RobertoNY has left 47 comments

RobertoNY comments on Barranquilla

You can say what you want... however, I'm sticking to my guns. A very high percentage of the guys that go to other countries looking for women are ugly losers that can't get one in their own country. One poster tried to explain that men like the latin women in specific countries because they treat them better. Well, that goes back to my original question. That is, if someone living in the U.S. likes Colombian women, then why not go to a U.S. city with a major Colombian population to find a woman? You don't have to tell me the answer. I know it. I mentioned it in my previous post.
Categorizing all latin men as womanizers is ridiculous. Of course they think the gringos treat them better. That's because the gringos they run into are losers who wouldn't get a first glance from a latina in the U.S. So, they're so overwhelmed that a nice latina is talking to them that they spend money on them like a drunken sailor.
I'm not going to waste more time with this post. I know the facts. No one is going to convince me otherwise.

RobertoNY comments on Barranquilla

If you like latin women so much... then why don't you just go to LA or Miami? I know, I know, they're already Americanized. Translation: they don't want any losers who have champagne taste and beer money. In countries where there aren't as many wealthy people the population is easier to impress. So, you go there and throw around a grand hoping to score. There are plenty of Colombian women in Miami. There are also Cubans, Dominicans, Costa Ricans, Nicaraguans, Mexicans....take your choice. To me it's pathetic that one must go to another country to find a bride. I've seen many gringos in the North of Colombia. A very high percentage of them are ugly losers who couldn't get the time of day from a woman here in the states. That's why they go looking elsewhere. I wish they would skip right by Colombia. I hate seeing them there. Yes, I'm referring to the original poster also.

RobertoNY comments on 10 things this colombian likes about the usa

Rubiazo, you're quite correct... in your observations. That is, one cannot play music or sing in the streets in the U.S. without being harassed by the police. Well, not even just harassed, they would be locked up if they didn't shut it down as the police ordered. Another poster mentioned that others shouldn't have to listen to the music I play outside. She said it was annoying. Now picture this: You're on the Grand Concourse in the Bronx and someone sets up a nice system and starts blaring hip-hop. You're going to tell me the people there would call the police to have it shut down? HELL NO! They'd be dancing and partying right there. The only ones that would be there with the interest of shutting it down would be the police. That is, the American Taliban. I can't wait to get back to Colombia on Friday. I'll be partying Friday night. I'll be on the Beach in Cartagena on Saturday and in Santa Marta the following week.

RobertoNY comments on 10 things this colombian likes about the usa

N2Aquatix it seems that you have .... lost the point. The point I made was about all of the laws. It's quite obvious to me that you have not traveled to other countries. You can take offense to any statement made about the U.S. if you like. However, that doesn't change the facts of the matter. Here in the U.S. we are burdened with more and more laws each day. And yes, as one poster stated, many of them are now in the name of "security." I'll tell you what, their security is just a facade. The terrorists are much smarter than they are. How do you stop someone that is suicidal from commiting a terrorist act? I could write pages about how ridiculous the security is in airports.
Anyway, I'll shift over to your comments about culture. Again, your statements show your ignorance. The regular gringos here in the U.S. have no culture. They have some traditions, but no culture. One poster mentioned that they were concerned that immigrants in the U.S. are losing their identity and culture because they have or are becoming "Americanized." That is quite true. I worry about that in Colombia also. Too many people think it is fashionable to do as the Americans do. Many establishments play '80s era American music. I don't know why, but I have been told that it makes the place appear more "ritzy." Whatever. Also, you see many stores there with English names. All of that is quite amusing to me because I encounter very few people there who speak English.

RobertoNY comments on 10 things this colombian likes about the usa

That's right cockney_colombian... money isn't everything. That's what people need to learn. My point was made in refernce to her comment about the Ford. I'm a lot happier in Colmbia with a lot less money. Anyway, most people from other countries come to the U.S. seeking to make more money. The truth is not many of them actually live a whole lot better than they did in their native countries. However, they figure they're here and they stick it out. Quite frequently their residency status inhibits them from traveling to and fro their homelands. Many of them hate to admit failure by going back to their countries anyway. So, they frequently embellish their stories about how they're doing. Sometimes it because they don't want to lose face, but for many it's for their self aggrandizement.

