SFJohn has left 29 comments

SFJohn comments on ...Democrats on 'destructive path' in trade

I usually try to avoid any kind of disagreement on PBH since it usually ends up with childish name-calling, but I hear this naive and uninformed claim constantly that it was somehow only George Bush and the Republicans who thought that Iraq had WMD's before our (second) invasion of the country. Anyone paying even a little attention back in 2002 would remember that in addition to the majority of our intelligence people, the intelligence agencies of the UK, Australia, Egypt, Pakistan, Israel, Germany, Russia and others also believed that Iraq had WMD's. And then of course the leading Democrats in the US also believed (before and after the Bush administration took over) that Iraq still had WMD's. Here are some quotes to refresh everyone's memory: "If Saddam rejects peace and we have to use force, our purpose is clear. We want to seriously diminish the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program." --President Bill Clinton, Feb. 17, 1998 "He will use those weapons of mass destruction again, as he has ten times since 1983." --Sandy Berger, Clinton National Security Adviser, Feb, 18, 1998 "[W]e urge you, after consulting with Congress, and consistent with the U.S. Constitution and laws, to take necessary actions (including, if appropriate, air and missile strikes on suspect Iraqi sites) to respond effectively to the threat posed by Iraq's refusal to end its weapons of mass destruction programs." Letter to President Clinton, signed by: -- Democratic Senators Carl Levin, Tom Daschle, John Kerry, and others, Oct. 9, 1998 "Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process." -Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D, CA), Dec. 16, 1998 "Hussein has ... chosen to spend his money on building weapons of mass destruction and palaces for his cronies." -- Madeline Albright, Clinton Secretary of State, Nov. 10, 1999 "There is no doubt that ... Saddam Hussein has reinvigorated his weapons programs. Reports indicate that biological, chemical and nuclear programs continue apace and may be back to pre-Gulf War status. In addition, Saddam continues to redefine delivery systems and is doubtless using the cover of a licit missile program to develop longer-range missiles that will threaten the United States and our allies." Letter to President Bush, Signed by: -- Sen. Bob Graham (D, FL), and others, Dec 5, 2001 "We begin with the common belief that Saddam Hussein is a tyrant and a threat to the peace and stability of the region. He has ignored the mandate of the United Nations and is building weapons of mass destruction and th! e means of delivering them." -- Sen. Carl Levin (D, MI), Sept. 19, 2002 "We know that he has stored secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country." -- Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002 "Iraq's search for weapons of mass destruction has proven impossible to deter and we should assume that it will continue for as long as Saddam is in power." -- Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002 "We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seeking and developing weapons of mass destruction." -- Sen. Ted Kennedy (D, MA), Sept. 27, 2002 "The last UN weapons inspectors left Iraq in October of 1998. We are confident that Saddam Hussein retains some stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons, and that he has since embarked on a crash course to build up his chemical and biological warfare capabilities. Intelligence reports indicate that he is seeking nuclear weapons..." -- Sen. Robert Byrd (D, WV), Oct. 3, 2002 "I will be voting to give the President of the United States the authority to use force -- if necessary -- to disarm Saddam Hussein because I believe that a deadly arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is a real and grave threat to our security." -- Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Oct. 9, 2002 "There is unmistakable evidence that Saddam Hussein is working aggressively to develop nuclear weapons and will likely have nuclear weapons within the next five years ... We also should remember we have always underestimated the progress Saddam has made in development of weapons of mass destruction." -- Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D, WV), Oct 10, 2002 "He has systematically violated, over the course of the past 11 years, every significant UN resolution that has demanded that he disarm and destroy his chemical and biological weapons, and any nuclear capacity. This he has refused to do" -- Rep. Henry Waxman (D, CA), Oct. 10, 2002 "In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including al Qaeda members ... It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons." -- Sen. Hillary Clinton (D, NY), Oct 10, 2002 "We are in possession of what I think to be compelling evidence that Saddam Hussein has, and has had for a number of years, a developing capacity for the production and storage of weapons of mass destruction." -- Sen. Bob Graham (D, FL), Dec. 8, 2002 "Without question, we need to disarm Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal, murderous dictator, leading an oppressive regime ... He presents a particularly grievous threat because he is so consistently prone to miscalculation ... And now he is miscalculating America's response to his continued deceit and his consistent grasp for weapons of mass destruction ... So the threat of Saddam Hussein with weapons of mass destruction is real..." -- Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Jan. 23. 2003 Democrats lied, and people died? Nope, that arguement is just plain stupid.

