Saltador has left 963 comments

Saltador comments on Miss Colombia - Bikini parade photos

I also vote for Miss Meta.

Saltador comments on

Yes, when the article about this first appeared, it was because the city of cartagena was crying about missing out on tax from the rentals and the hotel owners were crying about being undercut. But as Miguel said, they may be cutting off their own noses. Not many people are going to visit Cartagena if their only option for lodging is 150 dollar a night hotels.

Saltador comments on Spirit Airlines -- is there a catch?

larry, In all fairness, they "ruined" the terminal because there are so many people clamoring for their flights? I mean, I agree the terminal is too small, and the constant lines three deep at the urinals is a negative. But they must be doing something right to demand these kind of crowds (like saving me hundreds od dollars per round trip flight.)

Saltador comments on Interior Painting Cost

The painting of interiors in colombia is one of those things I can't get over. Almost everywhere you go, whether it's apartments, stores, restaurants, you name it, the paint jobs are horrible. Paint all over the trim, the block, the glass, jeez are these guys blind or just in that much of a hurry? I could do better with my eyes closed....

Saltador comments on

Brian, Any idea how they are going to enforce this?

Saltador comments on Manizales Meet Up

Will do.

Saltador comments on Spirit Airlines -- is there a catch?

Have flown Spirit a dozen times with no problems Read all the fine print and know what to expect, and you'll be fine. My ticket for Chicago/Cartagena was about 150 dollars higher this time because I'm flying around Thanksgiving, it's supply and demand and they are in it to make money. Avinunca sucks big time.

Saltador comments on Manizales Meet Up

flatline, would like to meet up on the 23rd, 24th, or 25th. Let me know...

Saltador comments on Tipping in Colombia

I usually always tip in restaurants, as long as the service was ok, 15% minimum. Also, someone once told me that the tip they put on the bill may not necessarily make it to the person who was waiting on you. Taxis I hardly ever tip, unless it's just to let them keep the small change. Maids and such I will tip if the service was good. Agree with Nelly that the 500 peso tip was too small, in that situation I'd either give them some paper or nothing at all. Kat is right about the airport, I remember an early trip to CTG and I reluctantly let one of those guys help me with my bag. I asked my friend (who was colombian) how much I should tip him, my friend said 2000-3000 pesos. When I gave the guy 3000 pesos he looked at it like I gave him a handful of mierda.

Saltador comments on What Do You Hate About Colombia?

Worst part was that she "forgot" my coronas. Perra! Now I need to get off my fat ass, put on my socks and sandals, and get my own beer... Good luck Johnny. She's fun but her Mom has some medical issues.

Saltador comments on What Do You Hate About Colombia?

Minor peeves: 1. Lines in banks. Takes you 45 minutes to do what I could do in 5 minutes in the states. 2. Taxistas that rob you. Most are cool, but every now and then you run into one that thinks they can rob you blind because you're a gringo. I've had guys on two occasions on a 5-8000 pesos fare give me back 5000 change from a 20,000 peso note and then argue and refuse to give me my proper change. I argue for a while then say fluck it, it ain't worth it, but it's BS. 3. People telling you they are going to do something then they don't. This is frustrating when you ask a business associate to do something, they say they will, then never do it. Or say they will pass some information on to you by email, then the email never comes. Or they say, sure, just call me, then they never answer the phone. Christ, if you don't want to do it, just f-in say so, I'll find someone that will. 4. Sending your novia to the exito to pick up some Coronas, she comes home with some white sticky stuff on her chest and tells you she's leaving you for some little guy that's hung like a burro.

Saltador comments on Barking Spider closing ?

My sincerest apologies Ma, obviously from your soft and tender writing style you are a woman.

Saltador comments on Review of the Johnny2009 Hostel-Massage Parlour-Soup Kitchen

Hey don't forget the manizales meet up...23rd, 24th, or 25th.... Hope TFL can do both...

Saltador comments on Barking Spider closing ?

Guys, Ma Barker is obviously a dude, ok? Sheeesh.....tan obvio. So Rocco, you need to specify pitching or catching.

Saltador comments on Diving trip to Gorgona Island [Video]

Very cool. Thanks for taking the time to share it with us. That Manta was incredible.

Saltador comments on LCD Prices - Samsung and LG

larry, in your experience how frequently do they have these 15 % off sales?

Saltador comments on Understanding Colombianas

Agree with flatline that she is just keeping you as an option I wouldn't waste any more time trying to figure her out. Ignore her. She'll either come around or you'll be off to greener pastures.

Saltador comments on How to reconcile the goals of PBH: Being informative AND social - a suggestion: LET'S CHAT

Let's try it. See how it goes. No harm in that.

