Pete in Bogota has left 56 comments

Pete in Bogota comments on Need another VOIP option

Vopiador de Orbitel I had service with orbitel for 2 vopiadores used in US and Bogota. I worked great for unlimited talking for $20 USD a month like 50,000 pesos. I had to sign a year agreement but I worked great. I actually broke up with my Colombian girlfriend 5 months later and got stuck with the bill, but it worked great.... and not bad priced either.

Pete in Bogota comments on banos turcos o spa en bogota

El Paraiso Spa en Champinero Me gusta mucho este sitio. Es bueno y no tan carro, me hace 50,000 pesos mucho la hora en el parasiso, "paradise in English" cuesta 30,000 pesos o era 32,000. Yo no pagaria mas que eso. Ellos tienen 3 pisos. De hombes, mujeres, y mixto pero todo bien nada de mujeres ofreciendo otras servicios.

Vale la pena buscarlos es en el sector como 11 con 65 pero miralo en el directorio.

Pete in Bogota comments on Cartegena/Bogota

I'm a student at Los Andes, Bogota is great How is it going.

I'll just say Bogota is awesome I like it, I'm a UC Berkeley student taking some masters classes and love it. I think there are more option and better schooling in the capital, but you just really need to find a place where you can talk alot. The people are a little more protective and no super open / friendly as the people in tierra caliente..but you cant have it all.

See ya pete

psoren at berkely.edu

Pete in Bogota comments on

Awesome....Good job you Angela looks awesome What's up Mr. Anderson,

I'm Pete and live in Bogota ... for the women. I hope she is your girlfriend because she looks HOT. I am going to Medillin and Cartagena for the holidays and hope to see beautiful women like that... Just wanted to say hi and that I appreciate your taste in women...

Angela do you have a sister???

Enjoy your stay....Colombia Rocks

If your in Bogota or whatever write me... psoren at berkeley.edu

Pete in Bogota

Pete in Bogota comments on Rental agents in Bogota?

How high class do you want to live? Hi Carey,

I beleive I wrote you a few pages on the universities in Colombia, but I never heard from you about 3 months back. I dont know if it helped or you erased it since it was an attachment.

Did you choose la Javeriana or Los Andes I think you were thinking of Rosario.

I study at Los Andes a specilization in EXPORTACIONES Y LOGISTICA and pay 270,000 amonth a little over $100 a month for rent I have 2 bedrooms and a huge living room - fireplace, but I know spanish as well as English and feel comfortable I live near los andes off of the decima and it is fine for me. I bought refirge, couches, bed, etc. for less than 2 milliones and awesome 2x2 bed.

If you want furnished depends on location and wont be more than 750,000 maybe 1,200,000 but that is very expensive.

Well hope this helps.


See ya,
Pete
psoren at berkeley.edu

Pete in Bogota comments on is it just me

Yep, No Colombian resturants in Bay Area........... I moved from San Diego to Berkeley, to go to UC Berkeley and there are no resturants in the Bay area only one in San Francisco on Valencia Street I think the address is 1530 or 1130 Valencia street there is the Majudual. That place is small, but you can buy Pony Malta y postabone soda with arepas de queso, and the juices mango, maracuja, guava and all.

I couldnt take it I decided to return to Colombia where the food is awesome and my year abroad is cheap $2500 tuition.

Take care eat well,

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on Religion?

NO In my experience in Colombia religion is more a cultural issue than a barrier when you meet a person. I know of cases where the Colombiana's just dropped the Catholic issue and went Protestant. Only seems to be an issue if an uncle is like a priest and by tradition they want to marry in the Catholic church.

Pete in Bogota comments on bus from Cali to Florencia

Don't go to Florencia Do you mean Florencia in la Caqueta? That area is way dangerous and you are a woman think it twice especially if you are American or European. Your looking for trouble if you don't head warning and you will find it there!!!!!!!!!!

If you have to go there I would fly and go with Colombians you trust. Be careful I wanted to go there and no one would let me including the police warned me...

See ya,

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on Sabbatical at Javeriana/ sports facilities

La Javeriana has the best GYM I was considering to study a year at La Universidad de La Javeriana and saw their facilities. The university is huge and old.

