Pete E has left 80 comments

Pete E comments on Riding Shotgun on a Scooter?

Deal Vic Lets forget it.I overeated and was tying to explain why.Your post just REALLY pissed me off.I'm usualy pretty hard to get to.
I don't know you,you don't know me.
Lets call it a mutual error and move on.Whinning IS NOT my style,which you might find hard to believe.

Pete

Pete E comments on Riding Shotgun on a Scooter?

Riding Shotgun in Colombia The original post by Boungone was asking about just such a law,he had heard of it but didn't know the details.It OBVIOSLY was not about someplace where there is not such a law,he wouldhveno question it that wre so.It was either about Cali or someplace else with a similar law.I was just trying to help when this REALLY STUPID OBNOXIOUS posts comes at me.I admit I esculated from there,I am just SOO tired of such rude nonsensical behavor.
You are right,just better to just let it slide,but sometimes I have just had it up to here,hand under chin.

Pete

Pete E comments on For Peter

Make that riding hotgun in Colombia nt

Pete E comments on Riding Shotgun on a Scooter?

Who started it??? You,
Read your own words in response to me simply trying to explain the siuation.

Again,from you,not in response to any personal attack,you are the personal attack.

""
your full of it
do you even live here???????
dont say such stupid things
your watching too many movies

"
your full of it
do you even live here???????
dont say such stupid things "

Is this NOT a personal attack???
Who sent the discourse south in to very negative terrotory,none other than YOU.Can you READ your OWN words????

I would bounce your butt if I was running the site.That kind of obnoxious behavior is toxic,ruins the spirit o possitve discussion.

Pete

Pete E comments on Riding Shotgun on a Scooter?

And The original question,posed by Buongone seemed to be asking about just such a law as we have in Cali.So I was responding to that,when ou from under a rock comes Vic.

"me if there is a law in Colombia, that makes it against the law for a man to ride on a scooter, as a passenger if a woman is driving the scooter. I heard something to the affect of Bandidos,Robbers, Etc. I heard that a man can drive, with a woman passenger. But it's against the law the other way around?
Buongone
He obviously is talking about some place like Cali AT LEAST where there is just such a law.
You go negative first,untill after that point I wasnot being negative or reactive.Its agod thing the 2 posts I did try to end didn't go,I was in full react mode and being nything but a tolertor of fools and negative people.Your butt would still be singed.
Can you explain your very bad attutude on a discussion site called "friendly Talk Zone," Did someone just tell you you have terminal cancer or is this standard behaviour for You??If so,you may be WAY OVRDUE for a VERBAL Butt Kicking,which I am willing to provide.
I have had my fill of bad behaviour recently.Believe me reading what you have said you are no match for me and I will hand you your a-s if I think its warrented.
So,VIC,WHY the extremely negative behavior??

Pete

Pete E comments on Riding Shotgun on a Scooter?

Riding shotgun in Cali Tht does not justifies the kind a-shole reponse you came up with.
"
your full of it
do you even live here???????
dont say such stupid things
your watching too many movies

listo
"con mucho gusto"
Vic "

It is such a STUPID thing if it applies AT LEAST to the 3rd largest city in the country,and maybe more??
I did not get it at the movies,it APPLIES AT LEAST here and I would not be surprised if there was something similar where you live and YOU DON"T EVEN KNOW IT.
WHY be an a-shole???What is the Pay Off???
Just Your basic personality???

Pete

Pete E comments on Translation: What do people call mopeds and scooters?

"Motos" In Colombia The common word is MOTO.I never hear motorcycle.Confuses them if I speak of the motor in my car.
You can buy a new AKT,Chineese 125 cc little motorcycle,actually 95% of them 125 c or less,for 2,950,000 pesos,about $1100 right now.A 125 cc honda can run 5,000,000 -6,000,000 pesos.
The scooter type motos more money,I guess more flexible.A 115 cc AKT about 3,500,000.
They do finance them,I think the 125 AKT about 125,000 pesos a month,36 months.
I guess they think it beats riding a bus but its EXTEMELY DANGEROUS in my opinion.Cars miss them by a foot.One tap you are down,a car runs over you.I have NEVER seen an accident happen here,it looks crazy but divers are vey defensive,you have to be watching all the time.People will just change lanes no signal 10 ft in front of you.I have passed lots of accident scenes,maybe 20 times seeing a motorcycle down and a person with a blanket over their head,DEAD I presume.

Pete

Pete E comments on Riding Shotgun on a Scooter?

Riding Shotgun In Cali I lost 2 big posts when my computer frooze.Its just as well.When I get a response with the intelligence level of this one I get a little nasty reactive myself.I will just let it speak for itself.

"
your full of it
do you even live here???????
dont say such stupid things
your watching too many movies

listo
"con mucho gusto"
Vic "

Yes,I was talking about the LAW,not opinion,in CAlI,where I live.I have spent about 3 years total here,full time since December 2003.
The law may be different in other cities.I have visted all the major cities but was not looking to see if the rules apeared similar.
IN CALI,it is illegal for a man,older than a child,the age allowed am not sure to ride on the back of a Moto.NO BS,THE LAW.Everyone who rides a moto at least aware of it,if not some gringos.
The only exceptions I am aware of are the police and army.Being a private security guard not an exception I do not think.
Yes we have mototaxis here,and hills,but still no man allowed on the BACK of a moto.
Its only a problem if 2 men want to ride a moto.Ottherwise the man drives,you comply.I do know a Colombino who was drunk and should not have been driving,but he put the chica on the back.It does not matter who drives,as long as the person on the back is not a man.
About the banned motorycles,that was part of a clean up in early 2004.It may no longer aply and only applied to Cali,a local police
rule.
ABOUT The guns drawn,police and armored guards,I see it all the time.I think the message is don't even THINK about f--king with us.
THATS THE STORY,IN CALI.

Pete

Pete E comments on Riding Shotgun on a Scooter?