RobertoNY comments on 10 things this colombian likes about the usa

By the way Rona... that was a childish attempt at berating me for having a Ford. Perhaps I don't need a Mercedes for my image. I'm not a teenager that cares about what others think of me. I couldn't care less. Actually, Fords have been quite reliable to me. I'm sure you're big time wealthy. You obviously have no clue. I probably make more in a month than you do in a year. I have a place here and in Cartagena. I spend more money traveling between the two countries each month than I care to mention. Some of you posters are pathetic. Mostly just kids and wannabe's and wannahave's. Get serious.

RobertoNY comments on 10 things this colombian likes about the usa

Well Rona... it seems the American Taliban have you convinced also. Perhaps I don't want to sit in my BACK yard. Why can't I sit in the FRONT? What is so taboo about liquor anyway? They sell it and make a ton of money on the taxes that we pay on it. I'd like to see you go through any neighborhood in Colombia and not hear music. It's a musical society. There's nothing wrong with music played outside. I'm not talking about playing music so loud you can't hear anything else. Just a nice volume. However, any volume here is considered annoying. People are just miserable. You know, I just went to a supermarket here in NY. I wanted to play the lottery, but their license was revoked by the state. Why? Because someone there sold cigarrettes to someone under the legal age. Wow, what a serious offense. They can put a gun in an 18 year old's hands and send him out to kill people, but he can't drink or smoke. They try to act like they care about us, but all they care about is the tax money that it generates. Look at the cost of a pack here vs in Colombia. In Colombia they're $1.10 a pack for major brands from the U.S., like Marlboro. Over here they're $5+ per pack! Think about it.
You sure didn't get my point about the grass. So, I'm not going to bother to get into that anymore with you. As for fat children, you can't tell me that the number of obese children in Colombia even comes CLOSE to the numbers here. How about adults? Get serious. As for the greenbacks that you mentioned, I guess according to you there are no wealthy people in Colombia. I forgive you because you obviously have no wordly experience. It's all relative to your income and lifestyle.

RobertoNY comments on 10 things this colombian likes about the usa

I'm sorry, the American Taliban... doesn't let you do as you please in the U.S. They would have you believe the U.S. is the only "free" country in the world. Those who have traveled the world know that is quite far from the truth. I feel much more freedom in Colombia. One cannot even enjoy the simple things in life in the U.S. without being harassed. I cannot sit outside and have a drink with family and/or friends. It's against the law. I cannot play my music, the neighbors will complain and it's disturbing the peace. I can go on and on with this.
Forget about the laws and your freedom in the U.S., just think about all of the miserable people who complain about everything. All they care about is keeping their lawns nice and green. And while they tend to their lawns their fat children sit on the couch eating junk food and playing video games.
Perhaps you can make more money in the U.S., but you sure as hell have to pay more for so many things. The knucklehead at the Ford dealer quoted me a small job at $75 per hour last week. That's $75 PER HOUR! What the hell is that all about? The idiot that cuts the grass wants $35 per hour! No education, just a lawn mower.
I can't wait to get back to Colombia next week. I'll be sipping Pina Coladas on the beach in Rodadero this time next Sunday.
I sure won't miss the American Taliban.

RobertoNY comments on ALERT: New baggage weight limits

bkcarolina You wrote: "I had a large bag on a domestic flight in the US, and when they weighed it, it was 10 pounds over the 50 pound limit. I was charged $25 for this, and was told the reason is that baggage handlers can injure themselves with heavy bags. So my question was--is it okay with the airlines for baggage handlers to injure themselves, just so long as the company gets an extra 25 bucks for it????"
Your question was exactly what I asked the woman at the ticket counter before my last flight into Colombia. They think we're all idiots. They don't want anyone astute to question their policies. It's just unbelievable how they're allowed to gouge us more and more. The terrorist attacks of September 11th in the U.S. continue to be used as the basis for a myriad of new fees. It's gotten quite old. Perhaps we will all stand up for ourselves one day.

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

Penthouse So, Mr. lostinparadise, you have a 2500 square foot penthouse apartment in Cali and all you can offer your "sweetie" are dollar store items? You can't even correctly spell Mariachi. You're just another knucklehead with champagne taste and beer money. Perhaps someday your dream will become reality. For now, it sounds like a joke.

