Piatt has left 68 comments

Piatt comments on Retiring from gringolandia

36.000 dollars a year...you could live well. Barranquilla is an awesome city but you wouldn't want to live there...to hot and humid. go to Bogota....colder weather...and the women are pretty...more of a model type build and have much nicer hair

Piatt comments on World's happiest place Denmark, followed by Iceland, Colombia slips to third place....

They need to lower the drinking age from 21! then the USA would rise on that list...jaja Honestly, I may not be an expert on happiness but if every American had the opportunity to visit say a central or south american country...USA would be much higher than 16 on that list. In honesty, I appreciate my home country much more because there is so much opportunity for Americans to live decently...hell I wouldn't be taking a summer vacation here now in Colombia if I wasn't able to afford it

Piatt comments on Colombia: New Car Prices From Hell

LDC's have to feed their people and in order to do that they have to make money so it's not in the governments interest to build a nuclear power plant; that is more environment friendly but extremely expensive and slow in profit compared to approving tons of coal plants that are quick and cheap to build and profit hella faster.

Piatt comments on Colombia: New Car Prices From Hell

I just took a class on global warming and I can honestly say it's too late for change. The approaches to reverse climate change introduced in my course are to radical for Americans to adopt...it would be a complete lifestyle change. Also, if the U.S. citizens hypothetically were onboard for green living it wouldn't even matter because people in and governments LDC's (lesser developed countries) have a mindset that, this coming century is there Industrial revolution therefore the desire in poorer countries to economically grow green is not there.

Piatt comments on

It all depends on your age and your motives. If your a young guy like myself (age 20) and are simply looking to have a good time just be fun. If you are older than myself...I can't really comment on how to approach them because I am sure they might be anticipating a different approach. I guess just be yourself and be fun works for everyone...but that could probably get old for them...if your older they might expect more (maturity or w/e)

Piatt comments on

I have to say don't eat any street arepas! I learned my lesson the hard way and ate one and the rest of the night was spent on the toilet.

Piatt comments on Colombia's Peso Weakens After Govt Tightens Capital Controls

Pls go back to 2,400 pesos per dollar :)

Piatt comments on Give me your input :) Need to make a fun summer music mix (Colombian or Spanish artists)

Here is a "feel" of what I have so far: Maybe this can help specify the vibe for the mix 1. EL BESO DEL OSITO 2. TE DOY MI VIDA: LUCAS ARNUA 3. TE MANDO FLORES: FONSECA 4. COMO TU: CARLOS VIVES 5. BONITA: CABAS

Piatt comments on Give me your input :) Need to make a fun summer music mix (Colombian or Spanish artists)

I am leaving to Quindio in the coming week so been stressing a bit...trying to get these music mixes done with (I can be a little picky so) it takes me some time. So with your input hopefully that could speed up the process!

Piatt comments on I am in love

"She looks just like Jessica Alba, but is a little cross-eyed and a slight overbite."

Piatt comments on Tennis Medellin

nice video ryan....i miss the aguila girls. I can remember seeing them around zona rosa and parque 93 in Bogota all the time.

Piatt comments on Tennis Medellin

Do you have to pay the membership fee if your in town for a weekend or two in Medellin? like can I go there and pay to have some lessons or do i need to be a member...just curious cause i'l be in the coffee region in the coming week :P yay can't wait...

Piatt comments on i want to come to colombia

I went to Colombia as a 19 year old teenager a year and some ago to study some Spanish and get a "feel" for my roots. I loved my experience and never had a serious problem during my duration there, in BOGOTA of all places. I went to the Universidad de la Sabana (located right outside the capital in CHIA) through the Nueva Lengua program and loved it. I met great friends, visited awesome places of touristy interest, went to great parties, and wherever I went I didn't have this feeling of xenophobia (colombian culture is very inviting). I also traveled around a bit visited cities like Cartagena, Barranquilla, Isla Rosario, Armenia, Perredia (spelling) ect... I loved my experience so much that in the coming week I am returning for the summer. So go there!

Piatt comments on Amnesty International Report on Colombia: All parties violate human rights

does anybody take that organization seriously? just curious.... because I don't. (they remind me to much of like an extreme PETA group)

Piatt comments on John gilletti's furnished vacation rentals and room rentals in Medellin colombia

any pictures...that you could email me pls. thnx

Piatt comments on

i left you a msg about a weekend in June.

