fecherklyn has left 129 comments

fecherklyn comments on I took Ecuador

billyb, but they entertain me (after a fashion) as well.

fecherklyn comments on What is this, and what shall I do with it?

Some kind of pudding? A haggis perhaps?

fecherklyn comments on Remembering a crazy week in Colombian weather.

Ok Gator....I will offer a "point". In Medellin there is a storm overhead. Nothing new, I have been here several years and this now seems a daily occurence.Consequence: daily habit, leave tv and computer on whilst subconsciously evaluating episcentre of storm. If lightening reaches within 2 kms of residence unplug electrical appliances, aerial's, etc. This is what my grandmother taught me so it must be correct....no arguements please. Ok Gator....don't say it (What is your point?). My point is that I have now become so accustomed to the violence of these storms that it has slowly, but surely, altered motor reactions. I only noticed this when some visitors from Europe cowered from this unusual (to them) violence and suggested a priest should be summoned for potential last rites....surely this is the end of the world? And my point is....I'm not really sure. I think it is that we become accustomed to everything, even those beyond our wildest dreams.....with time.

fecherklyn comments on I took Ecuador

Buggy, Your contributions to this site are interpreted in many ways. Some people accept your presence whilst others deplore it. If it interests you, I read most of your comments as I receive them as the sincere views of a person who has rather extreme views that need to be taken into account if one is to have the broadest vision. That said, I do NOT concur with your support for revolutionary change.....to me this simply means "we shall FORCE our views to be enacted". Having said this......what was your point in posting this article? For your information I find it reasonably supple in most areas and of interest. BUT YOU......what are you suggesting we may (should?) glean from it?

fecherklyn comments on If Uribe was a different guy...

Desi, You stated "When Interpol publishes their findings on Reyes' laptops in the end of this month it's going to be the final proof that the hawks in Bogotá are grabbing to whatever little straw to make everybody else except Uribe look bad". I'm sorry, I have already said this before but I have different expectations of a moderator....I understand you may have personal opinions but I do not think you should enter into the fray. In this case, you appear to be expressing a biaised opinion which is HOPEFUL that "spin" allegations against Uribe and his supporters are accredited. Desi, can you not entertain the notion that all is not "black and white?" That many of today's actors were part of yesterday's cast that that had more limited options than are available today? My wife's family have described to me in detail that factors that determined their day to day decisions 20/30 years ago. An inadequate summary of the situation and their options would state "you are either for.....or against".....there was no middle ground. Those who sought a middle ground were suspected and primary targets of both "extreme" fronts. I find today's international, intellectualised, but much removed opinion that past alignements should prone over today's intentions to be suspect from the point of view of today's legitimate interests.I agree, it is a difficult debate....should one be excused past errors if your contribution to today's problems is positive? I can see both points of view. .

fecherklyn comments on Colombian Peso Fixed Deposits - Why bother?

Calipro & Miamimike, you have both remarked about the effect of exchange rate movements on the example I gave. In fact, I did try to refer to it when I stated " For a foreign resident who reasons in terms of foreign currency incomes, it may not be worth it after one takes into account the foreign exchange risk one is taking?" As Calipro says....it would have been difficult to make a loss over the last couple of years by repatriating COP back into US$ or virtually any other mainstream currency. But such a presumption would not hold water over the longer term or be valid as an economic principle. Traditionally the currencies of emerging countries have tended to weaken against core trading currencies and the COP's recent strength may only be a blip in the ocean of the general trend. There have been countless PBH threads on this this subject and there have always been strong partizans of both views.....the COP is going to strenghten v/s it will weaken. MY only view on this matter is that it is prudent to hedge one's bets (for a foreign resident) by trying to retain assets spread between Colombia and overseas.

fecherklyn comments on Good chilean wine prices in Pomona, today in Medellin

Robi, Noted. Are the Italian wines not worth buying?

fecherklyn comments on what is a good English website for Colombian News?

Azunoman, You mentionned El Colombiano have an English and translated version. This interests me but as a person with 10 thumbs and poor eyesight I have yet to find them. Would you have the patience to provide an idiots guide on how to find them? Many thanks.

fecherklyn comments on BAD NEWS..............another damn Eye-Talian arrives in Medellin.......

