Raleigh1590 has left 47 comments

Raleigh1590 comments on WHAT'S THIS A COLOMBIAN THING?

Probably not a Colombian thing, but perhaps a "getting too drunk on beer" thing.

Raleigh1590 comments on

The great thing about business is that if the people don't care much for expensive coffee, the stores will lose profitablility & die out... Meanwhile JV needs to contact some investment bankers to raise capital for the international expansion it should do!

Disclaimer: I say this without knowing the entire financial condition or goals for each company, and without assessing specific economic & political conditions, this is just me saying something straight up what I think.

Raleigh1590 comments on Paisas and business

Do you find that it's harder for a woman to get a job in Colombia than men in general or is the playing field pretty much level? I ask specifically in reference to the financial industry, which is highly male dominated.

Raleigh1590 comments on An addition to Survey For Gringas: Who do you prefer & why?

a little clarification Sorry about how "un Colombian" the post became, the point at first to inquire if there was a way to approach Colombians in a more intimate sense since I've had wicked experiences with two in the exact same manner. Was just wondering if any of you had similar experiences.

I know its generalizing, but i wanted a straight answer & I got it.

To make up for the unrelated content of this thread, i'm posting a link to Bill's visit to Bogota tomorrow:

http://www.expogestion.com.co/index.php

Raleigh1590 comments on An addition to Survey For Gringas: Who do you prefer & why?

Thanks everyone for filling me in on some dating discrepancies between latins & americans (hasty generalization? perhaps), & I should continue this conversation in a coffee shope somewhere else now that it's gotten a little out of the subject of Colombia...

In that effect, how bout that President Clinton going to Bogota tomorrow??

Raleigh1590 comments on An addition to Survey For Gringas: Who do you prefer & why?

This store is now closed So I'm 22, was a sheltered only child & don't know any better. Or maybe I've just been dating too many boys from Mr Roger's neightborhood. (By the way Michael B, the model is not "old or outdated" & rubi I've been told my oral skills are fine, thank you.)

In brief, thanks for all the comments. I guess I'm naive, but I didn't know guys would actually do things like that. That's just not nice. After all the special moments we shared together before the event, I didn't think sex would change it. It made me think that all those dates were meaningless to them. Also, I don't give it out easily, I've only got a 2-1 COL/gringo ratio, but as Lockheed says, they've probably put a spell on me. I have been learning SPanish via Pimsleur & know by now a fair amount of salsa from my Colombian friends.

Next stop, born again virginity...

Raleigh1590 comments on An addition to Survey For Gringas: Who do you prefer & why?

Diversity Training flub Thanks UC for pointing out my mistake, and I just went through diversity training, I should know better... I wasn't meaning to stereotype Colombianos, I meant to say that 2/2 Colombianos I've dated behaved this way. And I know it's not a standard thing, because I have other Colombiano friends here in the US who are completely faithful to their girlfriends in Colombia.

I guess I'm just looking for some reason to why I'm losing such great guys?

Raleigh1590 comments on

Really I don't see anything wrong with Starbucks or any other multinational companies for that part expanding into Colombia or other countries. They are simply fulfilling a demand, and if demand is indeed there, then it should benefit Colombia... HOWEVER, and this is a big however, I do believe the Cafe Juan Valdez's should be getting more attention and expansion in Colombia as well as the US since Starbucks has practically saturated the market & is simply looking for a different business venture. It's not that Starbucks is so great, it's just a need for convenient coffee.

Personally, I & many of my associates visit a coffee shop everyday, & we don't give a care whether it is a Starbucks, a CCs, or whatever. I would love to see a Cafe Juan Valdez with a traditional Colombian feel & atmosphere pop up in the US because I'd like to feel like I'm taking a mini vacation from work. :-)

Raleigh1590 comments on My shopping list for my sweetie in Colombia .23 more days

One more thing Now I agree with saving money with second hand items, but it's a different story buying these for yourself and for your Colombian sweetie. Especially if this is your first visit, I would advise you stick with a few well thought out & new pieces instead of a huge value bundle. If you HAVE to go the used route for her this time, I would only buy gucci or zara caliber clothing that you can't find in average stores(hey sometimes celebs donate their stuff!), but that's just me. Especially beware of cheap cosmetics etc (ya'll are absolutely right up there!) cuz they really do wear out your skin.

