SanDiegoSurf has left 44 comments

SanDiegoSurf comments on Yoga schools, teachers in Medellin? Escuelas de yoga, profesores en Medellin?

You will not find many runners, cyclists, yogi's ect in medellin as the damage to your lungs caused by the smog is worse than than any benefit from the exercise. I do see people climbing up the mountain heading out to rio negro at 6am, but not my cup of tea. Having said that, I have seen yoga studios in colombian coastal cities like santa marta, and they seem to be well attended.

SanDiegoSurf comments on 5.4-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Southern California

Can we get any more off topic ??

SanDiegoSurf comments on Buying a House or Condo in Cali

You can buy real estate pretty much anywhere in the world. The problem always is getting your money out if you decide to sell in the future..

SanDiegoSurf comments on Medellin... Eterna Primavera or Pollution?

"City of Eternal Smog" Ideal temperature is a preference, but chronic pollution effects everyone. Including the gringos in the hills of Poblado. Like august said do you really want to spend your vacation timing your breath so you do not choke to death ?? No city in the US even comes close. They burn the dirtiest, unrefined diesel in the western hemisphere. So bad the lawmakers have much stricter standards now in Bogota. Also the cauldron effect mono mentioned is a very good description. Combine no wind or rain for a few days and the soup is so thick you can cut it with a knife. Nothing like waking up in the morning to a room filled with diesel exhaust. I would not even let my puppy visit medellin anymore !

SanDiegoSurf comments on Pereira, Colombia

There are no hostels in Pereira. Most of the economical hotels are near plaza bolivar in centro but be very careful walking around at night especially if you are not Colombian. Sadly robberies and violent assaults are common.

SanDiegoSurf comments on Dollar hits new low against Colombian peso and Brazilian Real, wonderful!!!!

invest in no money down real estate and you are helping people live the american dream.. invest in oil exploration and you are an evil speculator manipulating the market. The fed hates it when people invest in commodities because the rapid appreciation clearly shows how quickly they are debasing our currency. Inflation is a hidden tax, they will try play down as much as possible, at least until Nov. But remember the next time you fill up at the gas station, oil isn't more expensive, rather the dollar is worth less the last time you filled up.

SanDiegoSurf comments on Dollar hits new low against Colombian peso and Brazilian Real, wonderful!!!!

re mexico many gorditas in the north. they are cuter and skinnier in the south: yucatan / veracruz. weather is good in guadalajara and tapatias are nice, it is a cosmopolitan city but air pollution is a problem, think mex city - DF only smaller/friendlier. All currencies will lose value, but countries with poor commodity base relative to GNP (like USA) will fare worse. Colombia looks like a reasonable bet since they have healthy mining, coal, crude, and agricultural production. They produce most of the essential staples, that are always in demand in good times and bad. So I am guessing but I think the forex will flatline at the end of the year in the 1500 to 1530 range. Also keep in mind historically the peso was quite a bit stronger in the past trading at 1520 almost 10 yrs ago, sept 1998. And thoughout 96 it was trading in the 1000 to 1100 range. So low 1500's par for the course given the current environment. It is only within the past six yrs the peso took a hit. In a nutshell, the long term the cycle usually reverts to the mean which means more peso strength going forward. I would not recommend playing the currency market but rather keeping your money in hard assets as they will appreciate, or at least hold there value, in an inflammatory environment.

SanDiegoSurf comments on Dollar hits new low against Colombian peso and Brazilian Real, wonderful!!!!

With the massive number of IOU's (ie treasuries) held by Chinese, there is no incentive to strengthen the dollar. We now have no choice but to inflate by increasing the money supply (effectively devaluing the dollar) to meet out of our current debt obligations. Yes mexico does subsidize many consumer staples including manteca (lard) and tortillas. Just wish the girls didn't eat so much.. Mazatlan brings back fond memories though and nice having direct flights from Artic LAX and Tijuana during spring break/semana santa.

SanDiegoSurf comments on Peso strengthens against the dollar

I know NF unbelievable, they print money out of thin air, yet claim reporting their misdeeds (ie publishing M3) is too expensive.. Mainstream media will eventually see the light, but it will be too late to jump ship by the time you hear this on CNBC. Fortunately there are still many instruments reasonably priced for those who act fairly soon. Maybe we should buy timber futures to profit from all the money printing !

