Rene Borbon has left 30 comments

Rene Borbon comments on Packet 4 /US Embassy-Bogota Colombia

Mail System Mail is good in Barranquilla. Servientrega handles the FedEx stuff from what I've been told. I understand FedEx uses them locally. My wife has always received my FedEx packets and the both embassy packets without a problem. Interview date is May 10th.

Rene Borbon comments on Pictures of Bush visit

Juancgomez and Rubito Trolls?

I don't know but...Juan seems to like to seize on specific words and make references to lawyers. Maybe he is an ivory tower minded socialist communist with a little time at the university who suddenly felt he knows the truth after listening to some socialist BS about how the US is evil and is corrupting the world. I don't know. But I do know I have the BS education with a post grad degree and I call a zebra with its stripes when I see them. and yes, I read Marx and Engles and that BS when I was young and blamed to world and the US president for all that was wrong. It didn't change a thing. People who seize on other's words, their arguments which turn on other's words are hiding behind semantics and only seek to reaffirm their egos, not to understand.

Spouting hate and division does not lead to understanding --- even on Colombia and the US. Choose your facts and hold up the Russian Soviet banner as victors of WW 2, but history is history. Those who refuse to acknowledge the facts -- are doomed to repeat history.

Its fairly simple, Colombia is a good country with a rich history --- something to be proud of --- don't be insulted by US secret service frisking your teenager guards (whats with all the boy soldiers in Colombia? Someone please explain?). Maybe a professional army in Colombia would improve the security situation?

I don't want to make enemies, but just call you on your rose colored glasses. Question for Rubito and Juancgomez --- does Colombia have any responsibility for the lack of security and drug trafficking in Colombia? Question 2 -- would it be ok for another country to give aid to Colombia -- say France?

Third? who do propose lead the world? The United Nations? Is your problem envy of thr US or anger or both? Fourth, would you be bitching if Bush skipped visiting Bogota and went straight to Guatamala and gave them the $700 million we are giving Colombia?

I suspect if it was Tanzania who was the most powerful country -- these folks would be bitching about Tanzania.

Rene Borbon comments on Pictures of Bush visit

Juancgomez, Rubito -- regarding WW2 and Evil Empires Listen guys -- I don't dispute you're correct in saying the Soviets did most of the dying in WW2 on the eastern front. What I'm saying (not bombastically) is the US entry into the war was the prime cause of the defeat of Germany. FACT. It is ABSOLUTELY NOT CLEAR the Russians could have defetead the Germans without a western front. If Germany had seized the oil fields in Russia -- the war could have been lost by the allies. Stalin pressed the issue repeatedly with Churchill and Stalin. The point is Germany had to divert precious few resources away from the Eastern front to repel an allied front in France. If you disagree -- you are disagreeing with Stalin's strategic argument. That is your porblem not mine --- if you cannot understand strategic planning. FACT -- the US won the war with a lot fewer deaths than Russia. I will CONCEDE however we might not have been able to win the war without Russia. Nevertheless, had Russia not taken Berlin we could have used our atomic bomb, which the Russians did not have.

Now, back to Colombia. Colombia was in fact an ally of the US then and now. from what I have experienced in visiting Colombia and what I have read -- there is definitely a Marxist-Socialist-Communist element in the country--- immorally using cocaine to finance their civil war. The problem is not only the FARC, but the Europeans and the Americans who snort tons of the stuff.

Also, I agree with other so-called "right wing conservatives" we should not be sending any money to Colombia. But we do. And a simple thank you is all that is necessary as a good neighbor. Bush-Uribe are friends --- so why not should Colombia and America be friends.

The problem is with the left wing socialist educated b&*%(es who post here -- who see the glass empty and only see how Colombia is somehow "exploited" by America. That is a bunch of left wing socialist-marxist BS. If you don't like the money and aid we send --- then stop accepting it. Maybe you'd prefer the Communist Chines to have more influence in Colombia?

Closer Colombia and US relations are good for both countries.

Rene Borbon comments on Pictures of Bush visit

Germany, History Lesson I see some people on this board have the disease of only choosing which facts of history are important for them. Without the US in the war, the allies were pressed to defeat Germany and Japan. It was the industrial and military power of the US and its air force that caused the destruction of German industry and its ability to make fuel and those superior German weapons. The eastern front was no doubt a more savage part of the war --- but I've seen and visited the huge cemetaries in France where tens of thousands of British and American soldiers were buried. My argument is that Britain and the Soviet union could not have defeated Germany without the US. Yes, the Soviets captured Berlin, but Patton wanted to go into Berlin but was prevented from doing so by politics. Wasn't Colombia a Nazi ally in the war?