To Don Gringo After 400 gang style murders in Cali the first 2 months of 2004 the cops came up with an aggresive plan to counter it.There was as list of motorcycles published you could not ride.Some were only like 185 cc's but were fast ones I guess,the ones the hit men had been using.
A fast but agile bike that does not stand out like a Harley a better bet for the hit guys.They can just head off road trying to elude the cops.Your Harley hog would bog down fast.
They also had curfews in some barrios,it was only a handfull of Barrios where this was happening.
It was all in El Pais,Cali 's newspaper about March 2004.
But,the best bet,ask a savy Colombian.As we see here lots of gringos know nothing about it.
Speaking of Harleys,you see a few.A Colombian I met in 1999 had his uncle killed over his Harley.He was sitting at a stop light,some guys shot him in the head twice and took the Harley.
I am not trying to be an alarmist.I have never had a single problem living here 2.5 years or spending 4 nonths total here before that.But you have to KNOW what to not do,where to not go,or you could get in big trouble in ONE DAY.
And it IS NOT anything like the US.I live in a strata 6,the top strata barrio.A professional hit at my favorite restaurant a block from here.Several political assasinations early this year,one 6 blocks from here.
You are NOT in Kansas anymore down here.

Pete

Pete E comments on Riding Shotgun on a Scooter?

You talkng to m e VIC? YES,I HAVE LIVED HERE ,CALI, FOR 2.5 YEARS.YOU LIVE HERE AND YOU DON'T KNOW THAT???????THATS F--KING UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!
ASK ANYONE ON THE STREET.ASK THE COPS.LOOK FOR ONE GUY ON THE BACK OF A MOTO WHO IS NOT A COP.YOU WILL NOT SEE ONE.
AND WATCH YOUR BUTT.YOUR LEVEL OF IGNORANCE CAN GET YOU IN BIG TROUBLE DOWN HERE.BE AWARE OF THINGS.OPEN YOUR EYES.


PETE

Pete E comments on Riding Shotgun on a Scooter?

Man on back of Moto ILLEGAL!!! In Cali at least,and I think the whole country of Colombia it is illegal for a Male over a certain age,something like 12,to ride on the back of a motorcycle.It does not matter who is driving it.
The reason,the shooter hit man would ride on the back,do the shooting while another guy would speed off.Certain motorcycles are illegal, in Cali also,fast escape bikes.
So No GUYS on the back,period,you WILL not see it except for the police.Then you sometimes see the cop on the back have his gun drawn,in his hand.
Believe it,its serious stuff down here.
I thought EVERYBODY WHO LIVED HERE NEW THIS ONE.

Pete

Pete E comments on Costs in Colombia LONG

some more answers I live in Cali,have been here about 28 months.

Lets see.The guy with the 250,000 pesos apt?Its in San Fernando,which in my mind varies from strata 3 to 4 in appearance.Its a mid range area,not a bad one.
My ex mother in law?Los Cambulos.My brother in law says its a 5 strata.I don't think so.I would consider it a 4,which is pretty good.She has a hell of a deal.Again 4 br,3 ba,1500 sq ft maybe more,390,000 pesos,about $173.I think she looked for a year to find it and Colombians are way ahead of us finding and negotiating for these places.

About Colombians affording things here.The minimum wage is 407,000 pesos,about $180.And supposedly 40% of the poulation makes that.But that might be countrywide,including very rural areas.Here in Cali there are often serveral employed people in a house,otherwise its real tough on just $180.

Yes,bread is cheaper here on a regular basis,but I can still remember hot french bread at Safeway for $1.

Fruits and vegetables are cheaper.One time a Colombian I know brought me a big burlap sack of about 100 lbs of oranges for 20,000 pesos.And fresh tastes good,but sometimes its extremly acidic.Recently I bought some oranges.Even with lots of sugar still real sour.I decided not to eat them,so acidic probably bad for my stomach.In the US I can buy frozen orange juice on sale.A large size makes a half gallon of juice,for about $.80.Fresh oranges are usually about 3500 pesos ,$1.56 in the stores.Might make a halh gallon,probably less.If you buy the juice in a plastic bottle its expensive here about 8000 pesos,$3.56 for 2 litters.Its one of the few things where a large size saves money,4 litters is about 12000.

Yes,often people here talk about construction area which can include balconies,garages ect.You have to watch for that.In the US its a strict figure.Inside floor area not counting garages or any outsdie area.Every appraiser will measure it himself.I have seen it come out less than what is shown on the recorders office deocument,which is what the builder told them,supposedly checked by the building department.
My apartment is 227 meters,2472 sq ft.,and thats just inside.About a page and a half of a 5 pages lease document is spent in a technical discription of the boundaries.The patio is about 5000 sq ft I am estimating,really huge.
The guy who told me about the 3000 sq ft place was not trying to sell it to me and I think he is savy enough to know how a gringo looks at sq ft.He is in the construction business himself,building swimming pools.$6000 for a big pool here,$30,000 - $40,000 in the US.But its possible that house figure is inflated and the actual costs are more.My gut feeling after getting prices all over the place is something less than $20 a sq ft to build,if you use local materials for all but the fixtures,plumbing,electrical.Its mostly concrete,brick,tile.These guys work cheap,$9 a day

I still have never seen a farmers market here but parts of El Centro look a little like it,wiuth people selling fruit ect.The fruit and vegetables are alot cheaper south of Cali at roadside fruit stands I think but its the cheap item anyway.Doesn't pay to make a special trip for the savings from here,its over 20 miles.There might be something closer,I don't know.

Pete

Pete E comments on Costs in Colombia LONG

For Gringo D If I had to buy meat at open air markets that might push me away from meat.What really turned my stomach was this lard sitting in a big tub.It was not cold and hard but warm and looked like yogurt or something,almost translucent.Yuck.Then I saw them putting it in tortias.And the smell of the whole place.
As far as vegetarianism,a person better know what he is doing to get complete protiens ect.
And I and a doctor friend who is a cardiologist as well as new age on lots of things think cutting out all animal protiens not a good idea.He goes in to all kinds of details in a book he wrote on nutrician.
I am sure anyone in to vegetarianism would disagree.I have one friend who got on this diet,he eats lots of salads and vegetables but he is losing weight and looks like hell.He needs some more calories from something,but somebody sold him on this program.
My Cholesterol is 166 and I eat whatever I want.Thats about as low as my doctor friend thinks it should be.Low Cholesterol has a POSSITIVE corelation with cancer.He doesn't worry about someones cholesterol unless its very high.Like high 200's.Cardeologist.Most doctors or medical imformation put alot of effort on low cholesterol.Its just a cheap look at part of the issue.It doesn't cost anything for somebody to tell you to lower it without looking any further in to your particular situation,which can cost some bucks.