SanDiegoSurf comments on Peso strengthens against the dollar

Holding USD is a far greater gamble than precious metals. Inflation is a great way for the feds to reduce their debt in real terms and also impose a hidden tax on the population. The currency is backed by nothing but their word and the real economic picture is doctored by gov statics (eg grossly manipulated cpi). Why have more faith in these corrupt clowns vs a source of wealth that has been in existence for several millennium ? Anyone waiting for a reversal in the long term USD trend downward is in for some tough times. Also any paper currency is at risk, so get used to worldwide inflation. Hard assets are the only safe haven (commodities and precious metals).

SanDiegoSurf comments on Colombian Department Store Wage

So how much is she trying to shake you down for ?

SanDiegoSurf comments on No Wonder the Lonely Planet Guide misses so Many details in the Colombia Edition!!

One word: HORRIBLE. I would suggest posting your comments on AMAZON so this scumbag does not profit from this turd !!

SanDiegoSurf comments on Any advice on Pereira appreciated

Ten Cuidado ! It is now the murder capital of eje cafetero. Very few police except in el centro. Nice people but very rough city. Very bad choice for non spanish speakers. Manizales Armenia or Cali would be safer.

SanDiegoSurf comments on Looking for Hotel in Santa Marta

okay thanks Mr H !

SanDiegoSurf comments on Looking for Hotel in Santa Marta

thanks Gator !

SanDiegoSurf comments on Looking for Hotel in Santa Marta

Any idea how much a single room cost at the park hotel (feb-march) ? looks like they dont have a web page. thanks.

SanDiegoSurf comments on Looking for Hotel in Santa Marta

Thanks I will check out the park hotel, and Taganga for the dive shops.

SanDiegoSurf comments on Looking for Hotel in Santa Marta

Also I read that Hotel Las Vegas is an hourly love motel. Not exactly what I was hoping for but thanks nonetheless !

SanDiegoSurf comments on Looking for Hotel in Santa Marta

I would prefer Santa Marta vs. Rodadero. Is the Park Hotel in Santa Marta ? Also any idea where the Scuba shops are ? thanks !

SanDiegoSurf comments on Furnished house for rent in Pereira/Dosquebradas Vicinity...

Hi could you give us the address ? Is this a single story detached house ? thanks.

SanDiegoSurf comments on divorce lawyer (abogado) in Pereira

Cxxxn is that you man ! Its me Dave from California. Send me an email I lost yours ! sdsurf1 at hotmail.com

SanDiegoSurf comments on Bogota airport hotel recommendation needed

Ok i got the scoop from one of the airport workers today the closest hotel is la puente only 5min away and 45K. Unfortunately they did not have any rooms left and i ended up staying in the airport. Also the guy specifically said not to ask the taxista for recommendations. I am sure some are honest. but many are not. also thanks for the reply webmanco

SanDiegoSurf comments on Bogota airport hotel recommendation needed

I called the BBB, looks nice but again not near the airport. Sorry I am not sleeping in the airport with everything bundled in zip ties... Guess I will be at the mercy of the taxista.

SanDiegoSurf comments on Bogota airport hotel recommendation needed

Guys I know you are trying to help but maybe I should be more specific: By not too expensive I am thinking a Motel for 50K. I only need to nap a few hours. Juan the capital is 180usd, the habita 235usd, and the sheraton 270 usd on trip advisor, ouch !! Even half those prices would be way over budget. Lampltr, the only hotel in the four links you posted near the airport is the sheraton. Downtown and zona rosa are not near the airport. Yes some of the links have people asking for something near the airport, but if you read the responses they are all properties which are not close by.. thanks.

SanDiegoSurf comments on Bogota airport hotel recommendation needed

A wealth of info ?? I also did a search of this sight but I can not find one recommendation near the airport ? Want to paste the link.

SanDiegoSurf comments on Where to hide valuables in apartment?

Now that's classy John !!

SanDiegoSurf comments on Bucamanga Hotel

I cant find a URL for this one britz. Do you know if they have AC and internet. Is the neighborhood nice ? Kisses.

SanDiegoSurf comments on Bucamanga Hotel

OOPSY ! I could never spell good.

