emilyh has left 61 comments

emilyh comments on Arroz con Pollo Recipe

recipe
Mmmm, delicioso!

gracias

emilyh comments on some thoughts on my last trip to Cartagena

ColombianoX Aaah, maybe that explains it, they are from Bogota. I didn't realise that there were two meanings! Thanks

Em :)

emilyh comments on GO-KART Tracks?

I saw a little one in Cali It was behind the Simon Parrilla restaurant in Yumbo (or nearby) area. I have to admit, it didn't look amazing, but they were splashing water on the track so that you could slide around the corners for some excitement.

Em :)

emilyh comments on some thoughts on my last trip to Cartagena

Nicknames Hey Leonardo,


I agree with all those here, don't take it as an insult. I was actually kind of chuffed like Goosekirk when I got mistaken for being French, Swedish and German even though I'm Aussie.

Just an interesting note though, my Colombian mother in law actually uses the expression 'Chino' as her pet name for her husband, who has no Asian background at all. I can't remember the exact reason why, but it was their little term for each other.

Em :)

emilyh comments on safe and sound feeling

Sounds lovely I agree with Peter, what was your highlight etc?

I leave in 9 days now for Cali and I can't wait to get back, so if you have any pics in the meantime, put them up!!

emilyh comments on The Good the bad and the ugly

Work visa Hey Glacier,

Glad you had a great time, I absolutely loved Bogota also, even though I spent most of my time in Cali, which in just over a week I'll be returning to. YAY!

Anyhow, I've just been checking out the visa requirements and I also only have a bachelor degree and the TESL cert. I actually don't have the degree because I'm coming back in a year to do honours and thus don't graduate until I get that. Therefore I was planning on getting a letter from my uni as well as my statement of results to show that I have finished. So do you think I will still have trouble with that? I also got a police check done, however nothing has been translated or apostilled yet.

From your experience what do you think? I got my info off the American Colombian embassy website, did you speak to DAS in Bogota or Manizales?

Cheers, Em

emilyh comments on Anyone know of any children's homes in Colombia?

Yep I meant because it was in Cali, and therefore they may not be able to visit and converse in person, or see the facilities....thus possibly being inconvenient.

Thank you though for copying and pasting so I could see it again.

Em

emilyh comments on Anyone know of any children's homes in Colombia?

Halfway house Hi,

I don't have the name of it, but my boyfriend's company donated to a very similar organisation, however it is in Cali. Would this still be helpful for you, because I can get you their information if you like?

-Em

emilyh comments on

You’re right YEP, I probably can’t call myself a full-blooded woman at age 23. But then, that means that these girls who are my age and even younger cannot either. As for Caslug wondering why I care so much….well this is a forum, no? Aren’t we supposed to share our ideas, thoughts and expressions. That is what I was doing, sharing my thoughts. As you are also. As for the symmetry thing, I’ve also heard that theory, but then there is also the theory that opposites attract which I definitely do believe. That is most probably why a lot of ‘westerners’, myself included are attracted to Colombians and vice versa, as well as many other nationalities or when you often find blonde’s with dark haired people etc. As for myself, I fit into that. I’m quite short while my boyfriend is almost 2 metres tall and we differ in many other ways also.

I want to get one thing clear, my problem here is not with Western men going out with Colombian women. My only problem is when there is a very large age difference and in particular when that age difference may be exacerbated by differences in socio/economic conditions, and therefore the girl is not in the relationship because she wants to be as much as out of necessity or perceived necessity.

Now, Greenday, the LAST thing I have is a lack of respect for Colombian women. Indeed most of the Colombianas that I have met are extremely intelligent, capable, independent, hardworking, humourous not to mention beautiful ladies. If I was to use the term uneducated, which I don’t believe I did it would not be to imply stupid, which is what you seem to have. No, it is in regards to the lack of the same opportunities for further education and career opportunities that are open to you and me. I don’t believe these women (or girls) are sharks, I believe they are trying to get by, just like I am trying to get by and most people are. The difference once again is the lack of opportunities available in this context.

