frankdeboca has left 23 comments

frankdeboca comments on Ask not for whom the consteno hisses, he hisses for thee...

Learn something new.... Learn something new every day, right? Guess this is all news to me because I figured that there actually was no hissing, and that it was actually mental telepothy! HAHAHAHAHAHA

Guess all those stares and wrinkled foreheads isn't telepathic concentration after all! HAHAHAHAHA

A curious question comes to mind; do you notice when the men are all hissing and you know for sure it is NOT for you? Sorry, it's in my nature to ask such things... ;-)

~The key to immortality is to first live a life worth remembering...

frankdeboca comments on Marrying a Colombian man

CaritadeAngel ... I was reading this thread today and saw all of your comments. Don't you think that entering ANY relationship, in particularly a legally binding one, that it is best to always consider and plan for all outcoming possibilities? If I was to follow your proclamations to their logical conclusion I would find the formula "A+B=C" without exception (which never works). An example... If God is love, and love is blind... then Ray Charles must be God. HAHAHAHAHAHAH

In the end we are all humans with frailties and imperfections, and to be honest looking for a perfect man or a man with the traits you espouse only means that there will have to be, by human nature, other things missing or lacking to balance the person you speak of. Choosing a man or woman that will put you on a pedestal above all else in this world (if that is what you truly want) will create more problems than solve. A healthy relationship will involve compromises and growth by both people. I think they used to call this concept "maturity"

As the saying goes; beware what you ask for... you just might get it. I really don't understand the entire "cowardice" stuff your spitting out, but if thats your opinion - cool. As for me, I prefer to think the cowards would be more likely to be the people entering a marriage with closed eyes and unwilling to admit the realties of human nature to themselves - and coping with them or conquering them. But hey, just my opinion ...


~The key to immortality is to first live a life worth remembering...

frankdeboca comments on Marrying a Colombian man

Wow... In spite of your obvious personal pain attached to this posting I must agree with some reservation to your premise. I have seen many men in Colombia espouse this expectation in a relationship, but to be honest I have seen the same thing here in the good ole' USA with barflys and crazy nights in Vegas, South Beach, Bahamas or Jamaica. US men cheat in Costa Rica and the women cheat in Jamaica - like a right of passage. And we don't rule the world in divorces for nothing. Of course the Europeans are catching up fast and let's not even begin to discuss the way Brazileans play that game.

I guess what I am saying is that not all Colombian men are like that, and in the end men are men all over the world. In the end have a good prenup and and just keep reminding him of the 1/2 of everything you'll get plus the alimony and whatever else your US attorney can come up with.

No guarantees in life or love... go in with your eyes open wide and watch for the little tell tale signs - same as you would an American man you are dating. My father said it best for me when he said "... if you aren't 100% sure and don't trust 100% than listen to your gut and avoid the pain..."

Good luck either way...

~The key to immortality is to first live a life worth remembering...

frankdeboca comments on Drama

Love to laugh at the shield... Most of my family are policemen and the shield is a riot for us to watch- put back a few beers and it's waaaay better. Couldn't find a more unrealistic "cop's life" story if you tried. In washington D.C., where I am from, any one or more of those cops would last about 5 minutes acting like that--- in D.C. that "tough guy" crap will get you 6 foot under quick... I am told it is pretty much the same everywhere else with a few exceptions.

Just what we needed, a TV show making people think all cops are criminals with badges and guns... if it isn't hard enough to get people to trust you this kind of crap on TV will definately stick a fork in it for us...

That's ok... I am sure the tone of the show will change after one of the TV exec's gets rolled or car-jacked... suddenly all cops will be good again... go figure... like everything else these days... self-serving politics of the day.

~The key to immortality is to first live a life worth remembering...

frankdeboca comments on I am interested in traveling to Colombia how well will I be received.

uhhhhhhhh... mecca Yes, really mecca. Why the sarcasm? My statement is correct and applies. I was not speaking about whether or not the man can get laid, I was speaking of general acceptence. Sarcasm without rationale is a waste of time... be specific if you think I am full of it... I'll be happy to back up my experiences. By the way... I am sure each of us has different experiences, but mine have been good... and that includes traveling with friends of mine that just happen to be african american.


~The key to immortality is to first live a life worth remembering...

frankdeboca comments on I am interested in traveling to Colombia how well will I be received.