Rene Borbon comments on Pictures of Bush visit

Rubito, the Russians History Lesson:

The Russians desperately needed a second front in France to make the capture of Berlin possible. Also, German cities and industry were reduced to rubble by American and British bombing missions -- making it possible for the Soviets to enter Germany. The Soviets destroyed themselves by building their military in response to America's wealth and military investment.

America on the brink of collapse -- you'll be waiting a long time.

As for US - Colombian relations -- keep them going and improve them. Both nations will be better off.

Rene Borbon comments on Pictures of Bush visit

Bush and the US, Colombia What a bunch of inferiority complex minded Colombians on this board! Bush visits most of Latin America -- a few communists protest here and there --- and immediately people start talking about America as the evil empire. Two evil empires were defeated by the US - Germany and the Soviet Union. Booo, wooo, wooo, a Colombian honor guard was frisked --- so what? That is the Secret Service's job! My (Colombia's) sovereignty was insulted!? What a baby. Colombia has known military corruption and a decades long unresolved civil war --- of course the Secret Service is going to frisk the locals. Colombia and the US are great nations, each with their own things to be proud of. Personally, I'd like to see the US military go into the jungles and destroy FARC for the Colombians -- then go home -- leaving Colombia free of Marxist drug producers and smugglers. But we all know if this were to happen --- another Colombian cartel would form and start all over again -- because of the demand for cocaine. Personally, I'd like to see the US stop ALL foreign aid and bring home all troops --- but people can't seem to keep their neighborhoods in order.

Rene Borbon comments on

Maggie Thatcher Agreed here --- she was a better prime minister in many respects -- than Winston Churchill.

Rene Borbon comments on

Capitalism vs. Socialism I've been visiting Colombia for a couple years now -- and I love the country. It has a beautiful country filled with many interesting people. But, Colombia is many years behind the United States in development -- obviously. I agree with some of the posts about the United States. I wouldn't be so quick to hold up the US as a model (nor France for that matter) economy. Americans are spending more than they earn and the savings rate actually has gone negative. Debt is piling up very fast, while medical costs soar. Things will probably get worse as people age here and there are fewer workers to support the system. The government keeps issuing billions in debt -- bought up by the Chinese and Japanese, while our former industrial giants wither, move their operations to China or Mexico. Housing is a real economic concern because the capital has gone into housing and now we see the bubble bursting- I'm afraid we'll see more downside. But the biggest single characteristic of the American economy is DEBT, lots of it. Now, looking at Colombia -- I think the problems of past corruption and narcotrafficking has hurt the country. Colombia has tremendous potential if political reforms continue. Also if capital is brought into Colombia, the country could thrive. But, like the US, Europe, I hear red tape is a problem. Red tape and taxes will stunt or kill economic development. Hopefully that can be avoided. The basic problem anywhere however is the greed of CEOs and others who don't share the wealth with employees -- they're just pigs. Franklin Roosevelt had his Socialist policies wrong, but his relative Theodore Roosevelt had things right --- he said (paraphrasing) he saw his job as President as one of being able to balance the forces of arrogance (greed, wealth) vs. those of envy (poor folks). Theodore was no Socialist - but he was the first President to listen to organized labor -- because he knew the excesses of the capitalist oligarchs. Funny thing is -- we still have that problem 100 years later.

Rene Borbon comments on Recommendation on Restaurant: Barranquilla

NAIA? Juan- what kind of food at NAIA?

My wife and I like to eat fish, chicken and sometimes beef - asado. Here is the states these places are kind of like barbecue joints found in the South. We also like Thai and Chinese.

Rene Borbon comments on What about American women?

American women vs. Colombianas I couldn't resist but comment. I had many years experience playing the field with Americanas in the San Francisco Bay Area. Chicas in that area are the most obsessed and concerned with money than any other place I've been. I dated a bunch of women, most of them were greedy, competitive b%&$hes, or VERY self centered. Only one, maybe two out of many were normal women (not masquerading as a woman, trying to be a man) -- but they were from foreign countries!

In my humble experience, I think the problem is American culture and modern values, which drive American women to become a third sex --- the American woman, behaving like a male. Now we see the emergence of the metrosexual --- the male who supposedly acts feminine.