Yes Gringoinbogota, of course there are many 20 something girls in Colombia who are 100% not interested in a gringo for their visa. Honestly, where in my post did any of you read that I said, “I do now speak for every 20 something woman in Colombia”? I am referring to an extremely select few, I am quite sincerely only worried about those that may feel this path is their ‘ticket out’. And when I say that I don’t mean that they are money hungry psycho’s like I am being made out to have said. Of course they are a much better information source than me, I am speaking from being a female of the same age…..so far I am the only one who can. Then, naturally you go on to talk about how they simply want security at the hands of a man who won’t leave them, and who will be faithful to them etc. So, what, are you referring to Colombian men? If you are, then maybe I should put you in touch with the ones that I know, all of whom have a lot more respect than that, but whom appear to constantly get the ‘woman abuser, unfaithful’ title. So if we are going to generalise….

So once again, I don’t have a problem with Colombiana’s hooking up with Westerners. Why would I, after all as Patrick points out there are people like me, Desi, Shazcas, Teppar, Gringacolombiana, Sydneygirl and I am sure many more women who are in relationships with Colombiano’s. There are also many on this forum that are Western men who have fantastic relationships with Colombiana’s eg. Gator, Utopiacowboy, Brunito and many more who I can’t think of right now. The point is, while, yes it does happen in Colombia and I saw it with older Colombian men and younger Colombian girls too, I can’t help as a girl of the same age to be worried that these girls are sometimes, in some circumstances being taken advantage of due to cultural, social and economic differences. And personally, and you are more than welcome to attack me on this, I just can’t imagine having anything of any real value in common with someone who is reminisces about the introduction of TV, while I reminisce about the introduction of the internet….but see, that’s just me.

emilyh comments on

Exactly magicheater... these men are going out with women in their twienties because, quite simply they can. And these girls go out with them because they are trying to get all the 'worth' out of their youth and beauty while they can before they do become too old and these men aren't interested in them anymore. In the countries these men come from the younger women won't do this because they can either look after themselves or find a guy their own age who can provide for them just as well as what one of these older men can.

These men try to tell themselves (and everyone else) that the women are actually just out to have a good time and aren't as caught up as western women in the mundane issues of what the guy does, where does he live etc. However, they aren't stupid. They know that is exactly what these men are looking for and if they were to start questioning them the way western girls do the man would simply walk away and they would get NADA! Western girls don't have to worry about this. They simply don't have as much to lose and don't have such a short time-line by which they have to find someone before their looks run out.

The funniest thing I read was in the other post about the similar topic "aura and calipro' where calipro says that if he wanted to he could marry anyone of the young girls he dates as they would immpediately accept. EXACTLY! He could, and no doubt, this is what they want! But, they know that they have to be in it to win it. So of course they are not going to complain about the relationship as it evolves, because they figure that if they were to walk away, they may well lose that chance.

Also, the other thing that absolutely cracks me up is the way these men, most...over 35? and from Western countries believe that they now exactly what these girls are thinking and feeling! How? Do they TELL you? Well, they aren't exactly going to say that they are having a really shitty time, find you vile and then expect you to take them out again are they?? Haven't you watched TV in Colombia? There appear to be a lot of talented actresses, it isn't hard to pretend to be happy when you aren't and it is by no means difficult to tell a guy exactly what he wants to hear either.

Somehow I think I would have a little bit more of an idea about what might be going through these girls minds, being a 23 year old female myself. Sure, I'm not Colombian....but I am a full blooded woman and from what I have been able to gauge of you guys physically from photo's....and faces being blurred doesn't make that much of a difference. I most definately would be imagining that I was in fact out on a date with Juan Pablo Angel or keeping myself amused thinking of how much I was going to laugh at you once I was with my girlfriends again......and believe me, the Colombiana's I've met are fond of having a chuckle at the expense of the men that surround them.

Finally, I would love to share the story of the last time I was in Cali. My boyfriend and I were shopping and an older European man was shopping, with not one but two young Colombiana's. They were all giggling and laughing and trying on clothes while attempting to converse and he was trying to buy them clothes which they were happily accepting. Sounds great doesn't it? However the looks of the shop assistants and all the other women and men in the store were of embarrassment and ridicule. You should have seen the looks this guy was getting behind his back! And they were not of jealousy. They all looked at him as though he was a complete moron while he was completely oblivious. When he went into the change room the two girls looked at each other and stopped smiling and giggling until he came back out when they fussed over him again. It was just like when you go to a fast food restaurant and the teens behind the counter smile and ask you how you are but the smile is immediately switched off once you leave the counter.

