seattlejames has left 119 comments

seattlejames comments on Colombia's Bright Side

goosekirk... Please, do not do to doctors on Mercer Island...

seattlejames comments on Just Real Informations PLEASE!

UC, thank you.. Sometimes I feel so lost in the immigration process. I really feel now there is hope at the end of the rainbow. Thank You for your help and reassurance. Please, UC, remember that we hope to achieve what you have accomplished but are still many more forms away. Please also remember that when people ask 'funny' questions, about this and that, that they have a dream also. Please continue your help.......Lo Siento, thank you for me and everyone else you advise.

seattlejames comments on Colombia's Bright Side

The Side is Bright... I would like to comment on Colombia's bright side. There is hope, there is family, and Colombians love their country. Why is it that Colombians are so close to their family, why am I so far from my family. Why do not I wave flags of the USA during games in USA and Colombians are 'glued' to their TVs during U-20 futbols games? Why is it I want to quit my job, sell my house, cars, and everything I own and move to Barranquilla? Of course I will not. But, I just want to express that I think there is a great bright side to Colombia, just not economic for me now. I live in Seattle, and I miss Barranquilla with all my heart.

seattlejames comments on Just Real Informations PLEASE!

Gary I would have done k-1 but instead did k-3... Please, this only applies to my situation. But, I did the marriage in Barranquilla for her large, large family located within like 2 blocks of each other. My family is small and we are spread all over the USA and we are not really that close. We talk, but not often. So, it was marriage in Barranquilla for me! I cannot give any advise other than to listen to what that Texas man says (UC). One note, my mother, who has never been to Mexico or South America, flew into Barranquilla and had a fabulous 6 days. She now wants to go back. Mind you, she has blond hair and blue eyes, no Spanish, wears jewlrey out of very expensive stores, and wondered around Barranquilla all by herself many hours..Again, early, before we woke up...Or I would have said, What, no way! (have no idea why I wrote all this crap) Anyways, we all follow are on path. I wish you nothing but good luck..

seattlejames comments on Just Real Informations PLEASE!

dios mio....... U. Cowboy...

I swear I have a 4 year degree but I still cannot understand this immigration stuff.

I received I-130 approval notice on January 26, 2005. On top it says I-797, Notice of Action.

Below it says: The above petition has been approved. We have sent original visa petition to, Dept of State National Visa Center(NVC), in Portsmouth, NH.

Any information you can give me will help. Like what now is happening..

Thank You....

seattlejames comments on The dumb, ignorant, funny questions you've been asked about Colombia

ups, lo siento actually, the dumbest questions about Colombia have come from me.....Please disregard last post..But, do you think food from Mexico is more, delicious than Colombian food?

seattlejames comments on The dumb, ignorant, funny questions you've been asked about Colombia

dude You are from Spokane..........What the hell did you think...Spokane..that is one 'hick' city........It is as bad as any city for being 'red neck'. I have a question, how was it being raised in Spokane?

seattlejames comments on

I Borrocho But I help..I think...I go to Miami and Barranquilla soon. I really know nothing about politics and such, other than pay my taxes. But I am happy my taxes help Colombia, or whatever. My family in Barranquilla thinks that the USA helps Colombia, and that makes me happy. I do not like war, but at some point do people not have to stand up and say something. Are other nations helping Colombia (or trying to help) other than the USA? Yes, but.... no. OK, gifts..Lo siento...I like to bring shirts, jewery (J-Lo, Guess, Kenneth Cole, DKNY)...I think some people like brand name stuff, advertising is great....ups, I go to bed soon........

seattlejames comments on Need telephone number and Address of America Golf Hotel in Barranquilla - TIA

Apt's the way to go I really do not know that much...But have stayed in Prado, Barranquilla Plaza, Majestic, Porta del Sol and Royal...And the last time I stayed in 2 different aptartments, 70.000 a night, and I liked them alot... Air, cable, kitchen..ta ta ta .........not as nice as hotel, but I think different but fun...Next time I am their soon, a couple days in hotel, than off to apt and maybe back to hotel on my way out.........guest policy, whats that....no problem, price 70.000 noche, where, I need to work on that.....

