kenblanquito has left 1126 comments

kenblanquito comments on 5 of the top 20 hospitals and clincs in Latin America are located in Colombia (Medellin and Bogota)

OK for the top 5% in terms of wealth; the private medicine is good. What about the National Health for the "have nots"?

kenblanquito comments on Should I give money at traffic lights?

makopp5 I bet Fred gave something anyway; he cannot resist it! Big heart! I always ponder about the merits of this. When it is children during school hours, I say to myself "I would prefer that you were at school so you do not continue to be like your parents" but it does not stop me giving in. Because they are probably "forced" into doing it and perhaps they really need it anyway.

kenblanquito comments on An excellent article from The Independent

If I were not here already, I would be very tempted to visit after reading this. I think I should tell my friends/family to read it.

kenblanquito comments on Should I give money at traffic lights?

I think you did the right thing. I often give food but who knows where the money would go?

kenblanquito comments on What happened to the wheelchair project?

From semi-following this thread, there appear to be too many negatives attached to this wheelchair project, regardless of the kind motives of so many people who are members of this site. I feel confident that some people have really tried to contribute to this but the amount of obstacles involved in the sourcing/transportation/distribution and subsequent experiences sound extremely frustrating, if not infuriating. Little wonder that the enthusiasm has dissipated. There are plenty of Colombians who would benefit from such a wonderful gift and the incidence of people in this country who needs mobility aids comprises a larger proportion of the population than the majority of countries, due to loss of limbs by landmines and the seemingly continuous wars against the FARC and Paramilitaries, poor health care facilities or the lack of means to pay by the poor majority with associated subsequent higher amputation rates, high industrial injury rates and so on. Many sceptics who are thinking practically claim that these mobility aids may not spend much time in the ownership of the original recipients and may be sold on later, due to financial hardship and the need to eat or perhaps more sinister reasons like alcohol/drug related problems. Many poorer Colombians do live "day to day" and would sell these on in order to feed the family if there were no other options and who could blame them? The people who fall more into the needy category will indeed be the most poor because those with better life circumstances will find a way (or the families will) of providing some sort of facility, even if it is second-hand. These are the people who will hold on to them. Perhaps this whole thing should be thought out again. I have a feeling that the good souls who started this project in the first place had fantastic reasons for trying to get this thing off the ground. For us foreigners here, we do find the situation difficult and uncomfortable when we see the numerous number of disabled people without means of aiding their mobility. My heart goes into my mouth sometimes when I see people struggling on the street, pulling their bodies with their bare hands because they are without leg/legs. Anybody with only half a soul would feel the same and the victims are not in a position to do anything about it. For those of us who are disabled, who could afford the luxury of buying a wheelchair, who know how the qualities of their lives would be severely compromised without theirs, they would understand even more. Perhaps we are trying, unintentionally, to be over-controlling with the less fortunate Colombians who have mobility problems. We are trying to fund/import/distribute these chairs for people who we think have that as a priority-need. In our worlds, where we have things on a plate comparatively speaking, that would be a priority. We have systems to deal with that. But we need to think about their world too. Their needs. Their inabilities to house their families properly. Their inabilities to eat properly or regularly. Their inabilities to provide half-decent health-care to their loved ones. The displaced who need to sell chiclets at the traffic lights. The reliance of every family member to try and sell something, the vicious cycle of uneducated parents with too many children who rely on their children working, thus also not obtaining any formal education and so the cycle will continue. A horrible trap. No hope. A government who cannot or will not make an effort to try to make these things change: the job will just become larger if it is allowed to continue unabated. OK, back to the topic, I think that I would be pretty upset if I knew that I had tried to help somebody and the wheelchair mysteriously disappeared a few weeks later. Do people not agree that perhaps we should look a little more at the overall picture of poor people generally here? There may be individual cases when we personally know somebody who needs a wheelchair and we can be confident that it will continue to be used by that person. That is fine, let's do it! Apart from a better quality of life, perhaps these people would then have an option of gaining some form of employment too and indirectly their self-esteems would also benefit. Constructive things. In other cases, let us try and help people in different ways. Perhaps find out a little more about volunteer-only-charities that we can contribute to, whether it be to help individual people or groups. Even to help them have a decent Christmas every year, with decent food and a few modest presents for the children. Perhaps not always with money necessarily. Try to contribute with a little time and effort by educating the numerous children and families who have no hope and know nothing other than a life of day-to-day existence. Relying on the Government or individual Alcaldes to do same will not work. A personal experience of mine. Several months ago, during the Book Fare at the Medellin Botanical Gardens, there was a stand organised by the Alcalde displaying "the work and initiatives" of an organisation who were helping the education of children in the poorer boroughs of the city. I left my details and showed definite interest in helping with this initiative. I am yet to hear from them; not even an e-mail! What is that? Could not organise a piss-up in a brewery, but I suppose with a Mayor like Salazar, what can you expect. All talk and no do! Surely a PBH thing could be better, especially with a little more trust and less bickering because too much energy goes to waste. I do appreciate that there are a few here who already do good work in this country. Sorry, lost the plot a little. Too many interruptions. Hope you understand what I am trying to say.