My advice is to spend your $$ taking the family out to a nice dinner/entertainment because experiences in my opinion not only make you grow as a person & forge a stronger bond, but don't depreciate in value like new items do.

Yep.

Raleigh1590 comments on In your travels to Colombia, don't forget to...

Lina "BUT PLEASE DON´T ADVICE OTHER PEOPLE ON WHAT TO DO WITH THEIR TIME & MONEY, UNLESS ITS ASKED FOR WITH YOUR HIGH HANDED ATITUDE."

Lina05, I respect our rights to free speech & you can say/advise whatever you want, it's just their decision to read it or do it.

On the other hand, why not help out poorer children in orphanages the US too while we are here?

Raleigh1590 comments on In your travels to Colombia, don't forget to...

Very good post. If I ever find the time to travel, I want to finally see Colombia, and when I go, I will remember this. Thank you for not letting us forget our social responsibilities. Viva Colombia!

Raleigh1590 comments on Why Men Should Not Marry

Ahem From nomarriage.com via above:
"Foreign women from South America, Eastern Europe, and Asia make much better wives than American women.
An American woman has several fundamental problems that will never go away and that will get much worse a few years after she is married:

Her inherent anti-male bias and pre-occupation with fairness that was drilled into her at high school, college, and through the media. Her constant confrontations and trying to prove herself and to make a point.
Her self-centeredness, her ridiculously high expectations, her sense of entitlement, her high-maintenance, superficial, and stuck up attitude, her snootiness and her sense of superiority. This "princess" syndrome means that she will always think that she is better than you, and that she deserves and she is entitled to whatever she wants from you.
Her general mental instability and psychological disorders.
Her using sex as a weapon and reward to get things.
Foreign women generally don't have any of these problems. "

I DON"T THINK SO! What a bunch of prejudiced & sexist crap. I'll only add one comment because this is too messed up to even dignify a proper response: I've never held back sex from a man, or even hated men, & neither has all of my American women friends. Where is this guy finding these women?

There is nothing wrong with having a sense of entitlement, I'm sure everyone reading this does.

Raleigh1590 comments on Colombia... En Mi Corazon

Yo tambien! The louder the better.

Raleigh1590 comments on Being in a relationship with English people

Clalorena It's always really hard when the one you want doesn't return your love. It's not an English thing or a Colombian thing or whatever. I liked a Colombian guy & did all the things you talked about too, then he told me he didn't love me (but he's okay with coming onto me physically). It was a really rough time.

Good luck to you in finding Mr Right Now (whether he's Latin & passionate or English & passionate) & soon the Now would simply slip away.

Raleigh1590 comments on Uribe met with representatives of Florida cruise industry in attempt to boost tourism to Cartagena

I'm sure he does have very extensive experience, him being a Latin Am affairs major & all, & I was impressed with his dialog. His wife Columba is from Leon, Mexico & he met her at 17 & they married 3 years later. Pretty romantic.

I wonder if any Colombianos thought he spoke with a gringo accent...

Raleigh1590 comments on Uribe met with representatives of Florida cruise industry in attempt to boost tourism to Cartagena

Best thing a Bush has done in a while Saw a news blurb on Jeb's trip to Bogota upon Uribe's invition & frankly I was impressed. He also seemed to speak quite well in Spanish (this from a native English speaker with 2 months of Spanish training) & was pleasantly diplomatic.

I found this article about the mission (Spanish):
http://www.elcolombiano.terra.com.co/BancoConocimiento/L/la_mision_comercial_de_eu__tiene_confianza_en_colombia/la_mision_comercial_de_eu__tiene_confianza_en_colombia.asp

(What, reading in Spanish helps me learn!)

I'm glad Jeb's reaching out for a stronger business and tourist alliance with Colombia. What a wonderful & progressive idea. Florida is a good start, maybe Texas will be the next big link to Latin American trade? And stepping up to the plate when the FARC has recently increased in activity completely eclipses his brother's fearful visit to Cartagena for mere hours under tight secrecy too scared to go to Bogota... Jeb, tu eres mi heroe!

