mrgizmo has left 222 comments

mrgizmo comments on Anyone know the latest on Girardot?

I spent a few days in Giradot this summer (end of june) at a Condo my in-laws rented. It was nice, my son who's 13 told us that he had never made so many friends in such a little time here in the states. One night he stayed by pool until 2am with a bunch of kids playing (nice clean fun). I did see soldiers on the road, they didn't make me feel nervous, they made me feel secure. Then we went to Melgar (Cafam) it was a great family resort but you have to be a member or know someone who's a member and can let you in. Cafam has everything from a bowling alley to cinemas, zoo, lake, about 13 pools, big slides, trails, restaurants, dancing, etc.

mrgizmo comments on US$ at 2027.45COP

Where did you guys see those numbers? I'm looking at today's El Tiempo and it shows as $1,992.99 pesos for a dollar.

mrgizmo comments on

The most simple and cost-effective way of doing that, is take a regular garbage bag (new), place the clothes inside the bag, take the vacuum cleaner hose and stick it into the entrance of the bag and wrap the mouth of the bag tight and vacuum. It will do the same effect as the ones you buy, just vacuum the air out and it works. I did it when I went to Japan during spring season and some jackets were occupying too much space.

mrgizmo comments on Spoiled American I think not

It's ok if she wants to stay in expensive hotels and eat only at gourmet restaurants and dress up with expensive clothes, she has exquisite taste. Encourage her to do it and tell her to PAY FOR IT OUT OF HER OWN POCKET.

mrgizmo comments on Entering the US with Cuban goods

Am I wrong? or have the laws changed in U.S./CUBA policies? I seem to recall that if a person entered Cuba with a green card (other than cubans) you would automatically loose your residency status, and they would take your green card away when they returned to the States? There was a law that if you are in the U.S. on a green card you can not visit any communist countries.

mrgizmo comments on TORN BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES

morphus I AM with the country that supposedly fed me and clothed me BUT with the exception that I worked for it. I have been working since (and paying my due share of taxes) 1966, never once have I collected unemployment EVER. NEVER got a freeby from the government. I know it's there but it's there for the needy not for me to abuse the system. I don't see Colombia like the stepfather, sorry. I owe Colombia my roots, my culture, my education (moral and good values) yes, that came from my familty but my family was raised in Colombia. On my recent trip I went to my old neighborhood and walked the streets saw the kids playing soccer and other street games, the neighborhood hasn't changed much it's a modest, very modest neighborhood but it was full of good people. It was like going back to the past and I loved it. Desideria, and many of you who've been out of your native countries share the same feeling, I know it, it's human nature. We all have good and bad memories. Sometimes we belong to both countries and sometimes we belong to neither one of them.

mrgizmo comments on TORN BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES

Being born in Colombia I always carry the country in my heart. Although I only lived there 16 years (I'm over 50 now) I have considered it my country. God protect those who criticized Colombia and its people in front of me because I'd get back to them like an angry bear defending it with all my power. I defended its culture, the economy, the president, the sports (mainly soccer), the cities, the climate, the natural resources and last but not least, the food. I always encountered ignorant fools who put Colombia down based on Hollywood movies and the nightly news. I've lost track of how many times I tried to educate those people about the beautiful things Colombia has to offer. I recently came back from a three plus vacation there. I loved it. The only problem was that I found myself defending the states, the culture, the economy, the sports, the weather, and yes, sometimes the president. I encountered people who'd say: "Los gringos son unos menzos'' (gringos are dumb) WHAT? Are you kidding me? You really believe gringos are dumb? What? what do you mean gringos have no sense of humor, blah, blah, blah. I ended up getting in friendly arguments about the states and I was like a grizzly defending its cubs. Then I realized, I'm torn between the two countries, I accept them both for what they are and I'm grateful to both of them. I love them both. Some people even told me, "Oh, you're not Colombian anymore, you're a gringo.'' Not trying to offend me to trying to make me realize that I'm not one of them anymore. Am I the only one who feels this way?

