shazam has left 132 comments

shazam comments on Snyder's Pretzels in Colombia

Maxli has been the only pretzels in Colombia for years. They're the skinny little sticks from the German bakeries, but eh, lousy. They started bringing Snynder's pretzel bits about a year or two ago...but only to select stores. And the bits, are well, bits. Now they're everywhere...Carulla, Exito, Olympica. THe cost is definitely relative to the import tarriff's. But I'm still pleased they're here, I'd been bugging a certain student who's family owns Carulla to bring them for some time!

shazam comments on Restaurant review;Crispinos.

Glad to see they're getting some publicity! I've loved eating there for the last 10 years and must say, it's still as good as ever!

shazam comments on Teaching Jobs?

i worked at the columbus school and since they are US accredited (kids graduate with a valid US high school diploma) they can only hired teachers with both a diploma and certification in education. and they usually hire them at the job fairs taking place from dec-feb (ISS, TIE, Northern Iowa, Queens, etc). if you have that, and they do hire you here, you'll get the local, not import teacher salary which is significantly different.

shazam comments on sweet potatoes/ yams in Bogota for Thanksgiving?

I've bought them several times at both 7 de agosto and Paloquemao. Not all the vendors have them, though. At 7 de agosto, there's usually one guy, and he gets just small ones. He's one aisle in from the end where the chicken/bird vendors are. At Paloquemao, ask around. I've found them at various merchants, but rarely the same one. However, someone usually has them. And yes, they're called Patata's and they will then tell you that there are two varieties. (sweet potatos and yams) one apparently is sweeter than the other.

shazam comments on Diving trip to Gorgona Island [Video]

great video and great information! I've been looking into diving both gorgona and mal pelo and from bogota, the prices are steep. for a week in november for gorgona they wanted 2.400.000 - flight, hotel, dives. For a week in december to malpelo it was 4.500.000. and they want it all paid in cash. a bit hard on the pocketbook, but definitely in my future plans. Thanks for sharing!

shazam comments on

done deal...expect some turbulance in the first few days... http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/10/30/us.colombia.bases/index.html

shazam comments on Funny Comments made by salespeople in Colombia to sell anything........

I had a goldfish swimming sideways, so I figured it had parasites and went to the pet store to buy antibiotics or whatever. The salesguy said, nope, he's near death. You've overfed him and ruptured his floating mechanisms...he's going to die.' So I said, 'really, and there's nothing to do but wait and watch him die?' His answer: 'Well, I can sell you a fish to kill him.' HA HA

shazam comments on Help!! DECENT* carpenter required in Bogota

Jorge Cely 288-1116 or 245-3381; 317-301-4621 or 316-225-0438 I originally hired him to 'fix' the table I had made in 12 de octubre. I'd given them a dozen photos of exactly what I wanted and got a chunky, rustic table. Jorge took it apart, slimmed everything down and now I've got a super stylish dining room table. After that, I had him make my chairs (from a Crate & Barrel design), book shelves, side bar and then refurbish my mother's Ethan Allen stools. He's also hung curtains for me, fixed my couch, built and installed shelves for friends and built them furniture as well. He's on time, reasonably priced and best of all...does what YOU want. He might suggest ideas, but he'll also accept your preferences. I highly recommend him.

shazam comments on Strikes in Colombian Universities

OK my friends, I went out last night with some of my U. Nacional friends and got the scoop...and holy shite, it's crazy! Yes, some of the people who were marching/protesting AND held the uni president were actually students. However, no one, none of the TV or radio stations, none of the newspapers ever asked WHY they were all marching. (they are all, and have been, under Uribe's gag orders - hence why we never hear of paramilitary and guerrilla activity in the country anymore) Well, here's why. Prior to 1992 the U. Nacional paid its professors' pension in something called a 'pension pasiva' in which they profs put in money, which was then put into the government with the understanding that the government would match it and then later pay their pensions when they retired. Well, in 2002 the government passed a law saying that all public institutions that had been under that system were now responsible for paying the match and remainder of those pensions and that the government is no longer responsible to do so. So basically, the U. Nacional is screw financially because they can't afford to pay it. And since they can't they are near bankrupt so the government is now saying that since they are bankrupt, they'll have to be 'bailed out' by the government who already has private buyers ready to purchase the university and turn it into a private university. The students then, who are not able to pay for a private university tuition (apx $6.000.000 compared to an average $500.000 a semester) can all apply for loans through the government's loan program...to which they will then be into debt much like many US students are. So basically, Uribe's government has come up with a very underhanded way to shut down the university...and that is why they are all so pissed off. Can't say I blame them!