kenblanquito comments on Colombia says will not be provoked by Venezuela

I am not exactly a fan of the Brit Royals; even if I am a Brit. Most of their fans are from outside the UK, especially countries that do not have the same. Hitler was smart and he knew how to use his hypnotic/brainwashing talents. Chavez, not exactly charismatic is he? More a crazy bull in a china shop.

kenblanquito comments on Colombia says will not be provoked by Venezuela

One lives in hope tasco66

kenblanquito comments on Colombia says will not be provoked by Venezuela

Hitler was crazy in most peoples minds but look what he did! Chavez has a short memory for history. Was it not a predecessor of his mate Correa who signed an agreement with the US 10 or so years ago, that allowed their military bases to be situated in Ecuador? Did Colombia or other Latin countries think that the US had designs on an invasion or starting a war then? Of course not. Chav has lost the plot. It is good that the Col government is showing calm over this at the moment but Chav will cause further provocation in order to obtain some sort of reaction. The meeting with the South American Organisation needs to happen soon.

kenblanquito comments on MORTGAGE

johnny, OK that is alright then. Envisaged large distillation vessels and storage tanks, which would be risky.

kenblanquito comments on MORTGAGE

OK johnny, I admit that I do not know enough about Bogota but in the UK, would you live close to a petrochemical works because I know that I would not! In this country, where safety standards are not like the UK, I would say risky. Also, where would Chavez dump the first bomb? OK, perhaps it is just me! PS, Does the apartment have central heating? Good idea there.

kenblanquito comments on Colombia Nature Images

Atrevido I have just had a look and my greatest compliments to you! Instead of all the bickering, we have a great source of photos ALL TO DO WITH COLOMBIA Well done, many thanks for sharing and it is already placed on "my favourites" for periodic review. So, are you a biologist or just a person who delights in the smaller wonders of this planet? One thing that I have noticed in Colombia is the lack of decent textbooks regarding its natural flora and fauna. Even the Botanical Gardens in Medellin has next to nought and why should we have to import such books from the US and elsewhere? Eco/Nature tourism could, with the right sort of promotion, be very popular in this country. For those interested in such things, enjoy. For those not living here or never having visited, this is yet another reason to visit a country with such a diversity of wildlife. Atrevido, please carry on the good work! You live in a paradise by the looks of it!

kenblanquito comments on What happened to the wheelchair project?

What is the obsession about importing them?

kenblanquito comments on MORTGAGE

"para remodelar" unless my Spanish is totally up the shoot, means for remodelling ie needs internal attention and updating. A place that size, the sky is the limit for those costs and it will not be realized on resale. Close to Ecopetrol-dangerous! Also, would suggest an industrial area, which is never desirable. For that price, you would be better looking at new-build, in another zone.

kenblanquito comments on Health warning for those in Medellin

Better if in English but nonetheless a good post.

kenblanquito comments on What happened to the wheelchair project?