seattlejames comments on Trip to Ecuador and the south

I miss Guayaquil....... Lo siento, I cannot answer any of you questions, but, I miss Guayaquil, Salinas and Montanita....If you make it to the coast, please have fun, they are great cities....Very different than say, Barranquilla, Cartagena and Santa Marta...Kind of like them, but different...But, I love all of them...Everytime I think of Ecuador I remember how I came to know Colombia...I was staying in the Hilton in Guayaquil and came home from dinner with friends and the Hilton was 'mobbed' with people waving flags and chanting...I had no idea what was going on..All I saw was more armed men and lots of guns..After about 15 minutes trying to get into the hotel, I was like 'what the hell'. The hotel was very very crowded...I asked, in English, what the hell was going on, and the Colombian futbol team was staying there.....And the lounge was very crowded with 'beautiful people'. So, immediately I went there and.........the story is long but I married a woman from Barranquilla....All becuase of that night.....Dios, gracias por Barranquilla y Guayaquil.....

seattlejames comments on Hola, Lo Siento..........

My E-Mail.. james_jrw at hotmail.com I need this problem to go away. I hope to find people to help, but if not, I will make go away. Lo Siento y gracias..........

seattlejames comments on A few tips for all who is interested on travel to Colombia

are you sure... Skin color means very little in Colombia, but the way you present yourself does?

I do not believe this....

seattlejames comments on Hola, Lo Siento..........

I Need The robbery was located in a new house in Barranquilla that was not a random robbery. The 'hombres' were informed about the situation. When I was in Barranquilla I was worried from the start. Of course, many constructions workers are paid in 'plata'. I was thinking there was a problem from the start. Many familia involved, and I was worried. From my wife, and her mother, the 3 'hombres', one with gun, knew what they where looking for from the start. The questions they asked, where different, than normal. They knew more than random robbery. I am looking for a independent contractor to solve the problem for my family in Barranquilla, and my family in E.U. Gracias.

seattlejames comments on Cartagena hit by heavy flooding...

back in USA 2 days Was in Cartagena, very different from Barranquilla...It rained everyday in Barranquilla, big rain, the streets where rivers. In Cartagena, perfect weather, sometimes rained about 4 pm, but go to beach early. In El Heraldo, rain everyday in Cartagena, but no, very nice and sunny.....My spelling sucks, in Samto Domingio square, or centro, had dinner next to Gaberiala Garcia, Senorita Colombia, and a bunch of TV people I know understand...

seattlejames comments on Advice needed on gifts and etiquette

Maybe.... I actually think Elmo's advise is good if you read the relevent stuff. I generally bring candy, shirts and watches. I bring lots of shirts and, now my wife, sorts through them and decides who gets what. I have been bringing down Raulph Laruen, Tommy Hilfi(something), Kenneth Cole, Guess and t-shirts with logos on them. And stuffed animals, are great for women and girls.

seattlejames comments on

Ya........ I think that is the name of the place...I think it is Carlos Valderama's bar.. But not 74th on 79th street I think..I really like that bar...Have been there many times myself...Plus there is a really nice bar up the street called 'Good Looks'..Where we dance and drink..

seattlejames comments on

Plus.. At the stadium area, they have tennis, futbol and volleyball. Any one can get included in playing, I think.

seattlejames comments on Digame ELMO

Yo bquilla The wedding was fantastic. Got married at the Puerto del Sol hotel in the Alcazar Salon Room. (remember my spelling sucks) There is a guy in the events department named Alfonzo, who was great. I was very nervous and I pulled it off. My wife was very very happy until I passed out on our wedding night. But, I made it until 2am until I saw a bed and accidently put my head on a pillow. Bquilla, were do you stay when in Barranquilla? I think I was on my way to that Juniors game but got distracted by something..

I realize I know very little about things but if anyone needs advise on getting married in Barranquilla I can give you my insights. I have decided the best decision I made was Buchanans wiskey and Absolt vodka on every table with ice. With more in boxes on standby. Another good decision was the band, Marmasol. They were great.

