Pirate2late has left 63 comments

Pirate2late comments on Colombian bank ATM fees

Wow! Some of those charges seem extreme! I use two different but local ATM cards (U.S.) on a regular basis and I am charged $1.00 (U.S.) max for each transaction, no matter the withdraw.

Pirate2late comments on Looking For Rosetta Stone

Before you spend your hard earned money on Rosetta Stone, try livemocha.com first. livemocha.com is free and in many respects, is nearly identical to Rosetta Stone. I have Rosetta Stone and I've used livemocha.com. I still can't speak, read or understand Spanish, but that's my fault!

Pirate2late comments on Amazing story of how Pablo Escobar came to be the richest crook in history

I'm thinking Bernard Madoff is/was the richest crook in history, but this is more interesting for sure!

Pirate2late comments on San Andres

Well, where are you flying from and which all inclusive are you going to ? It sounds like a very good deal if this includes the flight as well!! It's a very beautiful place to go! Enjoy.....

Pirate2late comments on Cheap ways to call Colombia from the U.S.

Chill GregYohn ole boy....life is about choices. Mr. Poco ask for info....he is getting lots of good info. As you grow older and mature, you'll soon understand that NOTHING is FREE! Read the fine print on 12VOIP. It's "free" up to a certain amount/number of calls. After that you are charged. For me, what I am using works best for me because I don't want to keep track of the calls/minutes I'm using. For you and others, maybe 12VOIP works for you and many others.

Pirate2late comments on Cheap ways to call Colombia from the U.S.

Poco, I call from my cell (all I have) to Cali (landline) for the .029. If I call cell to cell, it's .139 (if they have comcell or movistar). The down side is for some reason Colombia is not one of the "Rebtel" countries, so she can not join Rebtel. I don't make many calls because we video chat via the computer, which I consider free because I have internet service anyway.

Pirate2late comments on Cheap ways to call Colombia from the U.S.

I use REBTEL.COM .029 per min. landline .139 per min. to cell This is to Cali. No connection fees. Works out good for us. We're usually on video cam which is free (ha ha), but rebtel.com works very well for me. It's the most "user friendly" I've found, for me anyway. el Pirate

Pirate2late comments on sending mail here

Fedex is good, reliable and expensive. The prices have dropped a little since the fuel surcharge is lower. I just sent a document to Cali Tues. this week and it arrived at 7 a.m. this Fri. morning......cost $65.00 though.

Pirate2late comments on Im watching 20/20 The other Americans HATED Ingrid Betancourt!

Yeah! I was watching too. I wonder what they said off camera!

Pirate2late comments on What questions will be asked for a Tourist Visa interview?

Didn't see the metro post! Gator has good advice and the Transporter. Can't say enough about being honest. Rest assured they will not ask you anything they do not already have the answer for!

Pirate2late comments on What questions will be asked for a Tourist Visa interview?

Rikito, My novia went for her interview in July last year and was granted her tourist visa, and really what seemed against all odds. She is a student. She does not work. She has no income or money. However, she went prepared, with documents and letters, to convince them she would return. They really didn't ask her many questions. They wanted to know why she wanted to go......she told them she wanted to visit me, that we had been dating for over a year and that I had been to visit her and her family, and she wanted to come visit me and my family. They asked why we didn't get married......she told them she wanted to visit my country and visit my family and to finish school. They asked where she was going to stay.....who was paying for her flight....who was going to provide for her while she was here. They wanted to know if she had family here. The interview was rather short, although she stood in line from about 7 a.m. until her interview at about 3:30 p.m.! I know it's not much info for you, but it seemed to come down to whether or not you could convince them you will return. They approved her request for a tourist visa (5 yrs! ). They send it to you and it took about 7 days before she got. Good luck!! el Pirate

Pirate2late comments on Are Colombians 2nd class citizens?

yummyj.......Been awhile since I've been to Aruba (2 yrs) but San Andres was a fraction of the expense of Aruba considering food/drinks & accommodations. DWMTE is right on the money too!

Pirate2late comments on Are Colombians 2nd class citizens?

Nobody deserves to be treated like 2nd class citizens. While you may reap what you sow, most behave like they are treated. Colombia just can't seem to shake the stigma of Mr. Escobar! Anyway, forget Aruba and go to San Andres. Just as beautiful and 1/4 the cost!!