shazam comments on Strikes in Colombian Universities

Many of the students at the nacional ARE working...if they could afford to live at home and study, they'd be at Los Andes or Javerieana or Santo Tomas or whatever. And many students at the nacional are also on scholarship...they're smarts got them in, not their parent's palanka. There have been strikes that have lasted more than two weeks. The last one I remember was a year or so ago and it went on for nearly half the semester and many were worried about losing the semester entirely. That strike was related to the government changing the credits required to graduate and placing a maximum time limit for studying in the university (regardless of whether or not you were completing more than one degree). It also involved removing nearly 70% of the faculty. I know, for example, the Economics/Mathematics faculty was 36 and they reduced it to something like 8 professors. The others were allowed to teach part time, but lost all their pension/benefits/etc. THe article about this past strike also clearly states that Wasserman acknowledge that the people who kidnapped him...on campus...were not students. Again, the campus is often used by outside groups to make political statements, hence the grafetti etc. As for Americans and politics, most Americans do not know their own history, let alone anyone else's, and have become so anti-intellectual that they'll believe whatever they 'feel' regardless of any facts placed before them. THere has been a dumbing down of the educational system, somewhat intentionally, and an emphasis on pop, trivial knowledge so that the average American cares more about food and celebrities and mediocre sensationalized events (not news) and pontificating about the flag and American Values...but can't identify the Bill of Rights, let alone what it includes, doesn't understand nor can explain the electoral college, has only a vague idea of simple physics principals and mocks/doesn't trust anyone with hard evidence of factual knowledge...instead they go with their gut. *sigh* I grew up in the states, thankfully to immigrant parents, and have taught there and abroad (as an actual certified educator, not a language instructor) so it's quite disheartening, but it's the truth. They'd rather believe their child has a 'vibrational aura' being a gifted outer space race than acknowledge that they set no bounderies at home to discipline their child...and that's why they're disruptive and unproductive in class. It's also why Bush staged two electoral coups and the masses didn't notice (read the Ohio Report to understand). Sorry, way off topic...can't really compare a US college student's experience to a Colombian's. Colombian parents don't run out to Target to decorate dorm rooms to the nine so their kid has a good 'college experience'. It's more the old joke...How can you tell the difference between a nacional student and an andes student in the rain? Andes' students put their books over their heads to protect them from the rain and nacional students protect them under their shirts.

shazam comments on

I saw this article in CNN too and immediately thought...what old news...what a lousy reporter. Colombia is safer than it has been in years so this guy shows up NOW to write about how dangerous it is? He should have been here in '87 when it really was bad!

shazam comments on

I think I'd put Harlem definitely as strata 1 or 2. I grew up in Ohio...and let me tell you...WEST VIRGINIA is easily strata 0 or if possible -0!