Pete

Pete E comments on Costs in Colombia LONG

For Rubiazo Rubiazo,
I missed replying to you comment on Rum.The Bacardi I talkrd about,1.5 liters for 8.99 at Costco works out to $4.50 or 10,125 pesos for a 5th.I have NEVER seen Rum that cheap in any market here,even the scuzzy el centro but I did recently see it at a wine specialty shop for about that price.But not 20% the cost of US Bacardi.Thsat would be 2000 pesos.Never ever Colombia or the US.
I usually buy the Calle rum,it says Anejo Premium on the bottlle.I am looking ast the bottle now.Its usually about 15,000 pesos for a 5th,but it might be the one thwt was 10,000 at the wine shop.I mix it withb cke and lime and its all acceptable to me.I did the Bicardi comparison because it was apples to apples,the exact same wine.But,I will say I can tell a little difference in the rums,and Bicardi Select is hebest I have had In my opionion,better than Myersfor a dark flovorfull rum,different than the standard rums,including all the Colombian ones I have tried.
For Cali residents.I dicovered a little wine shop on South Avenida Sexta.Heading north its a bout 4 doors past the big sports equipment place on the corned.Good Chilean wine that is 15,000 to 18,000 pesos in the markets is 10,000 there,same identical brand.I did see better prices on hard liquor and I think I saw a 10,000 peso Rum which I have never ever seen anywhere else in Colombia.I will go there tomorrow.And they have a great late harvest after dinner type sweeter wine.Thinki Carefore with its huge wine selection has that?No.

Pete

Pete E comments on Costs in Colombia LONG

some answers Rubiazo,Gringoinbogota,
I have never seen a Farmers market in Cali.I know there are vegetable/fruit stands on the ouskirts where those things are probably cheaper,but they are pretty cheap even in a supermarket,that is not the problem area.I am picky on meat,I probably wouldn't buy it in farmers market.At the open air markets in Mazatlan the meat areas turned my stomach.I have not noticed prices to be much cheaper anywhere here,even in some of the scuzzy markets in El Centro.And it seems NOBODY has anything like Costco.No super cheap bulk items 2-3 times as cheap as a regular grocery store in the US.I hope Walmart gets here soon,but their prices might not be the same.Exito says they are not worried.They should be if Walmart is anything like the US.They will put EVERYBODY out of business here.
And remember the prices I stated have that 10% or 16% tax in them

Kernow 62,
I buy the things I want to use.I will buy Colombian or US.Some of this stuff there are some local options,like familia instead of klennex,almost as much,way inferior in quality.If I were buying in Orlando I would have a huge choice of American products so I wouldn't HAVE to buy a Colombian product unless it was some ethnic item a US store didn't have.I did see my ex do something you are talking about.Buying Colombian saltine crackers for about 10 times what I could get them for at costco at a Colombian area of a Mexican market.I don't care where its from.I am looking for best quality for the price.

Begottenson,
All caps??? I wrote maybe 5% of it in caps.If you are getting all caps there is something funny going on in your download.

JMOON87,
In San Jose Burger King always had one of the $2 or so burgers at $1 on sale.No burger King here.El Corral its 9200 pesos,$4.09 for the cheeseburger similar to the whopper with cheese or double cheeseburger I could get at burger king for $1.39.It was $1 without the cheese,The Corral burger,8200 without the cheese.I have never seen 2 medium pizzas for $8.99 like at Dominos in the US,all the time,not even a special.And when you compare it with the $3.78 steak at Lenos it seems real high here.When its alot MORE here it really stands out against those food options that are alot less like Lenos and Carbons.McDonalds I have never tried here.They used to have the dollar Big Macs all the time in San Jose.I bet its $3 here but I don't know.Presto similar priced to El Corral.


Pete

Pete E comments on Costs in Colombia LONG

Exactly.You have to have another reason for coming to Colombia than cost of living.For everybody I know its for the women.

Pete

Pete E comments on Costs in Colombia LONG

Sorry,
I was a craming in alot of of imformation and I know I go on and on and run things together.I started off on something I though might take an hour and I spent about 3 on it,so I got sort of hurried also.
Espanol?I would never get it done.I am bad enough just speaking and hearing spanish.

Pete

Pete E comments on Finding management jobs in Colombia?

If you WORKED in Chile/Argentina/Mexico/Guatemala/Spain you might have some idea what you are up against trying to get a high level job here.Even if you happened to be the most qualified person,highly unlikely going up against people with experience here,you would never get the job without connections.Big connections.Top level jobs do not go to outsiders at all I think in Colombia.
You are right getting the job beforehand from the US is the way,you7 basically wouldn't have a prayer getting one here.So if you find a US company with a presence in Colombia you might want to try getting hired by them.You might have to work for them in the US then convince them to transfer you.Probably very difficult to do but probably your only option to get employed in your area of expertise.
But,think outside the box a little.Can you work from here doing a job that pays a US Salary?One of my friends is a software engineer,makes 6 figures working in Colombia.Its all computer web based so it really doesn't matter where he is living or doing the work from.
How about starting a business from Colombia using cheap Colombian labor to do work in the US market?Like telemarketing.I know 3 guys working on this,the jury is still out if it will make any money.Best if you already have an operation going you can just move here.
Business?I think there are opportunities here,so many things are done so badly.But if you are going to sell in to the relatively poor Colombian market its difficult.
Some sort of investment skeme might be your best chance.Not that they are likely to work but thats more likely than getting a good job here.
So $130,000 salary in New York City equals what here?
There are 2 ways of looking at it.Doing the same job you would probably be real lucky to make $30,000.
The other way is how much money do you need for a comparable lifestle?Probably half that.You would be higher up in status but things are not so cheap here.Again yesterday at the grocery store I estimate I probably payed about 50% MORE than I would have for the same stuff in the US.Cars are alot more.Anything electronic is alot more.So whats so cheap?Rent,especially compared to NYC,but you might do about as well in a southern US city.Eating ouit and intertainment.
At good restaurants its not cheap but maybe half what it could be in the US at expensive restaurants.Fast food there is cheaper.
Story about the job market.A colombian I know has gone to lots of job interviews.He grew up in the US,perfect english and spanish,Colobian University grad,smart guy.Usually he considers himself the best qualified candidate.He never gets the job.That is always someones relative or friend.One job he had he worked his way up to a position setting up exports to the US.Once the process was in place the bosses sister in law jot the job,he got layed off.
I don't mean to discourage you.But you are not going to just waltz in to a high level job in Colombia.It would be easier to start a company than get hired by one,not that thats easy.
But if you think creatively there might be a way to live here.You will probably have to live here at lowered expaectations while you are figuring it out.

