Philly has left 604 comments

Philly comments on Offered my first job in Colombia today at a bi-lingual school in Barranquilla.

I get paid by the 5th of every month, crossing my fingers. You make a very good point. I had a job teaching job before where the business side of the business was horrible but the students and academics were superior. Now, I have a job where the business side is just incredible but the students and academics are terrible. If I could do it all over again, I would take the better students over the business.

Philly comments on Offered my first job in Colombia today at a bi-lingual school in Barranquilla.

I have a Master´s in education and business. I get paid according to my qualifications and experience. I am sorry, I am from the old school. I never tell anyone how much money I make. I can tell you it is on the upper end of what the people here are telling you. Do not sweat it, but do not accept anything less then 2 million.

Philly comments on Offered my first job in Colombia today at a bi-lingual school in Barranquilla.

I am the only native teacher at my school. My salary is really good but it is really expensive here. I agree, ask for a high salary so you can get a decent pay. It worked for me.

Philly comments on Offered my first job in Colombia today at a bi-lingual school in Barranquilla.

You need to have experience and education to ask for 2.5 to 3 million. If this is your first teaching job without experience, I doubt very much you will get that kind of money. Congrats, and remember keep your classes entertaining and fun!!!!

Philly comments on Cucuta and in to Venezeula...

I live in Cucuta. If you need any help please feel free to PM me.

Philly comments on Col - Swi (U-17)

Colombia got there ass kicked. I could have won 50.000 mil pesos but I was too scared to bet.

Philly comments on air force one classics for sale

Where are you? I need size elevens. What color do you have? low top or 3/4´s?

Philly comments on Colombia under 17 soccer team reaches semi-finals in the World Cup Championships!!!

it is the big dance for the little guys, just like the little league World series. let me refrase my words Simon. Yes, they have other sports but it does not even compare to the way they love soccer.

Philly comments on Norte, Basketball champions

http://www.laopinion.com.co/noticias/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=339521&Itemid=88

Philly comments on Taxi drivers income

A lot of Colombians make around 18,000 to 25,000 mil pesos a day. So, 50,000 is not that bad but I still think it is a lot more.

Philly comments on Taxi drivers income

I personally think taxi drivers make good money. Here in Cucuta, the majority of the taxi drivers do not have meters. The min. is 3,000 mil pesos but you never pay the min. These taxi drivers are the biggest crooks. Lets not even talk about Christmas time. They double and triple the fares.

Philly comments on Documents needed for work visa?

It is really easy for people to give you advice who has no idea on what they are talking about. I live in Cucuta, actually right at the border. Yes, there are problems from time to time, but as far as it being really dangerous, it is just like any other part of Colombia. I obtained my work visa in San Antonio, Ven. I did not have any problems and was out in a couple of hours. The work papers will be about the same as if you were coming to Colombia with your visa. Please call ahead and ask 50 million questions and do not be surprised when you get there they tell you something different. Good Luck!!!

Philly comments on Documents needed for work visa?

I do not see the problem with my answer. You can not get a better break down then that. yes, it is a little old but it explains the process. You are right, things do change from day to day here, it all depends on the persons mood. Sorry if I offended you, but honestly everyones case is different. I did go through the process and the post explained exactly what I went through perfectly.

Philly comments on How many of you would run back to the USA if Venezuela declares war on Colombia

Gay, Phillies. I do not think so. They are ot called the "Broad street bullies" for nothing.

Philly comments on What's up with those BLACK dudes ?????

This post seems really racist to me.

Philly comments on Just received my cedula and need to open a bank account. Can anyone recommend a bank?

Juepaje, that is not very good advice. What are the chances of a Director speaking English?

Philly comments on How many of you would run back to the USA if Venezuela declares war on Colombia

I believe it would effect me more then any of you. I live right on the border. I would leave for the safety of my family. The situation is getting more dangerous by the day. There is so much that is happening here that is not reported. I am watching the situation closely.

Philly comments on Renew Visa

I am guessing you will probably need the same papers that you used to get your first visa

Philly comments on A visit to the DAS: a date with doom

Personally, I enjoyed the article.

Philly comments on Best place in Bogota to buy DVDs?

I got my set from Carrefour(spelled something like that) in Bucaramanga. I am sure there is one in Bogota. I doubt very much you will find it on the street.

Philly comments on

Your welcome Elmo. Enjoy your bike ride, God only knows that I also need to do some biking.

Philly comments on Safety in Bucaramanga, Manizales, and Pereira

I actually liked Manizales. I lived there for almost a year. Manizales is really open. People smoke weed out in the open and there is a lot of drug use. I found this to be normal coming from the US, but actually I have not seen this in any other city but Manizales. Tons of College students, which means lots of girls. I am a firm believer in, you make the place, do not make the place make you.

Philly comments on The Medellin that CNN doesn't want you to see!

No disrespect but does it really matter how beautiful a city is if it is dangerous? You can post pictures of just about any place in Colombi to show its beautiful. CNN´s point is very clear. MEDELLIN IS DANGEROUS

Philly comments on

Are you really surprised? This is why before I married my wife, I told her that I wanted to live in Colombia just to test her. I´m working in Colombia just like everyone else. I earn a Colombian wage and we are happy. I told her that I never wanted to go back to the States, She was okay with that. My wife has no interest in the States or money, only happiness. I am not going to lie, we do have our problems but we are making it. Once I get my residency I will move my family to the States just so my wife and daughter can see how life really is. Nice post, but not surprised with the results.

Philly comments on MY WIFE'S FAMILY

Now, act you are from the United States.