That was supposed to be my last point, but just one more question. Honestly, how would you feel if your 20 something daughter came home with a man that was 40+? As a father, or a brother even, how would you feel seeing that? Something tells me you would be disgusted. My father would kick my ass as would my colombian father in law if his daughter came home with a man his age. The difference? We are both educated young ladies capable of making our own way in the world and not having to be reliant upon someone to support us. Something tells me the girls you go out with don't have to same luxury.

emilyh comments on Challenge for Des ;-)

Behaviour Well, how about you behave when on holiday the way you expect/hope other people would behave when on holiday in your country. That is, respectfully, politely and with a positive outlook and good sense of humour.

This isn't Colombia specific, but, really what do you expect people to say?

And most of all, be yourself! If you try to change your behaviour in some way you will just come across as fake.

Em :)

emilyh comments on Is Cali dangerous???

felt very safe and can't wait to get back there!! Lots of the things that Julian posted were things that I did....but there were also lost that I look forward to doing when I get back there in a few weeks!

I really enjoyed taking a Chiva to Juanchito....especially after everytime I was in Bogota I was constantly asked if I had been yet. I finally dragged my boyfriend away from the futbol on TV and we went and had a really great time! Speaking of futbol, that is another thing I would reccomend. Try to go and see s game at the stadium. It was very different to stadiums that I am used to and I loved the electricity in the air, the constant chanting and beating of drums and I will definitely go to more games this time.

Overall, I used to entertain myself for hours just walking all over the place. I would try not to get too lost and like others have said I didn't wear flashy jewellery or anything to make myself stand out. That said, I still did stand out a little, but I never felt threatened at all.

The best part? Well, I really do love Bogota too because it reminds me of my home town a little more and as well I have more friends/family there, but when you get off the plane in Cali and get into the taxi you really feel like the whole city is somehow more alive! It is really a vibrant, beautiful place :)

emilyh comments on Teaching - studying in Cali

the visa Sorry, what do you mean that with your education you won't be able to get a work visa?

I'm off to Cali myself, and as I understood it, if I can get a position teaching then I just need them to write some letters confirming the position etc. and take it outside the country to get my work visa. (also, Im currently getting a police check and stuff like that while still here in Oz)

I just haven't heard of this education requirement, what does it entail? I've just completed a business degree and received a TESOL certificate in November, will this be fine? By Shane's postings it sounds like it will be??

Also, Shane, I think you mentioned a while back that you were teaching in a company or maybe an MNC? Did you get this position through already having experience and using word-of-mouth, or did you apply directly to companies?

Em :)

emilyh comments on Natural Science Museum in Cali

Good info Its only about 4 weeks-ish now till I arrive in Cali again and these are the sort of things I like to do with my free time. I went to the Zoo last time, which I thought was fantastic and visited Buga and Palmira and the Sugar cane museum, but I needed some more places to go to!

Yay!- Em :)

emilyh comments on Photos of the church in Usaquen

Sorry! I thought it was the Church in Usaquen, I've asked for photo's, but it was a church just outside of Usaquen! I'm sorry it's taken so long to reply too. The only consolation is that my boyfriend knows the one that you are getting married in and said it is very beautiful...but I am sure that you knew that already!

Wow, you are going to have three crazy weeks! I have a friend from Dubai who has actually just returned to attend his brother's wedding, he was telling me all about it and how huge the weddings are there; it sounds amazing!!

Sorry again about the photos, I wish you all the best!

Em :)

emilyh comments on Pictures

I vote also for on the homepage I too like matching faces to names, and I also really like the scenery shots that have been posted too....they remind me why I'm on the site, especially some of the ones that have been posted by Kernow62 and Atrevido in more recent weeks.

I want to post some once I get back there myself!

Em :)

emilyh comments on all of these pictures recently posted are nice.....

yep! I'm posting mine....once I arrive back in Colombia! I figure I should post one of myself in the country that we are all here writing about!

Kim(it's Kim isn't it?) You shouldn't have taken it down, you're so pretty!

Em :)

emilyh comments on Another example of the foreign media disrespecting Colombia

Sorry, it's just something we do In Australia we try to take down pretty much everyone and we are always 'taking the piss', which means that we poke fun at everybody including ourselves. JPM walked out of a press conference after some comedians posing as journalists wouldn't stop asking stupid questions and disrupting and it happens all the time at the Australian Open too for all different tennis players.

We actually have a hugely multicultural society in Australia, especially in Melbourne, Sydney and Darwin and Colombians are part of that (after all I met my boyfriend here), but becuase we do have such diversity we are used to quite deliberately using the worst stereotypes that we can find to make fun of everyone. In fact if you check out 'www.fatpizza.com.au', you might be able to see some of our 'humour'.

