LeofromPereira has left 36 comments

LeofromPereira comments on Gringo murdered in Armenia

You should travel to Pereira. It is exactly what you're looking for...

LeofromPereira comments on Gringo murdered in Armenia

Awesome

LeofromPereira comments on Looking for a room in La Candelaria, Bogotá

Thanx :-)

LeofromPereira comments on English student help in Manizales?

I also can help you.Contact I also can help you.
Contact me:

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on Living with a family

In Pereira Actually, I haven't seen those kind of arrangements here; but, some ppl I know have stayed at my place, and we've had a wonderful time.. I live w/ my parents, a younger brother and our dog. Come visit us if you want! Cheers.

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on Renting a car in Pereira, CO

At the Airport There are car rent companies at the airport. But I agree with Lowell, it's better off to take a cab.

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on I fly into Pereira (first time in Colombia)

Every flight from abroad to Colombia must stop first in Bogotá, Cali or Barranquilla. That’s a national security policy.

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on Update on US citizen Kidnapped in Pereira

Sorry!? I’m sorry for using the the a$$h at le word. I felt hurt in that moment. That’s no excuse, though. Is the first time I do it in PBH. I sincerely apologize. :-)

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on Going to Pereira

Summer clothes and an umbrella December is hot in Colombia, but it can also be rainy. T-shirts, shorts, snickers, that's how you can see pple in the streets, but always with an umbrella in their bags, 'cause u never know. Enjoy,

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on Pereira or Cali? Etc...

:-) Wow, it’s nice to hear that specially from someone from Cali, ironic ah?

I’m a local and if you want a tour around the city just call me on my cell –e-mail me to get it (we can call some police agents to come with us if that makes you feel safer, je...)-; I’m available on weekdays after work (5:00 PM). First beer is on me! Cheers,



Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on Please help!!!!

CHECK BOGOTÁ'S NEWSPAPERS Everyday I see Spanish teaching adds there... Good luck,

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on Update on US citizen Kidnapped in Pereira

Oky, here we go again with this assholes’ anti-Pereira campaign. I just don’t understand why? What have Pereira done to you? What do you have against us?

This forum stars with “apparently there are posters all over the city with details of the kidnap victim…”: If you’re not sure, then shut your mouth man. That’s a complete lie; there are no posters in the city with such crap. Don’t you see, you are affecting the good name of an entire city and its inhabitants? With such commentaries tourism might be in jeopardy, and thus economy, and families and children, etc. Think about the consequences of every little single act you do.

“Also, the wife of a restaurant owner was kidnapped…”: That’s true. Now, she’s fortunately at home, and running her family’s restaurant again. It’s been on the media, and she cordially asked not to spread false rumours or news anymore, because sadly she read the previous notes on this site. Shame! Please respect the pain of this woman!

… And the disclaimer? Oh… Please, please, let’s not even go there.

BTW, Pereira is now one of the safest cities in Colombia with 350 surveillance cameras in the streets (the largest number of cameras per person in the country), 1.108 police troopers, the most modern Police Headquarter in the Colombia, small police stations in every neighbourhood, and wow… the lowest kidnapping rate for cities with a population below one million inhabitants (Check Colombia’s stats on line). In 2006, we have had only one kidnapping case (and I already told you about it); that’s a lot to say for a city in Colombia. Please inform yourself before writing down stuff like that about a person or a place.

Pereira is great, people is warm, we have a new improved infrastructure all over the city and we are pretty proud to have the most beautiful women in Colombia. I’m a local and if you want a tour around the city just call me on my cell –e-mail me to get it (we can call some police agents to come with us if that makes you feel safer)-; I’m available on weekdays after work (after 5:00 PM). First beer is on me! Cheers,

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on I fly into Pereira (first time in Colombia)

US$ 10 per night, can u ask for something cheaper? Hotel Ejecutivo (In front of San Andresito, that's a well-known landmark) this hotel has it all. Also, you can travel to Medellín by bus or taxi in a 5 hours trip for US$ 18. Good luck,

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on Teach English In Pereira

If you're a native there's a big chance for you to get a job
at Centro Colombo Americano, Liceo Inglés, or Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira. If you're really interested you can contact me at my e-mail or call me on my cell: 315-4900402. Cheers,

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on Pereira or Cali? Etc...

PEREIRA ROCKS!!! Je, je... Old scars reopened. But, let’s not even go there.

In stead, I'd like to invite everybody to come to Pereira and see for yourself the second most important touristical destination in Colombia (number 1 is the Atlantic Coast, of course). Pereira is a gorgeous city, with warm and nice people, new improved infrastructure, and many paces to go. The night life is amazing and wild, and yes… we have the most beautiful and the hottest women of the country (or as the legend says of the world). Cheers,

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on US citizen Kidnapped in Pereira

NOT TRUE! I've been a member for awhile, and I've seen a lot of ppl here writing down some bullshit, but this is unbelievable. I’m a local in Pereira, and I work at the City Hall as Security Assessor, of course I have to be aware of every crime committed in the city. I have access to all information about security issues and at our office we have info news do not. Since we read the headline “US citizen Kidnapped in Pereira” we’ve been researching at all levels about this information and certainly IS NOT TRUE.