I agree with CX that Cartagena y Bogota would have been magnificent proposals... I propose making Cartagena the next big honeymooner spot. ;-)

Raleigh1590 comments on US Southern Accent: Is it difficult

N2Aquatix OMG.... TOOO DAMN FUNNY!

Raleigh1590 comments on Moderation

Thanks Peter. Just wanted to say thanks.

Raleigh1590 comments on Spanish Movies

Thanks for all your help... I'm now going to start watching all the movies I have (that I can) in Spanish & look for others you suggested.

Kernow, that is an impressive list. Any idea where I can find some of the movies? (Like Water for Chocolate shouldn't be too hard).

Thanks again!
Is it "gracias otra ves?"

Raleigh1590 comments on Spanish Movies

haha your mother too... I'll have to check that one out OG.

Are there movies you can just rent from good old Blockbuster or is there another venue to get Spanish movies ? (not necessarily movies from Spain or Latin America, just movies in Spanish... though I would rather watch an authentic one.)

Raleigh1590 comments on Condom Panties in Bogota***HUMOR**

That makes sex in public places so much easier!! Thank you genius in Bogota! PS Mi telefono es 867-5309... (ask for Jenny)

Raleigh1590 comments on US Southern Accent: Is it difficult

DOn't get me started on that Arnold, he is hilarious to watch. New Orleans always has a little cajun in there ;-) I agree that Urban African Americans are especially hard to understand, so when I don't catch it the first few times, I pretend I don't understand because I speak German... but now that I'm learning Spanish, I can pretend to speak that too!

I love global languages & dialects...

Raleigh1590 comments on US Southern Accent: Is it difficult

Hey Rash, how are you?
I've lived in the South all my life (TX & LA) and you're completely right, in the smaller towns it's really hard to understand what people are saying! Even for me & English is my first language. Funny story, just today I was at a drugstore in the middle of New Orleans & I told the lady to keep the receipt and then she said something inquisitive in a really strong Southern accent. I had to ask her to repeat it twice but still didn't understand, so I smiled nodded and left!

It must be really annoying for you to try to catch that southern drawl. But hey, move to any big city and you'll be fine most of the time. Is it like that in Colombia with people having different ways of speaking?

Raleigh1590 comments on Why it is WRONG for the US to recruit colombians to fight in Iraq

Two sides to the story Based on the article's information, yes, I do believe it's morally & politically wrong for the US to do its recruiting elsewhere. Probably since the war itself is becoming more wrong everyday. Why aren't we recruiting Americans anyway? Lack of supply? ANd if Americans don't want to do it, why are we even there?

On the other hand, why are the Latins there? Forced by US govt? Manipulation or presentation of false information? Or just plain free will? If they want to go to Iraq on their own accord, then it's not morally or politically wrong, as long as they are adequately informed of the risks & reason for fighting. The article doesn't say, but is the US recruiting elsewhere besides Latin America?

Raleigh1590 comments on Lonely Hearts Club

Aw man, I guess America will never be known for its women, eh? This gringa is feeling lonely already...

Raleigh1590 comments on I hate Ignorance - Wachovia compliance mgt story

looks like brad & i made that same watch over ya comment at the exact same time... creepy.

Raleigh1590 comments on I hate Ignorance - Wachovia compliance mgt story

more like "watch over ya" as in, WE CARE!!! jaja.

Raleigh1590 comments on I hate Ignorance - Wachovia compliance mgt story

Hey Brad "Nice to hear some press about Wachovia since I work for them. Sorry about your problem but due to all the idiots that voted for Bush, these laws are here to stay. "

Anyway, had to jump in on this subject since I start work for Wachovia's investment banking dept soon. (I agree with the Bush comment as well).

This country is going to have continually tight security especially with nations we are ignorant of, such as Colombia, Lybia, etc, and any business being done with them is liable to be put under a microscope. I agree that this what happened entirely unfair because questionable activities can just as likely happen to people doing business in Japan as it is in Colombia. I don't know if banks are checking up on other accounts in other countries the same way. Also that banker on the phone is just succumbing to the human need to categorize (ignorance), and Wachovia has an excellent record of customer service, so if this sort of thing offended, it would be helpful to report it.

