fosth has left 132 comments

fosth comments on Chicas Aguila 2006

Try here http://www.cervezaaguila.com/minisite_chicas_2006/index2.php

fosth comments on Chicas Aguila 2006

Gold Dust SPECTRASORT
Every time i go to Colombia i try and buy a Chica Aguila poster and never can get one. I'm sure the owners of bars could make money selling them as they get them free but seem loth to sell!
Your best bet is to go to the Aguila website there's a Chica Aguila section where you can download a desktop calendar which changes every month, which is probably what the photos they were taking are for.

I was lucky enough to meet to of the Chicas (Zaire and Paola Buendia) in Plaza Bolivar in Bogota. Both were absolutly stunning. Why don't you share your photos with us?

fosth comments on Colombia compared to OTHER SA COUNTRIES

Sorry Kernow Wrong on that point, When i flew to Peru last year the Colombian Rugby team were on their way to the South American championships.
Although they aren't at the same standard as Argentina and Uraguay they do have a team.

fosth comments on Scuba or snorkling

I'd second what Mr Hollywood says. Took my PADI open water with Poseidon in Taganga and was really impressed with their service,equipment and staff.
Heard some stories off other people about other dive schools in Taganga that offer cheaper courses but weren't as professional (i.e. Giving people half full tanks to dive with etc).

Even if you don't stay in Taganga you can get there in a bus or taxi in under 10 Minutes.

fosth comments on Do you carry a weapon when you travel? Would you like to?

Decoy bundles and Fake wallets may help but a friend of mine got robbed by two guys in Central Bogota on the same street as a popular nightclub (He could see the Q)
He was heading there to meet me and some friends after an english class, two guys cornered him, one with a knife to his throat while the other searched him! Took the money out of his pockets and his wages from the lesson that he'd hidden in his shoe!
Now having a knife may of helped him but i think he'd been more likely to end up injured or dead still without his money. If they're really serious about robbing you they will!
I'm sure GIB will have some good input on this.

fosth comments on Petroleum industry

BP is investing heavily in the industry in Colombia. Looking at their website they generally only employ Colombian nationals.

fosth comments on Looking for the cheapest ticket London-Bogota (via Spain) for October...help!

I'm flying with Iberia in September but bboked in June and so was realtivly cheap. They're currently doing a deal flying from Madrid for 520 Euros but you've got to book in the next five days.
Otherwise AirComet plus are cheap flying from Madrid.

fosth comments on Juanes Tickets

Cheers Thanks Claudia
Look promising. No word of the concert on there yet but i'll check nearer the date.

fosth comments on Query: Buying tickets in Bogota

Sen You don't need a Colombian address, all you need are 3 phone numbers. These can be in any country as the website has drop downs for this.
As for the frequent flyer program just check the 'no' box before you confirm the flights.
It took me 3 attemps before i got my reservation, the site is user friendly when it is working though.

fosth comments on Query: Buying tickets in Bogota

I was in the same boat (well plane) Sen
I was in the same situation as i need to get to Santa Marta the day after i arrive in BOG.
I had a few problems on the website similar to you as it kept asking me to ring the info line. However i'd heard of the increse in price due to booking on the phone.
Therefore i continued to try the site. My spanish isn't great but i managed to navigate it ok as it's similar to most other airlines sites and succededthrough trial and error.
Once they get your reservation they'll email you to confirm the they debit your account/card.
I'm in the UK so was the only viable option other than paying double through Expedia.com
Keep trying untill you get success,it will be worth it. If you need any more info PM me.

fosth comments on Employment Agencies in Colombia...

Try www.manpower.com.co
Think they're based in Cali.
or
www.adecco.com.co

fosth comments on Names of Mixed Drinks in Colombia

Not very Cuban Kat
I think Bacardi in the UK is made in Southampton!

fosth comments on rugby untion coverage

Probably Fox sports would cover it.
I caught some of the Autum internationals last year between England and the Southern Hemisphere nations when i was in Colombia.

fosth comments on Gift ideas to bring *back* from Colombia

The Villegas books are excellent and cheaper than buying them on amazon ehre in the UK. Diesel Jeans are cheaper than here in UK too.