Saltador comments on Cartagena and underage artists dancing for tourist and foreigners

Darloup, You say you're not responsible, but you're posting/repeating their assertions in a public forum. So in a way, you are responsible.

Saltador comments on Cartagena and underage artists dancing for tourist and foreigners

We're saying it exists...they're just exaggerating greatly.

Saltador comments on Cartagena and underage artists dancing for tourist and foreigners

Sorry guys, but just more exaggerations. I've been to Cartagena maybe 25 times now, and have only seen obvious underage prostitutes twice. Hardly anyone sticks out as an extranjero more than me, yet I've NEVER been offered or approched to have sex with children, and I've been all over Cartagena at all hours of the night and day.

Saltador comments on La pobreza es cruel ...

Dam I loves me some Johnny Bravo :-)

Saltador comments on The Days Before the Gringo Invassion

Awww....no wings? What kind of fun would that be? I'm in!

Saltador comments on La pobreza es cruel ...

I think she would work for flatline and elmo...

Saltador comments on The Days Before the Gringo Invassion

onefor, I think the solution is obvious. You need to blaze a new trail, just like you did in 1984. Strike out for a place relatively unknown to the gringo masses, a place where you would once again be given the pioneer status you deserve. Iraq or Afghanistan, Somalia, Algeria, Yemen, the choices are endless. Colombia has been ruined, it's time to find a new paradise.

Saltador comments on Top 10 Import Items for Expats/Colombians Living in Colombia

Miguel, He's probably talking about "real" maple syrup. Liquid gold, even in the states. Like 20.00 a pint.

Saltador comments on Overweight, socially inept, badly dressed gringos

Yep. Just an old tired stereotype, based on not much reality. Yawn.

Saltador comments on UFC 104 - Saturday 24th

Well, most fights went as predicted, except the main event. What did you guys think? Our group watching felt Shogun probably won, but was only slightly better so therefore did not "take" the belt from Machida....? I thought either one of them should have tried being more aggressive in the last two rounds knowing it was so close....I think Machida was really at risk of losing his belt by not doing more.

Saltador comments on

I also pm'ed Justo mi acouple weeks ago and heard nothing back. But hot women seldom respond to me so I didn't think anything was not working, other than my pick-up lines.

Saltador comments on Cartagena and underage artists dancing for tourist and foreigners

Desi, I don't see any hypocrisy, can you please explain?

Saltador comments on Cartagena and underage artists dancing for tourist and foreigners

I guess I've got my rose colored glasses on again. I've seen these dance groups countless times and sexual exploitation never crossed my mind. Would it be better if they weren't dancing, but just stood there with their hands out? Credit to them for being creative and I would imagine putting in many hours of practice, all for a few pesos. What is their alternative in Cartagena? And I really want to know where these people get their numbers from: "The problem is not minor if we consider that in Cartagena is estimated that at least 3,000 children are victims of sexual exploitation in travel and tourism context." No F-in way is that line true the way they are presenting it.

Saltador comments on Going to Cartagena this weekend

So we agree. If I would have said "they might" not be let in, instead of they won't be, we'd all be one big happy family.

Saltador comments on Going to Cartagena this weekend

And I know I should let this dead horse lay, but hey, I'm bipolar...so... justomi, I went back and looked at the picture you posted,you actually helped me prove my point. First, in your picture, I'm not sure I see any body I consider "dark skinned". I see morenas, sure, but nobody really dark or negril. Maybe the guy in the black in the blue shirt, or the guy in the yellow shirt, but that's debatable. Ok, let's say those two guys are "dark skinned". To see all the pictures from that night, go here: http://cartagena.pegateya.com/fotos/thumbnails.php?album=852 There are over 150 people shown in these pictures, and these two guys are the darkest people in the club that night? Thanks for helping me prove my point.