Raleigh1590 comments on What is the Colombian opinion of Bush?

Wow, I'm sorry, I just just thought a few of you might like this funny little clip. Something along the lines of "How to Become a Colombian Drug Lord" mentality...

I didn't know it would cause so much controversy. If I was a Bush fan, I might have thought his little one finger salute was funny anyways. It's taken from the Michael Moore film Fahrenheit 911 if anyone noticed.

Nice one, SantiBog ;-)

Raleigh1590 comments on THE COLOMBIAN ROLE

Good political views El Viajero Paisa,

That was a good post on a certain political view out there of Colombia. As I see from the other posts, there are other views out there as well. I'm not going to disect your post & tell you where you are wrong in assumptions because it's your view & I see everything you just said.

You are right, many people don't understand the huge economic value of Colombia's flower & coffee & textile businesses, and choose to associate it with cocaine poverty & violence. I make sure to correct every American who associates those things. Colombia is not at all poor, but political change has to be taken one step at a time.

Education, I believe, is the most important factor of success. Most of the Colombians I know in this country are very very well educated (from the Colombian education system), but you say that the education system there is lacking? Is this because the most educated/wealthy travel abroad to get an advantage and the poorer don't have that same opportunity so the wealthy stay wealthy through superior education? The US certainly does not have the best education system either. We consistantly rank below other developed countries. I understand that due to all the bureaucracy of other political affairs, education often gets neglected in political change. It is definately something that needs to be improved in the US as well as Colombia. Better teachers. More commitment to learning.

I agree that if you travel there to enjoy the beauty of the mountains, the people, the country, you should consider doing your part to return the favor in the form of charities or giving your time to help improve the nation. I believe President Uribe is doing a good job taming the militant forces out there, and that is an important first step. Colombia needs a series of good, committed leaders who not only know how to harness the economic value of the inner country, but also the outside world. Globalization and trade is the key to future prosperity. Providing more class mobilization (transfers between classes) through ambition & initiative is also important to inspire the people to follow a legal lifestyle to wealth & stay away from crime.

This is getting too long & boring. My apologies. Thanks for listening!

Raleigh1590 comments on How To Be a Colombian Drug Lord and Live Large!

Actually, I do have a sense of humor I don't outwardly portray. That site is refreshingly inane and I absolutely LOVED the fashion tips.

Raleigh1590 comments on How To Be a Colombian Drug Lord and Live Large!

A ColUMbian drug lord? As in selling drugs at Columbia University? Or in Columbia MD? Of all the Columbias out there, I'm sure they would be able to find a market in at least one.

P.S. You have just won the A-Hole of the day award!

Promoting anything that hurts the official Colombian economy upsets me. (Especially as an Econ major.)

Raleigh1590 comments on Dinner After the Bull Fight In Cali

whoops

Raleigh1590 comments on Dom Perignon in Colombia

What a nice romantic gesture.

Good luck!!!

Raleigh1590 comments on LADIES ONLY!

I'll take that German one. Selbsverstandlich!

Raleigh1590 comments on [deleted]

Reina, he does that?? Has the perfect man been invented or what? If only we could say that perfect man (species Colombiano) wasn't intimidated by a woman who makes more money... is he?

Any takers? Elmo?

Raleigh1590 comments on [deleted]

Kinda off the convo, but... Mzzmerized wrote: "North American women that back home are not considered attractive because they don't meet the unattainable standards of beauty that predominate our media for women are pleasantly surprised by all the male attention they receive in Latin America."

People mistake me for being from Spain all the time, but since I'm a gringa nonetheless, all I can say is ALRIIIIIIGHT!

Raleigh1590 comments on Speaking spanish...

Coming to think of it, GringoinBogota has some very important insights. Really think about it. Also consider if he's always been this way or has recently become unsupportive. Or maybe you shouldn't listen to me, I just dumped my loving boyfriend of 3 years for the possibility of dating another guy halfway across the world who probably doesn't even want a serious relationship. Very stupid. But hey, that's life. I say go out & enjoy it with someone who appreciates you the way you'd like.