Pereira is a growing city and is considered one of the safest and nicest places in Colombia. People here are very warm and the tourists are always very welcomed. So, such ill-intended commentaries are against the good name the city we are taking care of. On behalf of Pereira city and its people, I here cordially ask you not to spread false rumours because it affects our good name in a serious way.

I’m sure this is a site for grown up people who love Colombia for being one of the greatest countries in South America; in spite of the problems we are hard workers trying to make our beloved country grow stronger, safer and with a good name for us and the generations to come. If you love Colombia please help us to spread the word about how great and beautiful is our country. Thank you.


Leonardo G & G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on Is it really that difficult?

Come to Pereira FYI, there are a lot of places here in Pereira hiring foreign people to teach English as second language...

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on Is it really that difficult?

Come to Pereira FYI, there are a lot of places here in Pereira hiring foreign people to teach English as second language...

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on The Condor in Colombia: A Conservation Challenge

Cali Zoo in Colombia is doing it too w/ excellent results...
Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on Pereira or Cali? Etc...

I just don't understand how someone who (I don't think is Colombian) starts talking shit like that about a city (probably, he or she has never been in) in a Colombian fanatics web-site, and hurting everybody's feelings... I thought this was supposed to be for people who loved Colombia... Actually, some people should be banned!

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on Liceo Campestre experience

Toulavy,

I'm from Pereira and I really don't fully understand what you're saying... You've said that you were called insane, mental case, criminal and all that stuff (wow?!). So, why don't you tell us the whole story, what really happened? ...A very good friend of mine (American citizen living in Pereira) was offered a job there teaching english and I think he's supposed to start next month, so if you think there's something he has to know before hand, please lets let him know... All help is appreciated! Thanks!!!

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on Heading To Pereira in a week!

Just pack your camera, shorts, T-shirt and comfortable shoes There's a lot of places to go in Pereira nowdays, just be ready to walk and have the greatest time. You'll see!!

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on Why are we, Colombians, so freakin' neat?

Awaken...
Dear Vicshere,

Well, yeah, we have to admit it. We live in a third-world country. There have no littering policies at all. People –especially older generations- weren’t educated that way; but, fortunately, now –thanks to improved school curriculums- we have environmental subjects at high school, and students are being told not to throw their garbage out of their car’s window. Personally, I also hope the government focuses on developing the proper laws to control and punish littering.

But, mostly, the purpose of my post was to talk about the personal hygiene of Colombian people. In general, since we are kids we are told to have a very clean appearance (by this I don’t mean to wear expensive clothes, but very clean at least), to shave everyday, to polish our shoes, not to smell to sweat, etc., kind of an army regime (ha!)... And, off course, there are exceptions to the rules. I just wanted to read other people’s opinions on this matter since I’ve seen that this is not how the rest of the world is.

English isn’t my first language, and correct me if I’m wrong, but I’ve heard everybody using the term “neat” when referring to this topic. That’s why I used it. So, please, I don’t want anybody to be confused between “Personal Hygiene” and “National Legislation”. Anyway, thank you everybody for your posts. Controversy is great. Cheers!

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on Considering move to Colombia

Come over here! Come, travel, enjoy, you definitively should give it a try. I dunno, 6 months sounds like a good experience. Be sure to visit more cities, though. Since, for most of the Colombians, Bogotá is consider the most boring city of the country (I'm not one of them, so no hard feelings please, I know that here some people is extremely sensitive!) Cheers bros!

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on Finca in Armenia

Farms on the road Pereira-Armenia
There are many farms on the road Pereira-Armenia. Check the "Clasificados" at:
www.eldiario.com.co, www.latarde.com

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on Looking for a puppy

Siberian Husky
I own a Siberian Husky, by the way; and he adapted very well to tropical conditions! Anyways, something is for sure: a dog will bring happiness to your life all the way...

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on Looking for a puppy

Sociedad Protectora de Animals
In every city in Colombia there's a "Sociedad Protectora de Animales", which is the humanitarian foundation for animals. There you'll have the opportunity to see many abandoned puppies looking for a home. Do something good for you and for another living being and adopt a homeless dog. Think about it, and realize that that'll be just amazing. Take care bro'.

