Mariangela has left 128 comments

Mariangela comments on Colombian radio

Excellent! Gracias, Kernow!
Now my work hours will be more joyful listening to these stations. I feel back at home!
Very useful post!
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Jobs in Colombia

Reality Finding a good job in Bogota is very hard these days even for native people. I have two cousins from Bogota with a Master's degree in Urban Planning who have been out of work for more than a year. They are working odd jobsm nothing related to what they studied and are very frustrated with the situation. What most foreigners do in Colombia is work as teachers, but the pay is not very good. Unless you are sent by an USA company to work in Bogota, it is hard for a foreigner to find work. We wanted to move back there last year but changed our minds because of that reality. Do a lot of research before moving. You may have to sacrifice your profession. Good luck!
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Portaretratos y Marcos

Marqueterías Adriana:
En Bogotá puedes mandar enmarcar tus láminas en una marquetería. Los precios son baratísimos y hacen muy buen trabajo. Seguro allá tus familiares te pueden indicar a dónde ir. Te hacen los marcos en el tamaño exacto y tú puedes escoger la madera, el color, el paspartú que deseas, etc. Buena calidad a precios incomparables. ¡Suerte!
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Anyone else get this Private Message

I got one too It seems he hit almost everybody. I got the message twice.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on How is the Postal Service in Colombia?

Registered mail Whenever I send stuff to Bogota (pictures, videos, little gifts) I use Registered Mail at the US Post Office. It is pretty safe. It is much cheaper than Fedex and the merchandise gets to its destination. It can take a while, though. Sometimes even a month, because when it arrives at the Colombian post office they just let it seat there for ever.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Is this Spanish punctuation or a Colombian thing?

All depends... A well-educated Colombian (academically speaking) should know grammar and punctuation rules. It depends on the level of the school they attended and their discipline and love for the language. I am a Biologist, but was able to become a translator also thanks to my good use of the language. I owe it to my good Spanish teachers in high school and to my father, who taught me the power of well-written words.

Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Taking my kids to see the "Old Country"

Very strange! I have double nationality, from the USA and Colombia. I traveled to Bogota with my two kids from the USA and we entered Colombia with our USA passports. We had no problems at all. I have never heard those stories before. You can use any of the two passports. If you are a USA citizen, I don't see why you should spend money and time getting the Colombian passport. The only difference is that as an American you will be given a limit of 30 or 60 days to stay in Colombia.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Shocking article

Realistic I think all of us Colombians living abroad wish to be able to return to our Country, make a life there and be happy. I am one of them. But, there are certain realities that one must take into consideration, especially when we are talking about a family, safety and future of the kids, etc. We were considering moving to Bogota with my husband and little kids. But after much thinking, we came to the conclusion that it's way too risky to start all over there. I miss my family, the traditions, the culture, etc. But I am very aware of the lack of safety, economic problems, political inestability, etc. that will exist for many more years in Colombia, maybe forever. I would never forgive myself if something happend to my children there because I decide to move back. They are used to walking safely to school, going places without worrying about somebody stealing their bike or their backpack. They have freedom and safety here. The USA is not prefect, but there is still a lot of opportunity. So, I have resign myself to the idea of going to Colombia on vacation and living in the USA, where my kids will have a better future. Colombia is beautiful, rich, welcoming, etc. but it is also suffering a serious disease and we all know it. So, I understand the point of wiew of the man who wrote the article. Mariángela

Mariangela comments on In Just One word

Unpredictable Mariángela

Mariangela comments on How did you meet your novia or Colombia

Wow! James,
What a neat and romantic story. I enjoyed every sentence. Congratulations! Be happy now and forever!
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Estoy en Barranquilla

Enjoy! I am green with envy! Some of us are cold and bored in the USA right now, and you are having the greatest time, sorounded by lush nature, exotic animals, party music, warm people... Man! Have fun! Hope to see some pictures.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on A rose by any other name...