Anyway, I'm not trying to defend this particular journalist or the piece or anything like that, just trying to shed light on it and the way the Aussie culture is.

Em :)

emilyh comments on Photos of the church in Usaquen

Foto's Hi Teppar,

My sister in law's baby was baptised there just a few months ago (I'm 98% sure it was at that Church)so I will ask if they have any pictures from inside the church that they can email me and I will email them on to you.

I don't know how many they took, I haven't actually seen any except from the party afterwards, but if they do I will be very happy to send them!

Good luck with your preparations!


Em :)

emilyh comments on Learning spanish in Cali

Sounds great This is really good, I didn't realise there were as many people on this forum that are in Cali as opposed to Medellin or Bogota. I knew that Adela was and Desi, but that is all.

I was in Cali for 6 months from August last year till March this year, and I am very much looking forward to heading back. One of the main reasons why I have been looking at learning in a university is the opportunity to meet some people because last time the only social network that I had was the people that my boyfriend worked with and I never became particularly close with them.

Also, maybe Law is very popular, my boyfriends sister is also a lawyer, but specialising in Labour Law...but then it is probably more of a coincidence really!

emilyh comments on Learning spanish in Cali

Thank you Thanks for all your advice, it is exactly the type of information I was looking for.

Yag, is that place across the road from the river? Because I remember walking past a place there that was a private institute and I thought I saw an ad for leanrning Spanish as well as English.

As for speaking in Spanish with someone, I am supposed to do that with my boyfriend....but it is hard not to 'lapse' back into English after a while, but this time I will be much more disciplined!

Thanks again, Em :) (Just over 6 weeks till I arrive! YAY)

emilyh comments on

Interesting article Tinto I've just finished my business degree (literally today-last exam!) and when I came back from Colombia I was often pondering the reason's why there wasn't as much FDI there as what I would have assumed. I guess this is a fairly good reason why.

It is funny though, because it seemed to me such a good place to invest in terms of human resources. In general, the Colombian people that I know are all extremely intelligent, hard working and capable people. I guess you could say that about lots of people all over the world, but friends of mine have also noticed that for instance at uni the Colombian students seem to excel without even trying.

Anyway, like I said, very interesting article!

-Em :)

emilyh comments on In a bind- sorry just need to vent!

Sydneygirl I don't know if I'm confused, but I am sure that when I was there and it was coming up to my sixth month of my tourist visa (and thus time to leave) I was told that I could simply cross the border (Ecuador, Venezuela anywhere!) and make sure I got my passport stamped and all and then if I returned in say two days, I would be eligible for 6 months again!

I am 95% sure that I was told that at the DAS and my boyfriend's sister who is a lawyer checked it all out and said that was correct.

I hope this helps!

Em :)

emilyh comments on Tell me more about english teaching certificates please...

node 2701 Goes through heaps of info on teaching english and pay and things, or else just search teaching English at the top!
There is loads of information!

Good Luck, Em :)

emilyh comments on Advice in importing jewellery from Colombia to Australia.

Didn't declare, but I only had a small amount....like about 5 things and I have to admit I didn't realise that it was illegal at the time although...not that it makes it better, but it was lacquered and everything so it wasn't as though it could fall off into the ground and start sprouting or anything like that.

But, recently they've been having a TV show about customs here and everything and some people did get caught carrying seeds and things like that and they got a huge fine.

Em :)

emilyh comments on Tell me more about english teaching certificates please...

Teaching I had the same sort of questions a while ago. When I was in Colombia last year, I didn't have a TESL certificate and hadn't yet finished my (business) degree. I did however get in contact with a school in Cali who were willing to take me as a teacher and train me up, although they would have preferred that I did actually do the TESL or CELTA certificate. You can do the CELTA I believe at the British Council, Bogota and it takes approximately a month.

As it happened I ended up going home and not doing either. Now I am completing my degree (final exam Monday!!) and recently did the TESL course here. It only took a week worth of classes with the rest made up in online components, nd was considerably cheaper than doing it in Bogota.

Now from what I have understood it should be quite easy for me to get a job teaching English in Colombia. As with anything it is supply and demand. Maybe if you were in Bogota were they may be used to a higher amount of Native English speaking teachers then you might need to have a degree and the Cert. On the other hand, I was pretty much ofered a job with neither in Cali. From a post a few months ago now, it sounds as though it is fairly hard to find any jobs in Medellin.