mrgizmo comments on mrgizmo

bseeger I apologize for not getting to you sooner. I just noticed this mail. I hope I'm not too late to answer your question. I flew to Colombia with a U.S. passport (valid) and also carried with me a Colombian passport that had expired about 10 years ago. When I arrived in Bogota the DAS officer asked if I had a Colombian passport and I told him I did but it's expired. He said it didn't matter to let him see it anyway. Well he stamped it and then I renewed it in Bogota on the following Monday. Renewing it in Bogota took about 2 hours or so. If you don't have a U.S. passport I would get in touch with the airline to see if they'd allow you to board the plane with no valid passport. I have renewed passports in San Francisco but in person. Doing it by mail may not be possible but I'd try to get in touch with any other consulate to find out. Good luck, I do hope this information helps some. Any other questions please let me know and I'll try to help you out.

mrgizmo comments on Things to do in Japanese springtime?

I went to Japan during the cherry blossom season (April). I went to Tokyo, Kyoto,Kobe, Osaka and to an islandcalled Awaji island where only nationals go. It was beautiful if not espectacular. The scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile. The weather was ok, some rain but being Colombian I'm used to it. In Awaji Island I stayed at a Japanese Inn where everything is traditional from the Japanese bath to the dining room in kimono. I will never forget that trip.

mrgizmo comments on What really happened on September 11, 2001? (911)

I watch Fox news, CNN, The Times, L.A./NY, El Tiempo, Jorge Ramos (as much as I think he's a lousy journalist). The point is I read/watch pro and con, it goes to prove that I'm reading what you guys are saying, LOL. LDW I agree with you, no one can fix Iraq but we are there already I think we screwed up the country more by being there, but we are there and pulling out now and leaving it the way it is would create a civil war and the U.S. would be blamed for it.

mrgizmo comments on What really happened on September 11, 2001? (911)

Afghanistan was invaded due to the 911 disaster, NOT Iraq, Iraq was invaded due to the fact that Saddam was believe to have weapons of mass destruction and it would've been invaded with or without the incident of 911. Again Afghanistan was the country that was invaded. Not Iraq.

mrgizmo comments on What really happened on September 11, 2001? (911)

And Christ was a magician working together with David Copperfield to make himself disappear. Elvis is alive and well, they see him everywhere. Flying saucers have landed and aliens are living amongst us. Katrina in New Orleans was set up by the local government to get rid of the black people in that section of town. Ingrid wasn't really saved, we paid 20 million dollars to rescue her. The Russians killed Kennedy, or was the mafia? PBH is really not owned by Peter, it's owned by the government to find out what we think. The point I'm trying to make is that we are free to think whatever we want. Especially here in the states and also in Colombia. Also there will always be negative people who come up with these weird, nonsense stories.

mrgizmo comments on Why Can't I be a "Doctor" in Colombia?

All kidding aside, the title of Doctor or Doctora is simply a title of respect and humbleness from the person who says it. it's the same as Don or Doña. They know you are NOT a medical doctor or that you DON'T have a PhD (doctorate) but again, it's simply a title of respect to the person you are addressing and a sign of humbleness.

mrgizmo comments on Why Can't I be a "Doctor" in Colombia?

Perhaps this will somewhat answer your question: A hillbilly from rural Colombia went to the city and bought a used and beat-up suit and necktie. With dirty shoes and the way he was dressed he looked like a street bum but felt he looked really good. As he walked down the street a shoe-shine boy asked: "Can I give you a shine, Doctor?'' The man was sooo impressed that he said, "go ahead.'' As the boy shine his shoes the hillbilly asked, "So, how did you know I was a Doctor?'' "Oh well, that's simple, the boy answered, here we call any Son of a Bitch a doctor.''

mrgizmo comments on Now I know why I'm having problems with stepson

gamm2, those rules have been around for quite a few years, I don't know who originated them but here's a link: http://www.skundberg.no/oystein/tekster/fulghum.htm

mrgizmo comments on shopping

We are sooooo used to Customer No Service here in the States that we don't know what to do when we actually get served on. If I got used to not being able to find a sales person anywehre in the store and if I find it, when asked the question "Where do I find etc.'' their reply would be, hmmmm, uh, out there. And if you ask do you have this in blue? or medium size? They'd reply, I don't know, check the rack, if it's not there we don't have it. After you get this kind of service in the States, I can see why you'd be freaking out when they actually try to help you out. It's the culture, get used to it.

mrgizmo comments on Now I know why I'm having problems with stepson

I believe you guys missed the point. I guess you guys skipped kindergarden, LOL

mrgizmo comments on Now I know why I'm having problems with stepson

AND ALSO IN KINDERGARDEN: Share everything Play fair Don't hit people Put things back where you found them Clean up your mess Don't take things that aren't yours Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody Wash your hands before you eat Flush. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you Live a balanced life; learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some. Take a nap every afternoon When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together Be aware of wonder Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup ; The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that. Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup They all die So do we

mrgizmo comments on 10,000 US Dollars = How many Colombian Peso's?