shazam comments on Strikes in Colombian Universities

ouf! Calm down Simon...Uni. Nacional is not 'fulll of communists'. good grief. You might as well next claim that Los Andes is filled with entitled incompetent rich kids who BUY degrees! Or that Javeriana is filled with wanna-be's who think you're successful if you can buy a $14.000 pesos lunch! What nonsense. The U. Nacional has a leftist faculty and very active student groups as well as a student population of easily the most intelligent people in the entire country. Which is probably a good thing to have a place of balance for all the conservative, elitist, oppression in the rest of the country. It has THE best mathematics and economics program in the country (yes, better than Los Andes-and they know it as they allow their students to take classes for credit at nacional), and their programs in medicine, music, and engineering also rank top in the nation. Strikes are common because neither the students nor the faculty have control over their university, unlike the private ones such as Javeriana and Andes. The government arbitrarily changes salaries, credit requirements, etc. at the whim of politicians who fully and completely acknowledge that theirs is the last voice in colombia out of their control. That said, there is also a lot of complete insanity that occurs on the campus of U. Nacional. They do have riots - with gas and rocks and the whole shebang. They do have urban guerrilla enrolled or simply 'hanging out' trying to recruit students and/or get information out of faculty. They also have non-student anarchist groups who routinely stage riots on their campus. Most students there, initially are quite fascinated and entertained by all the ruckus...as most teens/young adults would be. (US high school and college kids love breaking stuff too!) But most I've met who either currently or previously study there will tell you that by the end of their second year they are all fed up with it and just want to graduate. They will also tell you that most of the rioters are NOT students, but political activists and anarchists who simply use their campus as a battle ground. More than once I've heard people complain about not being able to turn in assignments because of the riots..and they're annoyed. And by the way, Simon, when the Black Panthers held the library at Columbia University in NYC, along with hostages...raging generalizations about university didn't arise...even though some of the STUDENTS were part of that escape.

shazam comments on Want to have the best b-day ever to make up for lost time! Place: Bgta Years: 20

electronica - Cha-cha; cinema, Gotica, salsa - goce pagano, cafe libre (in galerias, not parque 93) ugh, there's a million places! pick up a copy of Plan B or GO in the supermarket when you get here, then stroll zona rosa or for kicks down around septima near javaeriana...crazy college bars there

shazam comments on Feta Cheese

They ought to have it in Carulla in Poblado...check the deli, not the cheese aisle

shazam comments on does any one know if there are any bilingual churches in bogota

Wow, no only did the mormons spell Colombia wrong, but who the heck claimed it to be the 'most beautiful building in Bogota, if not all of Columbia (sic)' ?! good grief!

shazam comments on What are the best living areas in Bogota for foreigners?

I think it all depends on where you work...and how easy it is to get there from where you live. I used to live around calle 67 and 4 which is a great area, before it was Zona G. Close to transportation, relatively safe, easy to walk, etc. However now it's commonly known as the 'gringo ghetto' and many, many, many teachers from Colegio Nueva Granada live there. (the school places them there when they arrive) Then I lived downtown around calle 28 and 13...right in Parque Bavaria - not the buildings called that, but the actual park. SUPER COOL! Downtown is also a great place to live, but you'll want to be street savy and quite fluent in Spanish. I could easily pop into the high class places around the Tequendama and Macarena but there were also tons of little spots that locals hung out at that were much less expensive. Plus, it's close to lots of theatres and museums. super fun. Now I'm back up 'north' around the university La Salle, which is also a nice area. THere are posh apartments and renovated houses, lots of locals, a nice mix of families and young people, close to septima and transmilienio. It's lovely. I've also always had friends who've lived in La Candelaria in absolutely beautiful apartments. Several lived in the monastary the rest have found renovated apartments and houses with modern amenities, etc. I can't live down there as it's too far from my work and I have a very strong aversion to ghosts. Other areas where I'd consider living would definately be Nicolas Federman or La Soledad...both are quite nice. I'm not a big fan of the gentrified neighborhoods up north (zona rosa, 93, usaquen), but many enjoy that to each their own. But again, it's really up to the individual. Do you want to live around a bunch of other foreigners? Or do you want to disappear into the crowd?

shazam comments on Gassed in Colombia or is the press sensored in Colombia or the other Colombia

part of Uribe's claim to fame for improving Colombia lies in his media gag order. There are many, many, many horrible incidents like this one and others in which the paramilitaries 'support' the military that go unpublicized. But talk to people and they'll tell you what has happened. or check some sites like this one: http://www.justiceforcolombia.org/?link=colombianews

shazam comments on Uribe has the swine flu

hmmm, talk about karma!

shazam comments on Artesenia, market places and craft shopping in Bogota - Where should I go?