I like to bring back as much Aguadiente Antiqueno as i can. I love it but it's always good to see peole's faces the first time they try it at parties!!

fosth comments on

Maybe it will take more time. GIB
Like you initially said in the US you were not always recieved well at first. Perhaps in Bogota it will just take a bit more time. I found people in the south were suspitious of me when i went to places they wouldn't expect a tall blond white guy. Always asked 'what was i doing there?'.
I think you need to just prove to them what you're there for and how good you are and earn their respect. If you slip up they'll jump on the mistake as your an easy target. Don't give up mate I know how difficult it is to not be able to train/compete in your chosen sport. Hope you sort it out.

fosth comments on My best wishes for PBH member in London,Hope you all alright

You're not wrong,it is. Along with Italy and numerous other countries.

fosth comments on Jennifer Lopez demands an entire Mall closed for her

I don't get this Why does she need to go shopping in Bogota. Surely she could get everything she needs in LA or NY. Is it that she's looking for a bargin? If that's the case then she should go to San Andresito!!!

fosth comments on My best wishes for PBH member in London,Hope you all alright

Poland,Ukraine and all the other members of the 'Coallition of the willing'

fosth comments on My best wishes for PBH member in London,Hope you all alright

There's been no word about who's responsible yet. You're probably right though Sylvie. However I think it was planned to coincide with the G8 summit.
Plus 30 dead, last report!!!

fosth comments on My best wishes for PBH member in London,Hope you all alright

I know what you mean. It's been inevitable really when you think what's happened in Madrid. Uk has escaped lightly recently.
All seems to have come to a head. Live8, G8, Olympics, perfect timing!

fosth comments on My best wishes for PBH member in London,Hope you all alright

Kat glad to hear you're ok too.

fosth comments on My best wishes for PBH member in London,Hope you all alright

Cheers Kat Luckily i'm in Winchester. Hope the other guys are ok.
Elation to shock in space of 24 hours who would've guessed?

fosth comments on How much Spanish required?

Crazy Eagle A few months ago i saw a job advert in the Time Education Supplement for a teaching job at an International school in Bogota. They wanted native english speaking Science and Maths teachers. Didn't mention anything about speaking spanish.
Check
http://www.tes.co.uk/

fosth comments on Anyone else get this Private Message

kat1 You must be more popular than me, this was my first one! Got an email alert and everything.

fosth comments on Anyone else get this Private Message

It's back again!! Recieved today.

From: tk4ull
To: fosth
Subject: FROM MISS TINA KOUASSI
Date: Wed, 07/06/2005 - 13:16

FROM MISS TINA KOUASSI
12 BP 1046 ABIDJAN COTE D IVORIE
WEST AFRICA
APPEAL FOR HELP

DEAR,
permit me to inform you of my desire of going
into business relationship with you , l got your
name and contact through the help of a friend who works in internet here in Abidjan and I prayed over it and selected your name among other names due to its esteeming nature and the recommendation by the director for a reputable and trustworthy person l can do business with and by the recommendation l must not hesitate to confid in you for this simple and sincere business.

l am MISS TINA KOUASSI, the only daughter of late mr and mrs CHRISTOPHER KOUASSI.My father was a very wealthy cocoa merchant in Abidjan here, the economic capital of Ivory Coast, he was poissoned to death by his business associates on one of their outings on business.
My mother died on the 20th october 1988 and my father
took me so special because l am motherless.
Before the death of my father on 29th november
2002 in a private hospital here in Abidjan, he
secretly called me on his bedside,when I sat down to listen to him, he started crying, why?(1) he conplained that I am too young to be managing my life, (2)that I have not finished my university education as he planned for me,(3)no body to take care of me again as a young girl, but after much crying, he still passed an instruction to me that he has a sum of US$9.500.000.(NINE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED STATES DOLLARS) left in a fixed/suspense account in one of the prime banks here in Abidjan, that he used my name as the only daughter for his next of kin in deposit of the funds.
He also explained to me that it was because of this wealth that he was posisoned by his business associates , that l should seek for a God fearing foreign partner in a country of my choice where l will transfer this money and use it for proper investment purpose ,that I must finish my university education by the help of a business partner abroad,that he or she should help me obtain a resident permit in his or her country.
He also gave an out standing instrution to the bank that the money must be transfered outside this country before use, this is to make sure that I did not begin to make use of the money here so that his enemies will not get at me.
Sir, I am now ready to do all these since my father my bread winner is no more.
Sir l am honourable seeking your assistance in the
following ways.
( 1) to provide a bank account into which this money
will be transfered to.
(2) to serve as my gaurdian in your country while I will depend on your expert advise since l am a girl of 23 years.
( 3 ) to make arrangement for me to come over to your
country in order to further my university education
and to secure a residential permit for me in your country.
Moreover sir, l am willing to offer you 15% of the
total sum as compensation for your effort /input after
the successfull transfer of this funds to your account
overseas.
Furthermore, you can indicate your option towards
assisting me as l believed that this project would be
concluded within fourteen ( 14 ) days you signify
interest to assist me.
Hoping to hearing from you soonest.
May God bless you as you extend your helping hand to a needy fellow.
Email:tk4um1 at yahoo.ca

