Rikito has written 72 posts
Just what did the Fench do?
I need some education here. But first let me tell you that I am not a big fan of the French or French politics. On the world stage they are worth a pimple on my ass. That being said, I am open to having someone explain to me just what positive help the French have provided Colombia in the war with FARC? I have never seen or read anything they indicates they ever played any role other than having a protest or two that was organized by civilians, and sending a plane to a supposed rescue area ...
La LÃnea
I am driving to Bogota from Armenia this weekend (I hope) and will need to cross El Camino de Muerte or as you call it, La LÃnea. Can anyone tell me what condition the road is in and how long it might take me to reach BOG? I usually drive it in 8-10 hours, but something tells me it may be more like 12-15 hours. Also, I understand that there may be a way to current road conditions for La LÃnea like a radio station or internet site...any ideas? Thanks ...
Questions On Renewing My Cedula
I am going to Bogota at the end of the month to renew my spousal visa (Temp Con) and then my Cedula. To renew my Cedula I think that I must present the following: 1) a photocopy of the new temporary visa issued . 2) two photographs of the applicant measuring 3 cm x 4 cm and taken against a blue background. 3) a registration fee of COP 120,000, which is to be paid at Bancafé, the central bank of Colombia, into Account No. 056-99020-3, Code 101. 4) Cédula applications are accepted ...
Visa Renewal...some bad info...and lesson learned!
So yesterday I flew to Bogotá from Armenia to get my Temporal Con Visa renewed. The visa expires on June 1 so time was of the essence. I wanted to go to DAS in Armenia to get a one month extension, but was told by some of the PBH experts in here that DAS can only extend Tourist Visa's…NOT TRUE! When I got to the MRE office in Bogotá I learned that I needed to have a document notarized (which is not in the MRE instructions). I told the guy at the MRE office that there was no way I could ...
Visa Renewal
I have researched a lot of resonses in here, but I am still unclear of what I need to do so let me try this way. I have a Colombian Visa...Temporal Con The Visa expires on June 1, 2008 I understand that I need to go to the DAS (soon) to renew my Visa. BUT, in order to renew my Visa, what document do I need to bring or give to the DAS? The DAS web site is nit very clear on this subjest (fancy that?) Again, all I am looking for is information to renew my Visa, what document do I need ...
farc web page
I have been trying to log onto the farc web page for several days now and no luck at www.farcep.org. Does anyone know if there is a problem or is just jammed?
Botanic Gardens
http://i31.tinypic.com/suwwa1.jpg, http://i25.tinypic.com/2ypjct5.jpg
JardÃn Botánico y Mariposario
http://i30.tinypic.com/2lvilqe.jpg, http://i25.tinypic.com/j75jdi.jpg, http://i30.tinypic.com/k988k0.jpg, http://i25.tinypic.com/2ypjct5.jpg
Bolivia's Richest Region Votes Solidly for Autonomy
I am a nerwbie to South American politics other than the knowledge that in SA politics definitely stirs up the emotions of the masses. So I am interested in what your take is on this election and what impact it could have on Colombia? http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/04/AR2008050402147.html. If the other five governments vote for autonomy, Bolivia and the Morales government will be in trouble. Could any of this spill over to other countries like Colombia? I don†...
Need some meds
I played nine holes of golf yesterday at a resort in Quimbaya. Nice course (par 3s) but like I have been told the course was hilly and all up and down hills. The elevation is about 5,000-6,000 feet. Becasue of the steep hills on the golf course I suffered greatly from leg fatigue. Does anyone know of some meds you can get here for altitude and leg fatigue? I did not have high altitude sickness, just the fatigue. Thanks. ...
Movie About Colombia's Beginings
I just watched an American movie titled the "Patriot" with Mel Gibson. It is the story of the American Revolutionary war that precluded the U.S. independence. The movie and actual story was barbaric at best, but it seemed true to life. It gave a fairly accurate account of how the Revolutionary war transpired with England. No one person stood out as the principal hero. Is there any kind of movie that gives accurate accounts of Colombia’s quest to become the Republic of Colombia? I have ...
Thanks for moving 'americans' post to off topic
But it still does not answer or addresses the problem...it just goes in the closet wit hthe other red headed step children.