Lúpulo is the word you are looking for.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Safety standards are not in Colombia. My toddler could have died

Sad but true! In my last trip to Bogota I was reminded of the lack of safety awareness in general. We went to a brand new shopping center in La Colina Campestre on the opening day. The place was still under construction, the elevators were not working, there were metal posts sticking out of the ground, the stairs did not have rails, the parking lot looked like a war zone, and the place was packed with families and little kids.
They had a fashion-show and life music, and used some of that fake smoke for special effects. In a minute, the whole mall was filled with smoke. I thought it was a fire. Nobody alerted the public about this. If it had been a fire, that day would've been tragic.
I was thinking how irresponsible the owners and the authorities were to have opened that place, which was evidently not ready for the public. Safety standards basically don't exist there. That is one of the harsh realities of our beautiful country.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Colombia is a very, very dangerous place.

They are everywhere Those dangerous criminals are everywhere in Colombia. So beware of them. If you think that you won't encounter them in Bogotá because of the cold weather, you are wrong! The renown Zancudos Bogotanos are really mean. Be prepared and have some insecticide or repellent on hand to prevent an attack that will leave you itching for days, especially if you live in an area surrounded by luscious gardens.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Alternative Medicine in Bogota?

OK I will get his new pnone number from my dad, and I will PM you and give you the info as soon as I get it. It will be today at some point.
Have a good day!
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Romanticise Colombians Today

A break from the bad news I think we all know the faults and problems of Colombia, we hear about them all the time on the news, etc. It is a hard and painful reality. That is why this site is so attractive. Because in it we share the positive aspects of Colombia, our romantic experiences, great travel tips, advice, funny stories and dreams. Of course, constructive criticism and useful information about safety, etc. are always welcome. I don't think that talking about the greatness of the people of Colombia, the family values, traditions, beautiful landscape and rich history is romanticizing. We are just trying to focus on the positive for a change.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Alternative Medicine in Bogota?

Acupuncturist in Bogotá My cousin is a very good and reputable acupuncturist in Bogotá. He has been practicing for about 15 years. He keeps up to date with new techniques, and is always studying and traveling to attend courses and seminars to expand his knowledge. His office is located in one of the nicest parts of the City, near El Chicó.
I can give you his name and office phone number in Bogotá if you'd like.

Mariángela

Mariangela comments on

Email Amigo,

I sent you an email earlier today. You have already answered some of my questions here. Just want to tell you that I keep reading your post over and over again. I love the way you describe your experience and your feelings. It reminds me of how my family welcomed my husband and how happy he is every time he visits Bogota. I get teary eyes reliving those moments. Thanks for sharing such a nice story with all of us. I wish you the very best.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on

Amigo I sent my husband a link to your post. This was his response:

"It reminds me of my first trip, and my second trip, and even my third trip. I can't wait for that moment when we are arriving and having similar experiences again. The only difference is that my love wasn't waiting on the other side for me; she was with me and still is…

I want to go so badly I feel like I'm about to bust.

Thanks for sending the nice note. Mario sounds like a great guy. Sounds like an American, though, in the taxi…"

The difference is that my husband drove my parent's car most of the time while we were in Bogotá. I was terrified at times when he started arguing with the bus drivers and taxi drivers. They could not believe that crazy gringo being as aggressive as they were, and insulting them with words they could not understand.


Mariángela

Mariangela comments on

Every body happy! Sounds like your gifts were a big hit! I am glad my humble suggestions were helpful to you. Having a 9 year old son has made me an expert in electronic games, trading cards and trendy movies. As far as the passionate kiss in the church goes, I am sure God was plenty happy witnessing such a nice demonstration of love and commitment. What a romantic moment! Looking forward to more stories.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Quihubo

Hola ¡Hola a todos y beinvenidos! Seguro disfrutarán mucho este foro que está lleno de información útil y divertida.
Es lindo tener la oportunidad de compartir el amor por nuestra Patria con personas de diferentes nacionalidades.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Being Poor but Happy