Pete

Pete E comments on Easy to get married in San Andreas??

Marriage in Colombia In Cali a notary will require a spousal visa,a visa the US citizen gets from the Colombian counsolate near where he lives.
BUT,rumor has it for a few hundred dollars that requirement can be dropped,depends on the notary.
Also,in Colombia a notary is an attorney with special authority.Not like in the US just a person licenced to guarantee a signature.Anybody can get that with a clean record and a bond.
My ex in California found this Mexican guy who was a travel agent and a notary.She thought he was an attorney.She paid him to write some letter for her brother trying to get him a work visa,which didn't work.

Pete

Pete E comments on Cartagena Hotels

Cartagena hotels Two suggestions.For hotels I liked Las Vellas,right on the beach in Bocogrande,no road between you and the beach.Its older and could use a remodel but great location.120,000 pesos a night March 2004.
Or for renting a condo,contact
Juan Ventura,http://www.cartagenadeindias.com ,phone 575-665-1094,cell 57-310-369-7974.
We stayed in a 2 bedroom across from the beach in Bocogrande for $55 a night in August 2004.Rents vary wildly by time of year,that place goes for $175 in Decmber / January.

Pete

Pete E comments on how do u ..please read!!!!!

Passport Does he have a US passport?If he is a US citizen he can get one.That is all he needs to travel.
If he has a Colombian passport he needs a visa to re enter the US.
Millions of Colombians would like a visa to enter the US.Don't get him in that line trying to get back.
Better to just have the US passport.

Pete

Pete E comments on Colombians tell me not to live in Colombia

Possible cause for millionares dilema One thing I have noticed,particularly with older guys with money coming to Colombia is what I will call getting addicted to hooker
attractiveness.They can get georgeous hookers for 100,000 pesos.And even if they say they want a real relationship they are not going to get anywhere near the attractiveness of what they can buy.Unless off course they get a smart chica with patience who plays them for the long haul,sort of a hooker with a long term benefit plan.
So its hard to get real about what they can get in a real relationship.Even if they have money a hot young chica isn't going to be interested unless she is going right for the money.
AND I think the other issue is they may be wrestling with is do they really want a real long term relationship or would they rather just play?
I have said if a guy can't find a woman in Colombia he is hopeless.
BUT it depends on his expectations.There are limits even here even though those limits are MUCH higher than in the states.With halfway reasonable expectastions and a sincere desire to find a long term mate I think its pretty hard to fail.
And some cities are more difficult.I guess thats why I always recommend Cali,there are just lots of women here who want to meet a gringo.And many are not afraid to join an agency or whatever they have to do to meet him.I never would have met my novia,39 year old nurse,if she had not joined an agency.Our paths just would have never crossed otherwise.I am the only gringo she ever met in her effort,although several wrote her but never came here.I certainly don't fault her for joining an agency.I think it was smart.HMM,I never asked if her family knows thats how we met but she tells her co workers right away how she found me.
In Medellin I think there is much more of a stigma for a girl joining an agency.And there is more opportunity in general I think,making finding a gringo not the sole solution to a better life.
So its tougher.Yes,nice city,lots of beautifull women,but less available to a gringo I think.Lots less.

Pete

Pete E comments on Colombians tell me not to live in Colombia

Living in Coilombia,working in Colombia You raise lots of points.
If you have to work in the Colombian economy you will make a whole lot less than in the US,alot more than would be offest by any cost of living factors.So yes,from a $$ standpoint those Colombians are right,it would be stupid to do so,UNLESS YOU HAVE ANOTHER REASON MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU.Like finding the woman you want,the number one reason gringos come here.Those Colombians take for granted what they have in that department.
If you can work for a US company,the US government,have a job like an internet based one where you can make a US salary here,are retired or independently weathy you can live here without financial struggle.Otherwise its going to be tough.Some guys do it,doing something like teaching english,one of the few jobs agringo could even get here.They have to have a reason for the $$ sacrafice.Usually its about women,the number one reason to come here.
Millionare gringos can't find a woman in Medellin?Shows nothing is foolproof.But Medellin is tough,conservative.Throwing money around might work with hookers but not get you a good woman.Speaking spanish and having some class might work better in Medellin.In Cali millionares will find lots of takers,but if you take them to the states they might just put up with you very temporarily.Thats a common problem when a guy gets way over his head in looks and age with a woman then takes her to the states.
Every place has its benefits and downsides.The trick is to pick one that works for you personally.Colombia is not for everyone.Maybe not for you.I thought you were just down on Cali but it sounds like more of a total Colombia issue.You got to figure out why you are here,or come here.Sounds like you are confused about it,you like to sound out the negatives but there has to be some positives for you,or why do it?
And you don't get to put the benefits of one place together with the benefit of another and avoid the downsides.
ALMOST ANY serious guy can find a whole lot more attractive woman in Colombia than in the states,the reason most guys come here.And with a little wisdom can avoid a problem girl in the process.Its not without its risks and issues.And obviously its not foolproof or guaranteed.

Pete

Pete E comments on Renting in Cali without co-signors.

Co signors,ect When I came here to Cali 27 months ago I tried to rent an apartment,1,500,000 pesos a month.I had one Colombian Co signor with property.I offered them a years rent up front.They turned me down,took a month to do so,their attorney was on vacation.
I recently tried to rent a house for 2,000,000 pesos a month.It is owned by the Colombian government,drug seizure.There was the realtor,the rental insurance company and the government beauracrats.I had 2 Colombian co signors with property.They turned me down.My income from pensions is about 10,000,000 pesos a month.But it is not from Colombia,the reason they gave me for the turn down.I figured the rental insurance company was the biggest obstacle,since they would be on the hook if I didn't pay.The governments guys could care less except they don't want to be blamed for a mistake.The place has been vacant 2 YEARS.
Its best to find a place the owner is renting directly so you can convince him or sweeten the deal to do so.Problem is most places are probably handled by agents."This is the way we do it"is a common frustrating statement from people who don't want to change or do any extra work.You have to get to the guy who is losing money by not renting or making the sale.Employees could care less.You can just about hear their minds working,how do I get this guy to go away so I don't have to do any work?