There is some really nasty stuff going in the USA ------ this opinion from a 12th generation American.

I say viva Colombianas! And, I hope the Colombianos go for the American chicas! Especially the blondes (most are fake anyway).

Rene Borbon comments on Colombian Culture - Women

Generalizing I posted earlier I have a morena fiancee. Let me tell you I have lots of experience with what you call the rubias --- they are nothing special. In fact they have things working against them in terms of being good women.

Basically, forget about color and focus on the character and the culutural uniqueness, the variation in different races. There are many Latin women who are positively stunning and are preferred over the rubias. In fact, sometimes, when a pretty woman opens her mouth to speak --- it is the biggest turn off.

Forget about chasing rubias and American chicas, focus on what is good in character, personality. In my humble opinion, meeting a down to earth unspoiled woman is easier in Colombia, or anywhere outside of the United States.

Rene Borbon comments on Colombian Culture - Women

Staying on Colombian Women -- or American Women Great posts. My two cents --- American women are spoiled. They do not know adversity. To get a good looking American woman, you have to be Mr. Big. You gotta have the BMW or Mercedes. You gotta have the 3,000 square foot home, the Gucci shoes, the jet, the high powered job. In the circles I mingle with, you gotta have the MBA or Law degree from Stanford or Harvard. It is just plain tough in America and even tougher in the San Francisco area. Here everyone is chasing the dollar, especially the women. American women are a nightmare!!!

Now, in my experience with Colombia and the women. It has been great. Two of three I have met in Colombia were awesome, great values, good with oney, modest in material desire, good lovers. Very sensual and passionate. One was like an American. Overall, I think Colombian women have the edge on American women. When I see a blonde blue eyed chica up here --- the kind everyone stares at up here, with tongue hanging out --- I don't even bother with looking at her.

The american blond chicas are just plain white crackers to me. I don't give them a half second thought or look anymore. I love my little morena Barranquillera - she blows the doors off any American cracker any day.

Viva Colombia!

Rene Borbon comments on Fiancee in Barranquilla

Vesna Thanks for your post. I read it all, and I understand why you say what you said. But in no way am I controlling. I am just controlling where my money goes, verifying what I cannot in person, several thousand miles away from me.

Believe me - we are in love, there is much affection, caring, sweet moments. This post by me was triggered by a pack of lies her jealous friend made up and told me when I was visiting. Needless to say I was troubled by these lies, but let me tell you --- everything in my experience since my original post has turned out to be the opposite of the lies.

Let me give you examples. My fiance found a wedding dress she loves ---- at $300.000 to rent for a day. She asked me if I prefer to buy it for a wedding here in the states. I said yes (I prefer to pay once for the dress, I figure it is cheaper there than in San Francisco). She goes back to the store, talks to the owner and discovers she went to school with the owner's daughter. The owner of the store says she can have the dress for $300.000 -- as a purchase. Saving us $500.000.

Recently, I discussed taking her to Brazil for a honeymoon --- she says no because she doesn't want me to spend the money. Same for the reception hall - she prefers me to save the money and have the reception at her home. More savings.

Now as for controlling. Originally, we were to be married here in California. She discussed this with her mother and family and I -- and expressed her desire to be married in a church in Colombia, with her family. My attorney even advised me to have her come here first, since he had all the paperowkr ready for a K-1 instead of a K-3. I had to completely change my plans 180 degrees for myself, her, and the attorney. Now --- that is not controlling. I want her to be with her family and be happy on the wedding day. No big deal.

Everyone, please accept my apologies -- I'm no troll. I just had another jealous woman in the picture, which caused my radar to go on high alert - which has been jettisoned permanently. Thank you all for your thoughts.

Rene

Rene Borbon comments on Honeymoon Destinations

Brazil and Cuba Cuba is out of the question fro me - being American, I won't go. Brazil on the other hand sound very appealing. I'll check the Brazilian consulate in advance. Otherwise, the islands mentioned above might be the best bet for price and the least hassle.

Rene Borbon comments on Requirements for an anullment in Colombia?

Monthly Stipends Actually Mike, I ask for and get receipts. I also send only a small amount weekly, rather than lump sums. So far - I can tell she really needs the money, based upon the receipts I've received.

Its no big deal. Yes there is a risk of using the money for soemthing else, but its only $110 USD a month. I fly down there in 5 weeks and get married anyway.