Piatt comments on My first July 4th away from Home

I would love to celebrate Colombian independence day but I will not be around for that. I leave slightly before the 20th...Simon you are a funny guy...

Piatt comments on My first July 4th away from Home

I am an American with Colombian heritage (3rd generation). Sorry for the delayed response but with spring break been a little busy with a few friends. Yeah Ipdiver I maybe a little naive posting here but my experience in Colombia suggests not to be afraid. I talked english all the time with my friends down there, never was afraid to tell others when asked that my nationality was American....people could guess anyways that I wasn't a native by the way I dressed, or how I walked, and definately when I tried to communicate in spanish so trying to be inconspicuous wouldn't work anyways.

Piatt comments on My first July 4th away from Home

yes...i remember that question. It still perplexes me how guys in Bogota can dress so fashionable (like europeans) yet rock the unibrow and never make issue of it lol different culture. Well Bogota was awesome! I loved every single minute of living there and would strongly recommend it to anyone considering studying at a university in the city. I was fortunate enough to meet other american students (same age or close) that were staying and studying in Colombia for almost the same amount of time. That made things a whole lot easier for me especially when it came to adjusting to big city life in a foreign country. I lived in the artsy barrio of Alto Chapinero and loved it. All my neighbors were friendly and I remember this lady who would try and set me up on dates with the neighborhood girls lol she was to funny. Went to Uni Monday-Friday usually twice a week me and my friends would have a chill bite to eat and drink at Bogota Beer Company. Fridays was definitely a discotek night and there wasn't like a favorite club but we went to La Candaleria and Zona Rosa the most (parque 93 was saved mainly for having a drink in the park or special occasions). Every saturday I would play soccer with my fellow costeno's (even though they never accepted me as one) at the local park and on Sundays I would go jogging for ciclovia (spelling). When I felt out of shape though rarely because I did a lot of walking in the city I would go to Bodytek (lifted a few weights did some aerobic classes ect). Sometimes I would take day trips and visit either nearby tourist attractions or once inawhile a weekend excursion to say Melgar. Life was chill. Bogota is a huge city and there's always something to do. My one piece of advice (for any foreigners reading) is if you go out and decide to come back home from partying very late at night don't take a taxi by yourself. Be safe and ride together with friends even if it means you have to go out of your way a bit. See each other home. LoL I remember on more than one occasion the taxi drivers would reprimand me about how its naive for me to travel alone at the wee hrs of the night as a foreigner. Luckily nothing happened but I don't want to encourage a bad habit to others. Lastly, Transmillenio was fun to ride. It was almost like musical chairs except most of the time I never won and had to stand for the rest of the way to my destination.

Piatt comments on Studying In Barranquilla, Colombia...HElp please!!!

Nubby were you in Cartagena? a new years season ago...you sound like this kid I met at a Naty Botero concert...just curious

Piatt comments on LOOKING FOR NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS TO WORK IN A CONVERSATIONAL CLUB IN BOGOTA

Are there any hot girls in this conversational club? Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on Help Me! Where in Barranquilla could I watch American Football on TV

Well,
the employees at Well,
the employees at the establishment didnt care. I kept buying food and drinks for myself the whole game...however there was a table of girls sitting next to mine and they would laugh everytime I got frustrated or excited.

Overrall Id say people were more curious than anything else...I bet half of them were thinking, why in the world would anybody be interested in sport like this!

Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on Help Me! Where in Barranquilla could I watch American Football on TV

Galecito I watched the entire game at El Mundo de Cerveza. I think I was the only person in that whole place watching the game....I didnt care though I cheered my heart out just as if I was back home. Yeah Eagles lost but...theres always next year

E A G L E S

Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on New Years Activities in Cartagena?

I dont know about New Years but tonight at 8 00 pm there is a Naty Botero concert at a club called Gavanna. I have nothing else to do in Cartagena worthwile so Il be heading there tonight.

Its 30,000 pesos I was told for the ticket. Its 3 different groups but I want to go because I like Naty´s music.
Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on housing in bogota

Looking for a room to rent as well for like 3-4 months. I am an international student studying spanish at the Universiad la Sabana. Please specify the heart of Bogota and the price per month for the room

gordonpiatt at yahoo.com

Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on EVERY GRINGO IS FABIO IN COLOMBIA!

I am not trying to brag about anything, Im just an average guy living in Colombia who happens to be a Gringo. The old lady example was just illustration I was trying to get across in proof of my point.