Colombia Vive
This weekend I watched a 4 hour video titled Colombia Vive!. It is a documentary about 25 years of resistance by the Colombian people. The video is all Spanish with no subtitles, but if you don't speak Spanish watch it anyway. You will understand most of what is presented. You can get more information from a web site that promotes the positive aspects of Colombia. Go to: www.theotherlookofcolombia.com One of the things that moved me in watching the documentary was not only the resistanc ...
Why Colombia deserves U.S. help
I saw the following article in the Christian Science Monitor last and thought it gave a good analysis of Colombia's problems and why there should be a Colombian Free Trade Act. For those of you who are not familiar with the Monitor it is considered one of the very best of the best U.S. news reporting agencies. It is connected with the Church of Christ, Scientist, but does not preach religion in its news reporting. When I was in College many of my professors considered the Monitor to be one of ...
What are the first things you would show a friend visiting you?
My wife often asks me this question. Would it be Monserrate in Bogotá, La Candelaria and Downtown in Bogotá, San Andres, the many cathedrals or the beautiful women in any city in Colombia? My response was to show them the ‘Mercado’ in the larger cities starting at 6 a.m. in the morning. In Armenia, there is a large vegetable/fruit/meat Mercado south of the city. This is where all of the days fresh veggies, etc. are sold to the stores and individuals. It is a city within a city. I†...
What's Good or Better in Colombia?
I have read several posts in here about different foods such as Peanut Butter and Pizza likes and dislikes, but I do not remember reading anything on food items in Colombia that are as good or better than in the U.S. For example, there is an ice cream brand called "Popsy" that I get here in Armenia. It is as good as any ice cream I have ever had. Also, there is a bread that I buy that has Avena, raisins and nuts in it that is much better than any "store bought" bread I had in the U.S. And th ...
2008 Concerts in Colombia
Is ther anyplace I can go to find out about up coming conerts in Colombia? Is there a ticketmaster type of site I can look at to get tickets for Colombia concerts? I am particularly interested in Miguel Bose, Raul di Blasio, Nina Pastori, Ivan Lins, Luis Guerra, and many others. ...
New Theme Park near Armenia
About six months ago I retired from my job with the U.S. government and moved to Armenia. I feel very blessed to be living in such a beautiful city with great people. I have been fortunate in living in many foreign countries through my work and I feel that Armenia, Colombia is one of the best places a person could live. If you have never visited Armenia I highly recommend that you do. Armenia is in the department of Quindio and is considered the coffee capital of Colombia. There is a web si ...
Buying Jewlery in San Andres
We are going to San Andres/Provedencia Feb. 5-11. Can you buy good quality jewlery there? I want to get my wife some kind of Emeralds sudh as ear rings or a bracelt. It's a belated Christmas gift.
Where can I get some information on Canada?
My wife's cousin wants to emigrate to Canada. She has tried the U.S., but found the embassy in Bogotá to be unfriendly. (I agree with her on this). I told her that I would ask you if you know of any PBH type of internet sites she can join where she could asks questions and get information about living in Canada. She is an Electrical Engineering student in Bogotá and will have her degree in a couple of years. She is a typical Colombiana, attractive, good personality, very intelligent, lots ...
When did FARC Change?
I have read much about FARC and I think I know enough to realize that they are a bunch of thugs with no recognizable or sellable politics. What I don't know is when they changed to what they are today. When FARC started their drive to control Colombia they had ambition and political ideals. They represented something and some people even liked them. Even some politicians. They had an agenda, strategy, and a cause for change to make Colombia a better place. But at some point or place along ...
Auto Insurance Shock
I need some viewpoints on Auto Insurance. I live in Armenia and drive a 2007 Chevy Vivant that I paid $25,000 cash. I have the basic insurance you get when you buy the car. Some liability (I think). I have a neighbor who wants to sell me full coverage insurance for $700 USD per year. (In the US it would cost me $500 from Progressive). I am not sure if $700 is too high, too low or just right. What I find interesting is that when she was discussing the auto insurance rates with me she neve ...
Go elf yourself
Have some fun http://www.elfyourself.com/
I heard somethin bout Chavez
I'm not exactly what I heard becasue I was mulit-tasking which for me is very dangerous. Anyway on Fox News the former President of Mexico or some other close buy place said that Chavez was getting ready to overturn the elections that he lost and rule by decree. When the army generals heard of this they told Chavez that if he tried to do this he would be put out of office by a coup. Can aby of you clean this up and make some sense for me? Or did I breath too many cleaning liquid fumes. It ...