Best wishes
TINA KOUASSI

She was kind enough to leave a post on the photo blog as well!

fosth comments on OPINIONS ON LEARNING SPANISH

MacGringo Miamimike is correct, i found i lernt more spanish just through total immersion and just chatting to who ever would listen. This was usually in bars and resulted in a few dates,getting slapped and generally a good laugh. I studied at a uni in Bogota at the same time but found the university of life was better!

fosth comments on Where can I get really cheap flight tickets to colombia

Think it depends were your flying from.
Don't know about the US but from europe Iberia,Air France and Air COmet plus seem to be the cheapest. Generally flying from Spain seems to be cheap.

fosth comments on Manizales?

Cockeny is right. Chinchina,Solento,Armenia,etc. The whole area is amazing. Don't know Manizales but can imagine it's as nice as the other cities and towns in the area.

fosth comments on PBH member's photo blogs

cockney_colombian Damm why does everything have to be in London!!! Have to try and get to Brixton next time i'm in London.
Cheers for the info anyway, do they sell Colombiana?

fosth comments on

If 29 and 36 are the european sizes then that relates to:
Child size 11 through to Adult 3.5 in the UK
Child size 11.5 through to Adult 4 in the US and Canada

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

tomtom33 I was going to say the same. Surely the Magdalena has a tidal bore. All the great rivers have them.
Me and a few friends surf the river Severn here in the UK. Sometimes have 5ft waves. The Magdalena must be able to beat that!

fosth comments on Legalize Now!

ColombianoX "Can you imagine your dentist, your attorney, your local police force, or even your childrens teachers showing up to work high?"

What is to say they're not already turning up for work High?
In case you've foregotten the drugs are currently on the streets for the people who want them. I don't think legalisation is going to get everyone snorting.
Look at Holland, all the professionals you mention there aren't turning up to work stoned!

fosth comments on PBH member's photo blogs

Nice pictures Silvia
Looking at the picture of the fruit next to the juicer is making me thirsty!!! Wish i could get guanabana in the UK!

fosth comments on PBH member's photo blogs

Nice pictures Silvia
Looking at the picture of the fruit next to the juicer is making me thirsty!!! Wish i could get guanabana in the UK!

fosth comments on questions about colombia

martinico I'll answer these to the best of my knowledge.

1. In general Bogota is safe with regards to the armed conflict in other parts ofthe country. The main problem in Bogota is Petty crime (Thefts,Muggings,etc) but that's the same as any other big city. I spent 2 months there and had no incidents.
2. It is possible to travel by bus and is generally safe if you're travelling between the major cities(ie. Bogota - Cali). I travelled on some night buses without problems but again this was on the main routes.
3. Haven't been to Leticia but i hear it's great, only problem seems to be the humidity
4. One beer,Hmmm from what i remember it depends what bars you're in. In the north expect to pay prices similar to Europe/US up to 5000 pesos. Central Bogota pay about 1500/2000pesos. In the supermarkets around the 1000 peso mark.
5. I found good quality cheap almuerzos (set meals) for around $1.50 (3500 pesos). This will be a soup, plate of meat/chicken with rice,plantano possibly beans and what ever else they've bought to cook and washed down with the juice of the day.
Any other questions send me a personal message.