Being black or tan or white... You won't have any problems with the color of your skin... you'll enjoy your time there. Your reception is more dependent on whether or not you are the typical arrogant American or European tourist there. If you show respect and show genuine interest they will respond well, but like anywhere else, if you travel there and act arrogant you will be received poorly. Down there your attitude and actions are waaaaaaaaaaaay more important than your skin color in this regard.


~The key to immortality is to first live a life worth remembering...

frankdeboca comments on We're number five!

Crime? Here? Tell me it aint so... You mean a culture founded in violence and ethnic cleansing, and a culture with only 26 years of peace in the last 2 centuries would also have violence now in the streets? Really? jajajajaja

Born a gringo and proud of it, but when people speak of violence they never seem to take into the equation just how violent our culture is here. I firmly believe that in any area you choose we are an incredibly violent culture. Shootings, rapes, murders, kidnappings for deportation to other countries, car-jackings, racial, gang, societal, religious... on and on. You name it... we got it here.

As I said in another posting... don't throw stones when you live in a glass house. We need to clean up our own stuff before we start judging other cultures. Just travel with caution and do your due diligence... hell, you wouldn't travel to Miami or NYC or Philly without first taking precautions... why drop your guard because your in a foreign country?

I laugh when I see a tourist bitching about being robbed when he is sitting on the plane in his shorts, hawaain shirt, black socks and sandals, and a years wages in gold jewelry... gee, could you be more of a target... anywhere? JAJAJAJA

~The key to immortality is to first live a life worth remembering...

frankdeboca comments on Hotel question?

Yes... For price and overall comfort I like the hotel Intercontinental. It is up the hillside with a great view and a bit outside of town so you don't have to be in the thick of things every moment. Security is good and although not a 5 star (4 star US equivalent) like the Dann Carlton it is a nice place.

~The key to immortality is to first live a life worth remembering...

frankdeboca comments on What is the best Way to change Money in Colombia ?

Thanks vic... Good idea vic - will try it next time - thanks

~The key to immortality is to first live a life worth remembering...

frankdeboca comments on Buying property in Colombia

Caution is always suggested... Same as here in the states, use caution and really get a feel for he city you want to move to. In your case private schools, jobs, security, and ease of access to malls and such. Prefer the beach or the city... all things to consider. Cartagena is more fun but probably not the best choice for a family, Bogota and Cali are great also for access to malls and other "city things" and also job availability, but travel will be required for any beach ventures you take. Another choice is Barranquilla or Santa Marta. Decide your criteria, then visit these places. Do the same due diligence you would here in the states. Also keep in mind that utilities are not easy to switch over in some places and if you can rent or buy and get the current owner to help you switch the utilities into your name this will save you alot of pain. A good realtor will help you in this if you make it clear up front for them.

In general renting is always best in the beginning so you can move if you don't like the location. Once you live there it is a good bet you will find you like it better someplace else - closeness to schools or whatever.


~The key to immortality is to first live a life worth remembering...

frankdeboca comments on What is the best Way to change Money in Colombia ?

Options... Afraid the "best" way is going to be personal choice. You can change your money in any casa de cambio located in many places such as the airport and most shopping malls ... in the small street sections also. Each will have a different exchange rate but most are fairly accurate. ATM's are an excellent way to get your money in COP's and most of the major banks' ATM's there will readily accept your card. Pay what you can with your VISA (seems the most readily preferred over Mastercard and AMEX) and avoid street vendors (the money is often fraudulent) and dont use the hotel exchange unless you really have to (their exchange rate will be horrible). You will need the COP's because it always seems a 50/50 shot that when you buy something from the little corner store they will not be certain of the exchange rate of the day. On the other hand I've been stuck before with only gringo dollars after hours and no ATM nearby... in this case a local jeweler is a good bet- they will usually be happy to exchange for the US dollar if they have the COP's on them for the trade- just be fair with them in the exchange rate (you will have to negotiate the price). COP's are much easier and faster.



~The key to immortality is to first live a life worth remembering...

frankdeboca comments on GRINGOS LIVING IN COLOMBIA

Hey there... JMCana is right on the money with this. Plenty of gringoes in Colombia. You will find a large population (relative of course) in Bogota in particular. Most tend to live on the north side... in particular you will find Americanos and Europeans in the Andino section of town. I imagine it is because it feels more like the US than most other places there.