I believe what 360Degrees is asking is what the buying power of $10,000USD is in Colombia. Depends on what you're going to buy, If you went to the movies in Los Angeles for instance, you'll be paying approx. 10USD. in Colombia you'll be paying $3USD. etc. Some things are cheaper and some are more expensive. Imported items are much more expensive which means you'll have less buying power. National items and daily items are cheaper, including rent, which means you have a greater buying power.

mrgizmo comments on Ecuadorian leader calls FARC rescue lucky

Luck or no luck, the result was the same. And his point is????

mrgizmo comments on EXPLOSION IN LA FISCALIA DE BOGOTA

Just read El Tiempo, it was an accidental explosion.

mrgizmo comments on FARC wants to meet Daniel Ortega to talk about "war and peace" (is anyone surprised?)

I have an idea, why don't the FARC move to Nicaragua? Leave the hostages behind. I'm sure Ortega will give them room and board like he's doing with the "innocent-I-was-just-interviewing-those-nice-people-called-FARC Young lady. They'll be happy and so will we (Colombians)

mrgizmo comments on Armenia

I was in Armenia about three weeks ago. It's safe. my advice, (and I know I'll get heat from this) stick to bottled water, do not drink tap water, or any juice made with tap water, you'll get the runs. Not if you live there but it will happen if you are a U.S./Canadian resident. Also cars DO have the right of way. Funny I got hit by a car while I was on a crosswalk, however that happened in California NOT in Colombia, LOL.

mrgizmo comments on

Great pictures. I was there about three weeks ago, drank 3 glasses of avena fria and one of masato. I knew that I'd wouldn't be able to do that again for a long time. I live in L.A.

mrgizmo comments on Ingrid Betancourt-Unanswered Questions

LOL. The wife it's still in Colombia vacationing, but I'd rather have her here nagging instead of being without her and without the nag. Nagging it's built into women's genes, but that's another story.

mrgizmo comments on Ingrid Betancourt-Unanswered Questions

In time things will come out to the light. Right now she is simply slowly digesting the beginning of her freedom. We can not expect her to have a sound mind about every detail of her ordeal. What do people expect from her? We are too anxious for her to be outspoken about everything from politics to the FARC and be involved in movemets against the FARC etc. Let's cut her some slack. She should be able to enjoy her freedom anyway she wants. Let's accept the interviews as they come and as they are, Let's not try to make her into something she's not. She wants to make money with the interviews? Good for her. She wants to enjoy her family away from Colombia? Good for her She doesn't want to talk about what happened in the jungle? Good for her, she can do whatever the hell she wants, that's why it's called freedom, she's been a captive for over 6 years following orders.

mrgizmo comments on What does he need? Renewing a Colombian Passport in Chicago - Help

Palcolo: The two years start from the date of his receiving his green card. The easiest way to get his mom a visa is for him to become a U.S. citizen and then, ask for his mom, but still it'll be some wait, hopefully less than two years. ColombianoGringo: The entire process took about two hours from the time I got in line. The line itself wasn't very long but I got there early (around 9am) and someone kept my spot while I had the pictures taken.

mrgizmo comments on What does he need? Renewing a Colombian Passport in Chicago - Help

Can he get a U.S. passport on a green card? No, it's impossible to do that. It's a long process to become a U.S. citizen (naturalized) first, you have to be a legal resident for 5 years unless he's married to a U.S. citizen then it would be two years. You go to the inmigration building and fill out the necessary forms then you should take a course on citizenship or memorize the 100 answers to the questions they may ask. About government, history, constitutions, your local government, etc. There are books about it. Finally you take the exam also called the interview. Where you are tested on these 100 questions (they only ask about 20) and they also test your English. (You don't have to speak perfect English just the basic English). And then months later, you take the Oath along with other future citizens (about 5,000) at this time they'll give you a certificate and then with the certificate you are allowed to apply for a U.S. passport. The entire process takes about 2 years for citizenship and it will cost about $4,00.00 dolars (more or less). Important note: During the period of the five years, you have to have a clean police record. Your fingerprints will go to the FBI for verification.

