santiago has left 30 comments

santiago comments on transfer of $$$$

Hunter and gringa Hunter
I agree with all your points.
I am confused though.
The way you wrote your letter you seem to think I was giving different advice.
One subject open for an interesting discussion is will the Colombians really return to Colombia with their liquid assets.
I will try and find a study done in Miami that would really have some helpful facts if people find this subject interesting.

Gringa60
What do you think of the advice on the forum??????
Santiago

santiago comments on transfer of $$$$

Reconsider your choice You wrote:
I don't want to leave my $$ here unless I absolutely have to. I have been assured the Colombian banks are safe.

Investigate why the wealthy Colombians want and have the majority of their liquid (non real estate) holdings in United States Banks and Brokerage accounts.
You do not have to be rich to want the safety and the future benefits of exchanging your dollars for Colombian Pesos.
I helped a friend from Colombia set up his Bank account in the USA and he is the envy of his friends. When he travels to Spain and the USA he simply withdrawals money from his ATM. The exchange rate over the years has increased from 1050 to 2600 pesos per one dollar.
You are about to give up alot of benefits by exchanging all your assets.
Santiago, Certified Financial Planner

santiago comments on Dancing up a storm...

JamieJ I have some questions. JamieJ
Where in my post on 08/20 titled “Just danced for two weeks in Colombia” do you see your name mentioned???
Why are you defending yourself directly to my post???
Where did I tell “you” that “you” had no rhythm???
Where did I accuse “you” of saying “We all have to dance LA style”????
And where did I mention anything about your dance partners????
I can see you are defending your comments to several people but if find time to answer my post, I would find it interesting.

Good luck with your Salsa, your Agency that you mention so often, and your search for a acceptable dance partner.
Santiago

santiago comments on Dancing to another beat?

Heh!!!! What about Medellin for Vallenato I danced Salsa, Merengue, Vallenato, Cumbia, 13 out of 15 nights in Medellin this month and I saw some of the best and sexiest Vallenato ever.

Yes, Valledupar is the Capital of Vallenato but WOW, there are some great dancers in Medellin.

Aaron, Diana is so right that it is hard to explain because of the various Vallenato music.
The more romantic songs have the most simple steps in my opinion.
I bet if you watch for awhile you could pick up the steps if you already dance Salsa.
Good Luck
Santiago

santiago comments on Dancing up a storm...

Just danced for two weeks in Colombia I danced Salsa, Merengue, Vallenato, Cumbia, 13 out of 15 nights in Medellin this month and find these negative comments about Colombian dancers very untrue, ridiculous, shallow and have concluded the authors have no knowledge of the various styles of Salsa.

As far as Medellin is concerned I feel the women there probably have more rhythm in one foot than the authors that have written their negative comments. Seems to me if you don’t have much rhythm and are shallow you may try and blame it on your dance partner.

http://www.salsafreak.com/
This site explains that there are several styles of Salsa and they can all be learned, danced, and appreciated. Heaven help us if we all have to dance LA Style and have people speak negatively on all the other styles.

The best style to learn when dancing in Colombia is the Colombian style. (that was hard to figure) You can learn it in the Midwest, Chicago, Texas, Miami, and Aruba. These are countries where I have taken lessons and the style is what the Colombian men and women are comfortable following. Most teachers refer to this style as dancing on the One. The entire count would be 1,2,3, pause on 4 --- 5,6,7, pause on 8.

Hope this helps your future trip and as several women say,
“If the man has rhythm they will enjoy the dance without all the fancy turns”
Santiago

santiago comments on Volunteer in Cartagena

Contact me for informacion Craig, I may have some suggestions but I would feel better sending them direct to you. My e-mail is jamesgrab at insightbb.com

santiago comments on 5 star hotels in Cartagena?

retaurants When you want steak for dinner, Carbon de Palo is terrific. Ask about the Baby Beef. Also a romantic setting. Live music all night.
Have fun!
Santiago

The Santa Clara used to be on the RCA vacation website (where members buy a week that that is open) for $389 (1 Bedroom suite) for a WEEK!!! If you belong or have a friend that belongs you might check.

santiago comments on salsa lessons in Cartagena?

Please post a trip report CuriousJoe
Start a “new trend” when you return and post a “trip report” on this site so we can all hear about your trip. I hope other people will do the same.

santiago comments on Dress Code in Colombia

Lin I sent you mail

santiago comments on Medellin Flower Festival 2004.