Pirate2late comments on Cali apartments

Yep, check with Art Brode. I just rented from/via him during Dec. & Jan. Very good experience and he is honest. Mono...did you get the pic of Denver I sent you when I flew over in December? Really, I wasn't sure which house was yours! el Pirate

Pirate2late comments on True-life situation: What would YOU do?

I think pretty big deal....would be for me anyway. I'm with Kobi on this one! el Pirate

Pirate2late comments on Any private pilots here? Anyone flying in Colombia?

Has anyone out there converted their FAA ticket to Colombian? I'd love to find a way to fly and/or instruct in Colombia (without getting shot at). Anything in Cali? I'm going to be there Dec. 23 thru Jan 10. My novia is in Cali and I'd love to find something near. I'm flying King Airs most of the time, but am current and qualified in the all the other light twins (piper, beech and cessna 300 & 400 series). Maybe we can get something going with all the other PBH pilots out there! el Pirate

Pirate2late comments on The new maps feature rocks

Awesome! Especially info readily available for the hostels!

Pirate2late comments on Since poop posts are all the rage this week....

Well, how do they expect anyone to put their doo-doo into a cup for analysis? And why do they put the doo-doo paper in a basket and not flush it there anyway? Like you, I never doo-doo in a public place, but if I do doo-doo, I do doo-doo in my home and do duly place the doo-doo where it duly belongs.

Pirate2late comments on Learning English....

Only if you want. You can be as anonymous as you want, work at your own pace and place your settings where it appears as if you are off-line.

Pirate2late comments on Learning English....

livemocha.com It's just like Rosetta Stone, but it free. Check it out.....

Pirate2late comments on What is the best way to send and receive money via Internet from the US to Colombia

Ha ha ha ha! Great! I'll be looking forward to it! Thanks! :)

Pirate2late comments on What is the best way to send and receive money via Internet from the US to Colombia

Oh, and another thing. If I move to Colombia, would any of you be interested/willing to send me a debit/credit card?? Just wondering................:) el Pirate

Pirate2late comments on What is the best way to send and receive money via Internet from the US to Colombia

I forgot to add that I wanted to send an ordinary debit card from my bank (w/visa logo) with her name on it. The only reason I couldn't was the bank needed her signature (which could have been done) before they would issue a debit card in her name. Another bank I use issued me a debit card only (and can only be used at ATM's) without a name on it. I sent it to her the same day and haven't had a problem since. I did tell them that it would be used in Colombia though, just so they wouldn't be calling me and asking me if I was using the card in Colombia! It's worked great and saved a bunch.

Pirate2late comments on What is the best way to send and receive money via Internet from the US to Colombia

For me, the cheapest way I've found is using a my bank debit card good only at an ATM. I previously used W. Union, but it was very expensive and the rates are lousy! My novia uses it and the banks in CO charge $1.00 USD for each transaction. Yesterday the exchange was 2310. There is a max. of $300.00 (usd) per day withdraw, so it's not good if you need lots of cash, but I never keep much in the acct.

Pirate2late comments on Colombiano(a) and foreigner met each other - true life accounts

HOW did it happen? Destiny, luck, by accident. However you want to believe. But as it turned out, by good fortune. Oh yes, and via the internet of all things! HOW did the relationship develop? Very, very slowly. The communications via the internet was sporadic at best in the beginning. Mostly because their is a huge age difference between us and at first our correspondence was just in our culture, the differences in our countries and customs. We exchanged email once every two or three weeks at first, but then it became more frequent. After about 8 months we decided to meet (at her request). I was interested, but for sure was not going to Colombia! However, after finding out how difficult it is for her to travel outside Colombia, we decided San Andres was neutral ground. With great anxiety (on both parts!) we met in Aug. 07. What actually happened when you actually met? It was with great anticipation, excitement and nervousness to say the least. This was a first for me for sure! It was not love at first sight. Not that she was not the most beautiful woman I've ever met, but because I couldn't believe this was happening and I was still VERY skeptical of the intentions of this beautiful woman I was meeting. WHAT is the situation right now? There has not been one day since that we have not spoken on the phone or via video chat since. I can only say that each day was better than the first, and it's been like that ever since! Since our first "date", I traveled to Cali to met her and her wonderful family in Dec. 07. We met again in Cartagena and she had the great fortune of getting a visa to come visit me (which was my great fortune!!!) for a month in Aug. 08! I am going to visit her and her family again in a few weeks and I can't wait! HOW do I view the future? One wonderful day at a time!