There is a huge cultural difference and that was simply one instance of it.

Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on 'The World in One City'

NYC HANDS DOWN There was a recent project in NYC already done in which a guy took a photograph of one kid living in NYC from every country in the world. I forget the name but Id have to say sorry London New York.

Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on Centro Chia

Its okay... The mall in Centro Chia reminds me of the one in my city back home in Jersey. The best part of that entire mall is the Ranch Burger...I love that little restaurant. Chili Burgers 4 life lol.

The mall because its small has a very personal feel to it and I do like that. However if your looking for something to buy and want options go to Santa Fe

Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on Cartagena Needs Taxi Meters

When I can give exact I do...however the problem is that when I withdraw from an ATM it gives me back 20,000 pesos bills. Is there an option on the ATM to give you smaller bills?

Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on Barranquilla 101

BuenaVista beautiful women but PreMaddonnas Yesterday I went to the BuenaVista Mall in Barranquilla...and I must say the women in that mall are gorgeous but act like premaddonnas. The funniest thing is I went to the food court for a limon icee and when it was my turn to order all the sudden one of these plastic barbie dolls decided to not to wait and just try and cut and order before me.

She started to order...and I just looked at her and said No. Ah the look on her face when I said No was priceless. After that she waited like a good doggie until I finished my order.










Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on Chavez scary? Ask yourself, where do you get your beliefs? U.S. media sources

Chavez is scary...to look at Chavez is a scary guy, have you seen him when hes angry? He makes one ugly mean face.

But to be honest I think Chavez is very simple to understand. Hes just another would be Dictator...he doesnt believe in term limits and has stated himself he wants to abolish the idea (in fact he already abolished the one term limit). He wants to be "President forever".

I think people have a right to be scared of Chavez.

Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on I'm a gringa traveling to Colombia for the holidays...

Road Trip Im currently living in Colombia as a foriegn student and from what I noticed is that during Holidays there is a lot of Security present on the Roads everywhere. So if your going to make the road trip do it during a holiday or close to it cause its safer.

When I get the low down of Barranquilla and the neighboring cities Il post some good spots to visit.

Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on Tennis Lessons in Barranquilla? @ Country Clubs ect

Thnx Don Gringo When I return from Barranquilla Il look into the Bogota spots. Playing tennis is a great way to meet people and when I studied in the U.S. last year all the pretty girls seemed to play the sport.

Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on Dems Have Different Plans for 'Plan Colombia'

UTCOWBOY You honestly believe that plan Colombia is a total waste of money?

Maybe your looking at in the wrong viewpoint...stability increases (foriegn investment rises in Colombia), the Free Trade Agreement was signed, the powers that be in Colombia are mirror images of those in Washington, in a growing atmosphere of Chavez look a likes Id say Plan Colombia was a success

Sometimes the purpose of something isnt what it seems




Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on Dems Have Different Plans for 'Plan Colombia'

Plan Colombia is a Success Im sorry but I have to completely disagree with everyone who thinks plan Colombia should be tossed aside. If it wasnt for the United States funding a military effort here in Colombia I dont think it would have been possible for me to study spanish here. Dont you find it a coincidence that safety in Colombia has been the best its been in 25 years?

You think thats because of social programs? No its because the Colombian government has a stronger military end of story. Now I dont want you people to think that Im against social programs but for those of you that dismiss the U.S. effort Plan Colombia as inefficient and not making an impact your wrong.

Im proof that Plan Colombia is a success

Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on BARRANQUILLA HERE I COME!!!! WOOT

I study spanish not english at the Uni Sabana. I live in New Jersey but this year I decided to study abroad. My enlgish is fine but the opposite is said of my spanish ;P

Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on Mexican Spanish vs. Colombia Spanish

Id be happy speaking any spanish To be honest Id be happy speaking spanish fluently period, no matter the dialect. However I have to be realistic, apart from wanting to study spanish in Colombia because its my heritage another big factor was that Colombians speak spanish properly and in a way which I can understand.

I dont have anything against Mexicans but they speak with a heavy accent.

Its hard enough for me to understand spanish period to begin with and adding a rough accent like Mexican would complicate things alot more.

Now for the family whether its right or wrong isnt for me to decide thats there kid. However I can understand where there coming from...Im still a teenager and dont have any kids yet; but when I do I dont want them speaking english as if they came from Compton or using slang.



Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on Call out to the clever - Cedula Extranjeria (& Thanksgiving Invite!)