Saltador comments on Going to Cartagena this weekend

I like how they quote a "dark skin" person in this article...what were they thinking using that terminology LOL.... Fighting Racism to Find Work in Colombia by Anthea Raymond January 25, 2006 Listen News & Notes * Add to Playlist * Download text sizeAAA January 25, 2006 Anthea Raymond reports on the descendants of Africans in Cartagena, Colombia, fighting against racist attitudes in this South American port city to find work. Copyright © 2009 National Public Radio®. For personal, noncommercial use only. See Terms of Use. For other uses, prior permission required. ED GORDON, host: I'm Ed Gordon and this is News & Notes. Last year, U.S. Senator Barack Obama called on Colombian President Alvaro Uribe to help improve the social conditions of black people in that nation. All along the nation's Pacific coast, scores of people of African descent have been driven from their homes by leftist guerrillas and right-wing paramilitaries. And in large tourist cities like Cartagena, Afro-Colombians find it difficult to land jobs. Often, they are barred from entering nightclubs based solely on their skin color. Here's reporter Anthea Raymond. ANTHEA RAYMOND, reporting: RAYMOND: On the northwest corner of Latin America, just above Panama, Cartagena sits at the literal nexus of Latin America and the Caribbean. With a monopoly on the Spanish slave trade, the port thrived for centuries as the gateway into and out of the continent. Cartagena is still going strong, but now as a beach and historical tourist destination. Many Afro-Columbians work in the tourist industry, but usually in jobs that other will not take. (Soundbite of beach water) RAYMOND: On the waterfront that surrounds Cartagena's historic old city, Afro-Columbian fishermen still make a living the way they have for centuries. Herado is fishing underneath a bridge that connects the old city to a newer neighborhood. It was built by Arabs and other merchants who came to Cartagena in the 19th century. As cars whir across the bridge to the city's Polytechnic University, Herado tosses his net, just like the one used in the Caribbean for centuries. He pulls it in with tiny perch and bay crabs that he'll sell in the local fish market. A young boy, Alvarro helps. He plucks the seafood from the hem of his net. He drops the creatures into plastic bags, as the sun glints on the pleasure boat's moored nearby. According to one estimate, there are nine million people of African descent in Columbia out of a population of about 44 million. Many are still struggling to live down the legacy of slavery. Most well paying jobs and businesses are in the hands of people of white or light skin, including ones to meet and greet tourists. (Soundbite of music) RAYMOND: At the Cartagena's Visitors and Convention Bureau, Bernard Gilcrest(ph) greets tourists, as music plays from the plaza below. Gilcrest is the Bureau director. In the last decade, he's seen Cartagena old wall city go from shabby to chic after being declared a UNESCO historic site. BERNARD GILCREST (Director, Cartagena Visitors and Convention Bureau): (Spanish Spoken) RAYMOND: He says, blacks don't own many of the new hotels and businesses here, but it's because they don't have the capital, not because they're black. But after Afro-Columbians do own some businesses of sorts. Most vendors you see are black. Over the last few years, they've started wearing nametags to show their members of one of the guilds organized by the Corporation for Tourism. Vendors sell all kinds of stuff, fruits, arapas, seafood, cocktails, bracelets and massages. The buyers are mainly white sunbathers shielded by rented canopies all along Cartagena's clay-colored beaches. The sellers are confined to the water's edge. (Soundbite of music) RAYMOND: At night in Cartagena, tourists move to the clubs and restaurants of Gethsemane. Mr. Babilla's is top of the line, and it's almost always packed with tourists staying in the old city. The club is run by the same family that owns El Universal, one of the city's biggest newspapers. Pedro, who is of Indian descent, spends time at Mr. Babilla's during the day. He's rebuilding the club's kitchen. Pedro says while the young pack the club at night it's the old guard of long time Cartagenans who meet for power lunches here each week. Mr. PEDRO (Contractor): The same people every Friday. They came 15, 40, 28, you never know. RAYMOND: Two Cartagena nightclubs were sued recently for discriminating against blacks at the door. In what some see as a sign of progress, the clubs lost. Mr. Babilla's wasn't among the clubs sued. But at least one dark skin person I spoke with said he had a hard time getting in. This past summer, Columbian president Alvaro Uribe created a new cabinet level position in his administration. It will address the inequalities faced by Afro-Columbians. The move was lauded in a statement by U.S. senator Barak Obama. But he and many others believe Columbia still has a long way to go in ending long entrenched racial discrimination. For NPR News, I'm Anthea Raymond. Copyright ©2009 National Public Radio®. All rights reserved. No quotes from the materials contained herein may be used in any media without attribution to National Public Radio. This transcript is provided for personal, noncommercial use only, pursuant to our Terms of Use. Any other use requires NPR's prior permission. Visit our permissions page for further information. NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by a contractor for NPR, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of NPR's programming is the audio.

Saltador comments on Going to Cartagena this weekend

sylvester says on Oct 30, 2008, 10:26: flag CDXXFRIEND, No need to be overly concerned about how you will be received in CTG. I am black and have made several trips to CTG. Only issue I ever encounted was being refused entry into MR BABILLA. I went to several other clubs without issue. 0 funny, 0 helpful. Mark as funny | helpful elmodefoque says on Oct 30, 2008, 10:09: flag I;M INJUN AND NOT BEEN ALLOWED IN MR BABILLA IN CARTAGENA 3 OUTTA 5 TIMES "What the fok is that? chit! i'm dying in this fokin country ass foked up town!!" ghetto newsman 0 funny, 0 helpful. Mark as funny | helpful

Saltador comments on Going to Cartagena this weekend

All this maybe could have been avoided if I had said "it's possible" they might not be let in. The fact is that sometimes they discriminate at the door, this is my experience and the experience of my cartagenero friends. You cannot change that. So go and enjoy Mr. Babillas if you like that kind of place, this is a dead horse.