SFJohn comments on Credit Card and ATM fees

I researched this a year ago before I took off for a few months of traveling, and Capital One was the only one that had no foreign transaction fee. My Chase Mileage Plus Visa was 3% and my Delta Skymiles Amex was 2%. I found this article from March of this year and it looks like Capital One is still the only one with no fee: http://www.cardratings.com/creditcardforeignexchangefees.html A March 2008 survey of credit card issuers revealed the following foreign transaction fees: American Express - 2% Bank of America - 3% Chase - 3% Citi Bank - 3% HSBC - 3% Washington Mutual - 1% Wells Fargo - 3% Capital One - No Foreign Transaction Fee Discover - No fees. Accepted in China, the Carribean, Central America, Mexico and certain parts of Europe. Here is the Capital One website: http://www.capitalone.com/creditcards/

SFJohn comments on Buying Property - Changing Money into Pesos

I bought an apartment in Medellin in December... I am about at the end of my process to get my permanent resident investor visa (I hope) so I will post the details when I am done. The seller in Colombia had their account with Davivienda, and their intermediary bank is Citibank in NYC. My bank in the USA transferred my money to Citibank, and then for a reason nobody could explain to me, it took another 10 days for my money to be converted to COP and deposited at Davivienda. "Coincidentally" the dollar was weakening during those ten days so I expect someone was trying to make an extra few million pesos.

SFJohn comments on Rental Car, A good idea?

As if you needed some more discouragement, I thought someone should benefit from my previous frustration. A couple months ago, on my first visit to Colombia, I decided it would be convenient to rent a car for three days to check out Medellin. I was surprised that the rental fee at Hertz for a little Twingo manual-shift, manual windows, manual steering car was $140,000 COP per day (US $70). By the time I heard the price I was already in the Hertz office so I decided to just do it. No problem the first two days. On day three I wanted to check out the Feria de las Flores parade down in El Centro. I remember thinking it wasn't such a good idea to drive the rental car to the city center, but then I remembered how much I had paid for the rental, and I wanted to get my money's worth. I drove downtown and looked for a nice, safe garage where I could park. No luck, but then these very nice guys wearing reflective vests and waving red towels helpfully showed me where to park. And for only $5,000 COP, they also offered to watch the car and make sure everything was ok. Great! Well, as you probably guessed, after returning from the parade my car was gone. So were the nice parking guys. The traffic cop mentioned that I had parked in a prohibited spot and the car had probably been towed. Being Sunday, I couldn't get the car back until the next day. Long story short, the lady at Hertz had to go get the car the next day, and I had to pay another $400,000 COP in towing charge and fine. So let's see.... that is over $800,000 COP for a three day rental of a car that would sell for maybe $12,000 in the US. Even without the cost and trouble of being towed, you can use taxis all day long for the $120,000 - 140,000 COP car rental cost, and you don't have to deal with all the other hassles.

SFJohn comments on

I might be buying an apartment in Medellin in the next few months, so the dollar rising to 2,200 COP would be great... basically a 10% discount. I am always hesitant though to try and time things too much since the dollar can pretty easily go 10% in the wrong direction as well. And while I am sitting on the sidelines waiting for the dollar to strengthen a certain percentage, the real estate prices might have appreciated the same amount during that period.