The best I've found so far for authentic Colombian artesanias (not the artsy fairs in Usaquen) is Paseo Rivas on calle 10 with cra. 10. It's actually two different corridors filled with little shops of typical stools and tables, hammocks, ruanas, instruments, souvenirs, costumes, lampshades, art, chivas, etc. you name it, they've got it! And if you want soccer uniforms for kids...San Victorino is just around the corner!

shazam comments on Highly Recommended: Visit Someone You Know While They're Serving in the Military in Colombia

I know there's a collection every now and then at the US embassy to take items to US citizens in prison here in Colombia, but I don't know about one for soldiers. I'll ask around and see what I find. There must be, though, as I've contribute to several collection drives for natural disasters and such around Colombia. And most of those soldiers, they really are just kids - 18-19-20 years old. And the older ones either are making a career of it, or got picked up without their papers. They really do need a break! Especially, and this irks me to no end, when NONE of the strata 5 or 6 boys serve. I'm sure even the strata 4 boys get out of it, but if you're going to have mandatory military service...then there should be no way out! Like Israel or Greece, even if you're blind and have no legs, they'll put you at a desk doing something so you're part of the nation. *ugh* It turns my stomach to watch the rich kids pay off a doctor to write a medical exam that says they can't serve...and yet...they can drop $900.000 in one night at Andres Carnes de Res. Sorry for the complaining...

shazam comments on I'm so happy cause I don't work for IH Bogota anymore...

hmm, sad stories do abound, but we often forget that we always have other options. In fact, Colombia has some of the most supportive laws for employees against employers, however most are unaware of it or never even bother to look into it. As well, we often do things here that we wouldn't do in our home countries, like sign a contract and not request a copy of it. Or even READ IT before signing it...including contracts with Movistar, ETB, and even your gym! But there are resources to find reputable employers. AASSA - American Association of Schools in South America - all US accredited schools with US curriculum that maintain standard hiring processes for employees. They mostly hire certified teachers, or at the very least those with diplomas in education. But you can be assured that they are reputable schools, with decent pay and housing. Job hiring fair is usually in December for the following school year. ISS - International Schools Services - The oldest and most reputable international school organization. They help set up international schools, help hire teachers and administrators, and only allow schools who've demonstrated employer credibility to attend their job hiring fairs...usually February and July for the following school year. Again, mostly looking for certified educators with a minimum of two years experience. US, UK and Canadian schools worldwide. ECIS - European Council of International Schools - Pretty much the same as ISS, but speicalizing in schools in Europe. Search Associates - They are job head hunters that will find a teaching position for you, but require a placement fee once they do. TOFEL - the English certification people. If you only want to teach others how to speak/read/write English, these are the people you want. They'll train you and then connect you with their institutes around the world. So there's a handful to get you started. But do keep in mind that pay packages differ greatly between countries and schools, especially if you are only teaching English at an institute rather than teaching IN English at an accredited school. And as always, if you hang with the complainers, you'll never be happy.

shazam comments on Anyone else feel an edgy vibe lately in Bogota?

OK, so maybe it's just me. the neo-nazi stuff is unnverving though...but I have seen them around. and the little punk gangs who graffetti stupid slogans everywhere. hmm, i was down in paloquemao over the weekend and all felt well. but i did have my garden hose stolen the night i posted this thread. what the hell is anyone going to do with my garden hose anyway!

shazam comments on Exact Departure Fee

Also depends on your ticket, some airlines will put it right into the price. I used to pay fees when leaving (I'm on a resident visa) but for the last few years haven't. All depends. But there's ATM's at the airport so never a worry.

shazam comments on 'Flexible Salary' offers from employers

It seems everyone has the same feeling I do. The whole thing sounds sketchy to me and not exactly honest to the government as well. I won't get my Colombian pension for at least another 20 years, but still...I've got my integrity intact and can't rationalize screwing over others and myself at the same time. I haven't signed and don't plan to, but the fear remains that at some point, it will no longer be 'voluntary', it'll me 'that's just how we do it'. ugh

shazam comments on The Brilliance Of Bogota

So many mixed messages here...on the one hand, yes, improvements were made to Bogota by Penalosa, but at what cost? The bicycle paths were not built for the rich...but so the rich could get where they needed to go by car faster. It got those 'other' people off the road. The wealthy of Bogota neither walk nor bicycle anywhere...except at their clubs and fincas. But, yes, now everyone else can walk and bicycle more safely...in the rain. As for 'removing the slums'...have you not heard of 'STREET SWEEPING'? Do you have any idea what happened to all those bums and homeless who actually lived in the Calle de Cartuches and elsewhere? Do you know where they live now? They don't...they're dead. The ones who did escape now live in the sewers. Yes, he gave us lovely outdoor parks now and lots of blood on his hands. http://www.vbs.tv/watch/balls-deep/sewers-of-bogota

shazam comments on Pepper Spray - Brass Knuckles - Stun Gun

just out of curiousity, youngmogul, what do you plan on doing here in Colombia that you're so concerned about arming yourself? Or are you simply reacting to media on the dangers of Colombia?