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

As mentioned , i don't think you'll find all your prerequisits in one Colombian city.
So What about Lima. Miraflores has everytihng you need as long as you can put up with the Peruvians!

fosth comments on warnings about CO

p2000 Are you planning a trip to Colombia?

fosth comments on warnings about CO

p2000 Do you worry every time you leave your house?
DO the people of New York worry every time they go to work in their sky scrapers? Do the people in Madrid worry every time they catch a train? Do the people of Manchester worry everytime they go shopping? Getting the point here?
Most people in Colombia go about their daily lives without thinknig of the dangers in their country. True terrible things happen but they do all over the world.

fosth comments on Coffee in Colombia

Keeping the beans in the freezer is the best way of storing them long term. Eliminates all Gman mentions

fosth comments on Coffee in Colombia

Colombian compared to Brazilian Having spent some time in Chinchina and living on a coffee farm, my host was a guy who used to work for Cenicafe (Colombian coffe reaserch facility). I asked him why Colombians are so proud of their coffee and why it's superior to Brazilian.
He explanied that part of it is due to the way it is farmed and where it is grown. As most of us know Colombian coffee is grown in the Colombian andes and so has access to clean/cool air, rain and sun.
Brazilian coffee is grown at lower altitudes and generally more humid conditions.
The farming process is also different. In brazil the picking process is in general entirely mechanised with the beans picked off the tree by machines. In Colombia this is done entirely by hand and so only the ripe beans are picked. These are then de-pulped (by machine) and washed twice and bad beans removed. This too is done by hand but is being replaced by mechanisation. In Brazil the whole process is generally entirely mechanised. Factored with an inferior bean, it's easy to see why Colombian is better.
http://www.cenicafe.org

fosth comments on Article on infideltity in COL by El tiempo..

As the saying goes... Why have a hamburger when you've got a steak at home?
Well sometimes all you want is a hamburger!!

fosth comments on Glass on Table Tops and plastic seat covers

In the UK they do the same sort of thing but instead of a hat they make it into a dress for a barbie style doll and cover the loo roll with that(The dolls legs going inside the tube)!
I've never known why, maybe the thought of leaving a toilet roll uncovered is disturbing or that it's a nice decoration for the bathroom!!

fosth comments on Glass on Table Tops and plastic seat covers

And grandmothers!! What is it with old ladies and doilies?

fosth comments on Comparing Climates

Sorry Gomezman5 Just read Caslug's comment straight after yours. Don't mean to get into another discussion/argument with you again about Climate/altitude.

fosth comments on Comparing Climates

Gomezman5 "In reality, I think the climates of Lima and Bogota are similar. Both tend to be consistently cooler. Both are situated at high elevations. Both see a lot of rain."

Sorry for being pedantic but i can't see how you can consider Lima and Bogota being at similar high altitudes? One is 2600m up in the andes the other is by the sea, hence at see level!!!

However, I would say Lima is slightly warmer. I left Bogota for Lima in October and noticed the difference. The smog was very similar though

fosth comments on CARLO

Paul What area of England are you in? A Colombian friend of mine has just arrived here in the Southampton area. She speaks perfect english and teaches spanish. She will be able to give you info on Colombia. I was there last year and will be going back soon so i know quite a bit about Colombia but i'm no expert. Send me a personal message if you want any more info.

fosth comments on Everything about Pereira (capital of gorgeous girls)

And another thing cockney_colombian Were you calling me a hooligan?

fosth comments on Let's Suppose that Drugs are Legalized. Now What?

tomtom33 and caslug Tomtom, Ok i realise i've made an error in Cocaine and Coke are not addictive. My reason for posting was not to get into an argument with you about which drugs are more addictive than others.
All i was trying to say was that highly addictive drugs and one which has particularly serious violent side effects on the user are both Legal. Cannabis and Coke which have none of these side effects are illegal. Also that prohibition isn't working and that there are benefits to legalizing drugs.
Now i'm man enough to no i made a mistake in what i said, now move on and actually join the discussion and let us know your thoughs on the initial post.

caslug
Great post, exactly what i was thinking but put in a better way. Extremely well written
caslug

fosth comments on Let's Suppose that Drugs are Legalized. Now What?

lpdiver But did your addiction start because you tried less addictive forms first then worked you way up to the harder types?
ie. Calenas, costenas

fosth comments on Let's Suppose that Drugs are Legalized. Now What?

COLOMBICHE OK, stand corrected.
From what i've found Cannabis and Cocaine are generally taken for a purpose, either to chill out or on a night out for more confidence. There is not as much of a psychological need that there is with Heroin, Tobacco and crack.

My point is though that people get addicted to everyday drugs (Painkillers),Tobacco and Alcohol. All which are commonly available without prescription. Alcohol possibly has the worse side effects on a person in relation to their surrounding ( Violence, vancdalism, etc). Cannabis and Cocaine users don't have this aggresive nature. MAybe some do but in general i've found then placid!