ShazCas has left 316 comments

ShazCas comments on Being called "Doctor" in Colombia ?

Found it very weird... I used to get called 'Doctora' by the secretaries when I was a teacher in Bogota, and I was only in my early twenties! I found it really weird at first, and didn't really like it. But now if I have a Colombian friend who I think is 'a fountain of knowledge' on a particular topic, I'll start calling him/her 'doctor/a' as a joke. I don't like the serious connotations of being called 'doctor/a' simply because you're a professional worker though.

ShazCas comments on How do you call your honey?

Awww I don't know whether to puke or say awww...

Oh well, I think I'll just join in - my husband calls me 'pajarito' and I call him 'bizcocho', 'mi amor', 'mi amorcito' or 'Libardinchis'

ShazCas comments on Has anyone seen this Colombian film? Do you recommend it?

El Carro I've seen it and have a copy of it on DVD. It's a heartwarming film about a car and a family, and it's also party a coming of age film. I like this film because it is funny, upbeat and has a nostalgic film. It wouldn't win any Oscars, but is well worth seeing, especially if you're interetsed in seeing a bit of what Bogota is like and want to understand more about Colombian humour and family traditions.

ShazCas comments on Please help me out (lost nr1 place again)!

Pleasure to help out In return for such a wonderful website. X

ShazCas comments on Please help me out (lost nr1 place again)!

Pleasure to help out In return for this great website. X

ShazCas comments on "Mal genio"- Please translate for me

Bad temper It simply means bad temper. estar de malgenio is to be in a bad mood, which is temporary. If a person is generally a bad-tempered one, you could say ser malgeniado (a) which is more permanent (hence estar used in the first and ser in the second). Hope this helps.

ShazCas comments on Clothes Shopping in Bogota

Great idea! I think that's a great idea Kat! And you could sell bras with a larger cup than C too! Im a UK size 10 (US 6) and in some shops in Bogota I was told that they didn't cater for people my size and only had up to US size 4!!

ShazCas comments on insurance

Definitely You should definitely get insurance, and you could try Tesco as they have good prices - let us know how you get on if you do contact them!

ShazCas comments on Anyone heard of Fusagasuga?

Should be fine Travelling to Fusa should be fine, and you shouldn't have any safety issues there either. It's near Bogota, and the road is normally absolutely fine. It's a largeish town, and you can call it Fusa if you have problems pronouncing the whole name!!

ShazCas comments on for women visiting colombia

Pads are more popular My experience was that while the supermarket shelves groaned with every possible kind of pad, even black ones for thongs, etc, there was only usually one brand and one size of tampon squeezed into a tiny corner beside all the pads. All the women I knew used pads, and I had to travel to one particular drogueria for the tampons I use. Is that a Catholic thing?

ShazCas comments on Problem

And another thing If you're not into her, why buy her a present, pay for dinner and see her parents? It'll just hurt her more in the end, women can delude themselves into thinking that a man likes them even if it's pretty clear they don't, so don't send out mixed messages. You could tell her as soon as you see her that you want tp be friends, but what for? Do you want to be her friend? It doesn't sound like it! Anyway, that's my agony aunt session over!

ShazCas comments on Problem

Honest Ok, some proper advice - sometimes men can be guilty of getting a girl's hopes up by not being honest and upfront about things, because they don't want the confrontation, and who can blame them? But the kindest thing you can do is obviously not say she's ugly of course but say you're not interested as soon as you can. The sooner she knows where she stands the better. Do not lead her on in any way basically or make crap excuses that let her believe there may be something, because it'll be harder to get away from her after! Better to do the hard part right away! Good luck, enjoy Cali and stay in the Iguana!

ShazCas comments on Problem

Because you said she looked scary It was really because you said she looked scary and I'm nosy, so, after all, you were asking for our opinion? By the way, lpdiver, I'm a "she" not a "he"!

ShazCas comments on Problem

Photo Rich, why don't you show us the photo?

ShazCas comments on Being in a relationship with English people

The Sun Kernow, there's nothing wrong with liking a woman with big breasts, but there's a LOT wrong with The Sun ;-)

ShazCas comments on Why Men Should Not Marry

Another thing has just occurred to me... If American women have such an anti-male bias, why don't they ever start threads here about American men being fat, or whatever, etc? I've never been to the US but all I see on this site is anti-female bias. So what does that teach me? Anyway, I know that I'm probably wasting my breath (finger energy?) so, back to Colombia...