mrgizmo comments on What does he need? Renewing a Colombian Passport in Chicago - Help

Yes. if you do it in Bogota (did it on 25th street and 7th Avenue) all you have to do is get in line and all the reps from the photo places will offer you the service. They'll know what size photos you need. Don't forget to mke two photocopies of Cedula, they'll they make these at the photo place.

mrgizmo comments on What does he need? Renewing a Colombian Passport in Chicago - Help

Here's a translation on the above: Personal presence (it means he has to be there) 3 recent photographs, equal in color in size 3.5X4.5 centimeters, facing front and clear background (have this taken near the consulate, I'm sure there'll be businesses that will take them) original cedula or old passport where the Cedula number appears. two photocopies of the shown documents (Cedula and/or passport) old passport $102.00 U.S. Dollars Please note: if he has also a U.S. passport he can travel to colombia and renew the passport in Bogota (assuming that's where he's going) and he'll have it in two hours and will only cost about 30 dollars. I just came back from a three week visit and flew with my expired passport (expired about 10 years ago) and the u.S. passport. at customs in Bogota they asked for the Colombian passport and I showed the expired one and that's the one they stamped.

mrgizmo comments on HERE'S MY REPORT OF BOGOTA/GIRARDOT/ARMENIA

ColombianoGringo. I'm sorry, you're absolutely right, there's nothing more boring than a block of copy to read I just kept on writing and writing before I lost my train of thought. I'll keep it in mind. Quantum, I loved Armenia, I stayed at a finca/hotel called SANTANA about 1 kilometer from the Parque del Cafe. The weather was nice even though we had some rain. There are many family-oriented activities including but not limited to Canoeing, Balsaje (where you go downstream on the river on an old-fashioned "Balsa'') just like the old days. There's also Panaca a park with animals and animal shows for the whole family. I didn't go to Parque del Cafe because I've seen it many times but it's a great theme park, with lots to see and do. Armenia has also good shopping centers and restaurants and the people are very friendly everywhere. La linea (road to Bogota) is not one of my favorites but I survived it.

mrgizmo comments on What happens to the original nationality for naturalised US citizens?

It is well known that Colombia as well as other countries allow you to have both nationalities and you are allowed to have two passports, one to show that you're a Colombian citizen and one to show you are a U.S. citizen. In fact if you were born in Colombia, Colombian inmigration will expect you to show your Colombian passport upon arrival. When you leave and arrive to the U.S., you do so with the U.S. passport. I myself have both nationalities and will be arriving in Bogota with a U.S. passport and an expired passport and I know they (DAS) will give me a hard time for not having a valid Colombian passport which I will renew in Bogota (It's cheaper and easier). I still have my cedula as well.

mrgizmo comments on Latest From Villavicencio

Villao brings a lot of childhood memories, I spent many vacations in Acacias, and Villao. Our friends used to own a finca called "El Danuvio'' (or Danubio) near Acacias. It was a very long road trip from Bogota and part of the fun was stopping on the small towns for lunch.

mrgizmo comments on Alternatives to Andres Del Carne Res?

And here's the website where I got the above information, it might be useful. http://www.bogotaturismo.gov.co/bogotafindesemana/directorio.php

mrgizmo comments on Alternatives to Andres Del Carne Res?

I found this information on a website. I wonder if it's the restaurant you guys are talking about. RESTAURANTE EL HUMERO AV Pradilla No. 5A - 05 8636662

mrgizmo comments on

No, no es problema de sur america, Uribe es el unico problema que tiene Chavez, (unico entre comillas) porque es el unico mandatario de sur america que no se ha dejado manipular y lavar el cerebro por Chavez y su projecto Bolivariano, ni tampoco de ha dejado intimidar por el.

mrgizmo comments on Que significa "hacer el amor"?