Piedad Cordoba, Treasonist
I made the mistake this morning of reading the following articel about Cordoba: Cordoba denounces the government of Uribe and requests international action: http://www.rnv.gov.ve/noticias/index.php?act=ST&f=2&t=57346. This is a person (vs. woman) who hates Uribe, hates Colombia, and loves Venezuela. She tells lie after lie to support her putrifide beliefs that she cannot even logically support. In most countries she would be on trial for Treason and Sedition. In most countries she woul ...
Cali this weekend
I need some advice/suggestions: My wife and I are going to Cali this weekend for some shopping and entertainment both of which are really poor in Armenia where we live. So I would apprciate some suggestions about: ** Where we can stay overnight Saturday. Nothing fancy, but a nice place like an old hotel, a finca or a moderatley priced hotel. ** Places where we can shop for Christmass stuff...good quality. ** We need a kennel for our dog becasue we doubt any hotels would let us kee ...
Christmas Tree is up!
When I was in the states I started putting up my tree atround December 20. I always waited till there were some good sales at the liquor store. Can't just put up a tree without a few bottles of wine. But here in Armenia they all start on November 1. Everywhere there is Christams crap. I went in a store yesterday to get some hooks to put the ornaments on the tree. I barley made it out alive, I swear! No one was taking prisoners around the Christmas crap. Oh and we were late putting up out ...
Travel Agency in Bogota with no mañana's
I need to find a reputable Travel Agency in Bogotá. Instead of giving each other Christmas gifts this year my wife and would like to spend Christmas in Aruba & Curacao before she has a baby. We tried using some agencies here in Armenia where we live, but they lie to you and they cannot book travel for you. For example, we go in the Agency and talk with a Travel Agent to make all of our plans. Of course she wants a ton of "paper" because Marce needs a visa to get into Aruba & Curacao. I d ...
Colombian Authors
I am trying to read some books by modern day Colombian authors...but in English. I would like to read some of the stuff written by Jorge Franco, Mario Mendoza, Gamboa, or Juan Carlos Botero, but it's all in Spanish. I have the books but Marquez and I would now like to read some of the more modern writers. Does anyone know where I can get some english versions? Amazon does not have any. Also, any women Colombian authors? ...
On Line shopping
In the states one of the best ways to shop for me, is to go on line say to Eddie Bauer.com pick out what you want and they ship it to you. If you don't like it, you send it back. Are there any online shopping sites for Colombia? My guess is not, but I thought I would ask. Not to many size 13 shoes of 42x32 pants around here. ...
Chucha??
I live in Armenia and I have seen this reallyt ugly animal that looks kinda like my ex-wife. It has a small head and long neck and a roundish body. Only saw it at dusk. The locals here call it a chucha or fara. It kills chcikens. I do not know the real name or cannot find a picture. Any ideas or do I need a doctor? ...
I need to learn Colombian Spanish
I live in Armenia and need a tutor to teach me how to speak Spanish. Anyone know anyone?
Golf in Pereira
Anyone hear of a golf course near Pereira named Santa Barbara Golf course? I am looking to play golf but all of the courses seem to require a memebership. I went to one way south of Armenia and found it to be loaded with a bunch of arrogant assholes. Plus, they wanted $3,000 for a memebership. Not for me! I may be an asshole but I am not arrogant. ...
Swish
I have been looking for a Colombian logo that is a type of swish. It looks like someone took a paint brush with the Colombian colors and painted an arc. Anyone know what I mean or where I can find it? Thanks ...
Beginning my retirement in Colombia
Well, I have arrived in Bogotá with my wife, dog and our furniture somewhere between here and LA. We looked all over Bogotá for houses including the burbs and didn´t find much that we liked. The existing ones are expensive or have problems and the new ones are all three story with bedrooms so tiny my shoes won´t fit in the closet....ugh!! So we went on vacation to the coffee area around Armenia. We took one day and looked for a house in Armenia and BANG! We found the most beautiful hom ...
Bogotá or Bust
Over the past few years I have been on PBH I have indicated how much I would like to live in Colombia. Well, on Friday I will be on my way to begin my retirement. My wife and I are looking forward to searching for our new home, a car, etc. The movers are loading our household goods today. Tabio, Tenjo, Cota, Cajicá, Zipaquira, Occidente, and Noroccidente will be our target areas. Close enough to Bogotá and far enough away from the parents.
I look forward to a new way of lif ...