Pirate2late comments on Is there such a thing as a postal service in Colombia?

I have sent birthday cards and special cards to Cali via the USPS (at a cost of 90 cents) and all but one was received. I wouldn't trust this service to send anything of value ($$$) but letters and the cards did arrive. If you want to send something of value and want to make sure it arrives, send FedEx........but it is very expensive!

Pirate2late comments on

I think not only did someone forget to take their meds, they probably need adjusted!

Pirate2late comments on Wiring money to LoColombia

Pilotguy, You gotta keep everything under 10 grand or else you'll find yourself on the watch list with US Customs, the IRS and Homeland Security! Good luck! el Pirate

Pirate2late comments on Letter with visa application

Her mother provided a letter to reiterate the fact that she has family ties in Cali. It is, I think, very important to show that she (your novia) has every intention of returning to Colombia and it's important to provide reasons why. As casa de norte said, be overt, and above all, be honest. They are not going to ask any questions they don't already have the answers for. Good luck!

Pirate2late comments on Letter with visa application

IloveCidy, It can't hurt. My novia was granted a visa this summer....she is a medical student, no job, and doesn't have two pesos two rub together. I did, however write a letter, had it notarized and sent it to her to take with her to the interview. According to my novia, she thought it made a difference. To paraphrase, in the letter I said that I had been to Colombia three times. I have met her family, and she wants to come here to meet mine. I said I would be paying for her roundtrip airfare and all her expenses while she was here. I gave them my phone number and address where she would be staying, and approximate dates of her intended travel. I also made it very clear that she has no intentions of staying here, she has family in Cali and has every intention of finishing school. She was granted a visa for 5 years. If ya have any questions please let me know! Good luck! el Pirate

Pirate2late comments on i know its been bounced around a bit, but i need all the info about skype i can get....

Check out: http://www.rebtel.com Works good for me.

Pirate2late comments on Visa to U.S.

bradk, If you don't try, she will for sure not get a visa. My novia just spent 27 wonderful days here with me in the US this summer! She has no job and no money and she came on a tourist visa. She lives with her divorced mother. Like the others have said in the posts, they (the embassy) need to be convinced that she will return so this is how we approached the interview. Here is what we did: 1) DO NOT LIE (on the paperwork or the interview) 2) I wrote a letter (had it notarized) stating that I would be responsible for her expenses during her stay and paying for her round trip air fare. I gave them my address and phone number. 3) Her mother also wrote a letter attesting that she will be returning for school and that all her family was is Colombia. 4) She took copies of her receipt from the university bursars office showing that she has paid for the fall semester and enrolled this school year (2008/2009). She said that she thought both the letters and that she had proof she was enrolled this school year really helped. Also keep in mind, they are probably not going to ask you anything they don't already know the answer, so tell the truth! Another thing that helped (she thinks) is that I have been to visit her 3 times. I have met her family. I stated this in my letter, and said that she wants to come here to visit me and get to know my family. The interviewer did ask her if we were going to get married. She told her that she wants to finish school first, and to know my family. A couple things to keep in mind when going for the interview: 1) Be VERY polite. 2) Be prepared. Have all your letters and documents ready, AND, advise her not to just sit there and answer questions. After the introduction, she needs to "diplomatically" take control of the interview. By this I mean she needs to take the lead and tell them why she will return to Colombia and show the interviewer the letters and explain the reasons why she wants to visit and why she will return. My novia has a friend who went for an interview the week before she did. They are both students and their situations were mostly identical, except her friend is from an affluent family. She had letters but did not offer them and did not speak unless there was a question. She was denied after only 3 questions. My novia suggests speaking up before the "interrogation" begins! She also thinks one of the things that hurt her friend is that she does have relative living in the US. Good Luck! el Pirate

Pirate2late comments on Waiting to retire in Colombia

I like Gators idea.....

