nbenjamin has left 359 comments

nbenjamin comments on Medellin Real Estate Prices in the "Big Leagues" - Outrageous

Another point at GDP per capita I would bet 100 to 1. That countries with really high GDP per capita have hire housing prices than countries with low gdp per capita: Five countries from the top 20: England, USA, Germany, France, Switzerland, Kuwiat Ok now lets think about some "bottom 20" countries: 169 Tanzania 500 2008 est. 169 Timor-Leste 500 2008 est. 169 Togo 500 2008 est. 169 Uganda 500 2008 est. 180 Afghanistan 400 2008 est. 180 Central African Republic 400 2008 est. 180 Niger 400 2008 est. 180 Rwanda 400 2008 est. 180 Sierra Leone 400 2008 est. 185 Eritrea 300 2008 est. 185 Ethiopia 300 2008 est. 185 Guinea-Bissau 300 2008 est. 185 Liberia 300 2008 est. 185 Malawi 300 2008 est. 185 Somalia 300 2008 est. 191 Democratic Republic of the Congo 200 2008 est. 192 Burundi Now I am not saying down the line this will always work out. But if you were to make a graph, I would assume (and I think accurately, that GDP per capita will correlate with housing prices in a country.

nbenjamin comments on Medellin Real Estate Prices in the "Big Leagues" - Outrageous

""GDP per capita? MEANINGLESS"" Actually there is a direct correlation. (Although that is not what I was saying - what I was saying is look at Colombia's economy and it is out of wak with its real estate prices). Here it is, it does not take a phi beta to figure this one out: 1. GDP per capita generally correlates with income levels in a country, and purchasing power. 2. Income per capita and purchasing power directly correlates with where a house should price. Sorry. And market crashes impact the wealthy too. This is the worst argument - that say deteriorating housing prices in Culver City have no impact on say Beverly Hills or Santa Monica. They do, and they do in every market. Sorry. You look at manhatten, and other like zip codes and they are down. Sorry. And the people who live there are super rich.

nbenjamin comments on Medellin Real Estate Prices in the "Big Leagues" - Outrageous

Maritime - You hit the nail on the head? "WHO IS BUYING" Who the hell can afford these prices in Colombia. I mean, who can afford anything out there. I think of my girl and her friends and none of them make any real money. My girls best friend is married to futbol player out there and even they do not have money. Lawyers do not make much money out there. I mean WHO IS BUYING? Excellent question excellent commentary.

nbenjamin comments on Medellin Real Estate Prices in the "Big Leagues" - Outrageous

I like what the poster says about the differences in the economic situation between Colombia and Medellin: "personally, as a realtor, I think it´s one of the stupidest justifications for such outrageous prices in a country amidst an economic crisis that it´s not as bad as it is in the US or some european countries but still it affects many people in Colombia." I hear this a lot that the economic situation is far worse the crisis is far worse in the US than Colombia or any other country for that matter. Lets think about this statement - Colombia v. US economically? What is Colombia's unemployment v. the US? What is average pay? Health Care in Colombia v. the horrid US? I mean at the end of the day lets face it - US in this crisis is in better economic shape than Colombia.

nbenjamin comments on What Happened to the Charlee or the Charly in Medellin?

Thanks for the info Jorge. I remember way back a eyar ago everyone was talking about this place as some great investment so I would love to see it. Doug - Yeah I am still in LA. Life is pretty good.

nbenjamin comments on What Happened to the Charlee or the Charly in Medellin?