Pete

Pete E comments on Exchange rate and medical questions

Exchange rates,travel warnings I got 2256 pesos to the dollar at an ATM yesterday,close to the official rate.Don't bring dollars,you will get about 10% less for them.I tried to exchange some I was paid with about 3 weeks ago.All the exchange houses were not taking them at the time.They said come back next week.My bank wouldn't take them either.
No shots required to come here.If you are worried you might check with your doctor in the US.
One precaution.If to travel on to other countries from Colombia you might be required to get shots to enter those countries you would not be required to if you traveled from the US.Example.A friend of mine owns an apartment in Brazil.He has flown there many times from the US,no shots required.He books a trip coming to Colombia then on to Brazil.Now he is required to have a shot 2 weeks before he departs
coming from Colombia.
He was angry at the airline for not telling him.They don't usually tell you such things.A GOOD travel agent will.The first miniute talking to my current travel agent she warned me about something that another travel agent and an attorney had not that cost me 12 extra days in Colombia and alot of money.Every time a Colombian child under 18 leaves Colombia he needs BOTH parents permission.If one is not present a notorized letter of approval in the last 60 days.Does not matter if the kid has a green card and a visa to enter the US.
Thats the kind of travel agent you want.Plus mine gets me the best deal,she will work for hours or watch fares for weeks to do so,she knows when the deals usually open up.
Guess I should plug her,she is great.She will warn you about lots of possible issues the airlines will not and other travel agents probably don't even know.
Barbara Garcia,married to a Colombian,800-433-2423.

Pete

Pete E comments on Authorization to work at POE in Miami?

SS Card When My ex came to the US from Colombia 6 years ago this month California required a Social Security card to get a drivers licence.We went to SS.She could have had one in a week but the American Embassy in Bogota wrote over one of the numbers on her spousal visa and SS would not accept it.They said when it shows up on our computer we will order here SS card.4 weeks later she got her green card in the mail.We went to SS.That was good enough for them even though she still didn't show on thier computer.She got a social security card a week later in the mail.
I am not sure if you can work without the SS card but she could when she got it.

Pete

Pete E comments on 12.5% ten year term mortgages announced by Bancolombia

Colombian Salaries I think it something like 40% of the Colombian population that makes the minimum wage of 407,000?? pesos a month.And probably another 20 % or so not making much more.And there is the unemployed.I'm not sure the figure now,in the past it has been 20 something %.And the marginally employed.People selling stuff on the streets.
BUT,don't get the impression this is all Colombians.There is also a much smaller but significant group of people with money.There is the OLD money,the drug money,the business money and the proffesional money.Where I live in a strata 6 barrio of Cali you see lots of new cars and SUV's.And lots of colombians dining out in restaurants that are not cheap.These are people with money and the people buying the new housing units.
There are about 40 major new residential development projects in Cali right now maybe more,plus smaller builders.They seem to know what they are doing,building units that will be sold.
Cali supposedly has 2 million peple,its probably significantly higher than that by now.If 5% could afford to purchase a new home thats 100,000 people.Alot of that 5% already has a home,so the buying group would be smaller.
Don't presume since most Colombians have little money there is not a significant number that do have money.
AND the 12.5 % interest 10 year loans are a big improvement over what has been available in the past.And if stabilty continues to improve in Colombia we could see better deals than that,which would feed the hopusing market even more.

Pete

Pete E comments on visa costs

Tourist Visa She is NOT visiting a potential novio but traveling with one who is a Colombian resident.That is the point we need to get across.
We are going with the truth.Otherwise we have to cook up some other story about where she will be staying.Like going to see her aunt in Miami for a month in July.
Hopefully they will look at my letter,I intend to state in the first sentence I am a Colombian resident who only returns to the US once a year for a vacation,then point to lots of support documents they will probably not look at.
If we get turned down,which is highly likely we can second guess it for along time.If it works it supports the idea the truth is the best approach and she will be being honest with them,if trying to read the applicant means anything.
If it doesn't work I will write a complaint to the Embassy ccing everyone I can think off.Whats the purpose in a process if it almost never is successfull?

Pete

Pete E comments on From The Belly Of The Beast

Security at Chipi Chapi in Cali I have never had them inspect my car in any manor entering or leaving Chipi Chapi.They do write out a little slip with your license number you need to give them when you leave.
There must have been some very specific concern for them to do that kind of inspection the day you were there.

Pete

Pete E comments on For Rent: Unfurn studio apt in Cali

Aristi Hotel If you stay at the Aristi don't leave on foot,especially at night.Leave and arrive by taxi right to the front door.
I don't know the hotel,but the wife of a friend stayed at a cheap Cali Hotel.Someone just walked in in the middle of the night,apparently they had a key.I guess people sneaking in and stealing your stuff while you sleep happens.
If you want to go cheap,do it in a less risky place than Cali.

Pete

Pete E comments on For Rent: Unfurn studio apt in Cali

Cali rents The main reason gringos do not get anything like the rental rates Colombians pay is most of them will not be here long enough to break in to the local rent market for residents.
But even for short term rentals you can beat hotel rates if you do your homework.