Pirate2late comments on A warning to those who wire money to Colombia

Rocinante, .....Ah, but many threads! I think maybe Catfish might have mentioned this. You are good! It could be the rum! ha ha ha! The Captain and I are good friends! My memory could be foggy, but my instinicts............I don't think so. Thanks........... August.............good luck! el Pirate

Pirate2late comments on A warning to those who wire money to Colombia

August, Wake up my man. I've followed this thread thinking (hoping) you would see the light. Yep, I know love is blind, and when I fall in love, I fall all over the place! But I hope you cut and run. Don't worry about what has happened, because you can't change nothin' now, but you have learned a valuable lesson if you so choose to take it. There are WAY too many signs that things aren't "right". She wants you to stay at the Dann (alone!!)...... She doesn't want you to visit or meet her family.....(all in the best interest of you no less)..... no police report....... no case/incident number...... When you meet the right novia, she can't wait for you to meet her family. She will never ask you for anything, nor her family. The good Colombians are honest and proud people, and will be somewhat offended by the you offering to "pay their way". Forget it brother......move on. There are many GOOD Colombians. el Pirate p.s. I smelled a rat when I first read your sad story. Don't be fooled by my profile, I do fly for a living now, but, I am a retired State Police Officer (25 yrs) and you are being taken.......Sorry

Pirate2late comments on Why do you have to give pesos to homeless dudes in Cali so they can watch your car while you go to a store etc.

Well, in Jamaica, you would be paying someone to watch the guy, to watch the guy, who is watching your car! It's sort of like the state highway department here. el Pirate

Pirate2late comments on Crime in Cartagena, Colombia

Thanks tomtom, you are right on. I stayed at the Decameron resort across the road from the beach, and it was not the place to be, the beach there. I'm going back, but to the beaches you suggest! el Pirate

Pirate2late comments on PBH SCAM!!!

I just sent an ATM/Debit card, this way she wont have to go to WU and then get robbed!

Pirate2late comments on PBH SCAM!!!

Yep! Got the same thing this a.m.

Pirate2late comments on Colombians

Why WOULD you stereotype?????????????? el Pirate

Pirate2late comments on Crime in Cartagena, Colombia

Like any city anywhere, there are places you don't want to go. Visited there last Feb. Enjoyed the city and the walled city and fort very much. Very safe. The only thing I did not like at was the public beaches. This is where the "crime" is!! It's the vendors on the beach!!!! They will NOT leave you alone or enjoy the beach. It's one after another, and they make the vendors in Jamaica look like Mother Teresa! I'd go back, because of the history there....but I'd avoid the beaches!! If you are just looking for some R&R in a beautiful place, go to San Andres. Very beautiful....very safe....and very nice & friendly people. They have vendors, but very polite and respectful. Having said all that, go and have fun. Don't worry so much!! Just use common sense. I've got a 4 day trip to Detroit next week, and I'd rather be going to Cartagena! el Pirate

Pirate2late comments on Best Movies in or about Colombia?

Love In The Time of Cholera!!! The best movie I've ever seen.....!

Pirate2late comments on ichitagochi

You live in Afghanistan and you're worried about a bomb in Cali??????? :) Go to Cali and have fun! Like any big city, there are places you don't want to go. el Pirate p.s. I'll be there in Dec/Jan....I ain't scarred!!!

Pirate2late comments on Is this common?

CD, pick out the good advice and go from there. Don't know how long you've been married, but I'll share with you the same advice I gave my daughter before she got married. It's worked great for me, but I had to learn the hard way and from my own mistakes! 1. Never get in a relationship (serious) or marry someone who has habits/traits that are not acceptable. Do not expect them to change, and they shouldn't expect you to change. You are the way you are and they are the way they are. Period! 2. Ask yourself if you can live with their "quirks"? If you can great. If you can't, see #1. 3. Be flexible, be able to adapt, be able to compromise. Things change during a marriage (living arrangements/kids/work/where you live/income/changing jobs/losing jobs......and on and on). Really these things you've listed are really kinda minor and I hope you don't let it end what otherwise sounds like a good relationship. Do you love her? If you do, then accepting things like being messy is up to you. It's a mind set. You should be happy she wants your attention. If you don't give it to her, she will find someone who will. I know from personal experience. So give it to her! You said she is loving and loyal. Both are not always there in a marriage! :) Anyway, good luck! And the best advice is what a couple of other PBH'rs have said, get professional help. It will be worth it, believe me. I did, but only after it was too late and because I was tired of making the same ole mistakes! Oh....and another funny thing in life. If you dump your wife, the things that attracted you to your wife are going to be the same things that will attract you to you next one....and guess what! With probably the very same things you didn't like about the first one! So adjust, be flexible, compromise......otherwise, you'll just be having the same problems, only with different wives!! I Learned the hard way........... el Pirate