Keep me informed, it is pretty interesting. Do you remember, by chance, when it was suppose to be finished? Any chance at getting good deals on the places now?

nbenjamin comments on A Little Help for an Old PBH user... (Last Minute Medellin Wedding)

Thanks David. I am looking into the information you sent and will get back to you.

nbenjamin comments on A Little Help for an Old PBH user... (Last Minute Medellin Wedding)

Thanks to everyone for their help... I think we are going to put the wedding off until May at Fizebad. Everything decent is booked in January. FYI we are doing a second ceremony not for me but for her. I think she is entitled to buy the white dress to exchange the rings - we literally woke up one week and said we only have two weeks left to get married on the k1 visa... THey should extend the time a little on that. Again thanks for all your help.

nbenjamin comments on A Little Help for an Old PBH user... (Last Minute Medellin Wedding)

David.... Please send me the information! Thanks so Much!

nbenjamin comments on A Little Help for an Old PBH user... (Last Minute Medellin Wedding)

Thanks everyone for all the positive feedback... So so far - I have fizebad on the list. We are looking into it - and not sure if it has availability. Thanks again - really appreciate all of your help and advice. Taking off from work to go home for the night so I will respond more in the morning.

nbenjamin comments on A Little Help for an Old PBH user... (Last Minute Medellin Wedding)

Thanks Paisa/Calena/Luver... Do you have any suggestions for any places to have a wedding?

nbenjamin comments on A Little Help for an Old PBH user... (Last Minute Medellin Wedding)

Lisa thanks! We should all get together, I will shoot you an email from my real email address and we can talk.

nbenjamin comments on A Little Help for an Old PBH user... (Last Minute Medellin Wedding)

Thanks everyone! Brian - I will pm you. CH No my girl is handling it all - so we will not pay gringo prices. What si the name of the place where you are doing it? Thanks for all your help.

nbenjamin comments on A Little Help for an Old PBH user... (Last Minute Medellin Wedding)

Thansk buddy. Really appreciate it. It is going great - but do not underestimate the pressure that is placed on you for someone leaving their life behind and placing their life in your hands. I mean it is a ton of pressure - but I think under these circumstances it is going great...

nbenjamin comments on Colombian Restaraunts in Los Angeles:

I eventually found out why La Fonda Antioquena sucks - and La Casita is much better: I gave La Fonda a second chance and it still sucked. You cannot even get a beer there. I told the cook at La Casita about it - and she explained. She had been the cook at La Fonda since it opened. They did not pay her enough so she took over the whole restaurant and renamed it La Casita Colombiana. So La Casita has the original cook from La Fonda, but not the same owner. La Fonda - has a new cook but the old owner. The old La Fonda cook - who is now the cook at la casita - told me that La Fonda's cooks are not colombian. They do not know what they are doing - where to buy the good beans - the good chicaron - the good anything. So if you want the real Colombian food - made by a true Atioquena - you have to go to La Casita Colombiana. Whatever your opinions are on the owners - I will never recommended LA Fonda as a good place to eat - not now - maybe in the past. La Casita is the spot for a guy in Los Angeles who needs a fix...

nbenjamin comments on robbed in pobaldo

Miguel - I am with you - I call bullsh-- on those crimes. Maybe I live in fantasy land or I have been very lucky, but I never hear of anyone getting shot dead or sh&t like this. Or I should rephrase nothing like David is claiming.

nbenjamin comments on robbed in pobaldo

Getting robbed sucks... How much did she take? It is hard to believe a woman would steal from you. You would think and it makes more sense for her to just ask you for some change. I mean how much money coul d you have possibly had on you 100 dollars? 2 maybe. Give me a break.

nbenjamin comments on

I joined in 2004 (fall). I stopped coming in 05. I forgot my username and password and rejoined in 06 ish.

nbenjamin comments on

My experience with the police have been very positive in Colombia. Police have been more than helpful and, if you ask, will guard an atm while you pull out money and make sure you are secure. For this I am grateful. My issue with the police is that they stare and make offensive comments to my girl. They do it right in front of me and they know while they sit there with their Uzis that I cannot do a thing. When I look at them like what the f--- are you doing, they give me a long dirty look. This happens often in Medellin. Just a thought, not sure if anyone else has noticed this. LAPD out here never pull that sh-t. But then again, LAPD have pulled many stunts.

nbenjamin comments on Santa Fe de Antioquia, go or not?