shazam comments on Surfing in Colombia

Can anyone provide specific information on board rentals?

shazam comments on LOS PAISAS

I stand corrected. The information I gave was given to me several times by several people while I lived in Medellin, all Paisas, however, I must say, all the ultra wealthy, so it's quite possible it was 'their' story...or the story they wanted to believe. And I did. Or maybe it's the story of a small few, and not the majority. Or maybe it was a combination of Jews and Basque people, but not necessarily Basque Jews. It is history and therefore details vary depending on the teller. Thanks for the spelling on PEPES. I'd only ever heard it, never seen it. I still hold that that period of paisa colonization within Colombia is valid for drawing the dislike of their countrymen. It's taught as part of the sociales curriculum in schools throughout Colombia. Thanks for also sharing your last name. I must say I've never met a paisa with that one, but I'm sure I haven't met them all...yet! :)

shazam comments on LOS PAISAS

Some of us do need a history lesson. Medellin was originally founded by a pogrom of Jews from the Basque region of Spain. Jews are reknowned for the emphasis they place on education, hard work, and financial savvy and the people of the Basque region are renowned for their strong character and good looks. There's a start, but throughout the years, they obviously mixed with others and now Medellin is mostly Catholic. Anyone from Antioquia is considered Paisa. As much as they are very family oriented, they are also incredibly hard working, savvy business people and some of the best husslers you'll ever meet. They are friendly, outgoing, fun loving and generally up front with you. (Unlike a Bogotano who values appearances over sincerity!) It is also a region with a wonderful climate, plenty of water and fertile land...hence farms did very well here and the Paisas very early on were some of the wealthiest, if not best off Colombians. And early on there was a sense of unity among Paisas...most likely tied directly to their close knit families...if everyone is related, then that makes all Paisas related! In the early 1800's, there was a movement in Colombian history called La Colonizacion Paisa, in which both the political and church leaders in Antioquia encouraged paisas in Medellin, to 'colonize' other parts of the country, cultivate the land and make the country prosperous. This is why people from the departments south of Antioquia, like Caldas, consider themselves Paisa. But they Paisas didn't just go to the neighboring departments, they went EVERYWHERE. Many of the large cattle ranches on the coast are owned by paisas; flower farms in Cundinamarca are owned by Paisas; coffee plantations in Eje Cafetera are Paisa owned. The went out, aquired land and made themselves prosperous. This is where much of the Paisa pride, and non-Paisa dislike derives. Paisas work hard, make money and do well. When they come into your region and do better than you, it evokes jealousy. As well, Medellin, although small compare to Bogota, is the textile center of the country. Most Paisa banks and companies are incredibly well run, efficient, modern and successful. i.e. Exito, Bancolombia, Sufinaciamento, etc. In the late 1980's Bogota couldn't even get themselves organized enough to collect garbage so a Paisa company was contracted. They came in and had everything running smoothly in 2-3 months! If something works in Colombia, there's usually a Paisa behind it! So the jealousy is obvious. There has also been a movement on and off among radical, successful Paisas to separate from the rest of Colombia and become their own country. Born out of disgust with the inefficiencies of the rest of the country, they figured they had all the resources they'd need to be a successful country on their own. On paper, it seems feasible, but it'll never happen. As for the Uribe-paramilitary connection, that is not all Paisa. Uribe's parents were killed by the FARC and as governor of Antioquia he passed into law the right for landowners to use or hire men to use firearms to protect themselves. This is where the many of the small personal defense groups were created, such as AUC. Eventually, when they demanded more from the landowners, upon refusal they took matters into their own hands. So basically, he allowed militias of paramilitaries to run amok with no recourse. As well, this was around the time of Pablo Escobar in which the Pipe's were born. Again, they were a self-armed militia funded by the wealthy to go after Escobar and his supporters completely outside, yet tolerated by the police and military. So they're not all perfect. The Paisas are easily the most wonderful people in all of Colombia. Consider yourself lucky to experience Medellin, to be surrounded by Paisas and to be welcomed into their lives. They are good people.