I don't think you need an actual linguistics degree or anything like that, I would be suprised if they check that you have a degree in a lot of places. Usually requirements like that are for countries in Europe, the Middle East and Japan...well established markets.

Finally, I would recommend that you complete a TESL or CELTA certificate. I found it really worthwhile.

I hope this rambling story helps you out a little!

Em :)

emilyh comments on cheepest and best way to send stuff home for Xmas

Sending gifts My boyfriend sent me a gift for my Birthday using Deprisa I think....I don't think it is spelt correctly, but it is similar to that. It took about 5 weeks to get to Oz, so I'd probably send yours about now, because Christmas postal traffic can only make things worse!

Alternatively you could try using FedEx or DHL, but I think you need an account and it is quite expensive!

Em :)

emilyh comments on This board is getting to partisan.

Calipro I agree, it does seem that the men tend to have more power in that way which is quite sad. Also, while my boyfriend does live in Colombia (we met when he came to study in Australia), he lives in Cali now actually as did I with him for 6 months, I think the difference in attitudes is probably more to do with him and his friends/family having a different social/economic and educational standing. Just like anywhere in the world.

emilyh comments on Arepas-From Bad To Worse

Regional varieties I'm not sure, I just noticed that the ones which were made in that town were sweeter, but they looked the same as other ones I've had, so I'm not sure if they were arepa de chocolo. Although I wasn't talking about the small white ones, I was talking about the larger 'meal-size' arepa's that were usually orange. I also liked them with just a little bit of butter and salt...damn, it's lunchtime here..now I want arepa!

emilyh comments on This board is getting to partisan.

I don't know about the bit about the men My Colombian boyfriend has never shown any signs of expecting to be treated as 'king'. I'm not trying to have a go, just saying that from what I have found and observed in the circles I was in, that almost all the Colombian men were adoring of their ladies and in general always treated women with respect. I've found no difference between my boyfriends mentality of women and that of men from Australia/western culture.

emilyh comments on Arepas-From Bad To Worse

Mmm...arepa I found them very interesting, and know I quite miss them. However, mostly we used to just buy the pre-packaged ones from the supermarket and cook them with ham and cheese on top.

The nicest ones that I had though were from a town (which the name escapes me now) on the way back from Villa de Leyva. My boyfriend's sister told us we had to stop there and look for a shop that sold Arepa's as made by an old lady....in that town there were about 5 signs for homemade arepa's and sure enough we went in and found an old lady inside making them by hand. We took them home and cooked them and they were very yummy, but gee...heavy! They were also very sweet compared to the others.

Maybe it's something that you have to try from a lot of different sources to find the arepa that suits you. I would definately like to try the Pupusas too...yum!

emilyh comments on Advice in importing jewellery from Colombia to Australia.

COALAR There is a website for COALAR Council of Latin American Australian Relations or something like that....they might have info about taxes, how to import etc. Also if you just look up the DFAT website there is a bit about trade stats etc also.

I guess the biggest thing would be whether it would be too expensive due to shipping costs for what would be (probably) relatively small volumes.

When you say Jewellery what type did you mean? When my boyfriend's family came to Australia they bought me and my mother beautiful gold necklaces from 'Galeria Cano', which were so different from what you see in Australia. Then of course there is the precious stones, or else where you thinking of more of the good cheap jewellery from the markets and places like that?

I bought back a lot of necklaces and bracelets from places in Cali which where made out of cane, seeds etc that was from a few jewellery shops and markets and was cheap but beautiful. I just don't know whether by the time you transport it, pay taxes etc. you would make much of a profit on that.

I hope this may help somewhat, keep us posted!
Em

emilyh comments on Have you changed your appearance to visit Colombia?

I've noticed I've changed a little.... I'm back in Australia now, but going back in 9 weeks....YAY!

I've noticed that being a girl that never was particularly interested in dressing well or being particularly 'girly' after seeing all the beautiful girls in Colombia often with long hair, always well presented I have started taking more care with my own appearance now.
In fact I recently sent my boyfriend a pic of myself and he was shocked to see that I have grown my hair really long.

While there....well, it is very hard to cover up a face full of freckles, and with bright red hair I would look like an oompa loompa with fake tan and blonde eyebrows!