Wilmer
I am also going to Medellin for the festival. I am meeting a friend there and if you are interested in meeting for a night out on the town, I can e-mail you the telephone number we will be using in Medellin. Looking forward to the responses you get on what to do in Medellin.
Santiago

santiago comments on Dress Code in Colombia

To Lin about teaching To Lin, about teaching
The hours will depend on your schedule and if Darwin can travel near to your location for the lesson. I bought him a cell phone 310 350 7429. Just in case you and I do not communicate you can contact him after you settle in Cartagena. If you meet him and his single parent Mom I think you will realize why so many people on this forum like the people from Colombia. He is a very serious 12 year old that wants to improve his life. By the way, if you are just learning Spanish, he could be a good practice partner.
Santiago

santiago comments on Dress Code in Colombia

Lin --- Private and or group lessons Lin, I would be interested in hiring you to teach English to a 12 year old boy from Cartagena. I am supporting him in his education and other expenses. If you need to supplement your income there are others interested in group lessons? If you are interested please e-mail me at jamesgrab at InsightBB.com
I also posted this note under Dress code in Colombia. Please let me know either way if you are interested. Thanks.
Santiago

santiago comments on salsa lessons in Cartagena?

Love this subject!!!!!! I have been on this site for 3 weeks you people are great. Now this is a great subject.
I have taken lessons from two different professional teachers from Cali and from several good dancers from Cali and one teacher from Cartagena.

When discussing Salsa styles please remember “we are all dancing Salsa” but in different styles. There is not one style that is the best.
From my experience with all my teachers from Colombia and dancing up a storm in Cartagena is:
In Cartagena, most women do not have any experience in making turns in Salsa or Merengue but the women who are open to learning will really enjoy it. The reason is most men in Cartagena do not make turns.
When I see couples making turns in Cartagena nightclubs they are usually from Bogota and elsewhere.
My Colombian teachers like to teach turns and the beginning step is to the side. First to the left and then to the right. They count the music as most do 1234 5678 hesitate on 4 and 8.

Here is a teacher in Cartagena that is excellent.
You can take lessons with him at the top of the Hotel Decameron after he finishes work there as the activity director. He can furnish a small stereo and music.
Ray Giraldo Marruga 310 640 0171 His English is decent and a super personality.
Tell him James from Chicago will be back soon for more turns.
Santiago

santiago comments on American Express ATM

Cirrus is the key !!!! I work for AXP, but not the card division and I “always leave home WITHOUT IT when traveling to Colombia.
AXP does not belong to the Cirrus system because Cirrus is owned by Visa and MasterCard.
Your best bet is to have debit cards that use the Cirrus system in my experience.
The Credit Card may be accepted without a hassle but store managers always complain AXP charges them more than others.
santiago

santiago comments on Dress Code in Colombia

Private and or group lessons Lin, I would be interested in hiring you to teach English to a 12 year old boy from Cartagena. I am supporting him in his education and other expenses. If you need to supplement your income there are others interested in group lessons. If you are interested please e-mail me at jamesgrab at InsightBB.com
santiago

santiago comments on Coca leafs

Coca in Valledupar, Colombia I may not properly describe the native Indians correctly and do not mean any disrespect in this short comment. When I visited Valledupar I asked and was told by residents of Valledupar that the small container and grinder around the necks of the Indians was for grinding coco leafs to maintain energy during their long walks ect.
I could have purchased the bowl and grinder at several stands from the Indians. At that time (1999)they said it was only legal for the Indians.
Anyone know the Spanish word for the container and grinder?
santiago

santiago comments on cartagena english institutes

Scan for subject Scan the forum for this subject in the last month. I have seen a lot of suggestions to other posts. A lot of websites were given in previous posts. You may also add to this post what you are trying to accomplish and get more specific advice.

santiago comments on Insurance

Why ?????? Dan, I am curious why you want to buy Life Ins. in Colombia. I suspect you are not a Colombian. Your explanation may help me make a decision also.
santiago

santiago comments on Response to Post on Colombia Delegation

cholula – ShazCas- and - junior
Great response from all of you, I agree 100%.
I am also very disappointed.
The same people who wrote negative comments to Kevin’s question are now commenting and making comments about your disappointment in their negativity.
You all have been very kind in your responses to their extreme rudeness.

I can not help to point out that the biggest offender is Gator.
His first two words to Kevin were “ I Assume” That was a clue to his worthlessness.
Gator is really not worth responding to anymore and it will be a good idea if we can all just ignore him and his “ASSumptions” and negativity in this forum.
So, Gator, please go away or think a little before writing more of your negativity to your "ASSumptions".
Santiago

santiago comments on Delegation to Colombia

assuming and negative comments To Kevin and cholula.

Kevin, your question was on safety.
Your first response on the forum started like this. “I ASSUME”
I feel all the negative responses you received were NOT what I have come to expect from this forum.
To all you people that wrote negative comments before asking Kevin for any explanation of what this delegation was going to say or do ARE NOT acting like the people I have come to appreciate in this forum.