Congratulations Robi.

fecherklyn comments on When and why fill form 11

Aracne, Informative posts....thanks. But where do you get the Form 11? My bank completed the Form 4 but looked blank and bemused when I mentioned a Form 11.

fecherklyn comments on How would I find old links pertaining to El DIAN and declaracion de renta for foreign residents in Colombia?

Buggy, thanks for sharing these informations with us....they seem to be reassuring (at least as concerns pension income). Can you tell us if you have received the "follow-up" lawyer's opinion from the DIAN? Even so, all this only concerns EXEMPTION of pension income. Does anyone have any idea on how "Exemption" affects "Reporting" obligations? My immediate feeling is the "reporting" obligation would remain, the "exemption" quality of the pension incomes merely giving them a form of "tax credit".

fecherklyn comments on How would I find old links pertaining to El DIAN and declaracion de renta for foreign residents in Colombia?

dwr, to my knowledge many people have attacked this problem but nobody has yet found an answer. Elk initiated one of the better recent threads on 2007-03-04 entitled "Tax on Foreign Income" (Friendly Talk Zone). At that time the concensus was also use a "friendly" tax accountant and declare only sufficient incomes (and/or assets) in Colombia that keep you within the taxable threshhold. I was not satisfied by this as I prefer to abide by the law (even if it means reviewing my residence in Colombia) and I tried to research the matter. What is easy to find are the following extracts from Dian which give their guidelines on the matter: Impuesto Sobre la Renta y Complementarios http://www.dian.gov.co/dian/15servicios.nsf/etributario?OpenView&Start=1&Count=1000&Expand=2#2 Capitulo VII Rentas Exentas de Trabajo http://www.dian.gov.co/dian/15servicios.nsf/0108fdc3639d83ff05256f0b006abb3d/282c1089c9961de405256f0c00725e89? These extracts confirm "residentes extranjeras" ARE SUBJECT to this tax on their worldwide income once they have been 5 years resident here. However, beyond this point matters become less clear. What if your foreign incomes are comprised of pension revenues? In this case Art. 56.1 states pension incomes are not imposable "if the appropriate conditions are satisfied". You must refer to another law (cannot remember which) to find out what these conditions are. I did look some time ago and seem to remember these "conditions" do not pose any problems for most people. This exemption of pension incomes is further conditioned by Law 223/95 Art 96 which seperately limits the exemption to 50 "salarios minimos mensuales". So the problem is, as far as I can see, is: - Do the pension income exemptions apply equally to "extranjeras" as well as locals? - Are other, foreign incomes (dividends, capital gains, consultancy fees, etc.) declarable/imposable even if it can be demonstrated they have been taxed elsewhere? On these points I have been unable to find any definitive answers despite hiring several supposedly expert tax accountants and writing to the DIAN. The Dian simply refer you to the extracts I have already given and the tax accountants...well don't ask. What is clear is that hardly anybody commands this subject which is at yet at the infancy stage in Colombia. Apparantly, the DIAN extracts only provide the "bare bones" and the applications are in practice created by specific laws as and when required.

fecherklyn comments on colombians in spain??

Sorry to butt in but Spain is not the only European nation that has a superiority complex and has racist tendencies. My Colombian wife needed to see a doctor in Paris a couple of years ago and he thought it amusing to open the session with "what, couldn't your local witchdoctor help?". She walked straight out without a word.

fecherklyn comments on Should Uribe forgive Chavez ( Forgive and go on Or Seek his Arrest )

Uribe does not necessarily HAVE to do anything DIRECTLY himself....he can use other persons for his purpose. For example, I understand he has already agreed to allow international experts examine the contents of the 3 laptops. If this information really stands up to neutral testing it automatically throws a burden on Chavez (and Correa) without Uribe needing to do anything further himself. Similarly, if the allegations of funding/arming the FARC appear convincing there are other aggrieved parties as well as Colombia. The Venezuelan people for example who may well wish to ask difficult questions of their president. In this day and age the unofficial transmission of privileged information has become an artform...thus, simple enough to pass any incriminating data on to opposition groups and let them perform their role.

fecherklyn comments on Ecuador wins!