Something interesting. The Javeriana is directly on the Septima (a street) in the capital, Bogota. If you get off the bus and you are directly in front of it great, but if you are on the other side of the street you can get lost. I got off directly in front of La Javeriana but the opposite side of the street. In Colombia many people cross the street even if it is like a freeway (Via Plaza Las Americas), but there was this fence that wouldn't let anyone cross in the middel where the street joins. I was wondering for like 15 minuets trying to think how I can get to the university. I honestly gave up and started wandering aroung to check the area, saw a good arepas stand went down the steps and there was this huge TUNNEL that leads to La Javeriana under the freeway or La Septima, I FELT SO DUMB!!!

They have a hospital right on campus. To get to the exercise facilities it is kind of complicated from the main enterence. First check in through security wait in line to take the elevator like sardines (Serious I had to wait like 5 minuets) then I had to cross a corrador and take another elevador and get off at the parking garage. You then walk out the parking garage and it is this huge building where they have all classes and sports it is like 5 stories high.

If I remember right they have dance aerobic classes on 3rd floor a resturante cafe and below can play racketball or there are karate lessons.

I don't if you want or have to go to La Javeriana for your sabbatical, but there is too much burocracy for me there they are too slow to do anything. I am Business Admin / Finance / International Business and La Javeriana was NOT IMPRESSIVE TO ME, but Los Andes another university was TOP KNOTCH you might want to check out. I go there JA JA JA...

I don't know about personal trainers, not exactly like you would think of in the States, most likely for that you need to go to a private gym, and the REALLY GOOD ONES are in North Bogota and kind of pricy.

Good Luck I hope it helped, it reminded me of La Javeriana...I return to Bogota in 3 weeks for Fall semester so I'm excited.

See ya any questions write me,

psoren at berkeley.edu

Pete in Bogota comments on Whatever Happened To 'Shane'?

Hey Shane SWEET.... your in Colombia I know you won't regret it. Colombia is awesome and the women are very friendly and beautiful.

I return to Bogota on the 26th of July and am excited. I wish I could go earlier since classes start in August, but that's life.

If your ever in Bogota look me up or write me, Bogota is awesome with so much to do, not like the small pueblitos where there is just women, rum, and fiestas which is awesome, but we all know eventually dies down after awile. For me Colombia is awesome with westerner friends I don't know why probably a cultural thing.

See ya around,

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on

It means handsome... her mom thinks you are handsome don't sweat it.
Anyway they would tell you that anyways they like you. It was ment to make you feel better and more comfortable around her mom.

Pete in Bogota comments on I'M BRAND NEW AND PLAN ON MOVING TO CALI; PLEASE HELP

Life in Colombia ok I will say a bit. You can get a flight to Colombia cheaper from Maimi like 350-400 round trip it is close like a couple hours.

I am a student in Bogota if you need any other info. Rent in Bogota is typically more expensive than Tierra Caliente I pay 380,000 a month for a 2 bedroom apartment 2 blocks from my university living downtown. You can fin furnished apartments for around 650,000 a month easily in Bogota. It all depends how long you want to stay.

Internet in Colombia has jumped out in Colombia in the last years and there are tons of cafe internet there. Getting internet installed like DSL depends on the location you choose to live so if this is important to you choose wisely.

You won't need a car. It would just get you introuble especially if your not fluent in Spanish, just live near school and take taxi's there are cheap not like the US.

STUDENT VISA ONLY COSTS $40

350 is more than pleanty to live on as a student live on 500,000 pesos like $180 not including rent.

See ya,

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on studying in colombia --- medellin

I'm a student in Bogota I can tell you the cost depends on if it is a private or public university. I do not recomend the public universities los the National University because of the riots and political problems you could get yourself into being a foreigner, like me I'm American. I think I study in the most expensive and supposedly they tell me the best Los Andes, it costs like 7,500,000 a semester around $2500 US and is cheap for me being a UC Berkeley student. If you want your studies to satisfy graduation requirements in the US speak with your school. You probably will have to go Non-EAP if you want to go to Colombia.

Good Luck

Pete in Bogota comments on I'm looking Personal (in my apartment) DSL connection in el Centro de Bogota

Thanks a lot I'm looking into all these companies now.

Pete in Bogota comments on

Hey Crazy Latina what's up? Yes I admit you dress like a latina from Bogota. You remind me of friends there. I can't wait I move back to Bogota for a year this August.


Cary on,

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on Moving to Bogota

Come on cars in Colombia are cheap Cars are cheap there unless you are trying to buy a new car. Especially if you have the cash there are always people who want to sell and wl sell if a lot cheaper if you offer to pay him or her immediately and in cash.