Thnaksgiving invite
If I can make it I wouldnt mind having a thanksgiving dinner with other internationals like myself. I study spanish at the Universidad de la Sabana and currently live in Chia.

my email is gordonpiatt at yahoo.com

Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on BABY NAMES

There is girl where I work named Lourdes and she is constantly made fun of for it (Lord azz :P). Spanish names that dont have a stigma to it here in the states would be

Diego
Sophia
Maria
Rico (Suave)
Isabelle

You have to be careful because some names here in the states can automatically identify you with stereotypes

Piatt comments on Anti-Spanish sentiments in Bogota

I can understand your perception but I disagree wholeheartdly. Canada is an exceptional example proving that living in a pluralistic society only causes division to the point of cessation.

Piatt comments on Colombian BobSled Team?

Feel the rythm, feel the rhyme, get on up, its Bobsled Time! Cool Runnings!

Piatt comments on Anti-Spanish sentiments in Bogota

The mayor did the right
The mayor did the right thing in my opinion. That billboard may only represent a product placement ad to you but in reality it's giving legitimacy to the notion that one doesnt need to learn English. Americans come from all different backgrounds but the one thing that we share common ground on is the english language and the mayor of Bogota saw that billboard as a threat to the one thing that binds us together.



Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt
"Yeah thats right Im from New Jersey"

Piatt comments on JAVERIANA

Is the universidad strict when you say its run by Jesuits? Well Im open to any of universities...in fact I wish there was a way to figure out which of the schools has the larger contingency of internationals studying spanish in their program.
Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on PWI (postin whiel intoxicaited)

STDs Um do you have a lot of stds? or something...
Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on I DONT WANT A UNIBROW

The Big A Hey Im not a gringo lol I am half Colombian but I was raised majoritively in Colombian Culture here in the states and nobody thinks I am white in the states but rather the kid with a "strange look." I tend to think exoctic lol

Me I definately got the Colombian gene pool of the family. Big A its not 100% Colombia (50-50) because its ultimately up to my parents with the final descision. Its between Spain and Colombia. The main reason I want to go to Colombia is to study Spanish. I am tired of hanging around family, and hispanic friends without understanding whats going on when they speak Spanish. I kinda feel like a fake...you know I am "hispanic" yet I cant speak Spanish. There are some ulterior motives for my reason to go to Colombia rather than Spain and its mostly for my personal identity. I am a second generation Colombian American without much to offer with my heritage other than my looks and family.

Also Ive been thinking if I learn the language both orally and written I could study in a Colombian institution for my degree and save money (opposed to paying out the gazoo in an American institution).
Sincerely,
Gordon P.

Piatt comments on I DONT WANT A UNIBROW

I took em down I took the pics down. Well when it comes to height Im about 6 and a quarter to 6'1 is that relatively normal in Colombia?

Sincerely,
Gordon

Piatt comments on I DONT WANT A UNIBROW

"If I were you, I'd be far more concerned that one side of my face was red and the other blue... just my opinion." - Albatross

That is too funny. Um is it bad to have your pictures up? Has there been incidents or anything cause I dont want trouble.

Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on I DONT WANT A UNIBROW

The problem with me is that my eyebrows are extremely dark. I asked a few friends what is the first noticable facial feature and they unamiously stated my eyebrows. So being the smart guy I take extra care of them. If you look at my picture you can see for yourself about the darkness of my eyebrows.

Is there any thing else culturally I should be aware of?


Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on Year of Spanish at Univ. del Norte (Need Input)

Bibefito Sorry for the delay Bibefito its finals week at my university here in the states so Ive been a little pressed with time. Did you know Spanish going into Barranquilla? If so is it difficult for you to understand...I have a Colombian friend here at the university I go to and he said it would be much better for me to study Spanish in Bogota (unaccented Spanish).

So universidad del norte has the beauties? Take some pictures next time your riding the bus past the university ;P What is a cachachos? and besides the turkish guy is there more internationals you come across? I would be at ease knowing there is a group of international students How can I contact you? email
Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt

Piatt comments on Colombian Men

hmm Im a second generation Colombian-American. I live in NJ though and you wont find a big community of Colombian American guys where I live either theres like three families in the city I live in that our "Colombian". So youl definately have to look abroad if you want to find Colombian guys easily. My friend that goes to university with me hes from Bogota and prefers Colombian girls over Americans anyday.
Sincerely,
Gordon Piatt