Desideria, to quote you: "Oh, everybody is an Uribe supporter here, except me. I have no great love for the little paisa. Too neoliberal, too global,too TLC, too authoritarian, too conservative, too insecure, too proud, too arrogant, too bad temper, too belligerent, too close to the biggest thugs, criminals and monsters, the paras, too good buddy to too many really bad people". Why am I surprised to see such comments from a "moderator"? I am surprised because I thought moderators were supposed to expunge all personal bias from the exercise of their functions? To cite you, "Uribe is TOO......". But is Chavez not "TOO ....."? Why chastise Uribe so much? One is surrounded by candidates if one wishes to keep ones eyes open! I glean from MANY of your comments (as a moderator) that you lean to social/left wing politics and are very receptive to the accusations of past associations of Uribe and the Colombian paramilitary. If this is true, little should seperate our baseline values except that perhaps I can be a little less receptive and more understanding of Uribe's alleged links to the early days of the paramilitary. Lets "air" this a little. Although I was not in Colombia in the "earlier" days, I understand from my wife's family that, mostly, one had little choice about being "neutral". Beyond the social divide that was created by giving a voice to the impoverished and their attraction to new political parties that offered an "ear"to their needs was a choice between the ways to achieve their aims. From this was spawned the urgings of a "revolutionary" message (finally taken up in the name of the FARC) that only force could make the "privileged" give up their gains. Thus, those who had virtually "anything" were provoked into trying to protect it. Few people were spared being the necessity of taking sides. My wife's family are witness to this carnage with family divisions and many dead. To my mind, this is roughly where Venezuela is today. So Desideria, are you sure you can be a critic from the comfort of your armchair in Scandinavia? Had you been in Colombia during this period what side of the fence would you have laid your bed......as, at the time, it was very difficult to take a position of equilibrium. To have socialist tendencies is one thing (I have also lived in Scandinavia and recognise their general appetite for social justice) BUT DO THE ENDS JUSTIFY THE MEANS? Do you agree it is appropriate to FORCE one's views on someone else? In short, I feel you may have allowed your personal views (which I disagree with) to have interfered with your rol;e as a moderator.

fecherklyn comments on Latest Colombian crisis news

RAAAY, You asked me to reply.....so I will. You suggested Brit must have been wrong in stating WW1 and WW2 started respectively in 1914 & 1939 ("The dates are obviously incorrect.....you surely don't suggest the USA waited 3 years before pitching in??"). I can confirm Brit cited the correct start dates. I am all the more certain as I was wounded in WW2.

fecherklyn comments on Latest Colombian crisis news

RAAAY, I have read your post concerning the dates of the 1st & 2nd World Wars and don't know what to think. Is this some humour from you that I cannot understand or was history not your best subject.

fecherklyn comments on OAS approves resolution on Colombian action in Ecuador

Apparently the presentations to the OAS meeting were televised. I did not see them but I have been informed the Colombian presentation was received by a standing ovation. In contrast, the Venezuelian and Equatorian presentations were received in stony silence. Did any of you witness this? If what I have been told is true an "unspoken" diplomatic message was passed?

fecherklyn comments on Let Colombia Win

DD, did you write the OP or is it a quote from somewhere? If a quote would you please give the source....I think it is particularly well written and may wish to repeat it elsewhere ( I contribute to a number of other forums).

fecherklyn comments on ¿how soon ?

La Campina, "killing for gain was the past, and the brits were the ultimate bandidos", I understand....I used to make cheap shots like this but then I started to think.

fecherklyn comments on What will be the solution to this conflict?

Hopefully it will be as it should be: Colombia (Goldilocks) will be wrapped on the knuckles for violating a neighbouring countries sovereignity and the worldwide foreign affairs offices will be satisfied their platitudes have been heard. The Venezuelan and Equadorian bears will huff and puff but Goldilocks will not invite them in by overly antagonising them. Goldilock's fairy godmother from North of the Border has also warned the bears she is still around. The other bears in the vicinity will wait to see what way the wind is blowing. Whilst Goldilocks and the Venezuelan and Equatorian bears exchange insults, several threats to bring each other to court are menaced. None of these threats go very far as nobody has any watertight proof to offer but in the meantime everybody else remains on the sidelines. A "Cold-War" ensues during which both bears and Goldilocks suffer differing fates. Goldilocks looses faith in her playmates and feels somewhat unhappy in solitary confinement, but some hidden friends confidentially let her know they still have faith in her. The Equatorian bear continues to huff and puff a little but in reality he is awaiting orders from his bigger brother, the Venezuelan bear.....who always brings him his dinner. The Venezuela bear is a little bemused. He has brought out all his toys but few of his friends really want to play. He cannot understand it. Up until know he was always the most popular bear....at least since he brought in the midday snacks and "mooned" the forest ranger. Spring became apparent when the Venezuela bear's family started to get hungry. He had so concentrated on Goldilocks and the forest ranger that he had forgotten his family. No nuts (most of which Goldilocks had previously supplied) had been harvested for the Cold-War winter and his children were not only ravenous....they were furious. In short, The Venezuelan bear was outcast by his own family who sought the security of other provisions. The Equatorian bear, and many others from the vicinity were in a quandry. What to believe? They had thought mighty Venezuelan bear to be their only brother but, in his demise, they realised they had many other breatheren from within the animal kingdom. The problem was which to choose. As to Goldilocks, she retired gently back into her ways. Her sturdy walls had withstood the huffs and puffs of Venezuelan bear but there were still other wild animals on her doorstep. Oh she dreamed, how can I get rid of all these problems, there is always someone who wants to take my place with a better idea on how to bring food to the table. Story to be continued.