Also New Cars in Colombia are dangerous you don't want to draw unneccesasary attention to your self espially if you are a foreigner. Buy an older car that runs well (you don't want a broken down car on the caracas o la septima) Blend in and use the car for what it was made for transportation.

Also remember it is a little difficult to find automatic small cars since the smal cars are mad to sell cheap and stick shift or 5 speed is cheaper than an automatic trans.

Pete in Bogota comments on Question about Barranquilla

Give me cash cash cash I don't know how long you know this woman, but if before you are married she asks for money for her family it will NEVER END ........ BELEIVE ME.

I have noticed that the REAL honest people are embarased when they have to ask to someone they really respect for money. But in Clombian culture they have a terrible habit of going around saying, "ME PRESTA, ME PRESTA." Asking to borrow money they never plan to pay back.

Now in Colombia if your fiance's family s real poor they may clasify for a government aid where the government helps with the down payment. But there are restrictions to where they can buy the apartment / house to make sure they can make the monthly payments.

If her family asks you for money now they will never stop. NEVER you have to go into this marriage knowing this you may have to adopt the whole family financially. Now 300-500 a month for a successful businessman in the US is nothng, but what gets me is many times the recepients do nothing just wait to withdrawl the money and expect it. Especially if her family is poor this will be your fate I know of tons of cases and many close friends pass through the same issue.

Some of us have decided it is best to marry a Colombia orphan unless you want to put up with the financial payments. Just keep this in mind I hope this is not your case you may be the exception, but if you are suspicious now you have some reason, the snowball effect.

Good Luck

Pete in Bogota comments on Lonely American Man In Cúcuta, Norte de Santander

This is B.S. I totally beleive this is all B.S. an big farce. I hope Slimeball is not such a big looser as he appears.

It is stupid to renounce American citizenship even if you don't live in the US there are so many benefits. Geta job inline and earn dollars.

This guy doesn't even write like an American and writes like a Brit. And if he s from England and EARNED US citizenship to renounce it makes him a true looser.

Why Colombia? Colombia is only good when you have a current cash flow no one is going to support you free. If you actually are for real which I know you aren't you for one are not American, second are stupid to renounce US citizenshio and third are in for a world of hurt in Colombia.

Enjoy........

Pete in Bogota comments on Fiance Visa

You don't have to go I know many people who have married Colombianas and not one of them went except for a guy that lived in Bogota went with their fiance to the interview. None were denied, because they were legit. If you are legit and love that woman no worries they will see it in her and in what you sent as evidence.

Just be honest and she will do fine. They can't deny you really unless they have evidence to beleive that you are just marrying for the papers and they must prove that. Even in Colombian parejas the man is always older tan the woman and some by 10-20 years.

If it is true there is nothing to worry about. Try not to stress and I wish you luck even though you won't need it if you really love her and she loves you.

Pete.

Pete in Bogota comments on Working In Bogota For People Like Me

I had no income requirements I'm not sure, but I never had any problems like that. They all seemed concerned I would take too much money into Colombia. They asked me if I was bringing I think more than 10,000 dollars into Colombia. This also might be because I am American and the requirements are different. Like we don't need a visa to stay in Colombia for 90 days. etc.

But it is a BAD BAD IDEA to go to Colombia if you have no money. It is awesome and I love it, but if you don't have enough money like an emergency fund it can be dangerous. Make sure you have money to support yourself and extra for emergencies.


Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on Job oportunities

I think it is hard to get a job in the USA from Colombia I have never met people getting jobs in the USA from Colombia. It dpends where you graduated and if they recognize it. You can got to the best university in Colombia Los Andes and no one in the US knows if it is a tech school or a university.

The people I know who are Colombianos that work in the US came here as students to good universities and then got recruited my american firms during recruiting at the university.

I wish you luck

Pete in Bogota comments on Moving to Bogota

I would keep my foreign account... Hey Paul sounds awesome Bogota is nice and cheap.

It depends on how your banking system in your country is. Are you from England? I am American and always use my VISA CHECK CARD. The card with the visa or mastercard logo and that works like a credit card. In the US they come with evry account and they give the best exchamge rate. Also when the rate is in your favor ake more out in Colombian Pesos and when it is low take less.

The problem is you can take only 400,000 at a time from Bancolombia but really that is enough you can live comfortable on 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 a month easily. To get more money at a time take your check card in a bank and get an advance off it like a cash advance I normally get 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 and i am set. I don't know if you are a big spender, but Colombia is cheap and $2000 dollars a month goes really far where in San Francisco it barley covers rent.