Raleigh1590 comments on What shouldn't I miss in Colombia during february ?? (and in general)

What you should not miss MARDI GRAS!!!

(AKA Carnaval)

This year it's early Feb -- Lundi Gras is Feb 7, Mardi Gras Feb 8. Goes with the Catholic tradition, which Colombia has alot of. I hear Cartagena is a nice place for it. Being from New Orleans, it's definately something you should not miss.

Raleigh1590 comments on Speaking spanish...

Oh by the way, if you can get any footage of him saying a made up English word you told him, post it here. ;-)

Raleigh1590 comments on Speaking spanish...

Hmm, I don't know about withholding sex, because if you're not having sex with a Colombian man you are the one missing out! (Sorry, I'm probably one of the only women on the planet who does not believe in that form of negotiation with men).

I understand what you are going through, but even if he is being somewhat of a jerk by not sharing his culture with you, it seems like only a minor disturbance & not something to end a 3 year relationship over. Maybe it is quicker to speak to you in English or maybe you are butchering the language, I don't know. (I'm sure I tear Spanish to pieces with my Southern accent, but I only learn it to use when no one speaks English).

Ask yourself if everything in the relationship is generally okay. It could be that you're moving too fast (I know 3 years is a long time though) & that he's not ready yet to share his culture with you. Or maybe he wants you to keep your North American habits because he thinks its a turn on to date a gringa. I know that you are very interested in his culture (who wouldn't, Latin culture is so enticing) & it's hard for you not to explore it. Maybe just enjoy your relationship with him in English & don't pressure him as much about it & when he's ready, you'll know. It also depends on how important this is to you. If you think you can ignore it & or if it is worth breaking up over. You can always speak Spanish elsewhere & to other locals for practice, say at a coffee shop or grocery store.

Good luck! (I think it's suerte? ... I'm learning!)

Raleigh1590 comments on Survey for Gringas: Who do you prefer and why?

Okay you want a straight up answer? I've had experience with American men all my life.. am beginning to think I prefer Latino men. Their culture is rich and familial, always interesting, always beautiful. Some American men pay too much alligience to the TV & not enough to the outside world around them. And all the Colombianos I've met actually know how to open a door & treat a woman.

Don't get me wrong, I do love American men (rather, most men in general, except for the domestically violent ones), but Latinos are definately more intriguing. I simply love their pride in their culture.

Raleigh1590 comments on Interested in a Colombian guy

Danielle huh?

Sexy.

And is it pronounced AB-lar or ab-BLAR?

Raleigh1590 comments on Zagarise is sad...i miss a lot my piccolina

You're a lawyer right? Any id THe wife?

You're a lawyer right? Any idea how corporate governance works in Colombia? I'm interested mostly in CEO compensation & Board composition (insiders, outsiders, related outsiders). Doing a paper. Can you help?
Thanks

Raleigh1590 comments on Interested in a Colombian guy

By the way, to all you Spanish experts, como se dice "May I speak to Daniel" in Spanish? Tried to call him in Colombia from the states once & his parents seemed to be severely confused (now I think his dad hates me!). Plus you definately say Daniel differently in Spanish than you do in English, LOL. Currently trying to pick up as much Spanish as possible. :-)

Raleigh1590 comments on Am I another North American manimpulated by the media??

I might be a little naive on this, but besides a passport, is there anything else you might need to visit? I don't know much Spanish besides no habla espanol, LOL, but I'm trying to learn.

Raleigh1590 comments on Hi fellow colombians (or colombian lovers) I AM NEW HERE

Hi Zambo I'm new here too & have a few good Colombian friends even though I hardly speak a lick of Spanish. (I'm trying to learn but my horrible southern accent gets in the way!) I'm moving to Houston next year too & hopefully if all things go exceptionally well, a certain Colombian guy would be coming with me. Oh yeah!

Anyways, about Americanized Colombians... I think it would be a smart thing to do to get involved in your native culture but if you really don't wish to do that, it's your life! Especially if your parents are immigrants I would expect that a large amount of culture would have rubbed off naturally, if not, something's weird. America is so mixed anyways it's hard to tell who's who.