marylandfrank has left 7 comments

marylandfrank comments on Shipping companies

I want to ship large packages - about 300-500 lbs total for each. I will probably crate the pieces. What is the best way to ship without using the standard ocean shipping business? I agree this is a very poor way to ship and rather costly with time and constantly changing taxes and fees (depending on the official on duty that day). I would like to send from my business here in California to my house in Bogota. What do you think folks? Any companies or ideas out there? Thanks

marylandfrank comments on Getting Married in Bogota

Oh yeah, wanted to tell you something more... if you marry in Bogota and you wait the time for the notice in the papers and brief paperwork you and she should be fine. But you will need translated and certified documents for everything to marry in Bogota. Because you were married before to a Colombianita your translated and certified final divorce decree will be very important. The embassy will not marry you and will not allow the marriage to be conducted there either. You will simply submit the documents for the records in Bogota and if you want to copy the embassy you can. But you will have to file the papers for a family/spouse visa here in the USA. The only exception is if you are living there full time and can prove it. And in this case your application would be severely delayed by going through to local embassy. You are best served if you decide to marry in Colombia to return here and file the papers here. Visit as often as you like after that, but it will take a good 6-8 months. Of this I am quite certain. Been through it... it is a long wait and will test your relationship. But if you are patient it pays off. Remember if she comes here under the spousal visa than she automatically has permanent residency. She will not have to file for a "change of status" later and wait for this painful process.

marylandfrank comments on Getting Married in Bogota

This is a frustrating and complex process. Complex only because the US government makes it this way. You can spend time and effort to find the secret or loophole in the system, but in the end it will take longer and cost you the security of knowing you are legal. Here is the bottom line for your situation: (1) First option is to marry in Colombia and then file as you suggested to bring over a "family member" or "spouse". The average time for this process is 8 - 10 months, but I have heard of the occasional lucky couple getting it in 7 or 8 months. I have also heard of couples taking well over a year. Now keep in mind the rules for marriage are different slightly in each city. For example the requirements for marrying in Cali are easier than in Bogota (less time to wait, etc.). And if you want the super quick marriage you can fly to San Andres and they will marry you on the spot with nothing more than a passport. (2) Second option is to just file all the papers needed for the K-1 fiancee visa. This is fairly uncomplicated and generally takes 6-8 months in total. Once in this country on this 90-day visa you will have to marry within the 90 days or she will be deported. The easiest way is probably to do the K-1 visa and after marrying in the USA quickly after her arrival you could come back to Bogota later and do a very nice family wedding in the church. Civil in the US and church in Colombia. That should satisfy all parties. Hope this helps...

marylandfrank comments on How to find a share taxi or mini bus Cartagen Airport to my baby's home in Barranquilla

Miguel, I do give my drivers beer and have never had problems. A beer is not being drunk and to be honest it goes a long way in my experience in making everything just a bit easier and more relaxed. Even if the driver says no, which sometimes happens, it is the thought that counts. I have made more networking contact through treating the drivers as friends and equals than not. If you don't want to offer beer than offer something else. But offer either way.

marylandfrank comments on Need one city recommendation for travel to Colombia

First time in Colombia? I would suggest you think about what you want from the trip before you decide where to go. Colombia has a lot to offer but each location is different. In spite of the bad Bogota references, it is not a bad place at all if you want something like a big city and all the things with it - I would stick to the north like Andino and the bars on "T" block. If you are looking for the beach then decide if you want the touristy Miami thing or a quiet place. Some of the suggestions made here are good for the quiet places and if you want the Miami effect then you will need to look into Cartagena and the parties that go with it. If you want the Caribean style than consider the island of San Andres. There are many places to see and all are different. One reason many people start in bogota is it is a good central place... big city and all, and Melgar is good to visit by car or bus, also Villaveccecio, the salt church in Zippachira, and even Villa De Leyva if you want history and a very small and quiet town. If it is your first visit I would suggest sticking to the larger and more touristy cities, then you can break out once you have a feel for the culture and "rules of the road".

marylandfrank comments on How to find a share taxi or mini bus Cartagen Airport to my baby's home in Barranquilla

Hopefully money is not a consideration, because the ride via taxi/van will cost a bit more than the standard bus ride. Keep in mind you could hire a driver if money is no object, but the ride is about 3 hours and because the driver will lose most of his day driving you and returning his price will more likely be a bit higher than usual. If you do hire a driver - be nice - if you stop for lunch offer him some food and a beer as well. Such things go a long way to easing your trip and maybe even save you a few bucks at the end of the trip.

marylandfrank comments on jobs in colombia for english speakers?

Without getting into the pro's or con's of why Colombians would search out English speaking professionals, the actual description in your case should be "native speaker". Many people in Colombia now speak English, and some quite well, so your real selling point is the "native speaker" niche. It comes down to the desire of many Colombians to learn English from native speakers which can teach the eccentricities of the language, common terms and their use, and the most important part - pronunciation. Your goal should be to concentrate on finding colleges and private schools where the students can afford to pay the higher tuitions required for these positions. Colegio de Americas in Bogota for instance is just such an example of a private school. Then there is the British School for learning English. Keep in mind that you will be competing with many people, and if you are fortunate enough to get a position it will be for a pay rate you will not be accustomed to. It is likely you will need to work another job to supplement your income.I am only addressing the specifics of working in the English sector, and there is much to consider before you make this move. Lifestyle, social life, just about everything. Research well and do not make the move lightly without considering all aspects of life. I have a friend who moved there against my prodding and even though he is skilled and fluent he is having a very difficult time finding work of any kind. His only saving grace is that his girlfriends family took him in until he can find something. With no support or network making this move must be considered very heavily. I hope this helps.