So true! You guys are completely right. I think 99.9% of the people in the USA suffer from "Consumer fever", known as "consumismo" in Spanish. The whole social system is based on how much and how often people spend. People's happiness relies on how many trendy and new stuff they own, the great and extravagant Hummer they just purchased, their humongous house and all the expensive furniture they need to buy to fill it up, etc. There is a big void in people's life because of the lack of family unity, traditions and humbleness.
I know that most people in Colombia buy stuff when they NEED it, not when they are feeling down and need a fix. People in general are happy just hanging out with family and friends and enjoying the social life that Colombia offers in restaurants, Clubs, etc, that are affordable and charming.
My father, for example, fixes every appliance that break in the house. My parents have owned the same furniture for almost 40 years... They cherish what they have, treat it with respect and make it last. When they come to the States they can't believe how wasteful peoople are.

That is one of the reasons I want to go back to Colombia. I want my kids to know what is really important in life, value the gift of being around family and friends, appreciate the opportunities that life has given them, and grow to be grateful, generous and humble people.

Mariángela

Mariangela comments on ¿Los colombianos prefieren vivir en Colombia o en EEUU?

Excelente Me pareció genial el diario. Es para morirse de la risa, sobretodo por la verdad que representa. Todos nos fascinamos con la riqueza, comodidad, abundancia, limpieza, etc. de otros países, pero al final terminamos añorando hasta las carencias de los nuestros y nos cansa tanta "perfección", que sólo disfraza un vacío que se lleva en el alma.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Moving with family to Bogotá

Gracias paisa29 Te agradezco mucho. Esperemos que todo siga bien. De todos modos mi sueño es volver a Bogotá. Vamos a ver si se logra. Mi esposo tiene una entrevista en febrero con un colegio bilingüe de Bogotá. Estamos a la espectativa a ver qué le ofrecen y cómo se desenvulven las cosas.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Moving with family to Bogotá

True! I am starting to despise Indians. Our job security is in danger, and they are taking all the jobs. But, of course, it is not really their fault, but the fault of the CEOs of big corporations who want to fill their pockets with millions of $$ by getting rid of their qualified American employees and hiring a bunch of Indians who are happy earning pennies.
Talking about Indians, have you watched the movie "The Party" with Peter Sellers? He plays a hilarious mediocre Indian actor. The movie is very funny. To think that somebody like that maybe doing my husband's job!!
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on

Fantastic Great! Thanks for letting us know. Go and have fun!! I look forward to reading your report and seeing your photos.

Best wishes!
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Moving with family to Bogotá

Gracias ¡Gracias amigas!

Hasta ahora leo sus respuestas. Hace rato que no revisaba mis mensajes. He estado muy ocupada estos días con mis niños.
Les cuento que mi esposo consiguió trabajo aquí en Texas en su profesión. Aunque le pagan menos de lo que estaba ganando antes, por lo menos está ocupado y ganado platica.
Hay otras posibilidades de trabajo y tiene varias entrevistas en estos días a ver si algo mejor resulta. De todas maneras nos sigue entusiasmando la idea de ir a vivir a Bogotá. Mi esposo tiene una entrevista en Febrero con uno de los buenos colegios de Bogotá a ver qué le ofrecen. Es bueno tener opciones y no sentirse atrapado. Les confiezo que por un lado me fascina la idea de volver a mi tierra y por el otro me muero del miedo de dejar todo lo que hemos logrado aquí y arriesgarnos tanto. Lo estamos tomando todo con mucha calma para sopesar las oportunidades y tomar la mejor decisión para la familia.

Gracias de nuevo por su interés y su apoyo.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Yo no olvido el año viejo........

El A ño Viejo La canción se llama El Año Viejo. La letra dice así:

Yo no olvido el Año Viejo porque me ha dejado cosas muy buenas.
Yo no olvido el Año viejo porque me ha dejado cosas muy buenas.
Me dejó una chiva, una burra negra, una yegua blanca y una buena suegra.
Me dejó, me dejó, me dejó, me dejó... cosas buenas, cosas muy bonitas.