RobertoNY comments on Please recommend a hotel in Cartagena

Gator, I don't ... give a shit about where you live. You know nothing about where I was born and where I have lived. You know nothing about how long I lived in Colombia or how much time I spend there each year. I take more vacation time in one year than most people do in 6. So, you're beating a dead horse with this zona cafetera crap.
I did copy and paste that information to prove my point. My wife was born in Colombia also and she also referred to the place as being in la zona cafetera. Be as technical as you want. Again, I never said I was an expert.
Do you think everyone born here in the U.S. knows all of the state capitals? Do you think they can all name all of the states that are called "Mid-Atlantic"? Do you think they know all of the history of this country? Get real.
Don't come with this expert bullshit. Just for shits and giggles I called a relative in Colombia today and asked him where Villa De Leyva was. He said it was near la zona cafetera. I guess he's an expert because he said "near" and not "in". I didn't know we were being so technical here. You and some others just look for nit-picky shit to bother people about.
You seem to be a self-procalimed expert because you live there now. It seems you have made desideria an expert also because she lived there. And me? I'm a subway dweller from NYC. Nice of you to tell me MY life story. This is all quite interesting.
This is the only board I have ever posted on. It is also the only board about Colombia I have ever visited. I read some posts when I first visited this site. I felt compelled to write my opinion about the gringos that go to Colombia looking for women. I think I've made my point there.
The original author of this post asked about hotels and recommendations for the same in Cartagena. Another poster wrote about a 5 star hotel in Cartagena for ochenta mil per night. That was obviously a ridiculous statement from someone that reportedly was there. However, no one pounded on him for that stupidity. Instead you continue to dwell on a technical point that means nothing to anyone except you idiots that state things on this post for your self aggrandizement.
How childish.

RobertoNY comments on Please recommend a hotel in Cartagena

Zona Cafetera As many of you want to take everything so literally and exact, I offer you a copy of this page that I found about Boyaca. I remain steadfast in my answer regarding la zona cafetera. When I initially posted about Villa De Leyva being in the zona cafetera I didn't think all of you "experts" with computers would get busy looking up the exact region that is defined as the zona cafetera. There is cafe produced there and that's good enough for me, as cafe is not produced throughout Colombia as many may believe.
Anyone can search the internet for facts and figures and then post the same on this board without having any first hand knowledge of what they write about.
If you find enjoyment in trying to make me look ignorant, then that's fine by me. I have nothing to prove. As I have said many times, I speak from experience.

BOYACÁ

Superficie
23.189 Km2

Población 1’286.329
Año de creación 1986
Gentilicio Boyacense
Capital Tunja
Habitantes 123.625

Principales municipios Sogamoso, Duitama, Chiquinquirá, Paipa, Monguí, Moniquirá.


Límites: Por el norte con los departamentos de Santander y Norte de Santander; al oriente con los departamentos de Arauca y Santander; Por el sur con el departamento de Cundinamarca; y por el occidente con el departamento de Antioquia.

Fisiografía: La cordillera Oriental lo atraviesa de sur a norte; presenta terrenos quebrados, páramos, valles y altiplanos.

Hidrografía: Ríos Magdalena, Guaguaquí, Suárez, Chicamocha y Garagoa y Laguno de Tota.

Económia: Departamento agricola con gran producción de papa, hortalizas, caña panelera, platano y café. La actividad industrial, concentrada en Duitama y Sogamoso, se enfoca hacia los sectores siderúrgicos y de cementos. En el sector artesanal se destacan las miniaturas en tagua, la producción de instrumentos musicales y las famosas artesanías de Ráquira. Además, por la calidad y belleza de sus piedras, es primer productor mundial de esmeralda.

Sitios Turisticos: La Plaza de Bolivar, Los Cojines de Zaque, La Casa del Fundador, Pozo de Donato, Paredón de los Mártiles, Pila de los Monos, Catedral Santiago de Tunja, Iglesia Santo Domingo, Iglesia San Francisco, Monumento a la Raza, Puente Nacional, El Lago de Tota, Parques Nacionales, El Cocuy, Pisba, Chiquinquira, Monguí, Tópaga, Moniquira, Villa de Leyva.

RobertoNY comments on Moving to Bogota, What do I need, And is it safe for me to live there

Why don't you ask... all of your aunts, uncles and cousins in Bogota? Who better to ask than them? Don't you trust your own family to give you guidance?

RobertoNY comments on My first exposure of the wonderful people of Colombia

I knew someone would... come up with that analogy. No, that wasn't my intent. It would be a way of telling them to mind their business. It's irrelevant and they shouldn't even ask. I said it deserves that response, but it's not the one I give.

RobertoNY comments on My first exposure of the wonderful people of Colombia

Yes, asmith.... you are correct about the generalizations when it comes to Hispanics. However, in my experience, people tend to classify more Hispanics as Puerto Ricans then they do as Mexicans. Perhaps it depends on the part of the country you're in. They frequently ask "are you Puerto Rican?" That deserves the response: "No, are you white trash?"