One more quick ?, why on the beach at El Rodadelo do they close the beach at like 11 or 12 at night? They kick everybody off the beach and onto the sidewalks for some reason. Anyone know why?

seattlejames comments on Digame ELMO

El Prado... Elmo, I found the drinks are terrible with no booze and they are more expensive than in the USA! Are we talking about the hotel?..Maybe next time we are both in Barranquilla I will show you some of my favorite places only if you take me to some of your favorite places! I feel relativly safe in Barranquilla, half my wifes relatives check their guns in at the front desk when we go to a bar! So, back to fighting in Colombia, I suggest you don't. Oh, I love butifarra..

seattlejames comments on Digame ELMO

yep... Stayed there for a few days a couple weeks ago..I really liked the hotel..I went to check out the american golf hotel and there is still construction going on. I saw the rooms and they are nice. aguilla I like....a beer I cannot spell...stayed at magestic hotel, puerto de sol, barranquilla plaza and then off to Rodaldaro..sorry about my spelling...if anyone needs any advise on these hotels let me know...

seattlejames comments on Digame ELMO

wait You do know the Hotel Barranquilla Plaza pisa 26? Now I am confused again. Next time you are in Barranquilla go there and watch. I was stunned at the beauty of the women and the men. Matter of fact, you do not have to go the 26th floor, they have couches by the elevators, just hang out there. More random thoughts, I watched the Colombia vs Chile game at Carlos Valderrama bar in Barranquilla on 74th street. These is a fabulous bar for sports, but what the hell happended during the game. Does anyone think the red cards were rediculous? I was very upset. One more thing, if I married a Colombian woman, does that make me Colombian at all? Or only in my spirit.

seattlejames comments on wedding advice

my thoughts Get married in Colombia...And whatever someone suggests the amount of booze to purchase, double that..My mother and brother flew down to BAQ and had a fabulous trip. My mother is blue eyed and blond haired and speaks no Spanish, but she had the best time. And my brother, really did not see him to much because he was busy in Barranquilla on 74th street dancing and drinking...But, in reality, I do believe that the wedding is for the womans family..So, I suggest a wedding in Colombia..

seattlejames comments on US nice guy in Colombian Jail?

Gator.... I am sorry to change the subject but I have to ask you about a restaurant in Cartagena....Porton de Santo Domingo? If you know it will you tell me what you think about this restaurant? Sorry about all this but I have been waiting for you to ask you this question...

seattlejames comments on To foreign women in Colombia

ok.ok...... Thanks for your comments....And I realize all the bad stuff assocaited with fighting.....But, it happens..And I am sorry about that...Is there any chance a women could repond to Aaron's ?'s or comments.

"If I'm a US guy down in Colombia and catcalls go on as in the above posts, what exactly is culturally expected of me? What would the Colombian men's stated and unstated expectations be for my reaction? What would the Colombian women's stated and unstated expectations be for my reaction?"

I was hoping a woman would respond to him because he said exactly what has been in my mind for a while now. And he writes good!

seattlejames comments on elmodefoque's appaling colombian life before marriage

elmodefoque..... I think you might be able to help me. Would you explain to me about fighting in Colombia. Lets say I am fighting with a Colombian male in the street of Barranquilla, and I am kicking his ass, will all his relatives come to his aid? Do Colombian males fight with their fists or should I be expecting knifes and guns during the battle. I hate to post this, because I know I will annoy people, but I have people to protect. Sorry to bring this up...

seattlejames comments on To foreign women in Colombia

I am.... I am also interested in how to act sometimes in Colombia. Having traveled around alittle, I have found myself on the verge of fighting in Colombia a couple of times. Listen, I do not like to fight, but I do have some principles that I do not ignore. But, my Spanish sucks so most the time I do not understand what is being said, but if I hear, 'puta', than it is a go... Do you people think this is stupid? Or do I need to adjust my thinking?

seattlejames comments on Wedding in Medellin... need help

aaahhh Damn, you are right, there is know way I can break up a party going full blast...Come to think about it, I would be the one complaining if they tried to throw me out. One thing I was thinking, I have hired a 8 peice band, will the party stop when the band is done? They play until 1:30am...

seattlejames comments on Marriage 12/21 in Colombia HELP!

mas Live in Seattle and mailed to San Francisco with return envelope with postage. First time they returned becuase my passport was not included just copies. It took them two days and it was in the mail. Little nerve racking sending passport in mail but everything went well...

seattlejames comments on Wedding in Medellin... need help

Hola, I can provide you with quotes I received from Barranquilla regarding rooms, bands, dress, decorations, cake, and enything else I have forgot. All are quotes from last month. One thing I have figured out is that the honeymoon is important to Colombians...Try to figure that one in also...