La siguiente información la tomé de un artículo publicado por el periódico El Tiempo.
"El indio Crecencio Salcedo (1913-1976), el mismo que compuso "Se va el caimán", es el padre de esa canción que le agradece al año viejo haberle dejado una buena suegra. Aunque es colombiana, la canción se hizo famosa en México. Y a la hora del año nuevo, los manitos la escuchan tan puntualmente como nosotros. El mexicano Tony Camargo, que alguna vez alternó con artistas como Agustín Lara, recibía homenajes por haber interpretado el éxito de su vida, El año viejo, grabada por él aproximadamente en 1953."

Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Going to University in Bogota

Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Life of a Colombian in the U.S

True It is true that you have to be more careful in Colombia and be aware of your surroundings. But for me, that is a small price to pay compared to the joy of being around my family and friends. You just become pore alert and take precautions.
There are gated communities in Bogotá and apartment buildings with great security. It also depends on what area of the city you are talking about. In my parents neighborhood the kids play outside all day safely with no problem. There are areas of Bogotá that are very safe.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Going to University in Bogota

Los Andes is very good Los Andes is a very good university. The campus is very nice. Only the best students in Colombia are admitted there. It has a great reputation. Some of the best leaders and professionals in Colombia have graduated from Los Andes. It is not a cheap University, so that is why a lot of the students come from families with money. But they are fun, neat people.
Universidad Javeriana is also very good. I studied there! It is a Jesuit's University.
Universidad Nacional has a good level but it is also the nest of political conflict due to the presence of communist activists that love o protest and cause turmoil. I think Los Andes or La Javeriana are much safer for a foreigner.

Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Life of a Colombian in the U.S

I feel the same I came to the USA when I was 25 years old, and even though I became an American citizen, I still feel 100% Colombian at heart. I think of Colombia every single day of my life, I miss being around my family and childhood friends. I miss Bogota, and its lively atmosphere.
I have made friends in the USA and the closest ones are hispanic. There is just a special conection that I find difficult to develop with American friends. I guess it is the affectionate, open, sincere and joyful nature of our people that is hard to find in other cultures. I also wonder what would've been of my life if I had stayed in Bogota. I am in the States because I came to study English after graduating from college in Bogota, and married an American. My two kids are American, but Colombia is present in my home at all times. I decorate with Colombian crafts, play Colombian music, speak Spanish with my kids and share my love for my Country with everybody. Even my American husband wants to relocate to Bogota. He has experienced first hand the beauty of our culture, the traditions, the emotional quality of life, the importance of a devoted faily. I think my family would be happier living in Colombia, even without some of the material comforts that the USA has to offer.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Speaking spanish...

Maybe your Spanish is good but not good enough to use it as your main language, and he feels that it is easier and more efficient to communicate with you in English. I understand because I have a good American friend who knows Spanish and wants to speak it every time we are together. But the conversation becomes boring, kind of dry and limited, due to her lack of vocabulary, slang knowledge and grammatical errors. She has to stop to think of the right words, etc. I appreciate very much her desire to practice, and I help her, but also want to be able to converse fluently and get our point across. So, many times we start in Spanish and switch to English in the middle of the talk.
Your boyfriend should still help you and encourage you to learn more Spanish, but you don't have to speak Spanish all day. Maybe have a plan and speak Spanish at dinner, or when taking a walk, etc.
Good luck!
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on single colombiana mami's and extraneros

We were talking about it Hi, Don Negro,
I started a new topic yesterday about the same subject, titled: "Single mothers in Colombia- Middle class reality". Paisa29 had something to say about it, too. Check it out. It's on the first page.
Happy New Year!
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on HAPPY NEW YEAR

World tragedy I agree with Kim. It seems like the media in the US focuses a lot on the few stories of the "white" survivors or victims, when the vast majority of the victims where local, humble people, that lost their whole families and their homes. Those local survivors will have to face now the harsh reality of living in poverty and in a devastated land. I hope 2005 brings relief to all the people that have experienced such terrible loss.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Colombian girls - promiscuous?

Thanks! Very sweet of you, Kim. I am just very busy with my kids and have little time to come to the site. Happy New Year to you and all of the PBH friends!
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Colombian girls - promiscuous?