RobertoNY comments on English in Colombia

Because most people... there get paid every two weeks. So, September 15th would be a quincena.

RobertoNY comments on Please recommend a hotel in Cartagena

I speak from experience I regard that whole area as the zona cafetera. As I mentioned, it's not an area I have frequented. Every Colombian does NOT know every area of the country. It's just a generality that I used just as one might do here in the states. It's like someone referring to a "midwest" state then you find that they were speaking of Ohio. Is Ohio a midwestern state? Where do we draw the line? Indiana? Illinois? Yes, there are specific regions here, and specific states make up those regions. However, if you were to ask people to define all of the states that make up the midwest, then you'd be hard pressed to get a correct answer from a very high percentage of the population.
Another thing: If you have made me out to be an expert on Colombia, then that's your doing, not mine. I am very confident with my answers. Other than expressing my opinion, I speak from factual experiences.
As for picking all of the Colombians out of a room, you must not be serious. I can get most of them if I hear them SPEAK, not by looking at them. The other poster said NINETY PERCENT! I'd bet anyone at least a grand that they couldn't pick 90% of the Colombians out of a room FULL of people without hearing them speak. I can pick out some right off the bat. However, without listening to them speak, it is much more difficult.
You mentioned accent, the original poster did not hear them SPEAK. He and his friend were in a CLUB! Additionally, all, or even most Colombians don't dress the same. Where did you come up with that one?
I stick by my posts. I know what I'm talking about.

RobertoNY comments on English in Colombia

It's called Valentine's Day here... but it's Dia Del Amor Y La Amistad in Colombia. It's commonly referred to Dia De Los Novios. It's the second week in September.
There are English schools there. A very small percent of the population speaks English. If you don't speak Spanish things will not be easy.

RobertoNY comments on Please recommend a hotel in Cartagena

I know of the hotel... but I don't have any first hand experience there. It's in the zona cafetera. Not an area that I have frequently traveled to.

RobertoNY comments on Please recommend a hotel in Cartagena

There are 5 star hotels in Colombia There are many awesome hotels in Colombia. They have service that is outstanding. During my last stay in Santa Marta I had my food and drinks brought to me right on the beach. That may not say much because the hotel is nearly on the beach itself, but the hotel doesn't own that section of the beach. I always get service with a smile there.
It is true that for a fraction of what they expect to get here in the U.S. for tips you can get much more for less in Colombian hotels. Those people run when you want something. It's great to be waited on like that.
I don't know how the star system works there. However, I have never seen where a hotel was rated at 4 or 5 stars and it wasn't absolutely impeccable with service to match. I think the problem is how the agencies here that sell vacations rate the hotels. They always embellish the truth somewhat.

RobertoNY comments on Please recommend a hotel in Cartagena

A 5 star hotel for $30? Get serious. Believe me, you're not staying in ANY 5 star hotel anywhere in Colombia for $30 a night. You say you also had meals, BAR and beach activities included. Your statements tell me you either have NO clue as to what a 5 star hotel is and/or you have NEVER been to Cartagena.
A true 5 star hotel has prices to match. The El Prado in Barranquilla is quite expensive. It's over $200 per night which is VERY expensive for Colombia. Eighty thousand pesos per night is not much at all for a hotel in Cartagena. It may buy a room there, but it's not going to pay for a 5 star hotel. The Hotel Santa Clara, Capilla Del Mar and the Hilton are some very fine hotels there. However, they're not going to give you a room for 80,000 pesos. They won't even give you the time for that amount.

RobertoNY comments on Carnaval de Barranquilla, Dates

So, you answered... your own question, and then some.

RobertoNY comments on Carnaval de Barranquilla, Dates

You missed it already this year.

RobertoNY comments on My mother's tourist visa was denied.

Wow utopiacowboy... the exact examples that you gave are two that I am very familiar with also.
My sister in-law and her family are quite well established and very financially secure. She and her children were systematically declined visas. A mutual friend, who is unemployed, owns no property and has very little money, was given a visa to come to the U.S. I was dumbfounded when I heard that.
Your first hand knowledge and mine can surely attest to the fact that those visas are just pot luck. It makes no sense at all. Well, perhaps they're just smarter than us and have a method to their madness. It's doubtful, but possible.