fecherklyn comments on War has started!

Robi666 was not the only person to think this "take-out" was a high risk operation and wonder how he had/was going to cover his tracks about an operation in another nation with an opposing doctrine. It was my first reaction also and I wondered what could happen to all the initial euphoria once Chavez/Correa and the FARC themselves had got over the 1st shock. That said, Robi's playful reminder that everybody had yet to have their say was surely "over the top" for those of a more believing nature. Robi, Orson only just got away with it and he was (even then) considered a genius. Fat chances you would get away with this without some justifiable flak. That said, is everyone that has complained about Robi's post convinced that it could not represent news headlines in the next few days?

fecherklyn comments on The people who stand and applaud Chavez in his cabinet are really thinking, WTF did he say?

Mario, There are a number of different persons posting. Who exactly is "this fuxking troll" you are referring to?

fecherklyn comments on The people who stand and applaud Chavez in his cabinet are really thinking, WTF did he say?

Beisbollover, " It is obvious to me that these people do this (applaud) out of fear". I do not think "fear" is their motivation. To my mind it is a mixture of 2 emotions: (1) A form of pride from participation in something that is momentous for Venezuela. You must remember that ALL members of Venezuela's Assembly are of a like political persuasion (extreme left-wing if not Marxist). Most of the liberal "leftists/intellectuals" who originally supported Chavez have long since deserted him and what is left are mostly persons of modest circumstances now enjoying a rare delicacy......POWER. Whilst they think the world's attention is centred upon them they will cry "hoorah" to everything Chavez says. (2) Self-interest. As with every past revolution, corruption is not exterminated, it simply finds other channels. ASK ANY VENEZUELAN. I lived in Venezuela for 5 years and eventually, with much difficulty, managed to sell my house there for cash to a "party member" who, Pre-Chavez, had been unemployed for most of his life and did not have a nickel to his name. Lets just say, as in any epoch, those "in power" have too much to lose.

fecherklyn comments on

Monpirri, I will attempt a serious reply to what I understand to be a serious question. PBH has succeeded where many forums fail in that it has attracted a wide audience; participants from many parts of the world finding a variety of subject matter from which they find their taste, whether it be simple chit-chat or serious debate. However, this success could not have happened without one factor...a common denominator of some level of interest in Colombia from all its members. If one accepts all members have some level of interest in Colombia it should not be surprising if a main subject matter should not be its wellbeing. Many members feel Colombia's social problems, the FARC, the political policies of its neighbours, etc., are inter-connected with its well being. Many members will not only be "interested" they may also be concerned, even worried. It is in this context that internet forums can be a useful, new tool as they provide a simple means for people to get "off their chests" questions they may never have dared pose previously. Whatever......be it "physcological aid", desire to have serious debate...it is unlikely you will ever find a successful forum which only promotes "chit-chat" or is a mere an alternative to an internet mail service.

fecherklyn comments on Hostage drama tightens screws on Uribe's government

Agreed...agreed to all you have collectively said up to now. BUT: But what bothers me is that a lot of ink gets used without (to my mind) really addressing one major factor.....ARE THE RELEASED FARC TO BE ALLOWED TO RESUME THEIR PREVIOUS ACTIVITIES. Thats a great deal for the FARC if there are no conditions attached to what they are allowed to do.