Yo Bquilla, I figure I am footing the whole bill for this wedding and fiesta, will I upset people if I have the Hotel, Puerto de Sol, throw my future relatives out at 2am? What do you think?

seattlejames comments on Wine in Colombia

Hola.... I know everything and wines......As long as they are 1.5 liters!..That is a joke...Grajales red semiseco, would this be a good wine for a wedding? Any chance you can tell me how much is a bottle?

seattlejames comments on Colombian Wedding Traditions

ups.... Your name is Lars..Sorry....See, your photos are making me nervous...Of course my fiancee had a dress made and we purchased this dress ( I have absolutly no idea why), are Colombian tux's for men different than say your country tux's or, miedra!, do I rent a tux or do I buy a tux....Sorry, where the hell do I get the proper clothes for a Colombian wedding?

seattlejames comments on Colombian Wedding Traditions

Yo Mikael Nice photos...Although they are making me nervous. My wedding is coming up fast......Any chance you can tell me about the masks and giant flowers after the ceremony, wedding album 598..Some kind of party or event...I know nothing about weddings, except they cost alot......I really like your photos...

seattlejames comments on Colombian Wedding Traditions

Damn.... This is right up my ally...Maybe not one tenth the cost, but very affordable. If you figure on this event being forever, than I would say do it. For my fiancee, this is a GRAND event for her and her family. My theory is, big wedding in Colombia and small wedding in States. Just like above from UC,
Invitation Cards
Wedding cake and model(whatever a model is)
Decorations
Event room(should include food)
Wedding dress
Music
video and photos(why a video I got know idea, but she wants)
lots of booze..

Nothing is split up.... All you baby!

seattlejames comments on

hola Nice photo......First off, why Seattle on Honeymoon? At least you choose a good hotel...I think I need to buy you some new shades! jajajaja

seattlejames comments on Wedding Info Please..Please...

Oh my god..........more Serenading.....I have never heard of this.....There is a party for us somewhere, not sure where at 8pm, now I am reading off the invitation cards, Lluvia de Sobres the night before the wedding. Does this have anything to do with tradition and should I do this strange thing serenading before or after this party....And damn, rewards 10 fold, I do not want to die before my wedding!

seattlejames comments on Wedding Info Please..Please...

Yes.... That is why I am getting married in Colombia. I need to remember that, FOR HER AND HER FAMILY.. AAAAHHHH, I forgot all about dancing with other people, please, please, please tell me I do not have to dance with them in front of everyone watching...

Actually Desi, there is one thing I know how to do, is throw a party...We will not run out of booze...And I think I got a really good band...Marmol..

My fiancee has been working around the clock making sure everything is perfect. All I do is go to the bank machine once a day to deposit..I just want to make sure I know how to act and what to expect so I am perfect also.....So everyone thanks for all the advise!

seattlejames comments on Wedding Info Please..Please...

gracais to all I was also going to buy everything and set it up and let people serve themselves. The thing is, I am almost sure I will get tired of bla bla bla with everyone. As far as I can tell, 70 invitation cards delivered and I think like 100-140 people there. There is no way I can talk to everyone...So I was thinking about something for me to do during the party. Like bartending....This way I could say hello, nice to meet you, next! So I would have meet one person and on to the next one. AAAHHHH....I guess I am getting a little nervous about being the center of attention. Anybody have any good ideas for me...Something other than being led around by my wife meeting people or is that what I am supposed to do.

seattlejames comments on Wedding Info Please..Please...

above, ignore that please I was thinking out loud...That was for me not for everyone....

seattlejames comments on Wedding Info Please..Please...

ok..ok.. This will be a first for me, paying for the whole tab and not getting drunk! Listen, I am new to these things, but to consumate our marriage, that is important correct..An idea, anyway, can it happen in the bathroom real fast after ceremony? Than back to the party...

seattlejames comments on Wedding Info Please..Please...