Philly comments on MY WIFE'S FAMILY

Maybe you need to take a look at the kind of people you are involved with. Anyone who freeloads off another is not the kind of people I deal with. My wife´s family has never asked me for a dime. As a matter of fact, I borrow money from them. They all have their own businesses. They would rather work then ask someone for money. Sorry, it sounds like you are a little naive and kind of stupid. Ps. I think your attitude sucks. You sound like you think you are better then us" I am not a gringo" Actually, you are beneath us because you can´t even handle your family situation and you do not even know what you are. How are you even communicating your wife and her family if your Spanish is poor? Please tell me your wife speaks English. I doubt it. Wake up, your wife is probably in on it. Whose wife demands money? Why would you even use that expression? My wife works for eveything she has and if I give her money, it is because I want to give it to her. Grow a set and get your stuff together or Colombia will eat you alive!!!!

Philly comments on not a generic teaching english question, I promise

Please, got some experience. Colombia does not need anymore inexperienced teachers. Yes, teaching is fun and exciting but without the experience it will be very frustrating.

Philly comments on Go Phillies!!!

I was born and raised in Philly so I guess I should say something. I never liked them. I was Dodgers fan for years, but living in Colombia I have fell off a bit. As a matter of fact, I do not like any sports teams from Philly. Just my 2 cents.

Philly comments on Big Help for Those Wanting to Change Visas

Okay, Gator I have spoken with you before. I have a padre de hija Colombiana visa with the right to work. Now, It expires in Feb. 2010. Supposedly, I could get this visa for 3 years, but they only gave me 2. They told me at that time they were only giving out 2 years. So, when I go get my visa renewed, I will get a residence visa instead with the privilage to work? I do not have to go through all the paperwork with my employer. I can work just like any other Colombian? This will be great if it is so. Please, get back to me as soon as possible.

Philly comments on Why do they pretend?

The past is the past, PERIOD. Never ask a question that you really don´t want to know the answer.

Philly comments on

What does this has to do with Colombia? What is so funny?

Philly comments on Coming to live in Colombia

LOl, sorry I could not help myself. You have no idea what you are getting yourself into.

Philly comments on Coming to live in Colombia

Flyn, English teachers do not make good money. "The good is that the academies don't require a work visa. Universities, and private primary/secondary schools are more likely to require a work visa" Shut the F**k up. All jobs require a work visa. It is obvious you do not know what you are talking about. To the original poster. Your girlfriend can sponsor you for your medical insurance. You only need your passport for that. Letting your girlfriend support you is the wrong move. I just do not see it. Good luck!!!!

Philly comments on

Desi, I swear you are a racist. Everything black you go the other way. Fes up and tell us who you really are.

Philly comments on Social Security Check

Good luck opening up an account.

Philly comments on problem in renting an apartment

Yes it is normal. This is one of the problems I have with Colombia. And they will not take just any home owner. It has to be Finca Raiez (spelled something like that)

Philly comments on Taking niece out of the country

Hello, Please tell me a little bit more about your cruise. I saw something about it on an earlier post. I am very much interested in it. Thanks

Philly comments on Would anyone like to rent or sell us a stroller in Medellin?

Wow, congrats on your baby. Long time no hear from.

Philly comments on Can you tell me a little about your screen name and how you chose it please?

This is toooooooooooooooooooooooo funny. Where is the love? No matter where we are, Americans can never stick together.

Philly comments on Solamente en Espanol, por favor!

Pero mi español es muy mal. Yo no se como explica nada muy bien en español.

Philly comments on Can you tell me a little about your screen name and how you chose it please?

I am from the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia (Philly). Not much love in the city but what the heck

Philly comments on Are gringos good for Colombia

We are good for Colombia in so many ways to mention. Yes, Mickey D´s is here but the menu is scaled back where I live. Oh, they do sell big breakfast but not the bagel sandwiches, which happens to be my favorite,DAMN !!!!!

Philly comments on After my 180 days now what??

There is no catch. The bolivare(not sure how to spell it) is around .30 to .33 per mil peso. but you need a lot more things before you go to San Antonio, a job for one.

Philly comments on English Teachers?? my two cents...

I knew you were right, but I just stayed out of it.

Philly comments on is this starting to become a everyday thing in medellin

dt, you just made my point. It is a different kind on danger in the States, but we still have to conclude that Colombia is dangerous.

Philly comments on For Sale - 2002 Peugeot 206 XR - Ready for a new owner

Nice looking car. How much? Will you trade for a Suzuki GS 2009 and cash?

Philly comments on English Teachers?? my two cents...

That is why you need to understand what you are teaching. Grammar is a very important part of the language. I have and have had many students who learned English by watching TV or listening to music. Yes, these students were always the best speakers but not the best students. The students who understood why always did better on test. You need to have a proper mix of the two to really understand what the language is all about.

Philly comments on English Teachers?? my two cents...

I also know Colombians who are working with Sena. I would bet that their English Level is higher then most of the posters here.

Philly comments on is this starting to become a everyday thing in medellin

I live in Colombia and I do not see anything wrong with posting what is going on. People get killed every day where I am living but also people were getting killed where I was living in the States. it is just a different kind of danger here but it is dangerous. Do not try to sugar coat something that is the truth.

Philly comments on English Teachers?? my two cents...

I am an English teacher and I can not express my thoughts correctly all the time. I have a BA and two master´s degrees, but does that make me unqualified to teach? No, it doesn´t. I can teach something to my students and I can even tell them why. I have a perfect example. How many professional coaches coach professional teams and have never played the sport but only studied it? HUNDREDS !!!! The ICFS scores of my students has improved every year that I have been teaching. I guess I am doing something right. just my 2 cents