RobertoNY comments on My first exposure of the wonderful people of Colombia

I really couldn't care less... if they're illegal or not. The original poster tried to impress us with his wonderful experience with the beautiful people of Colombia. Then he berates them by saying at least 50% of them were here in the U.S. illegally. Nice. Another thing I'd like to know is how did he even know that 90% of them were Colombians? I couldn't pick out all of the Colombians in a room full of Hispanic people. I couldn't even tell you if 90% were Colombians. Colombian people are a diverse group also.
Yes, there are plenty of Colombians here illlegally. The U.S. also has plenty of illegal Dominicans, Haitians, Cubans, Mexicans, Peruvians, Bolivians....... Most of them come here with good intentions. Most of them are hard workers. If you were in their shoes you would do what you could for your family and yourself also. They just want a chance.

RobertoNY comments on My first exposure of the wonderful people of Colombia

Now, how the... hell would you know that HALF of the people in the club were there illegally? Sometimes people on these boards knock me for being harsh on people. Your "story" is one of the reasons that I do come down hard on people. It's the typical stereotype they place on Colombians here in the U.S. Most people here would classify Colombians as coke peddling illegals. Your story mentions the illegals, but the coke part must be in the back of your mind also.
Unbelievable.

RobertoNY comments on Going to Colombia this weekend, looking for that special someone. Any tips were and how to find her? Agencies recommended?

asmith: I see you left your... Playstation to come to post on these boards. You're obviously just another bozo that has more than likely never left your home state. I doubt VERY much that you've been to NYC. The probability is EXTREMELY high that you've never been to Colombia. You don't even know what I speak of.
There are beautiful women all over the streets of NYC. NYC has one of the most diverse populations of women in the world. That's because they're from all over the world. You wouldn't know that because you rarely leave your couch.
However, the women in NYC weren't even part of the dialogue of this post until you berated them hereon. I won't waste more of my time responding to your childish posts. You're obviously looking to have a grade school type of debate. You won't find one here.

RobertoNY comments on My mother's tourist visa was denied.

Those tourist visas... from Colombia to the U.S. are pot luck. That is, there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to why they grant them. My sister in-law and her family were systematically denied tourist visas with no explanation. No, they didn't look at their documents either. They were made to travel to Bogota for no reason. I don't understand why they make people travel to Bogota when they already know they will be denying them the visa.
I don't recall how long they have to wait to re-apply. However, I don't know of anyone that was later granted a tourist visa after first having been denied one. It's just a terrible system.
I too believe that it's more difficult for Colombians to obtain tourist visas to the U.S. than it is for citizens of most other countries. At least that's the way it appears to me.

RobertoNY comments on Going to Colombia this weekend, looking for that special someone. Any tips were and how to find her? Agencies recommended?

AngelGabriel: Could you please... translate your last post? It made absolutely no sense to me. Who the hell's talking about having a mistress? What goods are you talking about spreading?
Too many of you people just don't read the original posts and come up with reasoning that's totally incomprehensible. I always read "there's something about a Colombian woman..."
Well, perhaps, but most of these guys have had no experience with one. Additionally, if they are acquainted with one here in the states, I can tell you that those are mostly Americanized. The others that come over will be in time also.
So, what exactly was your point again?

RobertoNY comments on Going to Colombia this weekend, looking for that special someone. Any tips were and how to find her? Agencies recommended?

Yes, saint, I'm hard on some people... because so many of these posts don't make sense. Think about it, this guy's just going to get on a plane to Cali and all he wants to know is where he can meet some nice women. Get serious.
Then he writes a follow-up post to say he actually wants to know about Colombian culture also... Well, if you believe that I have a bridge in Brooklyn that I'd like to sell you.
I just call 'em like I see 'em. No sugar coating here because they don't deserve it.

RobertoNY comments on Going to Colombia this weekend, looking for that special someone. Any tips were and how to find her? Agencies recommended?

Just look around Florida Here's another guy that has to travel abroad to find a woman for some reason. Aren't there a bunch of Colombian women in Florida? I think you guys just start these posts to piss me off.

RobertoNY comments on Going to Cali

Mr. Hollywood..... perhaps I should relax a little. It obviously bothers me immensly when I see people interested in Colombia solely because of a woman. The country means nothing to them other than a chance to find a girl/woman. I still maintain that if one cannot find a woman in their own backyard then they have problems. Again, I'm not talking about someone that has traveled to a specific place and would like a partner from there. That person is much more likely to be aware of the woman's culture and her country's customs. He more than likely appreciates them also. I take exception to the bozo who's cruising the internet and "falls in love" with any woman that will talk to him. I especially hate it when it's a Colombian woman.