Pete

Pete E comments on visa costs

Tourist Visa Sounds like you are talking about a tourist visa.As guys have mentioned above they are VERY HARD for most Colombians to get.
One guy I know had letters from 2 US senators asking the embassy to grant hos girlfriend a visa,she got turned down flat,26 or so,sparactic job history.
My novia goes to the American Embassy in Bogota this Friday for her tourist visa interview.She has a chance I think because of her age, job and money.
She is 39,a nurse,college grad,17 years experience,9 years on her current job.She has a savings account at her work with several thousand dollars in it.I figure she has MAYBE a 50% chance of getting the visa,probably less.
The cost to apply was 36,000 pesos to get an interview appointment set,then $100 dollars,225,000 pesos or so fee,which she also paid at a bank but after she got the appointment.I don't know if she has to pay more if she gets the visa,we better find out so she has the money.Plus she is flying to Bogota from Cali,about 400,000 pesos and staying in a hotel one night,about 120,000 pesos plus taking taxis,about 80,000 pesos.Her Total cost to APPLY,about $400,paid by me of course.
It trully is for a vacation,I want to take her with me on my yearly one month summer trip to the states.It will probably cost me about $1500 for her share of the expenses.
One thing,imput desired from those with experience.I intend to write her a letter saying she will be my guest on the vacation.I am a Colombian resident who has lived here 27 months and left only for this vacation twice before.This is being strait with them.The fear is they will think I am intending to live there again and take her with me.It could work for or against us but she already has included lots of imformation about where she is going who she will be staying with that involves me.Were I not a Colombian resident who has been here awhile I am sure it would be a big negative.
She is also getting letter from the hospital and doctors where she works giving her the time off and supporting her visa.They would be the losers if she did not return.Her boss told her people who work their usually get their visas.But maybe they are usually doctors also.
We will see.I think there is some luck involved.Sometimes one person will get a visa another not with pretty identical circumstances.Maybe its if the person believes her.Maybe the interviewer hasn't given out a visa for awhile and figures its time. When she got her passport she kept saying,"yo voy Estados Unidos."I said baby the passport is easy.Don't get too excited untill you get your visa.

Pete

Pete E comments on For Rent: Unfurn studio apt in Cali

Rent in the local long term market vs tourists If you are looking for a place to stay in Cali the first question is how long will you be here?
Art got an excellent deal in an apartment rental.He speaks excellent spanish and intends to live here indefinetly,at least a year.Given that he can try and rent in the market colombians rent in.After gaining the landlords confidence,no easy deal the guy initially did not want to rent to him on any terms,he was able to tie down an excellent deal by paying 6 months rent up front on an unfurnished apartment.
DO NOT confuse that with what you will be able to do if you are only going to be here for a few days or weeks.You will NOT be renting in the Colombian long term market.Your basic option is hotels and anything under about $25 a night is probably not only pretty basic but very likely in an area of town that is dangerous,especially for gringos.And when you throw in room tax,phone service and laundry you will probably be paying more like $40 a night and most likely have no internet access or reasonable cost long distance phone service.
SO,if you will be here awhile you can TRY to find the type of deal Art found.If your stay is short term you can forget it.You will be dealing with hotels or people who rent apartments short term and the cost will not be REMOTELY CLOSE to what ART is paying.And don't forget it is unfurnished,he had to buy furniture.
Colombians do pay 115,000 to 175,000 pesos a night for a room,if they are also short term visitors.No resident would do that unless he was wealthy and getting alot for it.
So when someone rents a PENTHOUSE for effectively less than the total cost including all services of a room at an upscale hotel,he IS NOT competing with local residents.The landlord is NOT seeking very cheap visitors,but offering an upscale place worth much more than a single room at a upscale hotel for less cost.
Basically a visitor needs to consider his options depending on how long he will stay here and lots of other factors.Is he REALLY in a position to break in to the long term rental market residents use?And even if he can afford a very upscale apartment it can be difficult to get a local landlord to rent to him.Basically when the rent gets up over a million pesos a month they want 2 Colombian co signers with property.I was turned down on a place I offered to pay a years rent up front on because I had only one Colombian co signor with property.Colombians tend to have very rigid
business practices because their basic philosophy is do not trust.
I just got turned down on a house rental that was 2 million pesos a month.I had the 2 colopmbian co signors with property and plenty of income to pay the rent.The problem they came up with was my income is a pension from the US.Why should they care?The excuse was they could not attach my pension if I did not pay the rent.If I had a job in Colombia they could.
IT IS best to deal directly with the landlord as ART did,finaly wining his confidence and making him an accepatable deal.If you are dealing with an intermediary they often just don't care if they rent they place enough to even consider breaking the standard rules.
Basically mixing the cost of long term rentals and short term furnished places is like mixing apples and oranges.They are 2 entirely different things.
If you trully qualify for the long term rental market,there are some deals to be found with lots of effort and luck.And you will probably have to buy furniture you will probably sell at a big loss when you leave.But if you keep it VERY simple its not that costly.

Pete

Pete E comments on Required to renew cedulas?

Cedula renewal Yes you have to renew your cedula every year if you are on a temporary Cedula.It has an expiration date on it.After 5 years I belive it is you no longer have to renew.
AND,more importantly,you need top renew your visa every yeay if you are a temporary resident.I have a pensionado visa.It allows me to stay here indefinetly but must be renewed ever year for I beieve it is 5 years,then it become permanent.
I have to go to Bogota to renew my visa.There are requirements to renew.The first year I just showed them current income statements and bank accouts.I heard of that not be sufficient in some cases so I gave them a much more extended group of documents last year.Docurapid in Coral Gables helped me put it together.Renewing the cedula is easy,you just show them the renewed visa plus an application and some pictures.Its the visa thats more involved.
If you do not renew the visa on time you have to apply out of Colombia.I missed my renewal because of my surgury,but I got a waiver on leaving the country when I documented the reason for missing the renewal.

Pete

Pete E comments on Useless topic but I didn´t get much sleep last night

Barking dog Reminds me of a "Wizard Of ID" Cartoon.
The little king is in bed,there is this dog barking in the back ground.
"Guard!"
"Yes Sire?"
"Find out who owns that dog and shoot him!"
"The Dog?"
"Him Too!"

A guy in my neighborhood in the states shot a neighbors barking dog with a pellet gun.It killed him.He went to jail for a year over it.It wasn't so much killing the dog but shooting the gun that got him in trouble.They found he had been target shooting in the back yard also.

My apartment building is very quiet except for a party maybe once a month.But when Colombians party they can go all night.Last night was one.No loud music but loud talking untill 4.30 AM.It didn't sleep much.My novia,no problem,slept right through it.
When I have a party I turn down the music and close the doors to the balcony,thats what causes the noise to travel,at 2 AM.