SanDiegoSurf comments on Bucamanga Hotel

Hello Vicshere, I found the two places you recommended: http://www.solarhoteles.com/website/chicamocha/ http://www.hotelruitoque.com/servicios.htm It looks like chicamocha is not too expensive, and I am waiting for an email quote from ruitoque. Have you stayed at these or did you just hear about them from a friend ? Oh the working girls and boys are some of my best customers so I'm not worried about that. Is the traffic bad downtown though, I would prefer something tranquilo so I can sleep in in the morning. you silly little duck !

SanDiegoSurf comments on Bucamanga Hotel

thanks vicshere ! I will keep my eyes open for the sexy boys ! Goin south I deal with sales and distribution to retail stores, so I dont sell directly to the public. but I have some nice eyelash extensions I could comp you if you promise to wear them for me big boy!

SanDiegoSurf comments on Bucamanga Hotel

Well if you have to know, I am going there to look for a boyfriend. No just kidding jaja.. I am trying to find clients for my beauty supply business, and this is one of several stops in latam. As far a an escort, hey like I said with my tight budget on the hotel how can I afford to pay for a guy too. Plus I thought escorts were only for men ! I would rather call the hotel directly, I will see if I can find some of the websites. thanks.

SanDiegoSurf comments on Bucamanga Hotel

thats okay guys, I am sure someone will help me when I get there if I wear something cute and act friendly !

SanDiegoSurf comments on Bucamanga Hotel

I guess everyone here is too shy to answer me..

SanDiegoSurf comments on Bucamanga Hotel

Actually the cheapest room at the dann is 300K which is almost double my budget ! http://www.dannbucaramanga.com.co/tarifas.aspx The others listed on the guide are all low end. Can someone recommend a mid range place in the 125 to 175 K range. thanks.

SanDiegoSurf comments on Bucamanga Hotel

thanks guys, I did not even realize there was a pbh guide for the city !

SanDiegoSurf comments on Connection time Bogota El Dorado international to domestic

ColGringo, thanks for the link ! Arfgoblue, yes I posted a similiar question 12mo ago, but the schedule was different, and the replies were so contradictory I decided to post again.. Goye, thanks man, I am going to follow your advice and select the shorter layovers, since it does not sound like a problem. I was in Armenia 2 weeks ago and it was very beautiful. I hope Pereira is just as inviting. Last, can anyone tell me if my baggage will have be declared in Bogota or Pereira ?

SanDiegoSurf comments on Pereira Hotel or Apartment Recommendation Wanted

almost forgot ! Must have cable/dsl internet connection. thanks again.

SanDiegoSurf comments on Brief travel guide to Bucaramanga

parapente Hi Annie,

Thank you for replying to my message ! do you happen to have a website for the paragliding school or somehow I can contact you ? I plan on visiting in June.

thanks.
DAVE

SanDiegoSurf comments on Bogota Airport Connection Time

On Kayak.com all none of the On Kayak.com none of the international segments were on American or Continental unless I overnight in the US, which of course is an option.

Also I found a direct flight from LAX to bogota on COPA which departs at midnight and arrives at about noon. I noticed avianca has quite a few flights from Bog to Pereira and aerorepublic has a few, plus some smaller domestic carriers. This would eliminate the short connection time, and the total price is comparable to my original schedule. Any suggestion on which airline to select for the domestic segment ?

million de gracias.

SanDiegoSurf comments on Bogota Airport Connection Time

Are there less busy days besides the weekend to pass through Bogota ?

Also any idea how long the taxi ride would be to the domestic terminal ?

thanks.

SanDiegoSurf comments on Bogota Airport Connection Time

No other Avianca flights until the morning unfortunately...

SanDiegoSurf comments on Brief travel guide to Bucaramanga

Air Pollution Hi Time for a change. I was planning on visiting Bucaramanga but I think I will change my plans as I am quite sensitive to air pollution as I suffer from Asthma. I have been in Medellin a few times and did not fair very well given all of the traffic and smog.

I was thinking perhaps Manizales or Pereira may be better, have you been to either city ? The coastal cities are probably a little too hot and humid for my liking.

SanDiegoSurf comments on Medellin to Cali

To fly medellin (EOH) to Pereira, any idea where I can book these ahead of time online. I too do not want to fly out of the international airport (MDE), the place is awful.

SanDiegoSurf comments on Salsa lessons

any salseros out there.. I am visiting Medellin for my first time in Colombia this August. I wanted to know what style of salsa is most popular. Do most of the dancers break on 1 (like here in CA) or is on 2 more common. thanks.