Lisa Zee-among the most sensible comments so far!

kenblanquito comments on Obtaining a Home Loan in colombia

Impossible for newbies to Colombia unless your partner earns good money and has an immaculate credit record. No vale la pena.

kenblanquito comments on What happened to the wheelchair project?

Which is why it would be better to look here johnny, as I suggested earlier in the post. What a pain it was for you!

kenblanquito comments on Cheap Medellin Lodging for December???

Better off looking at hostels. 15K for a hotel, it will be a right dive and probably flea and cockroach-ridden. Or you will be entitled to stay for 2 hours.

kenblanquito comments on MORTGAGE

Forget mortgages here; interest rates rediculously high, like 15% or more! Better off downgrading your property in the US, cash will get you a better price. As roccatanshi says, ensure the deeds show the real price paid because otherwise when/if you try to move the money out of the country again, there will be an enormous paper profit and you will get clobbered with taxes. The downside of that is that you will pay more, unless you are buying something new, when you cut out the vendor trying to cheat on his taxes. If you use US Dollars, it will have to be registered with the Bank of the Republic, so you will subsequently need to justify it later. If you intend to stay here forever, I suppose it does not really matter. Be careful! Best to get a reputable lawyer involved: expensive but you may save much more in the long run.

kenblanquito comments on How do you call the letter V

My wife calls V the labialdental or grande (as in lips and teeth) rather than B labial or pequena (lips) Seems to make sense when reference is made to the English-speaking pronounciations. Whatever system is used though, even some Colombians get confused and use V instead of B or vice versa and it leads to many spelling mistakes. I have seen baca used for cow, baya used for go subjunctive etc.

kenblanquito comments on Where you can get The Arepa magazine

Mr Arepa I know you are not living in Poblado and thanks for the info regarding the other distribution points. Pulling your leg a little, sorry! Too much work and not enough play-be careful!

kenblanquito comments on Changing Money, Pesos to Pounds Sterling

Yes, as pieman suggests, a Brit who intends travelling to Colombia shortly will be the best bet and you can both obtain the best rates in the process, as in split the difference. There are quite a few Brits who may appreciate this in the not to distant future. Good luck!

kenblanquito comments on What happened to the wheelchair project?

OK, I may have missed something because I have re-entered this post late in the day and I am not prepared to scan 100 or more comments. However, I stand by my earlier comment (for the comments that I have read) as to the sceptical nature of too many here, which reduces the number of people who would be interested in helping with this project but are put off by the BS. The suggestion above regarding second-hand wheelchairs which may be available in this country sounds the best to me. Perhaps the energy being expired by many of those genuinely interested in helping as this post develops, could be better utilized on real research like visiting hospitals (private in particular) and other institutions that have very-used/slightly damaged goods which have expired their useful lives within those institutions (because they are not good for the bullshit public image of those places in terms of the customers who see them in use) and perhaps find a place that can repair/renovate these things sufficiently for use by others. No institution is going to give them away for nothing out of principle but they may consider some form of sensible offer. Also, a taller with half-decently skilled mechanics/welders will not charge the earth and may give discount for regular work. In Medellin for example, there are areas full of such places. The savings in costs of transporting these items from abroad and the efforts/costs required to collect/distribute them will help to offset the capital outlay of their purchase. That way, the project will not require Bogota (and airport) to be the centre of the operations as each town/city will have its own independent suppliers, transport costs will be severely cut and much better that the needy people in all parts of the country will have a chance of improving the quality of their lives. Then, the large majority of the money collected would be for the wheelchairs, rather than paying administration costs (like many larger charities worldwide) The poorer people who really need these chairs will not be fussed about using secondhand goods, whatever condition, as long as they work. The more afluent have the means to buy one anyway. Sorry if my comments are inappropriate. If so, ignore them please.

kenblanquito comments on Beautiful Apartment for Sale in El Poblado, Medellin - Price lowered to 199,000,000 Pesos