ShazCas comments on Why Men Should Not Marry

You won't blacken my idea of true love It occurred to me when reading about these miserable marriages that of course we are getting a man's point of view on them, and that the women in these marriages must be utterly miserable as well. No sex, years of boredom, why would you nag someone unless you can't stand them or the way they behave? And they are the ones who have to bear the children, I just don't understand why they do it with someone they don't really want to have sex with and feel the need to nag all the time. I'm very happy in my marriage, and I hope my husband will always be happy with me too, and I think that if it ever got miserable, then divorce would be for the best. But then we do have that ass-wiping kind of love (the least romantic way I've ever described it!!!) and have been together for 7 years and aren't itching yet!

But of course it's understandable that some people end up hating each other, and I imagine that can be incredibly miserable, for both parties. It's hard to live with other people, and to keep a relationship simmering you have to make the effort and have an open heart. I don't think it's fair to blame women for everything, or men for that matter, many years with one person - well who knows what will happen? I disagree with racism and sexism because it's wrong, but I won't harp on about it. After all, if a man wants to believe that all American women are bitches, there's probably nothing I can do to convince him of anything else!

It's always men who talk about marriage tying them down, but what about women? If I hadn't got married I would most probably have a much more successful career with more money. But would I be happy? My husband makes me feel like the happiest woman alive when we fall asleep snuggled together - and we left the "honeymoon period" behind LONG ago! And he has the freedom to do what he wants - I don't control him, I'm a modern woman and we CHOSE to be together! Who am I to tell him what to do? Anyway, I'm a hopeless romantic, and will continue to believe that I have met my soulmate who I am lucky to have met, feel in love with at first sight, and will hopefully grow old with and have many exciting experiences. And I don't care what anybody says *blows rasperry*

ShazCas comments on Need Translation..........anyone??

They're right What's the point of being with someone you can't trust without reading their emails? They're definitely flirting a lot, but who knows, there might be something, there might not - you'd be better with someone you can trust or learning how to trust before having a relationship at all. How would you feel if she was reading your emails? You're thinking about whether you can trust her but can she trust you?

ShazCas comments on Blending in Vs. Looking like a fool.

Cali Desi, you're right, there isn't much long hair in Cali or in the other hotter cities, and where people listen mostly to tropical music - the men tend to be more conservative. But in Bogota, Medellin, etc, there are more people who listen to rock and folk music and loads of hippies.

ShazCas comments on Blending in Vs. Looking like a fool.

Bogota/cities versus rest of Colombia I would agree with Mr Hollywood, in Bogota no-one would bat an eyelid at the dreds, piercings or tattoos. It's pretty much the same in Medellin and Manizales, but the other cities are more conservative. So they'd either think you were foreign or from Bogota! It won't matter if you look like a hippie, it's a lot safer than looking polished and with a nice fat wallet. There are lots of Colombian hippies who are mostly left alone - hey, I never got asked for money when I walked around looking like one! And because you'll be travelling, at least you won't have to worry about work or job interviews! There's the practical side of it - would you be happy with it in the heat? Have a great time, whatever you decide!

ShazCas comments on Spanglish, any good?

Oh yes I see what you mean Desi, as you can read above I have learnt how to edit posts, but as I have said above, it won't let me edit the original one. Is it too late to edit it now that I have posted again?

Thededalus, yes, I thought it might be an interesting film for couples and families who use both English and Spanish.

ShazCas comments on Spanglish, any good?

Sorry I mean, what did you 'think' of it?!

Oh yes, I see what you mean Desi - thanks for letting me know - but it's letting me edit this comment and not the original post. How can I edit it?

ShazCas comments on A new training course.

Thanks for the laugh James and Kernow! And Lauthra, I've never heard a Colombian say "Drink! Feck! Arse!" before, that was great!

ShazCas comments on In Just One word

Exotic Like its orchid...

ShazCas comments on Cannabis and young people in Colombia

Being adamant Kat, I think you're right about Colombian parents being more adamant about drug use - they are "dead against it" like most British parents are. The thing is, it doesn't matter how much you say "you're not allowed", "I'm dead against it", "I put my foot down" or "It's bad and I'll be really angry if you do it" because teenagers don't listen to that, in Colombia or in the UK. You can be as adamant and against it as you want, but at the end of the day, if your kid feels he really has something to rebel against, then it could make matters worse, whereas while I and others have said before, if your kid feels he can come and talk to you at any time about anything, then you stand a much better chance of getting through the "troublesome teens" without a problem. It sounds like he can anyway, which is good.

As for drug use, kids who have passions, interests and hobbies to keep them occupied seem to be much less likely to get caught in the trap of taking drugs every weekend. They have better things to do. If a kid is stable and happy, isn't full of supressed anger, then they'll be stable and mature enough to make the right decisions. The thing is, teenagers aren't stupid, as you know, so just saying "it's bad" won't work. They need to know exactly why it's bad and exactly what it does to their body. Unfortunately even then, teenagers sometimes don't worry about abusing their body as they think they're invincible, but I think it helps to educate them properly about drugs.