SFJohn comments on My travel journal for Colombia

Thanks for all the nice feedback everyone! Tinto - Nubia and Ildegar are both just friends... really. Mr. Hollywood - NuevaLengua was a good school, and unique in offering classes in three cities, but it is not the least expensive for people on a budget. Also, the classes in Bogota are actually at the Universidad de la Sabana in Chia, so you need to take the transmilenio and then a small flota bus to get there. robi666 - You are correct, Medellin has ruined me for all other destinations. I will be there Saturday. Let's hook up at Oviedo. houstongal - KL was great. I actually went back for NYE and had a great time.

SFJohn comments on Safety advice for Medellin trip

My two cents... I spent the month of August in Medellin, and I felt as safe (in general) there as in Cartagena, and more safe than in Bogota. I think pedro above has some very good advice. I stayed in Poblado and got ATM withdrawals with no problem (there are a million ATM machines), and I hailed taxis all the time during the day. The locals recommended that I call a taxi at night and have someone write down the car number. I would arrange a driver from the airport if for no other reason that it will be nice to have someone waiting for you. The most interesting security-related issue that came up in Medellin was when I hung out one night with some locals in a couple of the more poor barrios. The locals told me before we got into a taxi to not speak. Apparently my English or mangled Spanish would expose me as a rich gringo and potentially make us a target. Seemed overcautious to me, but they were serious as a heart-attack.

SFJohn comments on A review site of the spanish schools in Bogotá

I am happy to provide some feedback on the NuevaLengua school if you would like. They are one of the few schools that allow students to study in three cities which is why I chose them. I spent two weeks in Bogota, one week in Cartagena, and my final three weeks in Medellin. The Bogota classes are actually at the Universidad de la Sabana in Chia. Nice excuse to stay late one day and head to Andres Carne de Res with some classmates. Here is their website: http://www.nuevalengua.com/spanish/index.htm

SFJohn comments on Buying a TV/DVD Combo and having it sent to address in Bogota...

This is a great question/issue. I have heard that Colombian customs will frequently tie up imported goods for a while (new or used), and assign seemingly random "values" to the property for the purpose of calculating the import tax. One person in Medellin told me that he tried to import a $500 rug, and customs assigned a ridiculous value that would have resulted in a $500 tax. After a few weeks of frustration, the guy just had the rug shipped back to the store. On the other hand (in Colombia there always seem to be many hands), I have heard of other people who somehow buy electronics online, and have them shipped from the US to Colombia. These people magically receive their goods as scheduled with no additional taxes. Does anyone have first-hand experience they can share?

SFJohn comments on Transfering US funds to a Colombia bank

Confirming Robi666's comment, the Colombian lawyer I mentioned before did tell me that the transfer amount needs to be the same as the purchase amount. It is important that the money sent to Colombia for the investment is registered appropriately with forms 4 and 11 or you might end up having significant unnecessary fees or taxes, or not be able to remove the money from Colombia later. Talking with a lawyer who has experience advising foreigners on this process would be a good idea.

SFJohn comments on The Colombian Mullet

The MulletsGalore website is I think the definitive resource and meeting place for admirers of this timeless hairstyle. http://www.mulletsgalore.com/ This website has MANY amazing photos. Go to the "classifications" link to see examples of varieties such as the camaromullet, meximullet (aka mullatino), the frolet (black power!), and the mulletard. Please do not go to this site if you are easily offended, or if you have a weak heart. The photos are F'ing hysterical.