fecherklyn comments on To those who understand the markets.....please explain

Thanks Rocinante, I think that says it all. Moral....There is little point being a Cassandre?

fecherklyn comments on To those who understand the markets.....please explain

It is true....my question did not (directly) concern exchange rates although I am as much at their mercy as many of us on this forum. Rocinante has come closest to relaying the point of this post....Why today has generally bad financial/economic data motivated the markets to jump, rather than fall? I ask this question because on many other days the daily "highlights" determine the day's trend. What makes a market movement ignore some news in preference to other? So far, Rocinante's suggestion that most of today's news has already been expected and discounted in previous market levels. This makes sense to me. But I wonder if "rose-tinted" glasses do not prevail sometimes on the market floor. Is it not possible that the interests of all those "connected" with the financial markets are to see rising levels? Is it not possible that after a certain period of morosity and market weakness there is a simple desire by those involved to "turn things around"? Naiive questions no doubt...but I do not profess to be a financial whizz-kid.

fecherklyn comments on Colombia Central Bank Raises Rates to Stem Inflation (Update1)

Tomtom, Well spotted, I took the Euro/Peso rates by mistake. The US$/Peso rates (over period 01/01/2000 to 22/02/2008) were: US$/Peso high on 21/03/2003 = 3079 US$/Peso on 22/02/2008 = 1897 = -38.4% from 21/03/2003 high. US$/Peso low on 6/06/2007 = 1875 = -39.1% from 21/03/2003 high. Source: http://fxtop.com (Official prices published by European Central Bank).

fecherklyn comments on Who really owns the USA. now ?

Cali373, "This info on here is just toooo simplistic and not thought out very well". Why do you say this? I would agree it is typical headline-searching journalism......but whilst the meal may be exaggerated, was it the fault of the ingredients? I also follow the financial press...in detail. What is sure is that new markets have opened to take up govt. debt. Some of the investors motives for taking up this govt debt needs to be tested over time to verify the age-old motives have not changed. Historically, if you needed to borrow money you went to "money -lenders" and paid "usary" according to your credit status. If you established a reputation of never making repayment, but were always searching "refinancing"...your credit rating suffered and eventually your borrowings wre secured by "less savoury" characters. Why do you think all this has changed because the USA is the borrower?

fecherklyn comments on Colombia Central Bank Raises Rates to Stem Inflation (Update1)

Some statistics have been submitted in these posts ...and then challenged. I also follow these exchange rates and found the following: Recent US$ high (over last 7 years) against C. Peso = 3,415 on June 5th 2003. Latest rate (22/02/2008) = 2,816 = - 17.5% down from 5/06/2003 high. Recent US$ low (over last 7 years) against C. Peso = 2,534 on 6/06/2007 = -25.8% down on 5/06/2003 high. These are not 50% differences but they are HIGHLY significant. Sorry I am too late to get a piece of this action but I also doubt any MATERIAL correction in the short/medium term of the US$ against the C. Peso. Classroom economics have mainly taught us that in the event of "hard times" (recession or feeble economic growth) there will be a flight of capital from emergent economies. To my mind, this economic theory was soundly based on historic reality UNTIL globalisation and latter-day developped nations governmental policy to pursue "cheap money"policies. As a consequence, I feel the viability of this old economic "law" is now severely compromised. The differentials on interest rates for currencies competing in the currency markets has now become a more important factor. Who has the better prospects for economic growth over the short/medium term? The USA or Colombia? Who offers the most attractive rates for the "carry trade" and possessors of currency liquidities? The USA or Colombia? Sure, Colombian trade may suffer from weak economic growth, especially from its main trading partner, but it still has much to offer.

fecherklyn comments on fecherklyn

Hi Brit, how old are you to be recounting these pictorals from the days of the British Raj? Still have a photo of my dad in his colonial gear (and I'm REALLY old)....the one and only time I ever saw him bare his knees in public. That was in India (Taj Mahal in top corner) but he was very reticent on his memories which, only now, makes me wonder why. He loved curry but perhaps he never got outside the barracks. Lovely weekend; The English edge a painful victory against the French ( I cannot lose here because of my double nationality although I admit I find it hard to join in the chorus of "hard work overcoming flair") and Spurs, my local team, pre-overseas relocations, finally achieved something. Isn't this an Olympic-year? Should we expat-Brits get into training to combat the hordes? I am presently reading Peter Ackroyd's "Shakespeare - The Biography" and feel cheated by Paulr's rendition of the St. Crispin's speech....the prose I usually quote to impress persons of my cultural bias. Damn him. Am actually searching for an appropriate Shakespearian reply but it doesn't help when you do not really understand anything he says.