I am not going to criticize the authors but when you read the responses they do seem “TO ASSUME” an awful lot of information that was never supplied to them from Kevin’s questions.

Signed, disappointed in “assuming responses”,
santiago

santiago comments on About colombian women

New twist on attitudes Another twist to a Colombiana’s view on jealousy.
I (gringo)have been on dates with a Caleña in a Colombian nightclub and have had Colombian men ask “my date” to dance.
This was after the men saw how great these women danced.
Both women turned down their offers to dance.
I however asked then to accept the offers to dance and showed my pleasure in watching them dance so well with each other.
The other Colombian men and women, all friends of her’s, asked my girlfriend in private, why I would encourage her to dance with other men. All the Colombian men and women in our group were surprised.
Both Caleña’s said it was because I was secure in our relationship and they found that very, very appealing and sexy.
You can draw your own conclusions about the situation on how people react to any particular situation.
I however was very happy how my attitude helped in our relationship.

North American,
Santiago

santiago comments on young colombian women interested in older american man

What an interesting topic you have introduced!!! You have received good relationship advice from a lot of people.
It seems you knew all along you need to visit her in Colombia.

Now let’s discuss cold hard business.
Has she asked you to send her any money???
Have you sent her any money because you wanted to help her out???
Does she inform you of her family’s financial problems a lot???
When you visit her in Colombia, notice if she try’s to save you money in hotels, restaurants, shopping for food, ect. ect.
OR
Does she ask and expect you to spend lavishly on her and her family.

Pre nuptial agreement:
Take one written in Spanish with you to Colombia.
Include whatever you feel an appropriate settlement for her would be in the case of a divorce.
At the appropriate time: Ask her how she feels about signing the document before you begin the process of bringing her to the USA for a two month “VISIT” using the “fiancée visa”.
Pay for an Attorney in Colombia to explain the agreement to her and have her ask questions.

The recommendations above actually come from conversations with two friends whom were in your situation and are NOW ENGAGED and very happy.
Both of these men received very good feelings about the financial intentions of their fiancées.

I hope you get the same good feelings and good luck in your relationship.
Certified Financial Planner

santiago comments on Cartagena hotels? And what part of city to stay?

Just got back from Cartagena, I suggest exploring.........
Let me tell you about a true bargain!!!
I just got back from Cartagena two weeks ago. For 6 nights / $799.00 / All inclusive food and drinks / AND my flight from Miami included at the Hotel Decameron.
You can add extra nights. I stayed 10 nights.
Okay, some will say this sounds different being all inclusive.
But I thought the price was terrific.
Your airport transportation is also included.
I did not always eat at the Hotel but the food was surprisingly good.
Hotel has beach across the street, safety deposit box for small fee, pool, nightly entertainment, drinks are free and they really put in a lot of liquor.
Check out http://www.taratours.com

I booked with this gal who has been there several times.
Noemy Fajardo
Sales Representative
TARA TOURS INC.
6595 NW 36th St. - Suite # 306
Miami Springs FL 33166
Phone: (800) 327-0080 or (305) 871-1246
Fax: (305) 871-0417
email: noemy at taratours.com

Tell her James from Illinois said Hello if you call her.

One other big plus: I met more nice people from all over the world because they are coming for short visits due to the value of the Peso in Colombia.
People coming and going every day.
Need more info, post a note with your e-mail
Santiago

santiago comments on Helping a great boy in Manizales....

Idea on sending money Sending money to Manizales. If this is a long term commitment then the least expensive way for $1.50 per withdrawal and the highest exchange rate is going to be with a ATM Card.
There are two problems with all the other services. They charge you a fee per transaction and they hide the second fee in the lousy exchange rate they give you. Example: As much as $10 US on a $100 to $200 transfer.
Remember they never tell you about the exchange rate. You find later when the family tells you how many pesos they got for your $50.00 US.

Hear me out before you think this idea is hard.
I have done this without a problem for four years.
You open a separate checking account at your local bank.
Ask for a free ATM card that uses CIRRUS.
Only put $100.00 in the account.
Send the card to his family thru DHL or a trusted traveler to Colombia.
Tell him to withdraw the amount you want him to have.
Verbally give him the PIN on the phone.
He goes to an ATM machine and for $1.50 charge and a great exchange rate you support him every month.

I got this info off the internet links sent to you in previous message.
iKOBO option:
FAST - Recipient withdraws money in just 30 seconds after it's sent.
EASY - Just 3 quick steps, and to sign up is free.
SECURE - 128 bit encryption. Verisign and TrustE certified.
INEXPENSIVE - Only 4% total fee to transfer money.