Saltador comments on Medellin Real Estate Prices in the "Big Leagues" - Outrageous

I welcome the differences of opinion too, we can all help each other out and learn in the process. These are just my opinions based on what I've seen mostly in Cartagena, I've never even been to Medellin so I'm sure there are things I don't know about the market there.

Saltador comments on Medellin Real Estate Prices in the "Big Leagues" - Outrageous

Dude, The only problem is we're not talking about "housing" per se. We're talking about high end apartmtents in poblado. Hell yea, GDP per capita affects the prices that houses in the barrios bring. But we're not talking about that.

Saltador comments on Medellin Real Estate Prices in the "Big Leagues" - Outrageous

maritime, You make a couple of good points, but are still missing the boat on a few others. First, using your logic, real estate prices in Medellin cannot be compared to the prices in any other city in colombia, because, well, it's not medellin. Comparing prices is just a way to put you in the ballpark, taking the differences into the equation. Obviously, Medellin is not Cartagena. But it's a hell of a lot closer to being Cartagena than it is New York, Rome, or Tokyo. And I was not saying the prices should be the same in both cities. GDP per capita? MEANINGLESS. Has absolutely nothing to do with the prices of high end new construction in Colombia, never has, and never will. The apartments aren't being bought by the common man, but by the wealthy. "Everything has its ups and downs, currency, stocks, real estate, bubble always exist in a speculation markets, you should try reading some books." Well, it seems you're the one that needs to brush up on some reading. The real estate markets in Medellin and Cartagena, are not "speculative" bubbles. People aren't buying them to flip them, like was going on in Miami area a few years ago. Sure, some are doing that, but not many. And the ones that are, are paying cash, not mortgaged to the hilt putting 0-5% down. Big difference. That's when you get crashes, when everyone is selling at no matter what price they can get. But we've all agreed that's not the colombian mindset. Also, real estate prices will not move in lockstep with inflation. There is a general correlation over time, but you can have many sharp movements up and down in prices that have no relation to inflation. And your example of the guy overpaying for lack of knowledge of the market really doesnt hold up either. If that is one guy who pays double what you think he should have, granted he's a dumbass, but it will have no effect on the market. If it's a hundred guys, then that IS the market, like it or not...

Saltador comments on Medellin Real Estate Prices in the "Big Leagues" - Outrageous

emerson and stock trader are dead on. I've tried explaining this to people but they don't want to hear it, you can't compare the US housing market to Colombia, it doesn't work the same way. A colombian who is wealthy enough to own a nice apartment is rarely going to be in a position where they "have" to sell it. It can sit empty for years for all they care. Just one of the reasons the two markets are totally different, although granted there are basic similarities.

Saltador comments on Medellin Real Estate Prices in the "Big Leagues" - Outrageous

Here more than 7,000,000 per square meter: http://www.cartagenainmuebles.com/mapa/SectorTuristico/canarias.html

Saltador comments on Medellin Real Estate Prices in the "Big Leagues" - Outrageous

And while we're talking about prices for square meter, here is new construction in Cartagena going for more than 6,000,000 per square meter: http://www.cartagenainmuebles.com/mapa/SectorTuristico/bahiaconcha.html Suddenly 4,000,000 doesn't seem too bad, does it?

Saltador comments on Medellin Real Estate Prices in the "Big Leagues" - Outrageous

Lisa, I was being sarcastic.

Saltador comments on Medellin Real Estate Prices in the "Big Leagues" - Outrageous

maritime, Surely there are more than 2000 sex tourists in Poblado at any given point in time. Don't you read PBH?

Saltador comments on Meet Up in November in Manizales

FL, Just bring those three girls in the picture, we'll all be happy...

Saltador comments on Medellin Real Estate Prices in the "Big Leagues" - Outrageous

Not to be a smartass, but real estate prices are usually justified by the laws of supply and demand just like everything else. You and I may never pay that much, but if someone else does then it was priced right as far as they are concerned. Don't forget, the real estate bubble is going to burst any day now, as has been predicted for the last 5 years or so.

Saltador comments on Meet Up in November in Manizales

I'll be there Nov 21-26, possibly 27. Would love to check out Juan Sebastian with you guys...

Saltador comments on Going to Cartagena this weekend

jejeje jump through some more of my hoops clavo the clown.....

Saltador comments on Going to Cartagena this weekend

jejeje I love pushing your buttons esclavo...just keep taking the bait...you're being played like a violin as usual....but it makes me smile....

Saltador comments on Going to Cartagena this weekend

Good point, I edited it out. Sometimes I lump you and esclavo together, my bad....