fecherklyn comments on Colombia's ex-president slams government for hostage comments

Getting back to the main point...."What was the purpose of Santos patting himself on the back for knowing where the hostages were?". I confess to the same reaction when I heard this news..."What on earth is he doing...trying to sabotage the operation?". My reaction was apparently felt by many others....not that it has provoked any reply. The lack of response/reaction by the govt is worrying. Was this action sanctioned, or even driven by policy?

fecherklyn comments on Apartment Prices - Medellin

Bickerss, I might have something (private sale) that could interest you? Also know an extremely efficient local real estate agency that I have used several times over recent years and can recommend. If interested, send me email.

fecherklyn comments on britabroad

P.S. What is the procedure for setting up an avatar (is this word in the dictionary?) As a person who has difficulty opening the bonnet of his car...please do not make this too difficult.

fecherklyn comments on britabroad

"A nice British curry"...what is that? I used to live in the Middle East and was unfortunately befriended by many Indian families who took me to my word when I said I loved curry. I think they understood when at their first invitation I sweated several litres before their eyes. Checked your profile Brit and decided to risk associating with you. The stated appreciation of rugby AND football nearly turned me off but many gluttons for punishment have hidden qualities. Are there enough of us Brits around to get up a cricket team?

fecherklyn comments on rocinante

Rocinante, You always have something interesting, profound and pertinent to say.

fecherklyn comments on paulr

Hi Paul, Have only just learnt how to add friends so I decided to try it out on you and Britabroad (the neurones are disappearing fast!). You are both automatic choices as we Brits must stick together....but I am not sure about being friends. Could you both send me some reassuring info like bank account details, photos of your wives/companions, a reference from your local MP/bobby....you know the type of thing. Then perhaps we can progress to the next stage. Nothing to worry about from me....my wife will vouch I am really nice.

fecherklyn comments on 3,500 endangered turtles rescued in Colombia

Spectacular, thank you Sloop, Atrevido and Gatogris for the atmosphere

fecherklyn comments on Pdvsa's net profits plunge 68 percent (Tio Hugo's oil company)

Agreed Podborski, and an even closer scrutiny of PDVSA's accounts would show the situation is worse than imagined. But these disclosures will only confirm a picture to those who are already convinced. Colombia's middle-class and business sectors will not be surprised by these figures. Unfortunately, the working (& non-working) classes, a majority of the potential electorate, are unlikely to see, or take note, of this news. Colombia will not be "free" of the fear of Chavez style "socialism" until some of the cake comes their way IMO.

fecherklyn comments on France sees Lula role in Colombia hostage talks

This could be a carefully meditated plan from France and Colombia: -Colombia wanting to appease international opinion about there lack of humanitarian concern but needing a credible intermediary who WAS NOT CHAVEZ. -France needing to deflect internal criticism for having "trusted" Chavez but needing to maintain momentum in a hostage exchange if they were not to lose face. It could be the best option if the FARC wish to recoup credibility within European liberalism.

fecherklyn comments on This isn't me. I resent your insinuation

Mr. H & Rocinante, For several hours a violent storm has seemingly passed several feet above our heads. The dog has sought sanctuary beneath our bed and I switched off all the main electrical equipments in accordance with my grandmothers counsel (am I the last person in the world to do this?). But why do I mention this? Because it gave me a while to reflect on what you both said: "If it is not you, why resent it?". "I have the sense to know when I am, or I am not, part of a generalisation". I think I have profited from this interval of time as, after consideration, I must agree your observations are valid. The title of this thread was poorly chosen; at least to the extent that "I resent it" incorrectly expressed what I wanted to communicate. Now I realise I started this thread after a conversation with a local lady I had previously met several times took me into her confidence and decided to speak openly. Essentially, what she had to say was that "now she knew me" she realised I was not "like all the other gringos". We discussed what she meant by "like all the other gringos". In short, her image was an assortiment of everything negative that is said on PBH. More important to my mind was her admittance I was the only foreigner she had really met. I was motivated to commence this thread with the above in mind. Generalisations will always exist....YES. However generalisations are of various sorts ranging from the good-natured to the outightly malicious. To my mind only education and evidence can correct those that are maliciously unjust. Thus my grouse is not necessarily with those who repeat harmful over-generalisations but rather more with those that SPONSOR THEM. Yes...I believe it is a harmful over-generalisation to advocate that ALL male foreigners residing/visiting Colombia are here for one purpose only. Some PBH'ers are notorious for sponsoring such infamies. The other point of view needs to be defended.