Keep in mind that Colombia has many challenges as well as benefits and is an acquired taste. I would suggest you spend some time there and get a feel for it before you make the "move", as you should do with any move to another country. You will want to establish some local friends and contacts (seem to be quite a few right here in this forum that might help with this), get a feel for different cities (each has it's own flavor), and determine which you feel most comfortable in. Also check for work if you will require a job as this can be a challenge also.

Banking, Identification (cedular), and simple things like getting your utilities turned on can be challenges as you need to remember that having credit with the American banks does not equal having credit with Colombia banks. Some things will be easier than a move from Las Vegas to Miami, but some things will be more difficult as well.

Most people I know that have made the move have also opted to sell their furniture and belongings here and buy new when they arrive because freight container prices and tariffs can be high. This applies also to vehicles as Colombia will only allow you to import a vehicle manufactured in the same year you move there (ie: 2007 model currently). Vehicles are more expensive there in comparison to here and this also will apply to electronics. Keeping a US address and bank account will allow you to buy electronics here and have them shipped to you there - should save you a few "bones".

El Tiempo is a good newspaper with alot of resources in it. Read it online to get a feel for things or subscribe.

Hope this helps...

~The key to immortality is to first live a life worth remembering...

frankdeboca comments on * Mexican illegals vs. Colombian illegals

Language barriers... It would seem that language is a HUGE item here in this forum. For what it is worth I cannot agree with anyone who says they have no respect for a person that only speaks one language. This is a generalization and shows extreme arrogance and false pride. I know plenty of people who speak well in several languages and yet remain completely horrible people in spite of this ability. Education does not make you a better person... the application of the education does. Remember that "wisdom" is merely "the application of knowledge". So being an elitist because of language to me is no different than being an elitist because of skin color or hair color.


~The key to immortality is to first live a life worth remembering...

frankdeboca comments on with norte americans much cruel rude

Lisa Zee... Nobody is trying to be mean or rude to this woman. We are just having fun with this posting which makes little sense in any language. As for her seeking a fiance ... that would be strange since she is clearly married in this foto... Can you really blame us for concentrating on her beauty? A work of art is a work of art ... can't knock a guy for appreciating it ;-)

No offense is intended - just guys having fun


~The key to immortality is to first live a life worth remembering...

frankdeboca comments on Colombian Chicas - Someone please explain!

Lot's of advice here I see... I would say from my experiences in Colombia that offers in clubs of a major city can be 50/50 if you are good looking. In the end you just have to use judgement. Same as here in the states... if she likes you in a place where you appear to be a "regular guy" then you have a chance for a real woman... on the other hand in a club dressed to kill you look like a lottery ticket on two legs and you can't really blame them for trying to win that lottery now can ya' ?

Just relax and enjoy yourself - if you hook up - great! If something more comes from it - better! If you go looking to get a wife than you will definitely waste your time. Relax and enjoy the ride man... if you get a wife one day there- cool. Don't sweat the details.

~The key to immortality is to first live a life worth remembering...

frankdeboca comments on Cost of Living for 1 Month in Colombia

Costs... As everyone says here... depends on the lifestyle you want to live. Cartagena is definitely more fun! A good hotel there for a good price is the hotel Charlotte, but you could do a short term rental easier if you can find someone here with an apartment or condo for rent. There is a guy there who has pretty good contacts and can help - check out his website: http://www.apts.8k.com/

Hope it helps

~The key to immortality is to first live a life worth remembering...

frankdeboca comments on hilarious !

A suggestion... I wouldn't worry about it to be honest. If this guy can grab her, let him have her. After all if she is loyal - she is loyal. If she is not loyal then she is not. That is the way I handle it in my life and it works well. I figure if a guy can sweep my girl away then he has saved me the heartache and trouble of a future break-up. Makes it easier to move on to another woman anyway - jajajajajaja ;-)


~The key to immortality is to first live a life worth remembering...

frankdeboca comments on

Been there... done that... I have been there several times and my last trip was this past January. That being said I can say it is a small town basically with good nightlife and rodeo if you get there in season, but for the most part it is just a place to relax for many people and not really a tourist mecca. The bar-b-que is great there though and definitely a must if you go. The center of town is small but nice and you wont really have a difficult time getting around. There isn't really much "eco-tourism" there either but the surrounding area is pretty nice.