SFJohn comments on Transfering US funds to a Colombia bank

It is definitely a catch-22 that it is difficult for a foreigner wanting to buy a property to open a bank account in Colombia without a Cedula Extranjeria, but it is also difficult to get a Cedula without having bought a property. I agree with previous posters that no bank in Colombia is going to accept a random foreign certified check for deposit unless you are an established customer. I can also confirm that my HSBC bank in the US is related to the HSBC banks in Colombia only in name, and in my ability to use their ATM's with no fees. I assume most other international banks are similarly independent regionally and do not allow for easy international money transfers. Based on my research I think the easiest process is to transfer the purchase cost to the seller's bank account. The Colombian bank that receives your transfer has to fill out a "Form 4" so your money is considered "legitimate", and when you sell the property, you will only pay capital gains tax on the profit. Once the purchase has happened, you go to the local Banco de Republica branch with the deed and a copy of Form 4, and they will give you a Form 11 which registers the property purchase. Having forms 4 and 11 allows you to remove the money from Colombia at a later date. You might also want to get a letter from the Banco de Republica at this time stating that you made a direct investment in Colombia of over US $100,000, and you submitted Forms 4 and 11 properly. This letter allows you to get a permanent resident investor visa and a Cedula Extranjeria, I think from a DAS office. I spoke with a very nice and experienced lawyer in Medellin who speaks English named Gloria Valencia. She is a great resource for information related to foreigners purchasing property in Colombia. Here is the contact information for Gloria: (04) 232-5321 work 315-286-6537 cell gloriavalencia at gmail.com

SFJohn comments on Seeking condo in Medellin

I also fell in love with Medellin on a recent visit, and I spent two weeks last month looking at apartments to buy in Poblado. The frustrating thing for me, coming from the US, is that there is no central location where all the properties for sale are listed. Here most cities have an online MLS (Multiple Listing Service) website and pretty much every property for sale is listed with photos and info. That does not exist in Medellin. What I ended up having to do was look at places with multiple agents. There seemed to be some places that everyone knew about, and then each agent also had apartments to show that were not public. Maybe they had a friend selling a place, or they know the security guy in a building that tells him when someone is moving, etc. It was especially interesting when two agents brought me to the same apartment, and the price one quoted me was 14 million COP more than the other! I would rather just deal with one agent, but it seems like the only way to see most of the appropriate places available is to work with several. Send me a message and maybe we can compare notes. I am going back to Medellin next month to continue looking for a place.

SFJohn comments on

I appreciate gringoinbogota's perspective here. Good to remember that Colombia is not Switzerland. One question though... what's all this about papaya? Can someone explain? "don't give over papaya" "selling papaya by the bushel full" "LOOK ON YOUR FACE THAT IS PAPAYA"

SFJohn comments on K&R Insurance

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I am comfortable with the risk-level in Medellin. I just wanted to ask if K&R insurance was common or recommended. It sounds like the major cost is not worth the minimal benefit. Ironically, just last year a crazy homeless guy attacked me when I was walking down a main street in San Francisco during the day! My main concern in Colombia seems to be getting talked to death by friendly locals.

SFJohn comments on Have you heard of Mangostino?

I discovered this delicious fruit on a recent trip to Vietnam. Mangosteen is very common there. All around Saigon there are people riding bicycles with the basket filled with these fruits. For less than two dollars they will give you a bag of them, and if you ask, the vendor will cut around the circumference and pop off the top exposing the inner white flesh. Yummy!

SFJohn comments on Suites Real 85 or 97 in BOG

I stayed at Suites 85 last month for over two weeks and it was great for me. The weekly rate was 820,000 COP, and that includes tax and breakfast. You order the breakfast by phone every morning, and they bring it to your room. Very good. I would see if you can get a unit on a higher floor, and check to see if it smells like an ashtray. My first unit was really smokey, but luckily they were able to move me to another. Suites 85 does advertise having WiFi, but it didn't work for me. I was able to use another computer down in their office, and I met some other guests there who were having the same problem. As other people have said, the location of Suites 85 is very good. It was perfect for me since I could walk one direction to Zona Rosa, and the other direction to the Calle 85 Transmilenio station.