If you are planning to stay there forever your wife will need to open an account and you can wire it there, but it is in a bank in a third world who know what can happen. I prefer to do online banking and withrawl with my ATM.

Good Luck,

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on Suacha

Los Andes and Suacha Hey Rodrigo,

I too study at Los Andes, but to me it is funny Los Andes and Suacha noemally don't go in the same sentence. You know because there are many spiled students there. I know many people that say Los Andes atmosphere is too competitive and some people are unfriendly, but the professors are awesome for $2000 a semester.

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on Colombian Women

Freedom after dark Yes Colombianas are very possesive I was suprised. But also I understand where they are comming from, since when I would go out with my Colombiano friends (all guys) they all wanted to pick up chicks and it is fairly easy. So especially since your an American in his 20's like me you know there is high demand for gringos especially younger ones. They are afraid they will loose you. The truth is is they are afraid or insecure they don't have you as a boyfriend. You also have to watch out for those gold digger women, who says because I'm gringo I'm rich, lay off seriously.

Colombiana's are open and approachable I love them but like everything comes with a cost.

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on Are colombianas faithful to their mate?

It all depends If you you are away the mice will play in most cases in Colombia I'd say are true, but I've been with and known real quality Colombiana's. As a generalization the more educated the more faithful is what I've seen. I have never been "cheated on" by a Colombiana, but know tons of Colombianas that have been treated badly by their Colombiano boyfriends el engano y todo.

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on Are colombianas faithful to their mate?

Asmith is right Colombianos are like that I have many Colombiano friends (more Colombiana's) and they are cool and all but it is true they are not embarased to say they have another lover when married or leaving women pregant, many are proud. It is the macho atmosphere. I am a guy and it can be fun en recocha just talking guy talk, but most Colombiano I know try to love out their "guy talk", but American's like me there is a fine line I wouldn't cross because of my culture and my upbringing.

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on Changes

I too had a picture problem I just tried to put a picture on my profile and it turned into a half an hour ordeal. You have to make it smaller than 40 mb and the smallest picture my camera takes is 65 mb, so I had to use my digital camera software to do trial and error to get it under 40 mb and the tiny dementions.

Good luck,

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on traineeship in Columbia-advices

Spanish Problem Colombia is a paradise. If you stay i Bogota you might not notice it, but it is Melgar a city 1 1/2 hours from Bogota has awesome swimming parks and the nature is increadable outside Bogota.


Well when I lived in Bogota I dated a girl for a year who studied at La Salle so I know a little about it. There very few speak English fluently. At La Salle the instruction or lectures is in Spanish and the books/photocopies of books are in Spanish. It at depends on the university you go to. My university in Colombia, which is next door (bocks) to el externado and not that far from La Salle, has tons or rather most speak English fluently. That is because most of the books are in Spanish and its an expensive university. There are people who speak English at the universities but few at La Salle.

Have fun. I also will be returning to Bogota in August to finish my last year. (I'm on vacation in the USA now)

Pete in Bogota comments on Studying at Colombian Universities

I've been looking and nope I am an undergraduate who is a UC Berkeley student but studies in Los Andes in Bogota. I would like to continue my masters in Colombia wel at least a semester or two. I have been looking and came up empty handed. Here you need to Speak/Understand spanish for at least the lectures, but in the best or better universities all the books are in English and all the professors prefer we to our papers and tests in English. This is not just because I am American I speak and write English pretty well.

Good luck.

I know you could probably find a private university that might not be recognized my the ministery of education in Colombia, but if you pay I have noticed in Colombia you can find everything.

Pete in Bogota comments on Gator (members name) A question about helping a young Colombian boy.

That is AWESOME what you are doing I tell you Santiago and Gator that is awesome.

If feel for many students especially in Colombia who want to study to be able to take care of their mom and brotheres but cant for financial issues. I say Colombia because in the US there is public schooling and financial aid, but in Colombia the rich go to school and the poor stay ignorant and poor.

I hope I'm in a situation to do the same after I graduate and pay all those student loans and credit cards. Success stories are awesome when you think the good a little mony can do for the quality life of another.

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on My mother's tourist visa was denied.

RE: Media naranja Saint,

Your right it is only unsed in Colombia, but is understood by almost all latinos in South America. It is a cultural analogy, the half an orange. The idea is that a person is whole or complete (a complete orange) when they have the love of their life, girlfriend/boyfriend or husband/wife.