shazam comments on What jobs are expats in Colombia doing for work other than ESL and backpacker Inns?

hmmm, I don't think a falso positivo is something NOT to complain about, nor does it make you a FARC employed expat. Depending on your level of Spanish, and your education and experience, jobs are varied. If you're a certified teacher from either the US, UK, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, the international schools might offer you a job. I've had friends working in the oil industry, to opening clubs and restaurants, to teaching masters classes at Los Andes and Javeriana, to running NGO's and orphanages. Know your market, do your research and you should be fine. But DO stay away from the negative types and complainers. They will bring you down always.

shazam comments on Any US citizens working at the Embassy hired in Colombia?

Most US citizens hired within Colombia to work at the US embassy are dependents (wives, legal age children) of current US employees. i.e. DEA agents's wives are hired to run the CLO or work as secretaries. This is the second largest US embassy in the world (after Bagdad) and there are lots of position. They send out a monthly newsletter to employees and listed US citizens with job positions available. These are also posted on their website.

shazam comments on wanna do something different in bogota!!!!!!!1

as a teacher, the children's museum here sucks. try a cabalgata in la calera. stop by a colsubsidio office and ask for their catalog of activities...they've got hiking clubs, rock climbing, swimming, tennis, tons to do at very reasonable prices. if you're into rock climbing, the Gran Pared on septima with 50 ish is fantastic. There's also pick up games of soccer and basketball in most parks on the weekend. better yet, pick up a copy of Plan B or Go Ocio in the supermarket and they'll have everything going on in town for the month

shazam comments on do other americans here find locals friendly?

hmmm, do Americans find Americans friendly? Or are Americans only friendly to other Americans...or are they only friendly to other Americans...JUST LIKE THEM? hmmm...

shazam comments on Anyone need a maid in Bogota?

hmmm, having a maid is not about laziness, it's about making a small contribution to the economy. Many women who work as maids have very little options. Many have very little education. A good, honest maid can make above the minimum wage with a full week's work...and good for her if she does! There are laws on how to pay your maid, however most foreigners never bother to look into them or even consider they exist. You should have some type of written agreement with your maid on the days she'll work and the amount you'll pay her. You should also have a log book of the days she arrives. Both of these can be completely informal...i.e. a notebook in which you both sign a handwritten agreement and she jots down the days she's there. You can also use this as communication back and forth. If your maid is full time, meaning every day, you SHOULD pay for her seguridad social. Ask around and you can easily find out how to do this. You should also give her a bonus at Christmas. And when it comes time to end the contract, for whatever reason, you DO need to pay a liquidacion equivalent to at least one month's salary to her. Even if you fire her.

shazam comments on Want to volunteer for an NGO for 3 months in Colombia

If she's up for no, or very little pay, she can volunteer at Hogar Nueva Granada in Bogota. They're a small, 'head start' sort of school on the campus of Colegio Nueva Granada for the lower income kids that live in the barrio around the school. They have a week long school program for grades k-5, provide meals and dental/eye care for the kids and their families.

shazam comments on Basketball in Bogota

sundays in the park between cll 80 and 81 on cra 11. also in parque portugal cra 5 with cll 59.

shazam comments on Need Translator service in Bogota

try Gladys ARango Medina who is a certified translator that several of my coworkers have used Cra. 79 #7a-30 of 302 tel 317-2301 fax 213-3841 cel 300-566-2987 gladarango at cable.net.co

shazam comments on narguile en Bogotá

El Kalifa (Atlantis mall, and cra 11 around 90), Gyros y Kebab, zona T by the harley store, Sol de Libano (my personal favorite) in the pepe sierra cll 116 just below the Carulla on ave. 15. There's also a little place on calle 59 with novena. The only authentic Greek restaruant with REAL Greek gyros is OPA on calle 94 and 14ish. The owner is Greek and the gryos are lamb, chicken or pork...your choice. he also makes a veggie one too. and in medellin the best i've found is Fenicia, cra 38a behind the bolivariana.

shazam comments on Where can I buy ladybugs for my garden in Bogota?