Nice topic! -Em

emilyh comments on X-mas in Btown

Christmas Hi,

I was in Bogota last year for Christmas and while I didn't 'do' a lot, (apart from the usual eating way too much) the light display in the main square was really beautiful, there was a huge display of the three wise men all lit up and it was really pretty to see as were a lot of the night street decorations.

Also just walking around on the night when everyone lights little candles and puts them on their windowsills and outside their houses was really beautiful to see. I can't remember the exact date it happens, I think it is 7 days before Christmas...someone else probably knows.

Make sure you eat many Bunuelos for me!

Em

emilyh comments on End of year stats.

Excellent! I only wish that I had discovered this site while still in Colombia (My Goodness....8 months ago now). In 10 weeks I will be back there and look forward to being able to contribute more then!

Thanks, Emily

emilyh comments on Recent Colombian Tourist Visa?

Tourist visa for Australians Hi Lorenzo,

Before I went to Colombia last year in August I just called the Colombian consulate in Sydney to check, so that is probably easiest. When I arrived I was given a 60 day tourist visa, but then if you want to stay for longer you just have to go to the DAS in Bogota every 30 days to get it extended, which in total, including the first 60 days will give you 6 months.

After that time I was told I would have to leave the country and go just to Ecuador/ basically across the border and I could come back in and do the same thing again. Personally after the 6 months I went home to Melbourne!

As far as I know this has not changed and I think it is like that for everyone, not just Aussies. Just remember that if you do stay for that sort of time period, when you leave again you have to pay a tax at the airport, which I can't remember exactly how much it was now.

Good Luck!

P.S. Don't bother to email the Colombian consulate in Oz, because they don't respond and depending on which site you check you get all different email addresses and everything. It is easier just to call!

emilyh comments on Japanese Products in Bogota?

Soon.... About 12 weeks now Christina, Woohoo!!
I'm just having Christmas and New Years here to make my family and friends happy and then I'll be flying out A.S.A.P.

That's a really interesting job, I just completed the TESOL course so that I can teach English when I go there because I highly doubt that I would get a job in my field with my poor Spanish when there are plenty of bi-lingual Colombians. I will also start studying Spanish too, but at the moment it is kind of up in the air as to if I will be in Bogota or Cali.

If I come to Bogota I'll do my best to bring a Koala....or some Tim Tams at least!

-Em :)

emilyh comments on Are there Smart Cars in Colombia?

I saw one in Cali Someone on our apartment block owned one...also not that this is real life, but on one of the soaps one of the characters used to drive one, or at least it was parked on the street. That was about 8 months ago now, but they definitely weren't common as far as I could see.

-Em :)

emilyh comments on Japanese Products in Bogota?

Just curious.... I don't know if I missed it as I have been reading a lot of your posts Christine, but what are you working as?

And also what uni did you go to in Melbourne (I've been meaning to ask for a while). I'm just finishing my final semester at La Trobe and then I'll be going back to Colombia....Finally!

-Em :)

emilyh comments on Is there any cure for those Cali car alarms?

No solution, only empathy That exact same thing used to happen with a car alarm in the carpark of our apto building in Cali. I swear you could look at the car and the alarm would turn on! Unfortunately, I don't think there is any solution, as it happens here in Melbourne too. Just think about any shopping centre (mall) carpark, you will always here one...but at least you don't tend to be there at 3 in the morning.

Em :)

emilyh comments on From City To City

You couldn't get lost taking that route And if you are worried, you can buy an "Auto Guia" Turistica de Colombia from a bookshop, however we just ripped out the "Altimetrias" guide from the Yellow Pages and that was enough, you literally just follow the city and town names. Oh yeah, but make sure you have lots of change for all of the tollways.

Em

emilyh comments on From City To City

I think it just depends what time Hi Pirovito,

My Boyfriend and I drove from Cali to Bogota in December just gone. We were driving to Bogota to spend Christmas with his family and left early in the morning (at about 6am) on the 23rd.

I would have to say it was probably the highlight of my time in Colombia. The scenery was absolutely amazing....in fact when describing the crossing of La Linea to people here (Melbourne, Australia) I just have nothing to compare it too, to describe how everytime I thought we were at the top, there was still more.

When we went, there had actually been an accident on La Linea early in the morning and we were stuck in a traffic jam which had already been going on for a few hours....so we made the best of it and headed back into Armenia and then onto the "Parque Nacional del Cafe" in Montenegro, just outside of Armenia. Once again, breathtaking scenery and a great park to visit for the day.