It seems that property is more disposable in Colombia and not an appreciating asset, unlike many countries. The reason for that appears to be that people move into a place, live in it without really doing any maintenance or upgrades and then sell it off cheap several years later in order to partially fund the next place. A bit like cars in Europe, which depreciate quickly unless they are high quality makes. The ever-ending property-boom continues in Medellin, regardless of the existence of "a recession". Perhaps the middle classes are not particularly affected by this recession, rather the poor. I think englishman is looking realistically at what is going on around him and feels that in order to compete favourably with the endless new projects being built at present, he needs to attract people to his second-hand apartment by lowering the price more. A shame really; it looks like a very decent, well finished apartment in a well sought-after zone and I personally think the price of less than 1.5 million Pesos per square meter is fantastic. If I wanted an apartment at this moment, I would seriously think about this one: a real bargain!!!! englishman, how old is the building? Which agents are you using or are you the agent? Good luck englishman if it is yours!

kenblanquito comments on Colombia holds major export event in Miami

Thanks tasco66; which ones?

kenblanquito comments on Colombia holds major export event in Miami

The over-reliance on exporting to Venezuela perhaps was a little too comfortable. Glad to see something is being done about it. What about China? Colombia buys enough of their junk (as does most of the so-called first world). What does Colombia export to them? Just interested.

kenblanquito comments on Party in Jamaica Bar, Parque Lleras, Medellin on November 27 2009

This reminds me of something else but I am saying nothing

kenblanquito comments on Where you can get The Arepa magazine

OK Mr Arepa, that is OK. Just don't forget about us non-El Poblado folk because it is not the centre of the universe. Your motorbike is certainly going to see some mileage! Be careful!

kenblanquito comments on What does it take to sell property in Medellin?

Lisa Zee I suppose we are lucky; we have a guard 24 hours/7 days/52 weeks (dedicated only to our street) and the house has enhanced security which would make a break-in very difficult, but of course, never impossible wherever you are. This foreigner does not da papaya unnecessarily, LOL. As for a back yard, an organised tropical "jungle" is a better expression but at least we see plenty of birds and butterflies, even though we are only several stops by metro from the centre of the city. Also, 3 banana plants that will mature in a few months, mature palms, plus a good selection of flowering plants. Usually no need to buy flowers from the local placita; they last longer in the garden and attract some attractive species, which should be the intention.

kenblanquito comments on What happened to the wheelchair project?

I was not having a go at you scumbuster; I see your point well. We both know nothing about him, so to pass any form of judgement would be unfair. I was saying it more for all those people who will eventually chip in with negative comments about the guy who, as you say, may well be decent.

kenblanquito comments on What does it take to sell property in Medellin?

roxinque46 I meant a private back garden. The front becomes a communal space and a place for the neighbour's dog to defaecate. Just a place to maintain if you have any dignity rather than a place to sit/listen to music (privately), to socialize or read a book for example. Unfortunately, the majority of Colombians do not appreciate GREEN private space. Some of the ignorants viewing our house spoke about adding to the actual structure by eliminating the garden. More square meters of concrete to a 250m house, what for? My wife was determined not to sell to those potential clients. Also, others were talking about knocking out the front of our property to make another car space! What is that? A car more valuable than a sala in a house or what? Or convert to yet another tienda I suppose. No wonder Colombians need to clear off to their fincas at every opportunity. We stay put in Medellin during those times: medellin at its best and most quiet!

kenblanquito comments on What happened to the wheelchair project?

OK, who knows Bushwick-Bill? Before the sceptics start crucifying him, who can supply positive information about him? In Colombia, it would appear that "you are guilty until proven innocent". He may well be decent and honest. Whatever, the project appears to have collapsed, or at least lost its head of steam. It was a great cause and should be continued by somebody who can dedicate the time and energy to do it. If not Bushwick, then a person perhaps better-known by the forum. One that will not get slagged off continuously. Somebody who actually lives in Colombia for all/the majority of the time and somebody who has an able deputy when the former is otherwise engaged. How many have actually volunteered to run the show anyway? There may be volunteers who will bring or send the chairs into the country, which is great, but how many will/be able to manage it all efficiently at this end? Just let the guy have a say! Not everybody is a cheating corrupt thief who will misuse the generosity and efforts of others. Little wonder little is actually achieved in a country where many people really need help and are not able to help themselves.

kenblanquito comments on Where you can get The Arepa magazine

Hi Mr Arepa I can see why you have concentrated on El Poblado for distribution points (compact area, lots of foreigners about) but some of us do live in other areas too! The Universities are good places, particularly those teaching languages including Spanish and El Estadio may be a good place too. Good magazine and good luck with it; I understand that it is very hard work putting it together. When I find it, I will support the cause.

kenblanquito comments on What does it take to sell property in Medellin?