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on Recommendations for hotel in Pereira

Cheap Hotels
There are many hotels in Pereira since this is the city people must sleep in over when traveling around the country. Hotel Melía de Pereira is the most expensive and the best with a $180.000 pesos fee per night (remember that the conversion rate is aprox. 2.2). But there are a lot of good places downtown with fees from $25.000 to %80.000 pesos, too. "Hotel Comercial" in front of San Andresito, "Hotel el Lago" or "Hotel Soratama", among others, in "El Lago-Bolivar Square" area. If you speak a little spanish, you can also ask at the airport, they have an information stand about hotels, landmarks, discos, touristical places, etc. Cheers! :-)

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com
Cell-phone 315-4900402

LeofromPereira comments on Any Metal fans at this forum?

There are also some of the most brutal bands here!
Colombian bands are known for its brutality. If you're into Brutal Death Metal be sure to check: www.brutalizedrecords.com

Grind On!


Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on BIRDS !! Does Colombia have the most Species?

The lower the altitude, the higher the biodiversity!
Yes, it is true. Talking about birds, Colombia is proudly the most biodiverse country in the world. Remember that if you want to go birding in Colombia the lower the altitude, the higher the biodiversity! We have 20% of the birds of the planet. I think that that's just amazing! So enjoy!

Check: http://www.camacdonald.com/birding/sacolombia.htm

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on Finca raiz

Real State in Pereira
Man, there's a new boom in construction in Pereira. What are you exactly gonna buy (a house, an apartment, a farm)? Just let me know and I might send you the info I can gather. You can also check out the papers: www.latarde.com, www.eldiario.com.co

Cheers!

Leonardo G.
bixarre at hotmail.com

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

Pereira Despierta Oh-my-God!!! There are so many beautiful women in the street today in Pereira! Today we have a special celebration in Pereira, “Pereira Despierta”. Everybody stays in the street ‘till 3:00 AM, all the stores and malls are open, there special promotions, etc., and you get to see simply irresistible girls all around... I wish everybody could see it.... Dunno, I just love women Go girls! ;-)

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

Pereira. The best places to live in Colombia are:
1) Pereira
2) Medellín
3) San Andrés

Period! ;)

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

How is Pereira like? Pereira is located in the center of the country in the area called Coffee-Region (in the 60’s and 70’s the local economy was based mainly on coffee). Nowadays, we also have coffee plantations, off course, but there are other many economical activities like tourism, industry and flower plantations... Pereira is also a new city –it’s only 140 years- so we can actually see a peculiar combination between the modern and the traditional in the streets. Some people say that Pereira is “Medellín chiquito”, which means that it is very similar to Medellín, but smaller (Medellín has a population of 4 million people, while Pereira has just half a million). That’s actually a compliment knowing that Medellín is considered by many as the greatest city in South America.

Girls are just awesome! They’re cute, voluptuous and always willing to go out. Most of them are studying at the University, but it doesn’t matter even during school nights they will go to rumbear (go out to eat, dance, drink liquor, get high maybe, etc...), or whatever; and maybe “con todos los juguetes”, that is that a couple might end up in a motel room at “la vía a Armenia” (on the way to Armenia –a city nearby). Please, take no offense. That’s is something that it’s not seen inappropriate by young people here. Besides, we (guys and girls) also like to go out with people from abroad. I think that we find them exotic (just as they find us exotic too). That’s why –I guess- so many foreigners come to visit and have a good time. Wow! by the way, you’re all welcome!

This city is also known for the solidarity of its people. The city’s motto is “La ciudad sin puertas” meaning “The city with no gates” or the city where everybody is welcome. Thus, everybody in the street will talk to you (cab drivers, cashiers, police, bystanders, everybody). All the people seem just to be friendly with no reason. But, there’s a reason: that’s our culture. Anybody is a stranger. Family values are very important for us and we want everybody to feel like in family (Oops!, Am I making my self clear?! –forgive my English, btw, since it isn’t my mother tongue). So, ok, if someday you feel like chilling out and coming down here everybody’s invited and more than welcome. You’ll have the time of your life! ;-)

Best regards,
Leonardo
bixarre at hotmail.com

LeofromPereira comments on restaurants in pereira

Call me I might give u a ride there! Yeah, there are great restaurants in Pereira. I can give u the addresses or maybe I can give u a ride there!

Cell-phone: 315-4900402 :)

LeofromPereira comments on Armenia

Why does everything has to be involved w/ the mafia? The government and the private sector (as the new Japanesse investors which are coming to the area in these days) are investing in Armenia and Quindio in general, as well as in Pereira, Manizales and the rest of the coffe-region. That's one of the reasons why we have a new boom in the construction business lately. Actually, this region isn't economically based on coffe anymore, and according to the new "Municipal Plan(s) of Development" of these cities, tourism is the path we are now heading to. So, just because someone in the street -perhaps without accurate educational or informational backgroud- says that the mafia is coming back when seeing new buildings in the city, it doesn't mean that it is the absolute truth. :) bixarre at hotmail.com