So when they say, "Espero encontrar mi media naranja" They hope they will find thier partner, companion, or husband/wife. Also, I made the mistake after a young woman said "Espero encontrar mi media naranja" to me I guess in a serious tone I responded "Yo tambien" or "me too" and she thought I was interesed in her and when I said I mean your pretty and all, but... It caused me an uncomfortable moment with a friend. Sometimes they set you up to see how you respond and try to use recocha to back away if you dont feel the same so be careful if they are just good friends. I sear it was a trap.

But you know what I have never heard a guy say anything about trying to find his media naranja and I've lived in Colombia for 3 years. I understand it as a romantic expression women say. (or maybe since I have a lot of women friends I just hear it from them)


Hope it helps,

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on Can an American own a house in Colombia?

Getting money in Bogota If you need a lot like 2-3,000,000 the cheapest thing that I do it take my US Debit card (you know the one you can make purchases with a pin or by signing in the US) and go in a bank and do an advance off my debit card like it was a credit car using the credit option on the debit card. Many of the workers at the bank treat it like a credit card and they do an advance. NOW you have 3,000,000 and your bank only charged you like $2 for the advance. Of coarse you must do the math and make sure the money is in your US bank account, because most debit cards i the US will automatically allow you to overspend 500 when you use the credit option. (I worked in a bank 3 years).

This is the cheapest way I know, but don't go alone because smetimes there are guys who wait in line at the bank (they arent bank clients) watch you. Keep your eyes open or go with a cople friends. Security always first.

Pete in Bogota comments on Driving in Bogota : Security Measures

RE: 98 I did not get shot actually hit by a bullet but shot at which is a different story.

Once I was in Ibague in a barrio I think it was Villa del Sol. At that time I had been in Colombia almost 2 years. There was some secret police acticity and I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I was in a cross fire where the ladrones or who ever mistook me for the police man chasing him and shot at me a couple of times.

The other time I was in Bogota in a barrio en el sur called Las Colinas and coming down the hill. Word got out I beleive that sometimes I cary a VCR when I go to my friends house and they wanted it sow abut 3 men started chasing us and one had a gun and started firing. Luck for me there was a police stakeout house. One of those houses where there are policemen but it looks like a normal residential house. It was exilerating, but I was apparently dando paypaya. I need to be more careful. At this time I was in Colombia like 5 months a novice.

Pete in Bogota comments on Working In Bogota For People Like Me

Funny. Wish you luck. Like they say its a jungle out there.

Go get them and enjoy. Colombia is awesome

Pete in Bogota comments on Working In Bogota For People Like Me

RE: Demand for Foreigners YEP Jersey Girl,

Your right. In Colombia many times they love to promise the worlds and cant follow up on thier promises. It is not so much that but it is a third world country and things are slow.

I was studying at Los Andes a month ago and will go for another year at the end of July. I have to nag everyone to do everything for me. It is a pain. In the US if you go to an office an they say they will do something for you it gets done, but unfortunately that is not always the case in Colombia. If I dont call and nag a person to send me some documents I will never get done. If you email they may see it but because you cant express urgency as strongly in words as you can talking oe in person many times it goes in their TO-DO pile.

Are they going to get you the visa? Many centers just pay you without a work visa.

Bug them. Bug them. Bug them. Or inniciate the process your self, but eventually you will need their support.

Hope it helps,

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on Suacha

Sucha is not safe? Are you fluent in Spanish? Sucha is not a real safe area unless you go with people you really trust.

I will tell you 2 things that happened to me in Soacha not to bad on Colombia, I LOVE THAT PARADISE, rather to keep you aware.

It was 8:30pm and we (a friend and I) were walking up the infamous Soacha hill trying to get one of thoes Willies (Jeeps)to take us to the top. And out of the blue this robberes surrounded one on the Willies and shout the tires and pushed it over. It started rolling down. I dont know what was going on, but it was one HELL of an rush. Just dont stay out late.

The other time I was in SOACHA at a friends house in an apartment on the 3rd floor I cant remember this was 4 years ago and there was this pareja arguing we could hear them. The man was drunk and had a gun to his girlfriend or wifes head. The started arguing more about the crying child and never being enough money so we all went to the window and he pulled the trigger while it was directly against her temple. Not pretty. The last time I went to Soacha during the evening.

Soacha is like a offically not part of Bogota but it basically is since the busses take you there.