Pete

Pete E comments on

No cars at all unneccesary overkill If there were no cars at all allowed there would probably be excess
capacity on the street.
Cali has a plan that takes 20% of the cars off the road peak hours.
licences ending in 1 and 2 Monday,ect through 9 and 0 Friday cannot drive 7 to 9 AM and 5.30 to 7 PM.Does it work?Seems to to me.Except for some construction projects traffic is better.That could be upped to take 40% off the street if needed,but only peak hour when the problems are and alot of cars can still drive.The no car day only solves one day and thatv at5 great inconvenience.
Cali's plan can work every day.

Pete

Pete E comments on Recent bond rates

Peso Uribe would like the peso lower to help exports.And the rumor was it was going to drop this year.But so far it continues to strengthen.
People buying dollars here at a discount and taking them back to the US actually affects the exchange rate there is so much dollar dumping here.Rumor is its dollars paid for drugs.
You can take up to $10000 dollars back at a time.They are starting to ask how much you are carying.I'm not sure you have to tell them ,up to $10,000 is legal.

Pete

Pete E comments on ass groping

In Colombia?? I would have thought they wouldn't make a big case out of it here.In the US you are in big trouble.It gets reffered to as "assault".
Obviously those who think so have not experienced true assault.
Not sayings it OK to do.But Four years??In Colombia??Sounds like they are importing US sexual attitudes.
God the whorehouses might be next.

Pete

Pete E comments on hot water - what to do?

Hot water I have seen those shower head heater devices.I used one once ,it didn't work very well.But I guess they can work OK.I have heard of people being shocked but not killed.The problem is even if you have plastic pipes you have electricity right there in the shower head.
On demand water heaster work OK.The problem is you need seperate hot water pipes to use one.You might be able to rig one up right in your bathroom,limiting the extra piping need.The one I have is gas,you would need gas plumbed in or a gas bottle.Maybe the have electric ones,but mine has a direct flame that heats the water,electricity might not work the same.
In home center the on demand systems cost as much as water heaters with tanks.And gas is cheap here,I only pay 20,000 pesos a month.So if I were buying one it would be the tank.
But,if no hot water I heat it up on the stove.Anything beats a cold shower.

Pete

Pete E comments on For Rent: Penthouse in Cali

Cali Penthouse This is what I said about living in Cali vs the US.Notice I did not say I could not live in the US for $50,000,but that it would be a pretty ordinary lifestyle.
"But its all relative.I can live like a king,relatively, on my $50,000 in pensions in Cali,I would have a pretty ordinary lifestyle in the states."
But if it were not for the Cali women I might be in the US somewhere.
As for the apartment,he is not trying to unload it,but rent it.How much of that he is doing I don't know.He told me he had an offer to sell it for considerably more than he paid for it.
You seem to have a big problem with Cali.Thats fine,don't come here if you don't like it.But there are lots of other people that like it fine and vote with their presense by coming.And it might not be ideal even for them,but considering everything its their choice.

Pete

"Make your choices,experience the results,and don't bitch about it."

Pete E comments on From The Belly Of The Beast

legth of stay in Cali They will usually give you 60 days for your stay in Cali.One of my friends got diverted through Bogota because of a minor crash at the Cali airport and they would only give him 30 days.I'm not sure if there is a fee anymore to extend it at DAS,I know it got easier.You now go in the afternoon and I think you can even get an appointment for little waiting.But if you fail to get it extended and just show up at the airport having overstayed the 60 days I have heard of a fines of around $300 I believe it was.
I know an Irish guy here who has overstayed a year or so.When he goes to leave he will have big problems,probably just a huge fine and he has little money,so he is stuck here in a way.

Pete

Pete E comments on

Cali Danger I have lived in Cali 27 months and traveled here 4 times before that.I have never had a problem.And only recently did a person I know have one.A guy staying with me got robbed in a taxi,forced to give up his ATM card and PIN number.They got $600.He was released in an hour and will get a refund from his bank.
He flagged a Taxi on Avenida Sexta,usually not that risky,but it was this time.So for the very security conscious never flag a taxi,always call for one.
Other than that most of the problems occur in the poor barrios.There are murders every day,I think about 1800 a year.The guirillas are not much of an urban problem but they did set off a bomb last week killing 2 people.Mostly its petty criminals you have to look out for.
I don't know that Cali has gotten more dangerous but it has not improved like places like Medellin which was much more dangerous and now is much safer.
There also have been some pretty brazen political killings recently,one in Cali and several in nearby smaller cities that have gotten The Cali area some attention.President Uribe spoke about it,wants to clean up the situation.He was here in Buga about 2 weeks ago talking to local politicians.
I would not let it keep me from coming here.With a little caution its highly unlikely anything will happen to you.

Pete

Pete E comments on For Rent: Penthouse in Cali

Jims Cali Penthouse No,Jim with the Cali Penthouse is not Jim C who lives in Cartagena.
And my experience is that most Calenas do not want to leave Cali but alot are seeking a foriegn man because that to them is the next best
thing to a Caleno of any means who they are not finding.Alot will leave for the right guy and yes some want to go to the US but I am finding alot less of that than 6.5 years ago when I first came here.
I don't know that Cali has changed that much,maybe.It is limited for activities and is not as classy as Medellin or alot of Bogota.And LOTS of it is pretty Ugly.I live in a very nice area called Juanambu.But even around here you can find homeless types wandering the street which I did not see ion the better areas of Medellin and Bogota.
But its still the number one place for meeting latinas in the world in my opinion.There are lots of attractive ones that want to meet foriegn men.And yes that is largely do to their lack of options here.
I guess I should explain when I say here I live in Cali,have for 27 months,plus I traveled here 4 times before that.I like the women situation and the weather.It has enough other things to keep me here but I will admit without the women situation I would probably be somewhere else.Maybe Medellin or Cartagena or even another country.
Hell without the women difference I would probably be in some place in the states like Florida.Now I have a Novia here who lives with me.She does not want to leave Cali but would if I asked her to.
But its all relative.I can live like a king,relatively, on my $50,000 in pensions in Cali,I would have a pretty ordinary lifestyle in the states.
To see some pictures of my place go to picturetrail.com and type in teoblas in the box.