Middle class reality Hi, everybody! I have been away for a while visiting family in Colorado. This topic is interesting to me because I know several girls, friends and family members who have gotten pregnant before getting married. The common denominator of the cases I know is that the girls come from very good, middle class, decent, conservative and religious families; they are good girls, somewhat sheltered, not your typical party girls who go to bed with every man they date. From my experience growing up in Bogotá, I can tell you that the middle class families in general overprotect their daughters, don't talk openly about sex and consider sex a dirty or prohibited thing. You know that when you fall in love and you are very young, your hormones go crazy, you are filled with passion and lust and the more prohibited sex is, the more appealing. All the teachings of the Catholic Church and the strict family rules are easily forgotten or ignored in the heat of passion. Many young couples have fast sex sporadically, like in the bathroom of their parent’s house while the parents are upstairs, or in the car, etc. Since the young people in Colombia don’t have the economic means to be independent and can’t afford to rent their own place, they have to be very creative when finding a place and a moment to let their passion flow. Young women and young men live with their parents until they get married and move away.

The kinds of girls I am talking about are still kind of naive and believe that the guy they are in love with and having sex with will marry them because they have had intimacy and their commitment is strong because of that. They thing their now boyfriend will be their future husband. Many feel embarrassed about asking their family doctor for contraceptives since the doctor knows the parents, etc, they may not even have the money to purchase the pills on a regular basis because most of them go to school full time, don’t work and rely of the money their parents give them for basic expenses. They feel intimidated buying condoms in the store because they are afraid somebody will see them. They still want to look like the innocent girls everybody thinks they are. They pretty much rely on calculating the safe days to have intercourse, and often their calculations fail.
The young guys are pretty immature and spoiled, living with their parents, going to some private college, having an easy life with mommy, daddy, and a maid that does all the house chores. They maybe in love but are not ready to get married and provide for a family. So, usually the girl ends up having the baby and still living with her parents who pay for everything, and the guy often stays around for a while and then goes his own way after finishing his career.
In Colombia is very hard for a woman who already has a kid to find a man who is willing to marry her and raise her child. Men run way from them. No middle class family wants her son to marry a woman who has a kid with ho father. You know that social pressure is heavy on Colombia. So, that is maybe one of the reasons why you see many Colombian single mothers wanting to date foreigners, with the hope to find a soul mate, a man that respects them and a father for their children, after a sour experience due to bad luck, immaturity or irresponsibility.
One of my cousins is going through this experience right now, 4 months pregnant, the family is angry, sad and disappointed, and her boyfriend won’t marry her because his father won’t let him. Of course, I think he probably doesn’t want to get married either. She will continue to go to school and her family will help her take care of the baby. Who knows what the future holds for her.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Christmas question

Globo What you are talking about is called a "Globo". It's basically a big balloon made of pieces of color tissue paper glued together. On the bottom, it has a holder made of wire where you light up a little torch. Four people grab each corner of the big balloon, somebody lights up the torch, and the heat from the flames inflates the Globo. It starts pulling up, and then the people let go of it and the Globo goes up in the air, flying away. We used to do this in New Year's Eve. Look at this Web page for more details and pictures. http://tdplata.tripod.com/tradiciones/colombia/

They have been banned in Bogotá due to the fact that they can cause fires. I doubt that you will be able to find them anywhere else. I have never seen them in the USA.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Christmas in Bogotá

Sorry! guys! I am sorry for the two cut messages above. My 11 month old baby girl decided to "help" me typing, and sent my unfinished answer. She is fascinated with my keyboard, mouse, phone, etc.
I just wanted to say that I agree and think that Christmas in Bogota is bautiful, sincere, fun, filled with tradition, culture and beauty. But some forum memebers did not really agree. Gringo in Bogota was not very impressed. Maybe now that the festivities have really begun he has a different opinion. My plan is to be there next year too.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Christmas in Bogotá

Magic and uni+que Chri Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Christmas in Bogotá

Magic and uni+que Chris Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Angelica JUST GOT APPROVED!!