RobertoNY comments on Going to Cali

Desideria, didn't you say.... that you've lived in Colombia before? I could have sworn that I saw that on another post.

RobertoNY comments on Going to Cali

I don't care what year this is.... I don't believe that one can fall in love without having met someone in person. Even if they've met them once, I think you can go on from there. But via the internet and pictures alone, I'm not a
believer. It may be a good start, but the meeting in person will seal the deal.
However, Mr. Hollywood, to answer your question about my agressiveness: I'm this way because it bothers me to see so many fools supposedly falling in love with women they've never met in a country they know nothing about. I could see if one had experience in a particular country and prefers women from there. However, more often than not, the lovers here are just surfing the net looking for anyone that will talk to them.
I hope they all stay away from Colombia because of their fears. That will keep the country from becoming a haven for gringos looking for women. I don't want to go to Colombia to see gringos all over the place. I don't want more of their influence there. I don't want them bringing their feelings of superiority there.
Let them find a woman in the states. Hell, there are millions of them there. Yeah, I'm angry, but you just don't get it.

RobertoNY comments on Going to Cali

Yet another guy in love with a woman whom he's never met I don't get it. Either you're a teenager or you're not in touch with reality and/or the meaning of love. Perhaps you should use the word infatuation instead of love. Or, perhaps, it's just me. I can't imagine how one could fall in love via the internet. It just doesn't make sense to me.
She's everything you want in a woman? And exactly what is that, a penpal? Get serious.

RobertoNY comments on painrelievers

Codeine No, they're not available without a prescription. Yes, you can take them with you as long as you have a prescription for them.

RobertoNY comments on US Fiancé visa, how long?

Colombia's dangerous, but he wants a Colombian bride I don't get it. You maintain that Colombia is dangerous, but you want a Colombian woman. Why? You won't go there to see her and you meet her in a neutral country.
Let's not get into this dangerous crap anymore. It's been discussed about on hundreds of posts on this site. There are opinions both ways on that subject.
My issue is with you not wanting to have any part of Colombia other than one of its women. Do you know anything about their culture and/or customs? Do you care? Will you just take some woman away from her family and country? Do you not care that she will miss both. Do you EVER plan to meet her family and get to know Colombia also?
It's obvious that there's much more to finding a woman to marry. If it's a Colombian woman you should be aware that most have strong family ties and they LOVE their country. If you knew Colombia you would love it too.

RobertoNY comments on US Fiancé visa, how long?

Love at first sight Wow! That truly had to be love at first sight for both of you. You meet in person for the first time. You propose and she accepts. Interesting. Yet, you're afraid to go to her country. I guess once you get her here you don't plan on going to meet her family. Just skip the whole in-law routine.
I hope you get what you deserve. The whole thing makes me sick.

RobertoNY comments on 3rd Dumb ?.......Gift Delivery in BAQ

"Novias Export" Well Arturo, what I understand from your post is that women from other countries have financial motives in mind when they court and/or marry Americans. Wow, what an interesting observation! If you lived in abject poverty wouldn't you do what you could for yourself and your family? That was my point, although I didn't make it in a forthright manner.
No, every woman isn't after financial gain. However, the Colombian women from well-to-do families would not leave their country and family for any amount of money. Yes, their families are very important to them. Yes, they would prefer to marry a Colombian man.
I have seen groups of men from dating agencies in restaurants in the large cities of Colombia. It's quite pathetic to see so many bald, ugly, middle-aged men trying to court such young and beautiful women. What do they think, they've gone to a foreign land and have found the fountain of youth? Do they think that they're handsome all of a sudden?
Now, I know looks aren't everything. However, that's what gets the ball rolling. There usually has to be some physical attraction.
If you can't find a mate in your own country and you travel abroad and are inundated with offers, I'd say you really need to take a look at why. That is unless you don't mind being someone's Sugar Daddy.

RobertoNY comments on 3rd Dumb ?.......Gift Delivery in BAQ

I assume nothing So, I guess I've attracted someone looking for an argument. You won't find one here. I assumed nothing. I can copy and paste a number of posts where the author states they have a girlfriend in Colombia that they are going to meet. My question remains: How is a woman(or, for all of the teenies monitoring these boards, a girl) that you've never met your girlfriend?
Another thing that amuses me is that so many of you have to go to another country to find a girlfriend or wife. There are some 300 MILLION people living here in the U.S., I would think that one should be able to find a mate here. Besides, there are Colombian, Mexican, Russian...women here also. How about looking in one of those communities here?