Santa Fe - I would take it over a day in guatape any day of the week.

nbenjamin comments on

I believe I did. But it was somewhat joking. Nevertheless, do not expect the dollar to continue losing against the Peso. Today, I believe today, Colombia is debating another rate cut. And you can expect them to make that move. Colombia will continue to have to cut rates. I still like the dollar to Peso at 2500 or above. And am hopeful for 3000. We will see. But expect a quick rebound on the dollar - peso if the colombians cut interest rates today.

nbenjamin comments on Colombian Restaraunts in Los Angeles:

La Fonda - it is on Melrose way out at about Western. For a guy who works in Century City and lives in Santa Monica it is a long drive.

nbenjamin comments on Colombian Restaraunts in Los Angeles:

Mr Gizmo - Point taken. Oviously, I did not know that story. Is it possible I went to La Fonda on a bad night? I am telling you when I was there it sucked - or the chicharon was hard and old and the beans sucked. Or did the restaurant lose a cook when the person opened la casita colombiana? I can tell you this. I went La Fonda because someone recommended it on a flight home from Medallo. When I arrived, and ate I was disappointed. But La Casita lived up to it - the Bandeja was excellent. I will definitely give La Fonda another shot. My girl is visiting LA for the first time (or moving to LA with me), I was trying to think of having a few little "Colombian" places to go. You got any other advice re: Colombian culture in Los Angeles? I would appreciate it - i.e., restaurants, clubs and/or festivals? Thanks.

nbenjamin comments on Twelve foreign sex tourists arrested in Cartagena

Double Jeopardy attaches before the trial actually - it attaches the second a jury has been empaneled and sworn. Therefore, a witness need not be called nor an opening argument. In a court trial - i.e. judge no jury - jeopardy attaches when the first witness is sworn. Just a lesson for you guys.

nbenjamin comments on MY FIANCE DIDN'T GET HER VISA

It take about a week from using the pin to getting an appointment.

nbenjamin comments on

I best someone that the Peso would cross 2400 before 2000??? Who was that? I want my beer. I will be in Medellin in the second week of february if I can get out of work - and I am owed a couple of beers based on my ability to predict the peso.

nbenjamin comments on Peso hits two week low

Thanks Loid - I know it is a ridiculous forcast - but who knows. 3050. I know you are good for it (The beer) - I just haven't been to Medellin - and now my girl is looking to come out to Los Angeles. I live in Santa Monica have a decent life - she should like it but we will see. I may be out in February or May for the three day weekends - depends how the case schedule goes. I am craving Pandeja...

nbenjamin comments on Peso hits two week low

I am living in crazy ville -you are thinking of putting money into the peso - to get away from the dollar. That is a mistake man. Over the course of the next year? "Dios mio man" - Jesus, The Big Lebowski

nbenjamin comments on Peso hits two week low

I hate to come off soft - but blond.

nbenjamin comments on Peso hits two week low

I go to Medellin and live in Los Angeles - (and am in Bogota a lot because sometimes my girl meets me there and there are direct flight (LAX BOG)). A beer. My man G-Loid still owes me a beer but I had to cancel my thanksgiving trip. A beer thats it.

nbenjamin comments on Peso hits two week low

La Huella - I will take that bet any day of the week. I will bet it crosses 2400 before it crosses 2000? You want a piece of that?

nbenjamin comments on Peso hits two week low

BB - the cutting interest rates was another interesting article - keep-em coming.

nbenjamin comments on Peso hits two week low

BB - interesting article. G-Loid - I am going to take an agressive position here: I am going to call the Peso at 3050.00 at the close of business 12/31/2009. Just mark me down for that woud you? thanks.

nbenjamin comments on Good time to buy pesos and keep them in the bank?

G-loid - point taken. Again, no doubt the U.S. govt. does not really care about the strength of the dollar. But did you read the article I posted? Take a read it presents a good argument.

nbenjamin comments on Good time to buy pesos and keep them in the bank?