It is safe during the day when it is sunny but depending on which part you go to how dangerous it is. The dangerous part is where there are these holes dug in the sides on the hill with a tin rook that goes over them and that is their house just try to avoid those areas especially if you look really gringo/european.


Some of my best friends are from Soacha and when I am in Bogota Ii always go there. These insidents are most likely isolated just be careful in that area. These things happenes over 4 years ago and the Country has gotten much better so don't be freaked out "the people I love and the violence I try to avoid" for me is my unwritten motto of Colombia

Take Care,

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on Working In Bogota For People Like Me

RE: 3 Bedroom 380,000 Hello sebas_cafe,

So are you from Pereira those pics are nice? I love la zona cafeteria Colombia has so much natural beauty.

Well it all depends on where you want to stay. Do you want to live in an apartment with carpet and luxuries like normal life in the US or a decent apartment with tial floors. Now the apartments that go for 380,000 have the basics hot water, gas/electric stove/oven, a small living room, dining room and 3 bedrooms.

I prefer to pay $150 (380,000) and live ok but not in the super luxurous places where you are isolated from la gente y todo.
I was living in Bogota a month ago and I paid 380,000 a month plus water, gas, electricity, and phone. I lived in El Centro about 2 blocks doen from Los Andes. I also have friends that pay 350,000 and 395,000 that live in other parts one in Modelia and the other in Kennedy (Casa Blanca) There are many places it just all depends what you want to be close too.

Other cheap short term place you can stay are in studio hotels I stayed in one 2 block away from Los Andes it cost me 450,000 a month the hotel is called Hotel Bogota Inter.

If you tell em where you want to live or clse to what then I can tell you a fair price but 350,000 is a fair price and especially in you are going to star in El Centro.

See ya,

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on Working In Bogota For People Like Me

Re: Quite a positive one Hey Christina,

Firstly don't worry about the quiestions going to another country to visit or teach is exciting and scary at the same time we all had TON I mean TONS of questions our first time in Colombia.

Now I speak of experience on it is who you know not what you know. I was offered the position of a professor in a university teaching a cultural class only because a guy liked me and I was not even in an interview, but at a fiends house and she wanted the job, so of coarse I didn't take it.

Most English teachers do ok deoends if you teach in a university or a technical English school. At the university I was offered $600 a month in US DOLLARS AROUND 1,500,000 a month an exelent salary for a Colombian but not for an American and the fact Im not big on teaching.

At some of the English schools you don't need permission to work. You only need documents in large companies or universities and then if you need them and they want you they will do all the paperwork. (This was part of my offer)

Many people work without documents or permission to work in Colombia and I don't know how what are the fines if you are caught. I doubt anyone would care. In Colombia you have to make more than I can't remember it is always changing like 1,500,000 a month to pay taxes anyway and this is one heck of a salary for a person without a degree, no even for people with degrees. In Colombia there are many people who can't find jobs and they have good grades from good universities. But for the foreigners the rules change at least this is what I've seen. They bend over backwards for us and especially teaching they like foreighers. Of coarse this is from the point of view of an American. I don't know many asians that want to tach in Colombia and don't speak spanish.

About the Spanish level you will need. The most important thing is to understand. You will have to speak a little spanish because even in many English Schools not everyone speaks spanish. It is important you understand to make sure no one is taking advantage of you. Rent in bogota for a 3 bedroom apartment is like 380,000 or like 150 plus water, gas, and phone.

About the qualifications. I walk into the door and many times they ask me if I want to teach and sometimes I just came to see a friend that studies there. The concept of foreigners if it is true or not is that an native speaker is 100 times better than a Colombia teacher and it gives prestigue to the institution they then say at an instutite we have 2 or 3 full time American or Foreign teachers. Since there are not many tourists in Colombia this makes the school seem better if they can say "we convinced foreigners to teach there because we are a good institute".


Yyes it is better you satay in Bogota. For many reasons one if for security. Yyou need to know spanish for sure if you leave the capital to go to the countryside.

You dont have to prove anything really if you have a degree or have taken those classes by an institute that certify you to teach english, but if they like you and you speak English well it is the best way to get a jon. The problem Colombia is a third world country and not all the institutes have web pages or are able to receive applications via internet.

There are so many things I am returning to Colombia in July if you are ther look me up and Id be glad to orient you.

Pete in Bogota comments on How do I ship a vehicle to Bogota Colombia?