Do they sell ladybugs at the farmer's markets? And why on earth would they think it strange to buy ladybugs for a garden when you can buy ants at the tienda! ha ha I'll have to ask around next time I'm at paloquemao. Thanks everyone!

shazam comments on

A guy I work with, gringo, had his card cloned just before semana santa. Lost close to 2 million. But his bank, HSBC, had insurance for his account. So although he lost it, and had to do some paperwork, it was covered. New account, new card. Just need to keep an eye out for sketchy ATM's and when charging at restaurants or shops, GO WITH YOUR CARD to the register.

shazam comments on Uribe linked to 1997 massacre

duh...why do you think all the graffetti calls Uribe Paraco?

shazam comments on

don't give cash to the street beggars...you never really know where it's going. better to give them food or water...either what you won't finish, or get a take out bag after you eat at a restaurant and hand it to someone on the street, or, and i know many people who do this...carry small bags of rice or beans or the like with you and give that out. at least you know they'll eat something.

shazam comments on extra pages for US passport

I did mine in Bogota last year. Dropped it off first thing in the morning with the form and the cash and had it by 3pm that afternoon. Super easy.

shazam comments on Starry-eyed or Jaded? What's Your Take On Colombia?

lol depends on the last taxi driver I encountered!

shazam comments on Quick Advice - Who to contact for missing person?

cell phone battery died and nowhere to charge it...or didn't bring the charger. But he got an earful of keeping the rest of us in the know about his whereabouts. And just at lunch today, our US Embassy warden told us she got an email from the embassy about the limpiezas. Scary.

shazam comments on Quick Advice - Who to contact for missing person?

Thank you all for your advice. He arrived this morning. His sister called and then he called to explain what happened. Apparently he missed the last bus on Monday, so hung out in Bogota Tuesday and grabbed the night bus last night! I'm not sure if it's a Colombian thing, a man thing or maybe just him...but there were too many of us worried something terrible happened. We were hesitant to call the police or DAS or the hospital until we'd confirmed the least terrible possibilities first. Worst case senarios such as getting caught by the 'limpieza' or picked up by the military without a libretta or being scopalamina-ed in the street were a bit to scary to think of right away. And in case anyone else needs to know, the bus companies can only look up who bought a ticket and/or boarded the bus with their cedula numbers. They wouldn't look it up by name. So it's important to know your loved ones cedulas! Thanks again for your advice. My friend had enough people 'reganar' him about it I don't think he'll go another day without letting someone know where he is!

shazam comments on Advice on Schools in Cartagena

Colegio Jorge Washington has a US accredited curriculum, is a member of AASSA (American Association of Schools in South America), recruits it's foreign hired staff at US job fairs with organizations like ISS (International Schools Services) and the University of Northern Iowa, both reputable international school organizations, and participates in bi-national schools events in Colombia with schools in Medellin, Bogota, Cali, Armenia, Periera and Manizales. That said, I unfortunately do not have any experience with the Montessori school in Cartagena, but have found that their schools throughout Colombia vary in strength of curriculum and discipline. Your best bet is to visit the schools personally, chat with teachers, scope out not only the elementary but also high school and see what feels best for your family.

shazam comments on Best hostels in Cali, Bogota, and Cartagena

Fatima is the new 'hot' hostal in Bogota. Blows the Platypus away. It's newer, obviously, has a kitchen, bar, restaurant with weekend entertainment, a turco/suana, a great solarium TV room...etc. and when they do throw parties, it's in the house attached next door, not right in the middle of the actual hostal to protect guest rooms from noise and 'visitors'

shazam comments on Riots at Iron Maiden concert

OK, so what was the point for smashing the windows of the apartments in Pablo XI? I have friends who live there and the windows of the building next to them were all smashed out - they were throwing rocks and bricks at the buildings. They also smashed car windows in the parking lots. Then the police, in their infinite wisdom, sprayed tear gas and gassed the people who were in their homes!