Pirate2late comments on Met a Mujer Online And Looking for Mentoring, Not Judgement

Well said DW! A post with some of the best comments....Each person and/or relationship is different. Ol Dog, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. My novia and I are of similar age differences and it's been great! It is rare, but what do you have to loose? Go meet her, her family, and see what happens. Carpi diem............... el Pirate

Pirate2late comments on Met a Mujer Online And Looking for Mentoring, Not Judgement

This is some of the best advice I've seen and I would encourage you to follow it all. I really can't anything more intelligently to the advice given, but I can share with you my experience. I first met my novia (online) in Dec. 2006. We chatted sporadically at best in the beginning. There were others I met online during this time also, but by the at least the third conversation they were need of money for some reason or another (family illness was the most common) and I didn't continue our online chats. The one I did meet (from Cali) and still chat with daily has never mentioned money, asked for money or hinted in any way that she needs money, and hasn't yet! We first met in Aug. 2007 for 10 days in San Andres Island. It was great! I went to Cali in Dec. 2007 for 10 days. Got to know her family (mother, sister, grandmother & uncle and friends) and it was a great time. We met again Cartagena, and she was able to get a visa (lucky!!!) and stayed with me here in the States for 27 days. Still a wonderful time!! We video chat daily, and have since Aug. 2007 with rare exception. I also talk to her mother and sister (she lives at home and is a medical student) almost each time we chat as well. Neither of us is in a hurry to rush into a permanent relationship until we spend more time together and not until she finishes medical school. Like I said, she has never asked for anything. Before Christmas last year, I asked her what she would like. She said a medical reference book for anatomy! So there are good relationships to be found. I consider myself very lucky, but I am still not taking anything for granted. Like the other posts....get to know her personally, get to know her family (because they we become part of your relationship!), and take your time. Best of luck to you both! el Pirate

Pirate2late comments on Bomb Explosion Downtown Cali

WTF?? Didn't this happen nearly two years ago in or near the same place by the same method??? http://www.federalnewsradio.com/?nid=82&sid=1470075

Pirate2late comments on First visit to U.S. - (Tourist visa)

Yes, getting a tourist Visa seems like hitting the lotto!! To be honest, we didn't have high hopes. She is a medical student and lives at home with her mother and sister. She is not employed either. She spoke with many individuals who applied and were turned down. From this we approached the application with the intent of convincing them of the reasons why she will return to Colombia. She obtained a letter from the university showing that she is enrolled for the next semester year and a copy of the bill paying for the semester. Her mother wrote a letter and I also wrote a letter (to whom it may concern type) providing them with my address and phone number where she will be staying and that I would be providing for her during her stay. In my letter I stated that I had been to Colombia on three occasions; have met her family; that she wants to know my family; that she has no intentions of staying; that finishing her degree is her main goal; that while she is my novia, we have no immediate plans of getting married. She said that she thought the letter I wrote and the one from her mother weighed heavily. She was very, very polite during the interview, but also felt like taking an active roll in the process helped too. Instead of just sitting there and answering questions, after the initial "meet & greet", she handed all her papers & letters to the interviewer and begin to explain why she wanted the tourist visa and why she had reasons to return. She felt this was very important. She had a medical student friend who went the week before and she was denied after just 3 or 4 questions. We think she was just not prepared. You must be prepared to convince them of her ties to her country and why she will return. Be polite, but take active roll in the interview. Everyone has to go to Bogota for the interview and wait hours. There are plenty of places to stay within walking distance to the U.S. Embassy. She was granted the tourist visa for 5 years! She came for 27 days and just returned last week to begin classes again. Having said all that, she still thinks a lot depends on the mood of the person doing the interview at the time!! Good luck!!!

Pirate2late comments on FedEx UPS

I've used FedEx and while the service is good, it is VERY expensive. FedEx is now flying all DHL freight....don't know if that will change the way DHL handles it's airborne freight or not....

Pirate2late comments on Newbie trip report

I was the in Feb. and I didn't pay any tax when I left. I was in Cali in Dec. and they were going to charge me an exit tax, but all I had to do was go to the tax exempt office and get it waived. You're right on about the beaches in CTG!!!! Holy Cow! I loved CTG and want to go back, but I'll NEVER go the the beaches there. We took a day trip and went to a nearby island and a very nice beach.