Willy's Rule!!!!!!!!! That would be sweet. Ive seen them around I always took them when I lived in Pitilito to go everywhere and in Bogota when I lived in a barrio Las Colinas to go to the top on the hill.

They are classic.

I didn't look at them because I though they were too old I came across a couple I was looking at and they were 79's looked great but still a 79. And the fact that they have have plastic for doors. In Colombia Ive ben shot at a few times a big head rush in the moment, but you know it makes you think.

Thanks for the Renault info, but a Willie would be sweet especially in Tierra Caliente.

Later,

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on How do I ship a vehicle to Bogota Colombia?

Re: Tinto's right I was afraid of the stolen car issue would come up. I will look into the lawyer to get my truck down there if I decide to pay the truck off first. Yea they don't like you to take the vehicle out of the country I beleive there comes some customs issues, but I will lok into it.

So by boat and Cartagent to Bogota. Sounds like I'd get it in a month. That doesn't matter Ill look into it. Now I need to find a company that ships from San Francisco to Colombia by boat.

Thanks,

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on How do I ship a vehicle to Bogota Colombia?

Re:The most stolen cars are SUV's OK thanks that is good to know. I am use to the US where cars are never stolen (in my neighborhood). It would be kept in my garage and I think I'd have to buy an older like 89 or 90 so it wasn't such a target and they are like 25,000,000. The only thing I don't want is that the ladrons study when I leave and enter and plan to steal my vehicle. I can enter my vehiche in my garage but not everywhere you go you have that luxury of entering you car in a secure place.

There are tons of renaults I might get one even though I think they are sort of ugly and small, but cheap less than 12,000,000 used. I'v always doven larger trucks and SUV's you know. Maybe it is time for a change.

Thanks,

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on How do I ship a vehicle to Bogota Colombia?

Re: Shipping a vehicle I was afraid I couldn't ship my truck. It would be perfect there. It would be expensive to keep it stored here so Iwanted to bring it. I will be in Colombia for at least 2 years, but I probably will be staying.

Ok thanks Ill look at the archives and if I can't take it I'll just buy a Jeep Cherokee in Colombia and leave it in Colombia for when I visit.

Thanks,

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on Working In Bogota For People Like Me

Colombian preferencial races I have seen a systematic or cultural type of racism in Colombia. Many or I might saw most times to get a good job in Colombia it doesn't matter so much how much you know, but who you know. Other big differences are the ways women dress in Colombia. Most of the women are forced to wear mini-skirts.

There are prefencial races in Colombia even if you want to ignor them. A forneigner can see this.
1.) The whiter the better. In Colombia the "high class" are from European decent and whiter with blondish hair and blue or hazle eyes.

2.) Then the mulatos the brown
3.) The blacks

These are steriotypes I have seen from many points of view.

I have been offered many jobs in Colombia not because I am qualified, but rather because I am the right race American. They really like American English teachers even if they don't have a degree just for being American.

If your first language is not English you will have to probably show a degree. But the best way to get a job in Colombia seems to apply in person to the English schools. There are tons of English schools in Colombia I know you could find one it all depends on how much you want to make and where you work.

The asians are really respected for their dedication in Colombia, most the Colombians are impressed by their dedication.

You will have to sheap English well and be able to comuncate in Spanish.

Pete in Bogota comments on Where is Quiroga Bogota?

I have some Quiroga pictures if youn want to see them I was actually in Quiroga about 3 weeks ago and I didn't realize it. I took some pictures so you can the some of the houses in the background. Give me an email and I will send you a link to yahoo photos there are about 8 I was not taking pictures of the house but a dedication of a church. This would give you an idea of the surounding areas. Or go to my profil and email me.

Wish you luck Colombia is awesome and as you know so are LAS COLOMBIANAS.

Chao,

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on Money in Colombia

Rent and lifestyle in Colombia You must live in a palace to pay between 780,000 to 1,300,000, I have always found good places for 450,000 a month, but I love the fact I can do tons of stuff in the US I can't afford. I even went to a top notch beauty salon with una amiga where the manicures are 25,000 pesos and I'm a guy. I do stuff I can or would never do in the states because I can afford it or I blame the strange stuff I do on the culture difference.


Chao,

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on Money in Colombia

Spending money in Colombia You are terribly right in all areas. Knowing someone you can really trust I mean REALLY TRUST is a MUST. They can help you out in every area.

I like vacationing in Colombia because I can live like a king for a month and it cost me only 2 grand, awesome which is not too much an American on vacation.