Also, too much property for sale at the moment in the Medellin area and most people from here are used to the apartment life. Having lived in an apartment, give me a house any time. And you cannot beat having a garden; in the Medellin environment it really is a part of the house rather than an appendage. Helps to keep the place cooler during the "summer" as the air flow is enhanced and it represents a pleasant escape from the 4 walls as an alternative to going out.

kenblanquito comments on

In the Medellin climate, a shower is far better-refreshing without using loads of BTUs and great volumes of water. Also more hygienic. In higher estratos, energy and water is expensive. The bathroom would also need to be larger and it is considered preferable to have more real living space than the luxury of several square meters wasted because it would only be occupied for say an hour per day.

kenblanquito comments on Decent shipping co in London, UK for small packages - recommendations?

medefockinlin That is the girl; and they ripped me off or somebody did. Wonder why they changed their name? They were TASP as recently as summer 2006, when I went back to their office one year after my move to Medellin, to see what they had to say for themselves. Not a lot! Detsy is one arrogant cow though when you make a complaint, almost as bad as Fat Fanny at the Medellin DAS office. I wonder if they are related? I am beginning to doubt whether the insurance was real, or whether they pocket the money and pay out when they have no choice. Did you have insurance and if so, did you receive compensation for the lost goods? I hope so! Or was there an insurance excess of more than your goods were worth? Would not surprise me!

kenblanquito comments on Interior Painting Cost

Bill, I agree. After getting rid of the first one, I found another that cost more but it was well worth it. However, next time I will do it myself because at least I know what quality it will be and I will not waste time trying to prevent their mistakes. Colombian workers really do not like to be told how to do something, even when it is obvious that they are not doing it correctly. At least I clear up my mess quickly, before it has stuck like adhesive onto the relevant surface. Dries fast in Medellin.

kenblanquito comments on How do you teach English if you don't speak Spanish?

From my limited experiences of teaching to youngsters here, use of Spanish seems necessary at the elementary level. After that, as their competence grows, gradually phase it out. They do not like it but tough.

kenblanquito comments on Decent shipping co in London, UK for small packages - recommendations?

I used an outfit called TASP, close to London Bridge I vaguely recall and had problems with them; even though I had paid for insurance on my house contents (1000 Pounds approx), somehow the policy did not cover the damages to certain electrical items. Check your cover very well before using anybody! Once bitten, twice shy.

kenblanquito comments on Yoga in Medellin

englishman, this could be expensive, particularly in your neck of the woods. But expensive does not always guarantee good.

kenblanquito comments on What does it take to sell property in Medellin?