As a previous writer said... 3 day doses is about it. After that boredom will certainly kick in. Great place to relax with your girl though for a few days if you want to get out of bogota for a few days.

~The key to immortality is to first live a life worth remembering...

frankdeboca comments on * Mexican illegals vs. Colombian illegals

Correction taken... Simon,

Thank you for the correction, and it is well taken, however the premise of my statement still holds true. I don't really care about the bulk of this argument to be honest... I only wanted to make clear that one must spend more time understanding the big picture and all of it's effects before one decides to judge the very people and culture one chooses to benefit from. Bite the hand that feeds you? I believe the truth in this statement holds true in any culture and political belief.

I feel for the plight of the immigrants, after all we are all immigrants in some way ... including indians, aztecs and mayans ... but this fact does not excuse illegal behavior - ever. Sorry to be so bold but sometimes the truth is a bitter pill to swallow. We are not perfect here ... far from it ... but I cannot excuse a person (of any culture) stealing from me and my family and then complaining that it isn't enough.

I believe the energy would be better spent trying to industrialize mexico and to make its own economy better so the desire would be to stay there and profit and live well. But most take the easy way out and prefer to do the things the "easy way" and not invest in the mexican infrastructure. The brainpower and educational system is there, but rather than return home in an effort to improve the system in mexico most choose to remain here ... thus exponentially worsening the problems.

Remember to pull the rafter from your eye before trying to remove the splinter from mine... this is not directed to you Simon, but all people who choose to look the other way when this is happening. Hope you can respect my position in this.


~The key to immortality is to first live a life worth remembering...

frankdeboca comments on with norte americans much cruel rude

What? -- Que??? Man, in any language and with any translator this makes no sense at all... however being a man I happily look beyond this to see the beautiful woman in the foto - and suddenly I can't seem to remember what it was she was saying in the first place... jajajajaja

frankdeboca comments on * Mexican illegals vs. Colombian illegals

Your full of it ... You complain about bigotry and yet you seem to have more of it than anyone else here. What makes you think the mexican people have rights to this country without processing visa's legally like everyone else? Before you judge this policy of ours "bro" - better take a hard look at the mexican policy for imigrants from nicaragua, honduras, costa rica, and el salvador (pretty severe). Before you stand and criticize our policies you better take a hard look at the mexican policies for immigrants. Oh, sorry, I forgot... you are somehow entitled to do what you want without penalty while still holding all of your neighbors to a higher standard? JAJAJAJAJA I love hypocrites - throwing stones while living in glass houses! By the way... maybe the reason people prefer colombians here is that they take "legal" routes to this country. A few get over on the system... as all nationalities do... but for the most part they are forced to take legal routes whether they like it or not. I am sorry the poor of mexico feel it neccessary to trudge through the wastelands and die to get here... but that is a "choice". They "choose" to take that chance because they value the possibilty of money and success higher than the value of their life. Like a person who "chooses" to rob a bank values the money over his life... he would rather take a chance; illegal and life-threatening as it may be. The likelihood is most people come here illegally because they could not qualify legally... makes you wonder why? Fox loves us... we take on the criminals and sickly that burden the mexican infrastructure and willingly pay for it while they send the money back into the mexican system - all the while not paying taxes or burdens here. Tell you what - chief - since you think it is so great, why don't you accept all of my tax burden from this day forward for every mexican sucking the system dry. And since you and I are not bigots - you can have all of my tax burden for every illegal immigrant - period. But you won't do this because like most you talk big but won't make the sacrifice to back up your ridiculous statements. By the way - if you love mexico so much, why do you still live here with all of bigots and horrible people? Oh, I forgot - money is more important than your pride or values .... typical. Do as I say and not as I do - right? JAJAJAJAJAJA

frankdeboca comments on Please help - anyone...

Thanks... Alex... funny comment - Gave me a chuckle. Thanks to all - guess I will have to sit down and ponder this one a bit. Appreciate the help

frankdeboca comments on Immigration help - please! Attorneys welcomed...

Thanks to everyone... Wonderful and cogent responses... thanks to all. I will consider all of your experiences in this and decide accordingly. It is good to hear other people have the same frustrations in this ridiculously slow process. Hearing stories of rapid visa's ... the obvious truths of this process seem to be quite at odds.

Thanks again