Yahoo option:
Transfer Amount: $100.00 USD
Exchange Rate: 2630.000000
Receive Amount: 263,000.00 COP (1 USD = 2,630.00 COP)
Consumer Fee: $15.00
Total Cost: $115.00

santiago comments on Spanish lessons in Cartagena July/August 2004?

web site for you http://www.cartagenainfo.com/english/
Carolyn, go to this site for alot of information on Cartagena.
Look for Spanish lessons and it will take to a site with prices and some letters from people that took classes.
This site has more info than any other I have seen so it is a great place to start. Good Luck.
Hey, I have an idea. I can give you the telephone number of a 12 year old boy from Cartagena who wants to practice english with good speakers and you can practice your spanish with him. You could meet at a park in the Old City and practice during your stay. I personally know his whole family and I am trying to help him improve his conversatioal skills.
Write a note here if you are interested.
Have fun in Cartagena.

santiago comments on Colombian Women

Communication Tip ChazNj wrote:
We email each other, and do the best to have our letters translated. I would like my friendship to grow, with a specific friend that lives in Colombia. I am trying to learn the best way to learn and understand more about her life.

This sounds like my problem. There is a FREE traslator built into Microsoft Word for Teachers 2002 or higher. You copy and paste her letter from E-mail into Word, highlight, and click translate. Word translates letter thru free internet service in one minute.
You will understand her letter and then you type in English and translate to Spanish and send her your e-mail.

I can think of no better way to get to know about her and it is free and fast. If you are calling her and need ideas for cheap rates, let me know.
santiago

santiago comments on Gator (members name) A question about helping a young Colombian boy.

jmbone,
I just read that you are living in Cartagena. Any ideas on how this young boy can practice his English and learn to speak better. Are their groups getting together to practice English???

santiago comments on cartagena-going it sola?

Bargains in Cartagena Let me tell you about a true bargain!!! I just got back from Cartagena a week ago. For 7 nights / $750.00 / All inclusive food and drinks / AND my flight from Miami included at the Hotel Decameron. Okay, some will say this sounds like a trip to ?????? being all inclusive and all. But I thought the price was terrific.
Your airport transportation is also included.
I did not always eat at the Hotel but the food was surprisingly good.
I booked thru: Noemy Fajardo
Sales Representative
TARA TOURS INC. Web site is taratours.com
6595 NW 36th St. - Suite # 306
Miami Springs FL 33166
Phone: (800) 327-0080 or (305) 871-1246
Fax: (305) 871-0417
email: noemy at taratours.com
Tell her James from Illinois said Hello if you call her.

One other big plus: I met more nice people from all over because they are coming for short visits due to the value of the Peso in Colombia. People coming and going every day.
Need more info, send an e-mail.
James

santiago comments on First Time to Cartagena- need advice

Cartagena ideas 1) Must take items to pack
You should take CIPRO a medicine for stomach problems. I travel with Doctors to Colombia all the time and they never leave home without it. It’s expensive but it really works “if” you have a problem.
2) Great restaurants
For steak go to Carbon de Palo and ask about the baby beef. Best in Cartagena and a great atmosphere. Club Pesca Retaurant, “upscale” but terrific.
3) Safety - I thought it was safer this April 2004 than in any other trip.
Do not change money on the street. Otherwise normal big city caution.
4) Must see
5) Rosario Islands – I recommend you stay overnight. The trip there and back make for a very short stay on the island. I stayed at the link below and the food was good and villas were very nice. Pool is not so great, but the boat landing is for swimming in the ocean. You can hire a local to take you scuba diving or to a “private island” for very little money. You can buy lobster from the fisherman and have the cook make it for lunch or dinner. MMMMMmmmmmm take extra pesos if you like lobster & pargo rojo. (red snapper) If your Colombian family has not beem there you can rent a villa and the whole family can go and bring your own food to cook.
http://www.paraisosecreto.com/english/home.htm

There is another hotel - Hotel Cocoliso with a great pool that is part of the day trip packages that is also terrific. I also stayed there and loved it. Ask the owner to take to the other side of the island to dance “champata” with the locals. Unbelievable nice people.

I could go on but now I want to go back again. Hope you enjoy.

Santiago

santiago comments on the first time in Columbia

Some sites to visit for San Andreas http://www.decameron.com/
This is for Hotel info on the island.

http://www.debbiescaribbeanresortreviews.com/standres/stanreview1.html
This for reviews from a bunch of people who went to San Andreas.

http://www.taratours.com/brochures_&_information.htm
This is travel Agency I just used for Colombia trip in May. Ask for:
Noemy Fajardo
Sales Representative
TARA TOURS INC.
6595 NW 36th St. - Suite # 306
Miami Springs FL 33166
Phone: (800) 327-0080 or (305) 871-1246
Fax: (305) 871-0417
email: noemy at taratours.com

Let me know if this helps and if you need more.