picada en trozos
- 1 libra de tocino (sin el gordo), solo el cuero picado en trozos
- 2 libras de costilla de cerdo picada
- ½ libra de zanahorias cortadas en rodajas
- 2 libras de papas crudas peladas y picadas
- 4 huevos cocinados cortados en rodajas
- 1 libra de cebolla larga picada
- 3 dientes de ajo picados
- 2 ½ litros de caldo donde se han cocinado las carnes
- Sal, cominos, pimienta y color al gusto
- Hojas de plátano soasadas
- Cabuya para amarrarlos


Preparación:
Se adoba la gallina con sal, pimienta y comino. El cuero del tocino y la costilla de cerdo se sancochan en 2 ½ de agua por 20 minutos y se guarda el caldo. Se prepara un guiso con la cebolla, ajos y color, fritándolos con los gordos del tocino. Este guiso se revuelve con el arroz, la arveja y la masa de maíz. Se revuelve muy bien y se deja reposar. Se preparan las hojas soasadas y engrasadas y se van poniendo los ingredientes en una cama de la masa; las carnes, las papas y los huevos, asegurándose que todo quede repartido. Se le pone más masa encima, se forma el tamal recogiendo las puntas y bordes de las hojas, amarrándolas arriba fuertemente. Es muy importante amarrar bien el tamal para evitar que le entre agua. Se ponen a cocinar por 3 o 4 horas en el caldo reservado, que los cubra, bien tapada la olla y a fuego bajo. Si es necesario se les agrega agua caliente

Si puede cocinelos con le~a. Buen provecho!!

Elbigie comments on Entenderse con los paisanos...

Viveza o estupidez? Esa viveza de la que hacen gala algunos compatriotas por fuera de Colombia es simple estupidez.

Por ejemplo quien va a recomendar a el famoso mecanico, o quien le va dar un chance al consejero de finanzas Cale~o.

Maltratar o tumbar al cliente es cometer suicidio financiero. El problema no es solo para ellos, pero tambien para los que somos honrados. Crea fama y....

Elbigie comments on Busco consejos sobre cartagena

Hospedaje Cartagena es una ciudad segura para los estandares Colombianos. Pero tenga el cuidado que ud. tendria en cualquier ciudad de USA. Simplemente evite caminar tarde en la noche cerca de las murallas y Getsemani. Yo personalmente recomiendo Hotel 3 banderas. Estuve alli en DIciembre 04), es relativamente barato y esta bien ubicado (en la parte antigua de la ciudad). HAGA UNA BUSQUEDA EN el internet para que vea las habitaciones y tarifas.

Elbigie comments on violence in medellin

Talking about numbers I've the feeling that BlanquitoTampa would become part of the statistics if he/s were in front of you gorgonabob. Lack of tolerance is one of our main problems.

I know of people that have been killed in Col. just for looking let alone those that have been killed for speaking.

Elbigie comments on

Latinos somos Nothing wrong with the Mayan looking Guatemalans. Don't forget the one who came with the term was the president; a politician, do not take it against the Guatemalan people. As R. Blades' song goes

"Oye latino, oye hermano, oye amigo
nunca vendas tu destino
por el oro ni la comodidad
nunca descanses,
pues nos falta andar bastante
vamos todos adelante
para juntos terminar
con la ignorancia que nos trae sugestionados
con modelos importados
que no son la solución.
No te dejes confundir,
busca el fondo y su razón
recuerda: Se ven las caras,
pero nunca el corazón.
No te dejes confundir,
busca el fondo y su razón
recuerda: Se ven las caras,
pero nunca el corazón.
recuerda: Se ven las caras,
y jamás el corazón.
Se ven las caras de trabajo y de sudor
de gente de carne y hueso que no se vendió
de gente trabajando, buscando el nuevo camino
orgullosas de su herencia y de ser latino
de una raza unida, la que Bolívar soñó"

Elbigie comments on Accomodation in San Andres

San Andres-CUBA So close and yet so far.

I'm not aware of flights between the 2 islands. Perhaps you could fly to Costa Rica or Panama from SAI with West Caribeean and then connect to Cuba.
The other option is to fly back to Colombian's mainland and then fly from there to Cuba.

Elbigie comments on Aportemos Ideas Para Cambiar la Imagen de Colombia!!

"Sabeis que mas de 50% de la población Colombiana no entiende lo que esta leyendo?"
Angrekk Where did you get that figure from?.

Elbigie comments on Native Colombian wants to go home for her first time

WHERE IN Col?. I guess the other consideration is the places you want to visit. Armenia and the "region cafetera" seems ok to me as well as some parts of Boyaca. CArtagena should be ok. Keep an eye on local news (El Tiempo for instance) to see how things are developing prior your trip. Where do you think you'll be spending most of your time?