SFJohn comments on Hawaiiguy

Hello. I saw your comment on my profile. I have been looking for 2 bedroom places in Poblado. John

SFJohn comments on Jomama

Hey Jomama, I am from San Francisco, and I am thinking about moving to Medellin as well. What got you interested in Colombia and Medellin? I am in Medellin now and have done some research. Maybe we can compare notes. John

SFJohn comments on Need a lawyer

I can strongly recommend a lawyer named Gloria Valencia. She is in Medellin, speaks great English, and she is very knowledgeable about issues that foreigners run into, Gloria is also very nice and helpful which is great. Here is the contact information for Gloria: 232-5321 work 315-286-6537 cell gloriavalencia at gmail.com I also heard from another lawyer in Medellin via PBH who sounds experienced and he speaks English. His name is Esteban, his number is 313-3046, and his email is: lawyerscolombia at yahoo.com

SFJohn comments on lawyer??

I have found two lawyers in Medellin that I can recommend. Both are experienced and speak English. Gloria Valencia. 232-5321 work 315-286-6537 cell gloriavalencia at gmail.com Esteban 313-3046 lawyerscolombia at yahoo.com

SFJohn comments on Looking for Lawyer in Medellin Who Speaks English

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, on and off the board. I ended up being referred to a lawyer named Gloria Valencia. She is in Medellin, speaks great English, and she is very knowledgeable about issues that foreigners run into, She is also very nice and helpful which is great. Here is the contact information for Gloria: 232-5321 work 315-286-6537 cell gloriavalencia at gmail.com I also heard from another lawyer in Medellin via PBH who sounds experienced and he speaks English. His name is Esteban, his number is 313-3046, and his email is: lawyerscolombia at yahoo.com

SFJohn comments on Spanish Course Medellin

I have spent the last six weeks taking an intensive Spanish course with a school called NuevaLengua. I chose this school since they offer classes in Bogota, Cartagena, and Medellin. I have attended classes in all three cities and I can recommend the school highly. I am in Medellin now, and the classes are near the Itagui metro station, which is the last metro stop to the South, not far from Poblado. The school is a little expensive compared to others, but I think the instructors are good, and the tuition also includes one or two excursions with a teach each week, The program director Rafael is also very helpful. In fact he has personally taken me to look for apartments and to the bank to ask about opening an account. Here is the website: http://www.nuevalengua.com/

SFJohn comments on slashdave

Hey Slashdave. You are a lawyer? Where are you located? I have some questions about visas, cedulas, buying property, etc. Thanks, John

SFJohn comments on happy camper

Hi there. I saw your posting about the buyers agent you mentioned in Medellin. I am looking for an apartment in Poblado now, so it would be great to contact your agent. Are you in Medellin now? What are you doing here? Maybe we can meet for a coffee or drink and chat. I am excited to move here, but of course I have a lot of questions and someone like you probably has found some good resources. Thanks, John

SFJohn comments on Buying property in Medellín

Happy Camper - Can you send me her contact info as well? Thanks

SFJohn comments on JohnNewYork

Hi John. Is the lawyer you mentioned in Medellin Mabel Velez Henao? I saw another post about her before and I wrote down her number. I am thinking about moving to Medellin and I need some advice on a visa, cedula, and buying a property. Sounds like these issues are all connected. I would love the name and number of the lawyer you mentioned, and any other advice you have. Thanks, John Lama

SFJohn comments on rumronrum

Hello. I saw your post regarding the furniture. I am in Medellin right now, and thinking about moving here from the US. I have been looking at apartments for sale in Poblado, and I like the area around Tesoro and Oviedo. It sounds like you have been here for a while. Would it be possible to chat with you one day? I have some questions and I thought you might have some good resources to refer to me. Thanks very much, John

SFJohn comments on

Hello,

It looks like you are in Bogota now. Is that right? I am coming to Bogota on Wednesday, and I will be in Colombia for a couple months to study Spanish and check out the country.

I saw a post of yours and it sounds like you know Bogota well. It would be nice to meet you and get some advice on the city. Reading the posts it sounds like there are specific places to meet nice girls, naughty girls, safe and less safe locations, cool places to see, etc.

How can I contact you?

Thanks,

John