RobertoNY comments on 3rd Dumb ?.......Gift Delivery in BAQ

$100 flowers in Colombia? You'd have to be an idiot to spend $100 to send someone in Colombia flowers. They are one of the major exporters of flowers in the world. Last year we purchased two dozen roses there for the equivalent of $3 US. That's right, three dollars! I'm not exaggerating either.
Think of something a little more original.
By the way, I like all of you that mention these "novias" you have in Colombia whom you have never met. It's an interesting concept. It's ridiculous, but interesting.

RobertoNY comments on How easily can a Colombian native move to the USA and become successfull?

Success in the U.S. There are many factors involved here. Just because she's an engineer doesn't mean she would be successful here. It depends on the type of engineering degree she has. Of course the ability to speak, read and write english fairly well is a must. Engineering seems the profession of choice in Colombia for some reason. My wife's family is full of them.
Another poster mentioned that a person with a medical or a law degree would have a long hard road ahead of them. Well, a Colombian law degree is all but worthless here. It's obviously a different country with a different constitution and a different set of laws.
Someone with a medical degree is in a much better situation. Their only difficulty would be the language. If they are fluent enough in English to read and understand the medical boards, then they can certainly obtain a license. Their medical education is excellent there. Their credentials are, for the most part, accepted here. Again, the big issue is normally the ability to read, write and speak english.
Now, people in Colombia for some reason have the conception that if one were to become fluent in English they would prosper here. That's obviously a huge misconception. There are obviously tens of millions of people here that speak English fluently that are not doing well financially. There are also millions of bilingual Spanish/English speakers that are not doing well.
So, there are many factors to consider. One poster noted many of them. I'll say that you have to have a good plan and execute it.

RobertoNY comments on pharmaceutical drugs

Selling medication Now that's another story. Bringing medications back here AND selling them is illegal. You can travel with prescribed medications. However, bringing back medications that are controlled here is not legal without a prescription. Selling them is even worse.
I am not advocating doing either of those things.

RobertoNY comments on pharmaceutical drugs

Medications Well Tinto, you did go off subject somewhat. However, I'll directly address your comments. I do have medical expertise so I speak from my experience. Additionally, I have young children who have experienced many of the ailments that children are frequently stricken with.
It is true that the body will very frequently fight off disease on its own. Sometimes it takes a while, but it gets it done. You commented about "ear infections" and "sore throats" specifically. It isn't true that doctors don't think antibiotics will help with ear infections and sore throats. They do help irradicate the bacteria that cause those ailments. That's because they're bacterial infections. An anti-biotic will not help with a viral infection. The common cold, the flu and a stomach virus are resistant to ant-biotics.
Doctors know not to prescribe anti-biotics for viruses. If he or she is swayed by a parents need to have a medication then they are doing us all a dis-service. Educating the parent and patient are much more important than writing useless prescriptions.
Now, doctors are increasingly stating that they would rather monitor a child for a while without prescribing an antibiotic at the first sign of an ear infection. That's nice when they don't have to see the child suffer and hear its cries of pain. Besides, how are they going to "monitor" the child? Does the parent have to bring the child back two or three times? Let's be serious. I guess we can teach everyone how to use an otoscope. Oh, they have to buy one first for the tune of $200 plus.
MY point in my first posting was that one can purchase antibiotics freely in Colombia. That is, without a prescription. I believe that's a good thing. Yes, bacteria mutate and become resistant to certain antibiotics. However, for the right price, the pharmaceutical companies will come up with a new remedy.
Here in the states there is too much control on everything. They always know what's best for us. Why is it that I can purchase a certain medication in Colombia over the counter for the U.S. equivalent of $5.00, and here that SAME medication is only available with a prescription and costs over $100? I am NOT exaggerating. It's all politics. It's all about how much someone is willing to pay. Some of the pharmaceutical companies are among the richest organizations in the world. If you knew half of what I do you would understand why.
As far as your comment about different countries handling health care differently: How do you rate the health care system of THE RICHEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD? Do you think they're handling "it" correctly? Let's be serious. There is no excuse for this system here. They sell those medications over-the-counter in Colombia because the people there wouldn't sit still for this BS. They want to have medication readily available to all people, especially the poor, for a reasonable price. Competition is best for consumers. When it's controlled like it is over here, competion is not a factor.
Sorry to rant on so long. Health care is one subject that really gets me going.