My only concern now is that she doesn't turn out to be different later once we're married - based upon the stories I've heard. And I am very cautious to not spend money on her unless I'm in town.

Che: you should trust your wife with the money. Or move in with her. Just my two cents.

Rene Borbon comments on Requirements for an anullment in Colombia?

I need your wisdom, experience If you don't mind, I'd like to know what to watch out for. What went wrong with the beautiful wife?

Rene Borbon comments on Fiancee in Barranquilla

Said Before All thoughtful comments, thank you. I've decided to give up my issue - when and if it comes up again - I'll just recognize my own demon and deal with it.

My fiance has turned out to be a relatively simple woman, wanting a better life. The same for me. Thanks.

;)

Rene

Rene Borbon comments on Fiancee in Barranquilla

Barranquilla Cool, I'm supposed to leave for Barranquilla Feb 25th, pending paperwork and authorization.

Best wishes!

Rene Borbon comments on Fiancee in Barranquilla

Thanks seammckenna126 I really liked reading your post. It made me feel a lot better. Basically, I realize that you are absolutely right - I had (notice the tense) issue with women in the past and my post is really a question mark about me, not her.

Something about your post - when you said, you knew your fiancee was the one struck me inside my heart. While I was staying at my fiancee's home, with her family, one morning, when my fiancee was waking me, she brought me coffee with a big warm smile and sat down next to me on the bed and touched my shoulder --- at that very moment I knew she was the woman for me. You see, I had instatnly had a flash of all of the memories with her, us together and my observations, feelings, and thoughts, and I realized I found her, the one.

You can be sure I will be working on this issue with myself. Not to say I will the blinders on.

Thank you for your thoughtful post.

BTW - where in Colombia do you visit your fiancee? Just out of curiosity.

Rene Borbon comments on Fiancee in Barranquilla

maraca Thank you for your response. Certainly my girl has mixed motives. But I think there is nothing wrong with that. Being the principe azul is alright by me. I asked her why - early on why she searched for an American husband and she says it is a problem of too many women in Colombia, not enough good men. She does not bash the Colombian men.

She definitely wants to come to the US - she was fascinated with my pictures of Manhattan. As you recommend, I have limited her requests. She receives only what she needs. I use another tactic - I send her only a small amount weekly ($35USD), not large amounts of money to limit her urge to spend on non-essential things.

As for my tests - that is an issue with me - honestly. I have abandonment issues with women. My experience with American women has been mostly negative. Some of it is my fault for sure, a result of bad decisions. This is more about my bad decisions.

So excuse me when I say I hit the jackpot because I found a home-family-loving girl crazy about me. Exactly what I want. Is she dirt poor? Yes, but she is not a prostitute when she wears my engagement ring and follows through on everything she says. So she needs some money.

There are many women here in the States, badly in need of money - but we don't call them prostitutes, when they get engaged to a man with money.

And no - my tests are not evil - they are just a way of testing her character. That I am not proud of doing.

Rene Borbon comments on Fiancee in Barranquilla

Yeah, maybe I hear what you say about the lottery. Our relationship has not been perfect but everything checks out so far. I guess I've been disillusioned with all the American chicas, ambitious women, looking for the big man, big paycheck. My girl has yet to ask for serious money, but I'll keep the radar up and I told her that she gets no money if she stops attending school and proof of her attendance. She was cool with that. All together she was real modest about what she needs for money and I offered it first because I could sense she and her family were living on the financial edge. I think they were going to lose their middle class home.

She was proud to say she lived in a middle class home, which was better than her cousins' house which was basically a shack.

An interesting thing I noticed is that her family got into an argument with a waiter over the fact that the waiter kept my change when we went out for dinner (yes I bought dinner for about $40).

They are definitely costenos though. They think I'm rich - and by their standards I am. They don't mind me paying the bill for dinner. My girl has the sense to thank me though.

If my girl has a way out through her poverty through me - its ok with me. This is not unique to Colombia - it happens here in the states as well. The chicas here in the states are neurotic, even more so for money.

There is nothing wrong with the average Colombiana asking for a modest amount of help. If the lady has a good job and is proud and does not need the money - great! My girl needs a little help.

On the other hand, honestly, I noticed my girl has good taste in clothes and suggested I buy her an expensive skirt. I told her no because it was too expensive. She was cool with that, no pouting.