After a couple of hours there, we went and drove back to Calarca and the traffic jam was now moving slowly up the mountain, which was fine with me because I wouldn't want to drive fast on that road. It took quite a while as there were soo many cars, but it was a really great experience, especially the difference in temperature as you go from quite hot Cali to the top of La Linea which is cold and then down to steaming Girardot and Melgar!

Naturally I understand your safety concerns, however we travelled when it was a peak travelling time and I never had a worry for our safety at any time. According to my boyfriend, who lived in Cali for a lot of his childhood it is one of the safest city-to-city routes, however he said he would aim to go either on the weekend or at a time like Christmas when you know it will be busy. Also, he wouldn't travel at night.

With our stretched out route due to the accident and also a flat tyre we ended up getting to Bogota after 11pm, but that was fine and it really was a great experience, one I will do again when I get back!

I hope you have an experience as good as mine and believe me it was sooo much more exciting than the road to the airport!

Hope this helps, if you have anymore questions, feel free to ask.

Em :)

emilyh comments on Cuisine Observations from a newly minted Bogotano

No teppar, I agree All the food that I had was delicious. I never had Chinese there admittedly, but I never had any complaints about the food at all! I really loved everything I ate, exceptr I must admit I didn't like Tamale when I tried that, everything else was great. Actually, another restaurant that I went to in Bogota was one at Monserrate and the food was fantastic too, I had a beautiful steak there!

emilyh comments on Cuisine Observations from a newly minted Bogotano

I've heard the one in Bogota isn't as good..... but I had Salerno's pizza in Cali and it was very good. Also I went to a restaurant called 'M' Asia lounge in Cali, also very good. It was "asian" not specific Chinese, or Thai, but a bit of everything including Indian and that was really great. Another pizza chain where I found good Pizza was Archie's which was in Bogota , but that was thin crust, not thick American style crust from what I remember and as for Italian I can't remember the name but I went to a good restaurant in Usaquen where for the first time in Colombia I saw Ciabbatta and I was SOOOO happy. I also agree that the Sobrebarriga, the description put me off it, but it was really nice and served with these great Potatoes in a place in Zipaquira.

emilyh comments on Do you like Armenia or have you ever been there?

Yes I've been to Armenia and I just had a look at your site, it is very nice! I thought Armenia was lovely, I passed through on my way to Bogota from Cali last Christmas and we stopped there for about an hour. The countryside was very, very beautiful!

Good site Juancho!

emilyh comments on Gringos are sweaty pigs?

I have to admit that was me while I was in Cali, I pretty much had to have a shower after every walk because the heat really got to me. I thought I hadn't adapted, but after 6 months I came back to Melbourne and found that winter seemed to be much colder than I had ever noticed before.
Only the security guy at our apartment used to comment, he would ask me every day after I had been out for a walk if I had been out running...naturally I let him think I had, I didn't want him to think I was dripping just from a walk!

-Em :)

emilyh comments on Lots of Questions.......

teaching info Hi GlacierD,

I had a similar question a while ago about teaching. Basically it is supposed to be fairly easy to find a job with a TESL cert, however if you have a degree (any from what I can understand, not just teaching) then it gives you more options such as getting a job in a university.

If you look at this thread: #4144 then there is information there all about it and about the visa requirements. Also #4310.

Just a question, when you say you are pursuing options at Sabana, is that because you kow somebody there or you have just gotten in touch with them? I'm just interested because I too will be in Colombia in Jan and am likely to be living in Chia, thus I was thinking of trying them out too as it's so close.

Good luck, Em

emilyh comments on Degree grades required for teaching

Different pay rates From what I understand I think it is because the government contributes towards programs in vietnam, as they are more likely to increase trade and tourism if there are more people speaking English.

They are really trying to push that at the moment as Australians and I'm sure other Europeans, Americans etc start being more interested in travelling there.

emilyh comments on Degree grades required for teaching

True I am doing the TEFL course at the moment, so by January I will have my degree and the TEFL certificate, which is why I was hoping for a job in a university.

Really, I'd be happy just as long as I have a job and can earn a reasonable amount of money.

Thanks, Em

emilyh comments on colombian women

Hi Brad I too am from Australia, and I have a Colombian boyfriend. I would have to agree with Desi most and also add that from an Aussie perspective I've found Colombian's to be a lot like us. That is, very laid back, quick to have a laugh and just have a good time all round.

Basically, be yourself and act as you would if you were taking any girl out that you like!

Have a good time, Em