Alright.......thank you.... Vodka it is.. I wanted pina coladas but sounds too complicated to make, but I know how to make vodka and juice...Thanks for the menu, I will comunicate to my friends and future family. 5am! Damn, thats late! Do I have a choice to kick them out at 2am? And did you stay with them until 5am? I love them, I think, but wow. Of course I have a another question, for anyone, what do Colombian women expect on their wedding night? Is there something special I have no idea about? I have a good feeling that I will be doing some drinking that night, and ah, ah, sometimes after drinking say, many cocktails, I tend to have a problem with certain things...Do Colombian women expect 'to make the love' that night? Or can it wait until the next morning, Dios por favor, let them say yes.....Because, I kind of want to get drunk.....It is a special day....

seattlejames comments on Wedding Info Please..Please...

Melly...... If you see this....

Do not press me to leave you
or to turn back from following you!
Where you go, I will go;
Where you lodge, I will lodge;
your people shall be my people,
and your God my God.

Where you die, I will die
--there will I be buried.

seattlejames comments on I love colombia...

No Problem.... I cannot comment on this post as it is way long and complicated for me...But, no problem, I just wanted to make sure I did not offend anyone! Well, we are all on this site becuase we like or love Colombia, soooo, peace to all...Chao...

seattlejames comments on I love colombia...

wait...seattle I hope that was not me...I thought I was they only one from Seattle! Although I am only half white, I figure you would have explained that....

seattlejames comments on I don't get it...

I think... I should not repond to this because I have only been on the coast twice...But, please relax...Damn, I wear my digital camera around my neck half the time. One time in Santa Marta, I actually left my wallet on the table after dinner and drinks loaded with pesos and the waiter ran down the block to give it back to me. Yes, try not to do that..All I know is when I am in Colombia, I have never had a problem or witnessed anything weird. Except in Cartagena I think, most people like baseball more than soccer...This still confuses me...

seattlejames comments on US dollars in Colombia

nice... I knew there must be a reason why...I rest easy now..So, if I ever get to Venezuela I will take more USA dollars than I would normally...

seattlejames comments on US dollars in Colombia

actually.. I should have phrased that different. Having been to Ecuador twice I realize you can get usa dollars in other countries. I keep thinking there has to be a reason why. I have been to some countries where you can actually exchange usa money in the black market where they provide a greater exchange rate then the offical rate.

seattlejames comments on US dollars in Colombia

please.. I really want to know why you would want USA dollars in Colombia...I keep thinking why, and just cannot come up with an answer. So, please solve my question of the day....Any chance will someone tell me a country where you can get USA dollars out of a cash machine and why.....other than USA...

seattlejames comments on Barranquilla

BAQ Stayed in Prado two weeks ago. Yes, it is fabulous. The room was $90 usa dollars. The only problem I had was the drinks where really expensive and very weak. So I would say, stay there at least one night to check it out. The rooms where very very nice. But, go to the store and get whatever you desire and try not to drink stuff out of the ice box. For some reason they had a giant bunny greeting people who came to the Hotel, I am still confused about that. Another hotel I really like is the Magestic Hotel, about $50 usa dollars a night. The people are really nice and there are no gringos there. Everytime I stay there they actually remember my name! Also, the BAQ airport has a cash machine that takes almost all cards and is located by the exit doors..
Check out this site....http://www.ruta47.com/

seattlejames comments on How to land trophy colombian women?

nice.... I am more interested in how to land a trophy donkey. I know you know....

seattlejames comments on The Slowest Airport In The World - miami

a little more.. Again, I really like the Miami airport. Crazy I know..But I love to see all the people..In Seattle most of the people when leaving shake hands, small hugs to family, say goodbye......In Miami, I have seen women, men, children crying their hearts out when saying goodbye to family members...It is how I feel when leaving Barranquilla...Plus, they have Avianca! Which Seattle does not have!