fecherklyn comments on

Medoblado, IMO this was an interesting and amusing thread until you came along

fecherklyn comments on This isn't me. I resent your insinuation

Medoblado, Yes, I have read your posts on both threads. I have thought hard on how best to reply….and finally decided “Why bother�? A little suggestion for you……look up bigot and malice in the dictionary.

fecherklyn comments on

"Thats because us N. Americans are too busy kicking ass all over the world so you Euro's can sit at home on your computers all day posting comments while riding our coattails!" Ouch Medoblado...that hurt. Where are you kicking my arse from? Behind your computer? Please pas the buns.

fecherklyn comments on

I felt a little bit down today but then found this thread which soon had me chuckling and left me admirative. Chuckling with the quick-fire wit and admirative of the perception about over-generalised perceptions. By the way, as a scorekeeper I find it 7 rounds to the Europeans v/s 2 to the N. Americans. A quick start from some impetuous N. Americans but the style and stamina of the Europeans leave them well ahead at this advanced stage. Bravo paulrr and britabroad, your repartee reminds me of an agility I am now denied as an "old fart". The British part of me is proud of you...but are you really representing Europe? Gatogris, I love and admire your comments....but who are you? With no meaningful memory nowadays it seems I hit the profile button every time I read your posts to see what you "are about". But "Nada". Are you shy? And isn't there a missing voise on this thread? The title asks "How do the Colombians feel......?" Are you trying to remain neutral? P.s I lived for some time in Japan and they thought both N. Americans AND Europeans smelt very bad.

fecherklyn comments on Property pricing in Colombia. Is there any logic?

Sloop, Yeah, I don't suppose there is a valid general rule about the quality of old v/s new. I know my wife swears by "traditional" construction, whatever that is, as opposed to the "plywood" modern models (unless you pay a fortune). It also depends on where we are talking about. Medellin (particularly Poblado), is supposedly undermined by subteranium rivers which scare the life out of me when I get neck-ache looking at 25th floor penthouses. How much truth there is in all this I don't know. As to the rising COP, I think most of us "expatriates" have similar concerns. In this context, I take the view that as somebody who intends to stay here long term I reason I hedge my risks better by getting involved in the local economy. So far, it has been swings and roudabouts for me; unrealised capital gains on rapidly appreciating COP property investments versus a declining ability of my "offshore" incomes to pay for my local cost of living. In the end I think you need to "want to stay in Colombia".

fecherklyn comments on Property pricing in Colombia. Is there any logic?

Sloop, Not sure about the property tax issue in Colombia, but I agree if exoneration exists it could be relevant to the discussion. But I am not sure I agree with your comments on structural differences between new and old. My experience has been to the contrary with the older structures often being of a superior quality to the new. Our old apartment in the centre has marble and exotic wood parquet flooring and inter-apartment insulation which left us in total privacy. Our latest apartment benefits from tv/radio cost economies (we can listen to next door's) and listen to their bed creak as they get into it.

fecherklyn comments on Chavez Threatens US Oil Cutoff

People and the media need to get real about this news. It is NOT so sensational as it sounds. These court orders "freezing" PDVSA assets is NOT such a big deal as it sounds; it is a fairly normal legal exercise during the early stages of international arbitration hearings. These orders only deny PDVSA the right to DISPOSE of assets in the targetted locations. Thus, whilst PDVSA cannot sell these assets (which could be the vital consideration for any arbitration award against them) they can continue to use and operate them. Result....PDVSA operations are in no way affected although their financial costs could be increased by virtue of the markets increasing their risk premiums. This has become a media circus with the popular press trying to generate headlines based on exaggerated risks. Chavez has likewise seen (yet another) opportunity to lambast capitalism and its empire. Don't fall into the trap.

fecherklyn comments on Wine Climate fridge in Colombia?

You can find them in the Casa-Magna outlets to be found in most major town/cities.