¡Felicitaciones! Congratulations to both of you! This is the begining of a new happy chapter in you life. Best of luck! And get that finca you want. Spending the summers in Colombia sounds like a great plan.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Come away with me to Colombia.....via my image gallery

Excellent Great collection of pictures to show both the city landscape and the natural beauty of Colombia. Good job, ColombianoX!
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Mi nueva Colombia

Una belleza ¡Qué maravilla de crónica! Te transporta con cada palabra a las bellas regiones de nuestro país y muestra con un positivismo contagioso la grandeza de nuestra tierra y nuestra gente. ¡Es verdaderamente conmovedor como la gente de diversas partes del mundo está descubriendo ese tesoro que se llama Colombia! Sólo espero que nosotros los colombianos sigamos queriendo nuestra Patria, haciéndola prosperar y respetando sus riquezas naturales.
Después de leer este escrito tengo aún más ganas de volver a mi tierra para permitirles a mis hijos disfrutar de sus maravillas, de su gente, de sus paisajes y de la diversidad que nos hace únicos. Creo que es espíritu de mis niños será mucho más compasivo, humilde, agradecido, aventurero y alegre si crecen en mi Colombia.
Gracias, Desideria. ¡Me encantó!
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Quien se acabo mi MANIMOTO?

¡Perdón! ¡Qué pena! Empecé a escribir y se me olvidó que estábamos en el foro en español. Como decía, me fascinan las chocolatinas Jet, cremositas, no muy dulces y deliciosas. Ninguna chocolatina en los EEUU me sabe igual. Cuando vienen mis papás siempre me traen una buena cantidad que me dura algunos meses. El arequipe lo extraño mucho, acompañado de un rico vaso de leche calientica. El chocolate en barra para prepararlo en olleta con molinillo es delicioso y me hace mucha falta, para echarle queso y acompañarlo con un tamal bien grandote.
Bueno, ya me dio hambre, pero me toca conformarme hoy con un sánduche de mantequilla de maní.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Quien se acabo mi MANIMOTO?

I love Chocolatinas Jet, which are the cheapest and most popular chocolate bars in Colombia. I have not been able to find the same taste in any of the candy bars in the USA. I also like Arequipe (sweet milk spread), specially the Alpina brand. A spoonful of arequipe with a glass of warm milk, and I am happy!
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on

Thanks, Miguel I am really enjoying this forum, getting to share info with nice people like you, learning that many foreigners love my Colombia like I do.
I posted a couple of new pictures. You can see my face now.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on Interested in a Colombian guy

It's fine "Puedo hablar" is fine. It is actually the most common way to say it. It is more informal. You were not wrong.
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on

Going back home Tinto,
Excellent article about Colombians going back home! It clearly describes the reality of our feelings and situation. I identify completely with the stories and agree with the testimonies. It's true! In the EEUU you work and work and work, get a bunch of objects, move up financially and still feel kind of empty. Plus, there's no break... little free time and a big lack of emotional support. People are so independent and self-sufficient here... In Colombia you may have less cash, but a lot more happiness in your heart, and many are ready to give you a hand, a smile and an advice if you need it. This President has really made a difference. There is hope!
Mariángela

Mariangela comments on ¿Los colombianos prefieren vivir en Colombia o en EEUU?

Entiendo, Pina Comprendo perfectamente lo que dices, Pina. Con el paso de los años se extraña más el calor del hogar y la gente que uno ha dejado en Colombia. A mí me preocupa mucho no estar cerca de mis papás ahora que están ancianos. Soy única hija y me duele el corazón al pensar que si se enferman o necesitan de mi presencia urgentemente no podré estar con ellos. Que rico que ustedes ya se van a pensionar y podrán volver a Colombia, aunque por otro lado me imagino el dolor de dejar a los hijos y nietos. No hay nada completo en la vida. Yo no quiero llegar a vieja y tener que pasar mi vejez en los EEUU. Es un panorama lleno de soledad. Estamos pensado seriamente en volver a Bogotá y establecer nuestras raíces allá, para vivir con más alegría y plenitud.
Mariángela