Pete

Pete E comments on For Rent: Penthouse in Cali

Jims Penthouse in Cali This IS NOT the same property Batman tried to sublease a couple of years ago.Jim bought this place last year and spend alot of money fixing it up.Its not behind Chipi Chapi but in the Los Cristales area,strata 6.$100 a night is about what you wind up paying at the Intercontinental for a single room after tax,phones calls and laundry.Probably more.And if you try to take a woman to your room add another fee.
And here you have a luxury penthouse with terrific views that will sleep several people.Notice the pool table and the big Panel TV?All new furnishings?Not for those looking for cheap,but worth what he is charging.
As far as Cali vs Bogota I'll take the Cali women and weather over Bogota any time.

Pete

Pete E comments on

Danger in Cali I have lived in Cali 26 months and visited here maybe 4 months total before.I have never had a problem.I know that does not mean they do not exist and people who compare it to crime in the US are way off,its much more dangerous.
Farc and the other rebels are not an urban problem.Crime does exist,the worse barrio you go to the more likely it will happen.I would stay out of Juanchito,but many people will disagre,never having had a problem.
For gringos common crime is the biggest risk and I finally had a person I know have a problem a month ago.He was accosted in a taxi by guys with guns who made him withdraw money from his ATM.He was free in an hour,they got $600,all but $50 will be refunded by his bank.
Assasinations happen,a number of political ones recently.Nothing to fear for a gringo,same with drug war assasinations.Just hit the ground when the shooting starts.It is disquieting how brazen they are with it.A guy got hit leaving the hospital where my girlfriend works,they killed a security guard also.My girlfriends sister robbed of her jewelry at an intersection by a guy with a gun 4 weeks ago,she was in her car.Look arouind when you are stopped.
Statistically Cali is now worse thejn Medelin and probably Bogota.Little of that has anything to do with things a gringo needs to worry about.
The rules:
-Don't walk around on the streets.Especially at night,especially alone,ESPECIALLY in bad barrios.
-Be carefull in El Centro,go with other people.Don't wear jewelry,NEVER wear gold chains ect anywhere.
-Use ATM's in malls.
-Don't drink with Colombians you don't know.
-Call for a cab,don't flag one or be carefull doing so.The nicer the cab the older the driver the better.
-Don't go to bars in Bad Barrios,Juanchita again.If you do take a cab back you called or with a driver you know.
Beware Colombians who want to give you a ride.
Don't flash your money around.
If your are in a bad barrio,don't talk if you can help it.Go in to the house if you are visiting.
Follow these simple rules,you will be highly unlikely to have a problem.Most everything on the US government travel warning does not apply to you,so don't let it keep you from coming.BUT,keep your eyes open,you are not in Kansas anymore.

Pete

Pete E comments on Mortgage in Colombia

Mortgage in Colombia Colombia is entirely different than the US on Mortagages.They are much more costly and harder to get and the terms are much worse.Like 2% PER MONTH,40 or 50% Down,3 to 10 years to pay the rest.You might find a builder who will help you with financing to buy a new unit.But even the bad terms are probably not available to gringos,even those of us with resident visas here.Its basically all cash and that removes the number one advantage of real estate,leverage.
If you own property in the US you can refinance it or take out a second loan on it to buy Colombian property.This is what most gringos do if they do not just have the cash.
I hear colombia is working on trying to get mortagages under 10%.This would help the Colombian real estate market alot if it ever happens.

Pete

Pete E comments on Visas 101

Visas The US Embassy in Bogota has the absolute descretion to decide if the law has been met.The law does not address every situaion,the Embassy does that.And in reality the people working there have been told to give very few visas.I don't think they law changed in the last few years but the application of it sure has.Its gotten much more difficult to get a tourist visa.

Pete

Pete E comments on Child Prostitution

Child Abuse El Pais,the main newspaper in Cali has been running articles on child abuse.Yesterday there was one 30 or so people were arrested.my spanish is not good but they mentioned under 14 several times,I think this is considered child abuse.
To me there is a difference between a true child and a girl who is sexually mature,that is able to concieve.I am not justifying sex with he very young but a girl who is physically a woman is a whole different deal than a child.And the guy who has sex with true children is a whole different character.
I had a niece,actually of my ex wife.She had her first period at 9.looked good at 11.When she was 12 she had a 20 year old boy friend.Gave her family fits but I think she is under control now.Just turned 15.
Some 17 year olds can be really experienced here.One ex girlfriend of mine was married at 16,had a miscarriage then her son at 17.NOT a child at that point.
My grandmother was 15 when my father was born.I guess grandad would have been in trouble with the sex police in the US now.
In California a few years ago they were prosecuting a 18 year old mexican guy whose's 17 year old girl friend had a child by him.They were living together,he was trying to provide for them.
Also,a high tech executive was being prosecuted for paying the family to marry a 15 year old girl from the far east.The girl testified,claimed she was 16 and wanted to marry him.
Bottom line,my opinion,sex with a girl 13 and under should be discouraged,but its a whole different deal than with a true child,a pre menstral girl.Western civilization keeps raising the bar,thinks 17 is a child.Most of the world and for most of history the thinking was much different.

Pete

Pete E comments on The Johnnie Walker Situation

Johnny Walker Well you cetainly could send it back,tell her you just wanted a drink.
Its kind of the WAY THEY DO IT HERE to order a bottle.It works out lots cheaper IF you will be drinking that much with a group.
Single drinks can be 15,000 pesos.Johnny Walker they would probably tell you no single drinks,you have to buy the bottle,if they did have a single drink it might be 25,000 pesos.
Most ordinary booze,RUM,Vodka,no name whisky maybe 40,000 to 70,000 for a full bottle.The same in drinks might be 8000.you can get about 20 of those 8000 drinks out of a bottle.
And,I think they are just lazy.They don't like the WORK of mixing and delivering all those individual drinks so they price them accordingly.
The other STRANGE thing in Colombia,all whisky is SCOTCH.They don't seem to even know about Bourbon.
I don't drink whisky,it all tastes bad to me.My brother in law drinks 20-30 year old scotch.To him Chevis Regal is cheap stuff.It still tastes bad to me.
I will drink rum and coke and they will bring you all of this coke and limes no charge with the bottle.

Pete

Pete E comments on Search: Apt in Cali for 1 week

Pete E Look right down the list here to Cali penthouse for rent by James24

Pete