Lisa - if you are truly curious about the dollar - I recommend the financial times currency section - read it straight for two months before doing any serious investing: Also today msn money put an argument of why the dollar will remain strong in 09 and retreat in 2010. Please read it - do not listen to the moron-brigade. http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/JubaksJournal/no-crisis-for-the-us-dollar-yet.aspx Predicting currency is nearly impossible - and if I were betting on a currency - just out of logic - the dollar or the colombian peso? I would bet on the dollar - in almost every situation. Finally - how sick was the weather today in Los Angeles - it went from winter to summer overnight at least in Santa Monica/Venice - I imagine its the same in the South Bay. Take care

nbenjamin comments on Good time to buy pesos and keep them in the bank?

And finally - I would bet the Colombian peso will be at 2600-3000 within the next two years - but that is complete speculation.

nbenjamin comments on Good time to buy pesos and keep them in the bank?

Lisa, I think a lot more depends on Colombia. The weak dollar has taken a back seat in U.S. fiscal policy: interest rates have been cut to almost nothing and the government continues to take "loans" for financial stimulus packages. A comment above points out that a U.S. economic recovery will set the stage for the dollar to come back. I am not sure how realistic that is - I mean I think the U.S. economy will come back - but I do not think the U.S. economy come back will be intertwined with a strengthening dollar. But predicting the dollar has been almost impossible. Like another poster states above, the total collapse of the U.S. economy along with other economies allowed the dollar to make its largest gains against both the Euro and the Pound in years. Was any of the dollars come back based on reality? No. It was based on flight to a "safe" investment - the U.S. dollar. Many people predict the dollar will totally collapse in the next couple of years. Others, and I think they have an intriguing argument, suggest the Euro will collapse - the argument goes something like this - Italy, Spain in the Latin-Euro countries will want to cut rate to stimulate their economies. While Germany and other countries who have always valued a strong currency will push for high interest rates. And this will start a whirlwind that will lead to a pull out and collapse of the euro. Do you believe it. Likely not. But assume it did happen then the dollar would go nuts as the Euro has been the alternative to the dollar in recent history (post 2000). There would be flight into the dollar - and the dollar would increase against all currencies. Now I am babbling. But to conclude - predicting how the dollar is going to go is almost impossible.

nbenjamin comments on Juan Valdez is ready to kick Starbucks ass? What happened to Juan Valdez? I only know of one in Times square

johnny 2008 - a good point about the difference between growing and making coffee. I am the biggest euro-hater of them all (only because every time I go I feel like I am under assault for being a Californian/American) but lets face it - Italy & Spain make better coffee then the United States, and leaps and bounds better than anyone in South AMerica. But Europe doesn't grow coffee - and south america does - go figure. Another point. McDonalds coffee shops (which I remember seeing for the first time in Peru) now are spreading across the U.S. and killing starbucks (thus far).

nbenjamin comments on

dbldareu - I have been calling out GS out since day one. He is full of --it. It is obvious. It also seems apparent that he has some interest in the Charlee - he is repeatedly referenced a 15 story hotel in other posts and that he is investing or bought the hotel. This would be the Charleem I imagine. GS - used to call himself tobyboy - This guy is a pompous ass who pretends to have a ton of money, why, I do not know. Nevertheless, GS makes for good conversation and always has some good posts. He seems fairly intelligent as well. As for the charlee - I am kind of hoping it works out - seems like a neat idea.

nbenjamin comments on

I should offer one point of clarification. I was thinking at buying at the Charlee, not for investment, more for my own personal situation. I go to Medellin often, 8 times in 2008. I always stay at nice hotels and spend a week there. I would love to have my own hotel room, rather than pay $1,000.00 for a weeks stay every time I go. That is all.

nbenjamin comments on

GS - how much money do you have in the old Charlee. The one advantage the hotel has, is it should be nice. All of the hotels, such as the dann, in Medellin suck. They are overpriced for what you get. The rooms are ghetto and outdated. Aside from the Porton - I am not a big fan of many hotels in Poblado. I have stayed at almost everything. I was thinking about buying in the Charlee - they offer some pretty fair financing deals - from what I had read (which was a while back). --------------------------- Medellin - and real estate prices. I have to agree that Prices of real estate in Medellin are ridiculous. They charge more than most U.S. cities. Look i dont want to live in Jersey either - but I would take investing there over Medellin in a heart beat. Why? 1. Economics prospective - investment etc. 2. Better employment opportunities. 3. Free and decent education for your kids, better private school opportunities. 4. Security and safety. 5. Transportation. The list could go on - Real estate in Medellin is way over priced.