Si en realidad quieren saber lo que es amor, amor es: Agonia, Luto, Angustia, Llanto, Miedo, Muerte, Vida, Sol y Sangre, Es morirse a cada paso con una espada de punta y seguir viviendo luego. Mientras no sientas todo esto, no sabes lo que es querer, LOL

mrgizmo comments on Que significa "hacer el amor"?

Lo de arriba fue un chiste, pero conprueba la diferencia entre la forma de pensar de el hombre y la mujer. La mujer es generalizando mas sentimental y romantica mientras que el hombre es mas desprendido y seco en la parte sentimental. Despues de hacer el amor la mujer se siente mas unida al hombre sentimentalmente. El hombre no lo ve de esa forma, sinplemente lo ve como el acto fisico y eso es todo. El chiste de arriba no fue un acto ordinario ni una falta de cultura, fue acto realistico de la forma como (generalmente) piensan los hombres y las mujeres.

mrgizmo comments on Que significa "hacer el amor"?

El amor es lo que las mujeres hacen cuando uno se las esta pichando

mrgizmo comments on

Here's the link. I don't know what happened above, it must be my "ALPISTE'' (Alzheimer's con despiste) http://www.portalcol.com/colombianadas/comidatipica/guiarest/norteamerica/eeuu/index.htm#

mrgizmo comments on

unidentified gadgets. I love gadgets, mostly electronic gadgets or gizmos.

mrgizmo comments on I want to Learn How to Cook Sushi

Ok, everyone talked about the rice, the vinegar, how to prepare this and prepare that, to cook (Unagui) or not to cook. One thing no one has mentioned yet is the fact that you should not make sushi from fish bought at a supermarket or market or eat it just anywhere, why? It's simple fish has to be extremely fresh, there are some flyes that deposit their eggs on the fish and if you don't cook that fish, those eggs are going to hatch inside of your body and become worms that will eventually go to your brain. Talk to anyone who lived in Japan for a while and they will confirm this. If you cook the fish there won't be a problem, only if you eat it raw.

mrgizmo comments on

Here's a link not only to Colombian restaurants in Los Angeles but also to Colombian restaurants around the world. When you get in the website click the California map and it will show you the addresses as well as the telephone numbers. The one mentioned by dwmte7 on Melrose is La Fonda Antioqueña, they recently moved to a new location just a few blocks away from the old address, but it is still on Melrose Ave. It's a much better location and their service has always been excellent. It's a family atmosphere restaurant. There are many good restaurants but they are far apart. I hopes this helps. Bon Apetit.

mrgizmo comments on Cosas que pasan :))

Tengo un amigo chino que le encantan los gatos. Una vez le regale uno y despues de dos semanas le pregunte, que tal te parecio el gatico? El me respondio, Oh muy sabroso, gracias, cuando me mandas otro? Cruel, yo se, pero eso me contesto.

mrgizmo comments on Por que se escribe poco en español?

kat1 tiene razon. Escribi un articulo con traduccion pero el articulo era en ingles y existieron casi 100 comentarios. Despues escribi uno en Español y a pesar de que lo considere de interes, solo tuvo un comentario, el mio.

mrgizmo comments on Detenidas 3 ecuatorianas que transportaban explosivos para las FARC

The above is my translation from Spanish based on the article I read on Noticias24.com

mrgizmo comments on De Regreso a Colombia!!

I agree with MaFe, that's why I keep going back

mrgizmo comments on De Regreso a Colombia!!

And then again, if we had everything we wanted and needed here in the states we wouldn't have the need to keep going back. There's a magnetism in Colombia that keeps pulling us in!

mrgizmo comments on De Regreso a Colombia!!

I always tell my wife, if I was mayor of Bogota I would fix the traffic, clean up the streets, I would try to pass a law that would issue a cedula with the address in it so you can track people down. I would give stiff penalties for lottering the streets. I would fix the sidewalks instead of having every home owner fix their part of the sidewalk, I'd make them all uniform. I would penalize unfinished constructions after a certain amount of time, etc. I know I'm starting to sound like I'm campaigning already. They (Colombians) already know what their problems are and they don't need a tourist to remind them of them.

mrgizmo comments on De Regreso a Colombia!!

Simon and what have you fixed how far? How many people have taken your advice and done something about it? If you criticize everything while you're just visiting I bet there are a lot of comments people are making that you don't hear.