First, a lot of patience on a daily basis because so many people cancel appointments at the last minute. Also, selling can take an absolute age: next time I want to sell a property I will start marketing at least a year before I wish to vacate. Use an agent, preferably many; it is a means of carrying out a certain amount of quality control over the people who are to look at the property (and your belongings). To try and save on the commission could result in an unwise economic move. They also hopefully know how to draw up the compra-venta sales agreement; doing it yourself in this country can be dangerous. Make sure that is part of the commission charge, which is normally 3% of the selling price. Do not place adverts in your window, nor allow agents to do it. You will have people knocking on your door and it will drive you mad. They think that you can lower the price because you are not going to pay commission on the sale. Many people claim to be estate agents; from my experiences at least half have no idea at all how to sell anything, never mind a house. Use well-established organisations; in the Laureles area I would recommend Habitamos (on San Juan on the corner of the 72) and Alberto Alvarez (on the Avenida Nutibara) as they seem to have some respect in that area and they tended to provide us with better-quality viewers. Also in that area, try Diego of Ambiente Inmobiliario, situated near the Primer Parque de Laureles; he is biligual and is very professional in his approach (cel 310-415-9662): he provides less viewers but he does not bring inappropriate ones. Obtain at least 5 "valuations" by reputable agents. If they cannot help, do not use them-they will be lacking in experience or do not know your area sufficiently. Make sure you are clear with your sales objectives, or else you may end up in a barter situation when people will be offering part-cash plus a car/apartment in exchange. That may or may not suit you. Make definite rules with the agent, for example that you need at least X hours notice of a viewing or your life will not be yours! Otherwise they will phone to say "can we come now?" Horrible! Have a minimum acceptable price in your mind and add 5-10% to that as the original asking price. The Paisas never match the asking price and will try to knock off a lot. Anything else, pm me. Certainly not an expert but I have learnt a lot regarding what to do/not to do in Medellin. AND choose your minimum of 5 agents wisely, a lot have plenty of sales bullshit but are really useless! Please believe me! Best of luck!

kenblanquito comments on Where was Colombian at the World Travel Market??

Incredible bearing in mind the number of Colombians living in London. Somebody must exist that would have known about the event and could have networked the information to the relevant people in Colombia. If the Embassy knew about it, then surely they should have informed the relevant organisation. If they did not, then the personnel should be outed! A wasted opportunity indeed.

kenblanquito comments on What happened to the wheelchair project?

mcheasley Glad somebody is doing something decent here without getting a load of abuse! Good for him and the people!!!

kenblanquito comments on Apartment for Eight Around $500usd a Month.

He has referred to the Metro and Niquia, so I think it is Medellin.

kenblanquito comments on What happened to the wheelchair project?

For my two penny-worth, I expect that the people involved in the first project got fed up with the suspicious, vitriolic minds of some of the members here and therefore gave up/continued in another way. May that be a lesson to anybody with a good heart and motives who wishes to start something genuine and constructive by means of this site. There will always be the nasty people putting you down. Good people do not deserve this kind of treatment. I am not speaking of the long-term members or the MODS, more the hand-full of newbies of the last year or so who have nothing better to do than to criticize the good intentions of those who genuinely love Colombia and its people and want to contribute by providing some positive help. It has certainly put me off the idea and I have both the time and the energy to do something for Colombia but of course, I am not honest enough for some of you lot. How would you know?

kenblanquito comments on Interior Painting Cost

Expect to pay 50K per day for a mediocre job. Also, use masking tape, self installed, plus appropriate covers or everything will have that paint on it. Expect to pay for everything, including brushes because they never carry their own. Watch them like a hawk because the solvents that they use to clean-up afterwards will end up in the drainage system, or in our cases, over our lawn and plants, thus killing them. Better to do it yourself if you have the time.

kenblanquito comments on Chavez should take care of his own problems and leave Colombia alone

romy They are re-elected because most eligible voters do not vote or do not know enough about the eligible politicians to make the correct choice. Plus corruptive influences of course. Like most countries, including my own, people also vote in self-interest rather than what is best for the country in the long run.

kenblanquito comments on Fresh Seafood in Medellin??

Too far from the sea to be fresh. If it was not frozen at some stage before its transit, it would probably be "off" and your guts would suffer big-time. If anybody claims that their seawater fish is fresh, I would not take their word for it. Be careful!

kenblanquito comments on Colombian music in London

pcl You would be surprised as to how many Latins live or are staying in London at any one time. A very large community numbering upwards of 50 thousand. They hate Brit music, so seek their own. Also, there are Latins with their own bands; one to check out is Palenke whose "leader" is very well known to my wife and has been exposing his distinct style to the UK for probably 20 years-excellent if you like that sort of thing.

kenblanquito comments on Colombian music in London

jimmy, the best reference that you could have given. Time Out always has a daily section of music including "Latin Jazz" and most of it will be found in the West End or South London near Vauxhall/Brixton/Elephant and Castle areas, as that is where most of the London Colombians live, or certainly did a few years back.