Mortgage Question
I am moving to Bogota in three weeks and I am trying to look at all of my options. I have enough cash to buy a nice house or apartment but I was wondering about a mortgage. My brother from Illinois suggested that if I can’t get a mortgage, just put the house in Marcela’s name since she is a Colombian. I told him that I didn’t think it would be that easy.
Is it?? ...
Visa Problems Just Came up...Need advise fast!
I have been married to a Colombian since 2004. We were married in December 2004 in Boulder, Colorado. Been back & forth to Bogota several times on a Visitor Visa with no problemos.
Now I want to retire and relocate permanently to Bogota on a Temporal-esposo Visa. The Colombian Consulate in San Fran just called and told me that we have to go to San Fran ASAP because our marriage is not recognized in Colombia since we were not married there. I knew this but was going to make the ...
New Music Group...don't know thier name
Last night on TV Colombia around 7:30-8:00 p.m. Colombia time I was watching a program called G 11 and they were showing music videos.
One of the videos was a group of six guys singing and playing no instruments. The music was in the background. I really thought they sounded great, however, I never saw the name of the group.
Any of you know who I am talking about?
Then I was forced to watch the Senorita Bogota Pet Show. ...
Is Something Wrong With Me?
Livin here in Colorado my wife and I are able to watch ‘TV Colombia’. Last night on a program called ‘Radio City’ my wife and I were watching the introduction of the “Senorita Bogotá� beauty pageant. My wife enjoys seeing all of the contestants and halfway through the introductions I asked Marce, “Well, what do you think?� Marce replied, “Not much, what do you think?� I told her that I have seen better figures on 12 year old girls than what they had. Most of the women ...
Traffic Regulations
Okay...no laughing. I am relocating to Bogota in mid summer and I will need to get a drivers license. Does anyone know where I can get some Traffic Regulations (if they exist)?
What Kind of Visa
It's Retirement time and I am planning to tetrie to Colombia and buy a home and live the rest of my days in Colombia.
Can someone give me their opinion on which is the bset visa to get?
A TEMPORAL VISA
A RESIDENT VISA
A QUALIFIED RESIDENT
or what and why is one better than the other in your opinion?
Thanks
rick ...
What Happened to the Photos
I have not been around for a while and when I logged on I found my photo was gone and so is everyone else's...except Elmo. What happened?
In law visa
I want to bring my in-laws here on a visitors visa in September. I am looking for some advice on how to proceed.
I know all about the process of obtaining a visitors visa, however, will I have any timing problems getting them here in September?
For example,
1) how long after they get the visa are they required to use it?
2)Approximately how long does it take to get a visitor visa for my wifes parents? 3) Any other experiences good or bad would be he ...
Medellin versus Bogota
I am looking for some thoughts on which is a better place to live. Medellin or Bogota. I have look in here and found some info, but it doesn't tell me much.
I am an older guy so I could care less about night life and piaisas, etc. My wife is from Bogota and we want to retire to Colombia, have a kid, and live a somewhat quiet life. She has been talking about looking at Medellin because they might have better housing and more employment opportunites for her.
I kn ...
Absentee Voting
My wife is a Colombian citizen and wants to vote in the upcoming presidential election. Can you get a Colombian absentee ballot?
New Houses in Norte
My wife told me about some new houses in an area in Norte called "Baviera."
I have looked in El Tiempo, La Semana and FincaRaiz and found el zippo.
Has anyone heard of this area? ...
U.S. Visa Changes
Has anyone heard if there are going to be changes to U.S. Visa requirements? Someone told me that if I wanted to apply for a K Visa that I should do so before March.
'Granddaddy' of Colombia paramilitaries surrenders
The "granddaddy" of Colombia's right-wing militias, who picked up a shotgun to protect his farm from Marxist rebels 29 years ago and now stands accused of drug smuggling, turned himself in to the government Tuesday.
The demobilization of Ramon Isaza and his 990-member fighting force brings to about 22,290 the number of paramilitary fighters who have surrendered their arms countrywide in a government peace accord.
Paramilitaries guilty of crimes such as massacre, tor ...
What Should I Buy? House or Apartment?
I have looked for info. on this subject on PBH before, but I am not finding what I want.
Here's some facts. I am a 61 year old American married to a Colombian and we have one child and I will retire in June, 2007. (and I look like an American, 6’3�, rough features, 240 Ibs., very white, kinda cute in a Elmo burra type of way!) We would like to live in or near Bogota.
We have looked around and like either Noroccidente or Norte in Estrato 5 or 6.
...
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