I hate paying banks ATM fees and the ATM's only let you withdrawl 800,000 a day 2 ATM withdrawls. So what I do is go inside a Bank and use my check card to get an advance on my debit card that has the VISA symbol and I get like 3,000,000 Colombian pesos and take it to my safe at home. But maybe you may feel uncomportable carrying that much money. I am charged 2 dollars by my bank and have extra pesitos.

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on Fiancee Visa Interview

I have some Quiroga pictures if you want to see them before you go.

I was actually in Quiroga about 3 weeks ago and I didn't realize it. I took some pictures so you can the some of the houses in the background. Give me an email and I will send you a link to yahoo photos there are about 8 I was not taking pictures of the house but a dedication of a church. This would give you an idea of the surounding areas. Or go to my profil and email me.

Wish you luck Colombia is awesome and as you know so are LAS COLOMBIANAS.

Chao,

Pete

Pete in Bogota comments on Help in Buying a Home in Colombia??

Credit Info on buying a home in Colombia I worked at US Bank for 3 years and worked almost entirely with personal lines of credit. If depends what is your FICO what you are going to be able to get. But if the house you want costs only 40,000,000 or $16,000 it should be easy. With just 1 or 2personal lines of credit.

I am curious 40,000,000 sounds cheap is the house really small or in a bad area? I plan on buying in North Bogota for security. I am really "American Gringo" and stick out.

I myself plan to buy an apartment in July for around 75,000,00 to 100,000,000 when I return to Colombia finish up my degree at Los Andes. I am a student at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business.

If you are going to go with SunBank you can't say education or debt because they will want documentation, so you are stuck with vacation. Are you dealing with a morgage banker or a personal banker?

For small amounts of money like under $30,000 I would use a personal line of credit. You know the difference right between a loan. A loan is given once and when it is paid off you are done. But a personal line of credit you can use it over and over for anything and the rates can be cheap.

At US Bank I applied with a good FICO it was like 680 making $45K a year and they gave me a line for $12,500 with an interest rate of 6.9%. You can also transfer fuinds from you personal line of credit to your checking account online free. (Many banks charge a lot to move money) You and I both know in Colombia since it is a third world credit doesn't exits that well and the loan if Colombia will give it to you since you are now a US citizen is going to bo over 30%.

When you mentioned you were looking to form a business venture in Colombia so am I. This is the reason I am going to Los Andes in Bogota again this next year starting in July. I will be studying International Business and imports and export besides looking for business partners and a quality venture.

I beleive there are market niches that can be found and especially if there are a couple people who are fulent in Spanish and English and both the different cultures of Colombia and the USA. I am fluent on both and want to take advantage of the calm peaceful cheap life in Colombia. All you are saying is true and can be done to fina an American company that does business in Colombia who will pay you in dollars is tricky but not impossible like Citibank offered me a job in Bogota after I graduate. You just have to apply to the multinational companies. The only problem is most of these companies waht you to work 2-3 years in the states in like NY or Boston then you can choose to transfer to Bogota.

Pete in Bogota comments on Money in Colombia

I'm a big spender in comparision to the others I spent a lot in Colombia and did everything the last time I visited. I spent 6,500,000 in a month and I didn't even notice it. The exchange rate is like 2500 per dollar. You get a better exchange rate if you use your debit card in the Atm, but you can only withdrawl 400,000 2 times a day in Bancolombia ATM's. I tell you the best way is to go into a bank and try to get an advance on you debit card the one where you can make purchases in the US and sign. Some banks will let you do it. You need ID but this way you can get like 2,000,000 at once and leave it in the vault at your hotel. This way you can save alot of money on the ATM charges from your bank in the US.

I did everything and took alot of taxi's I also traveled a bit. I stayed in Bogota but traveled to Ibague and Melgar a lot. This is living the live of a rich man but it was fun for a month.

You can easily live in a nice place and spend 1,000,000 a month and do good. For a Colombian a salary 1,000,000 is a very good salary.

Chao,

Pete in Bogota

Pete in Bogota comments on Going Back to Colombia to live and work

I too want to return and work in Colombia I am finishing my studies in Business Administration in UC Berkeley and want to live and work in Colombia also. I am finishing my last year at Los Andes and graduate in May 2005. It is suprising how Colombia has changed me. I plan on buying an apartment in July and then looking for employment with an American Company in Colombia, also.

Colombia has been good to me and each time I leave I feel guilty.

Que viva Colombia!