The same thing happened when she mentioned she wanted an inexpensive watch - I asked which she'd prefer money for the watch or the english lessons, she said money for the ennglish lessons is what she preferred. (she did not get a watch)

There have been plenty of tests, my girl so far has passed them all.

I guess I answered my own questions.

Rene Borbon comments on Fiancee in Barranquilla

Goign back in February Just two months after my return home here in SF. She really wants to get married in February and has been spending a lot of time running all over town to get the information on the paperwork needed - then she scans them and sends them to me by email.

She prefers to get married in Barranquilla, not the US, and she says she does not want American citizenship - she says she will always be Colombiana. Have I hit the lottery?

Rene Borbon comments on Fiancee in Barranquilla

Goign back in February Just two months after my return home here in SF. She really wants to get married in February and has been spending a lot of time running all over town to get the information on the paperwork needed - then she scans them and sends them to me by email.

She prefers to get married in Barranquilla, not the US, and she says she does not want American citizenship - she says she will always be Colombiana. Have I hit the lottery?

Rene Borbon comments on Fiancee in Barranquilla

Goign back in February Just two months after my return home here in SF. She really wants to get married in February and has been spending a lot of time running all over town to get the information on the paperwork needed - then she scans them and sends them to me by email.

She prefers to get married in Barranquilla, not the US, and she says she does not want American citizenship - she says she will always be Colombiana. Have I hit the lottery?

Rene Borbon comments on Fiancee in Barranquilla

Goign back in February Just two months after my return home here in SF. She really wants to get married in February and has been spending a lot of time running all over town to get the information on the paperwork needed - then she scans them and sends them to me by email.

She prefers to get married in Barranquilla, not the US, and she says she does not want American citizenship - she says she will always be Colombiana. Have I hit the lottery?

Rene Borbon comments on Fiancee in Barranquilla

Principe Thank you - she and I had a heart to heart about our so-called mutual friend. We agreed to never discuss her again. Her friend keeps emailing me - but I do not respond. Good advice - thank you!

Rene Borbon comments on Fiancee in Barranquilla

Good answer. I'm not bald and fat, so it's not A. I don't know about B. America is known as a land of violent crime in Colombia, so it's not B or C. It looks like D and or E.

I'm 34, she is 22 - so we are somewhat close in age. What say you guys?

Rene Borbon comments on Fiancee in Barranquilla

Thank you Zuan, Telenovias, parte 2 I think it reasonable to help her out with her basic expenses. Our mutual "friend" verified she lost her job - so I know she needs help with money. when I arrived in Barranquilla a couple weeks ago - her family had no food in their pantry - so helped out with some groceries. I don't think I'm being "played" I just met a nice girl in need of some help.

In fact I forgot to mention - I told her I could not send money for a month because of my property taxes - she was ok with that and did not complain. She made ends meet until I could help her a month later.

I do know her friend was jealous. I guess it also takes a lot of faith on my fiancee's part to trust I am not a poor bastard, criminal here in the US. Perhaps the costenas here should ask how do we know the American guys are not losers.

Rene Borbon comments on Fiancee in Barranquilla

Thank you David I am a bit surprised at the responses I have received. I understand when people say don't send money. My fiancee has a great family - they were nice to me even though I did not understand their Spanish. Her mother loves me and kept a photo for herself - of the two of us when I was visiting her.

My finance is very reliable - she does what she says and provides paperwork to show it. She even gave me a copy of her passport, justicia paperwork, and notarized copy of her bith certificate - which I verified by checking another website of authorized notaries in Barranquilla.

I guess I am overreacting to all the negative posts about experiences with costenas.

The point is, my fiancee's family does not have a refrigerator, she has no work, no washing machine, and always does what she says she is going to do. She also asks me to call more often. All of these things tell me she is good. The receipts of her expenses prove so.

I guess what I would like to know is how other men have successfully managed such a delicate issue?

Rene Borbon comments on Fiancee in Barranquilla

Yes. It does not seem like a lot of money and she agreed to provide receipts. I'm only testing her because so many people say never trust a costena.

Perhaps I am being too cautious? Or can you be to cautious with this kind of relationship?

Her mother told me she has been borrowing money for for the internet to chat with me. She says to call her more often, so I have at unexpected moments to verify what she is telling me she is doing. So far, so good.

Her friend seems to be the liar.

My best friend tells me nothing is certain even when you are married. Often people get married after two years and then get divorced.