RobertoNY comments on pharmaceutical drugs

buying medicine without prescriptions While it is necessary to have a prescription to obtain many medicines in Colombia, you can also purchase many that are only available here in the states WITH a prescription. I have purchased many antiobiotics, Lasix, Celebrex and numerous others over the counter. I have not tried to purchase valium so I can't address that one specifically.
It's funny that this question should pop up on this board now. I was just in my doctor's office yesterday because I have strep throat. It just wouldn't go away, so I caved in and went to get my meds. Well, it cost me $75 for the visit. I paid $62.50 for two shots and was given a prescription for an antibiotic that cost me nearly $100! I mentioned to my wife that had we been in Colombia I would have paid about $20 max for everything excluding the doctors visit. I wouldn't have needed to visit the doctor there to get the prescription.
Now, this is not speculation. I'm speaking from experience. The situation here in the U.S. with the control of medicine is ridiculous. Everyone gets to pad their pockets when we get sick. They control antibiotics because they don't want people overusing them. Imagine that. If they were to make them available over-the-counter then I guess we would have all of these antibiotic addicts and the bacteria would become resistent to all of the available meds. That's ridiculous.
It really is nice to be able to purchase most of the medications you need when you need them without the added cost of a doctors visit. Besides that, they cost only a fraction of what they charge here, in the richest country in the world. I wonder where all of the riches come from.

RobertoNY comments on THE QUESTION – IS IT SAFE TO GO TO COLOMBIA?

Yo soy tranquilo I am the calm type. However, I have a family to take care of. Believe me, I'm a great communicator. I have talked my way out of many situations. But, if I found myself face to face with a gun wielding madman while I'm with my wife and children, it would be difficult to remain calm.
A woman from Europe mentioned that she could take care of herself in situations. Well, that's true to a certain extent. I have seen violence here in NY that most people have never witnessed. I think the more street smart you are the worse it is psychologically. That's because you know anything can happen at any given time. Believe me, you have no defense against a drug addict with a gun. Most of the time they don't want to ask questions. They do what they have to and move on.
Barranquilla is in a state of emergency right now because of the security situation there. While murders have decreased in other large Colombian cities, they have increased dramatically in Barranquilla. I'm not comparing Barranquilla to any U.S. city. ALL large cities around the globe have crime. My point is that Barranquilla's crime rate has increased over the past few years. That's a fact.

RobertoNY comments on THE QUESTION – IS IT SAFE TO GO TO COLOMBIA?

Increasing crime in Barranquilla I agree that during the last 10 years the level of safety in Barranquilla has dropped precipitously. I never had fear of the guerillas there. I have always feared the common criminal. Those are the ones that will shoot without muttering a single word. One may say they won't fight for any amount of money they have. However, many criminals don't even want to give you the chance to. If confronted, I would give up any possession I have with me without a fight. I can replace inanimate objects. I fear getting popped before I have a chance to surrender my possessions.
One must only read the local newspapers to see that crime has taken a turn for the worse. Barranquilla is definitely a party town. The newspapers have an affinity for stories about Carnaval and futbol. So, when I read so much about violence in those papers, then I know things have really gotten bad.
Now, you must understand that I'm not drawing conclusions from sitting on the sidelines in the U.S. and reading Colombian newspapers online. I spend 3 months per year in Barranquilla. I have seen these things first hand. Fortunately, I haven't been on the receiving end of any viloence. Unfortunately, I know some that have been.
There are an increasing amount of scams targeting tourists in Bararnquilla. The latest is one where they have someone in the airport focus on a target arriving from Miami. They telephone two accomplices on motorcycle just outside of the airport. Those accomplices stop the car or taxi the tourist(s) is(are) in at an opportune time using pistols as their weapon of choice. They are robbed of their money and credentials. The money obviously creates a big problem for a visitor. However, imagine the nightmare created when your passport and other credentials are stolen.
When we travel we are not as aware of our surroundings as we should be. If you're on vacation you really are oblivious to much of what goes on until it involves you. I'm street smart, having grown up in the inner city. I can see trouble from a mile away. However, if the trouble holds a gun, I'm defenseless. The only thing I can and will do is comply with the demands made by any given criminal that puts me in that position.
Just remember, everything is fine until something happens to you. Saying that you didn't see any crime and reporting the city safe doesn't mean that crime doesn't exist. That's just being ignorant.