nbenjamin comments on Duplex For Sale in Poblado, Medellin

GS - You seem to have a fairly good grasp of Real Estate in Medellin. When do you believe the market will go down and return to reasonable prices? Also do you have recommendations with financing? I know, you have to throw down 33% and pay high interest rates, but I still would prefer that, in this economy, then putting every last dollar into an apartment. I am really looking into a Finca in Rio, but still feel prices are a little high. Not sure if you have any ideas. Also what is going on with that Hotel in Parque lleras that is being designed by the people who did the Viceroy in Santa Monica, California. I kind of liked the options and financing deals they were doing. Thanks.

nbenjamin comments on Duplex For Sale in Poblado, Medellin

Thanks Robi. Another quick comment: I have watched the market in Colombia and I find the prices all over the map. I.e., there are no guidelines. People just name a price and throw it on a property. For example, you will see a property very similar to this selling for 150k more or 100k less. With that said, $200,000.00 for a condo is absurd. Aside from Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco (and a few other cities) - you can get a pretty decent and turn key condo throughout most of the United States for that price. I love Medellin as much as the next guy and although young in California, I hope to die in Colombia. With all that said, the United States offers so much more than Colombia iin terms of security, employment, public education, prospective inestment etc. Accordingly, how would one justify chargin a comprable price in Medellin for a condo than the United States. Thanks.

nbenjamin comments on Uribe makes the front page of the WSJ (again)

Great article.

nbenjamin comments on Duplex For Sale in Poblado, Medellin

I have a question for the "postor" Duplex in the united states implies that there are two places in one. i.e., a duplex would be two houses side by side with one common wall. What you are showing is a two bedroom condo. Why do you call this a "DUPLEX." Are you confused regarding the meaning of duplex or does duplex have a different meaning where you are from? Thanks.

nbenjamin comments on WHATS THE AVERAGE AGE OF A PBH USER & WHAT/WHY WERE THEY ATTRACTED TO COL.

29 (turning 30) Atty Lived in many different parts of South America throughout College and before law school. Traveled through Colombia in my third year of law school and fell in love with a girl from Medellin. And that is how I ended up here. (I originally came for advice on what to do for new years).

nbenjamin comments on Get ready for the Bludgeoning - the Peso will start to return on the Dollar (thoughts?)

G-loid: I like it. I think a june prediction in there would be good. Chines currency? Interesting. I do not follow it at all. I would throw in a Euro because I follow it somewhat closely. But whatever.

nbenjamin comments on 2177 and DIVING!

I was thinking predictions through 6 months. i.e., call exchange rate of June? It would be a little easier.

nbenjamin comments on 2177 and DIVING!

Right now we have to expect a weakening dollar. I said that the U.S. could not possibly lower rates. That was in the summer and before Lehman etc. Now the U.S. has dropped rates to historic lows and the dollar is getting killed as a result. The dollar Euro exchange has dropped ten cents. The dollar has hardly dropped against the Colombian peso in comparison. I believe in the long run the dollar will kill the peso. Colombia, and latin america in general, is to dependent on commodities and the U.S. We will see another bottoming out of the dollar and then the dollar will start coming back with a vengeance. GL - when are we opening up predictions for next year. My money is 3200 by august of next year when people start talking about the rate going up not down.

nbenjamin comments on True-life situation: What would YOU do?

2 million that is 1,000 one way or another. I am not sure what I would do. I can assure you I would not do it unless I was clear about what was in it. i.e., drugs - I would not do it. i.e., dirty laundry I would do it. Anyhow I call bs - never happened. But great post.