The fact that parents come down harder on their kids in Colombia doesn't make them any less like to take an e at a rave in Chia or smoke dope at the weekends, so it doesn't matter how much their parents say they'll punish them, etc. It just gives them a reason to keep secrets from their parents who they feel they can't confide in and puts them in more danger because they can't turn to an adult that loves them when they really need them.

Sorry if I'm not telling you what you want to hear.

ShazCas comments on Cannabis and young people in Colombia

Don't worry Kat, it must be difficult having teenage children because when they reach that age they stop listening to their parents and start listening to their friends - look at your son's friends - are they ok? As a teenager, what his peers think will be more important for him than what you say. You can only keep the door open between you two and ensure that he feels he can always tell you anything. Then when he's 20 or so he'll come out the other end of that difficult time of life. It's normal for intelligent, inquisitive young people to experiment with drugs, and as the others have said, gange is much less detrimental than alcohol and cigarettes. He'll probably not become addicted to anything, unless he is very unhappy as a person and has no hobbies or interests and other things to fill his time. And he obviously feels he can tell you which is great. He'll probably go through a party phase and then he'll probably get bored of it. I know people who have experiemented a bit with different drugs and who have postgraduate diplomas, good careers and happy lives. But I understand your worry, there are a lot of very bad kids in the UK and it's so hard for a teenager these days. But as long as he feels he can fully confide in you, it'll be okay I'm sure.

ShazCas comments on Why do gringos keep referring to their country as America?

Ok a funny story Well, I've gotten to the end of this and would like to celebrate with a funny story. Many Europeans in Colombia hate being called gringos even more than, erm, people from the US (is that ok for you all?!)

My Irish friend who had strawberry-blonde hair, big green eyes, and big red cheeks with freckles lived in Bogota and could NEVER fit in as Colombian, used to get bothered so much on the street it was driving her mad! She was very pretty too and insisted on wearing lycra tights with oranges and appes, polka dots or stripes on them, with a miniskirt, which didn't help.

One day a group of little boys were pestering her, "Gringa gringa, una monedita, una monedita, gringa gringa...." ON and on... Finally she snapped "I'm not a gringa!" And the boys shouted back "So what are you then, a costeña?!" and fell about howling with laughter. I thought it was hilarious too, and she eventually saw the funny side!

ShazCas comments on Average value of one on one English Classes

One on one? I take it $10,000 was if you're in a group of ten and $25,000 is for one on one? That's not too much to charge, no, but you will have to meet the kind of people who can pay that, which is the difficult thing sometimes. Upper class, richer people will pay that, business people, but if it's a one on one class they will want you to go to theirs, and they won't want to drive to the Candelaria as it's quite far for them and many richer people consider it to be very dangerous. On the other hand, $25,000 isn't too bad, hopefully you'll find people who don't live far and are willing to travel. There are a lot of universities around you - maybe you could teach the students? It's in the right price-bracket for the Externado. On the other hand their parents are already shelling out loads.. I think your best bet is business people who earn quite well but not loads and need English for their jobs and who are keen enough to travel to you. Ask around and advertise, eventually you'll get the right people. Word of mouth rules in Bogota. Good luck!

ShazCas comments on I've got something to confess to you guys... I feel really scared!

You're so strong I just wanted to say that I think you're such a strong woman, and you know how to be happy and really live life, despite all your past hardships - I really admire you!

Your whole family has had to be so strong moving to London so suddenly and leaving everything behind- but at least you had each other. It's great that you've now got your permanent leave to remain, but it's so sad that your "family" behaves in this way - I really feel for you. It must be hard, but don't put your life in danger, whatever you do. The advice you've received here is good, I think, basically be careful and keep a low profile. Maybe now's not a good time to go to Cali, but you could go somewhere else... And remember that dangerous people have short lives - someday you will go back to Cali and there will be no-one left to threaten you. Eventually you could be there for as long as you like! Take care and "keep your chin up" as they say!!

ShazCas comments on Flying to Bogota - Spending a few Days

Jardin Botanico Maybe bramafear's talking about the Jardin Botanico? The Botanic Gardens? They're lovely. I'd also recommend going up to Monserrate, one of Bogota's two great mountains, going to the Gold Museum, talking a walk around the city's colonial centre - La Candelaria, going to the Flea Market on Sunday on the Carrera 7 with 24, and also the ciclovia there, which is on Sunday. The Carrera 7 is closed off in the mornings and people cycle on the road, walk their dogs, etc, and it's really interesting.

There are loads of things to do, but those are just a few ideaas to get you started!

ShazCas comments on Advice on how to get from Bogota to Villa De Leiva and surrounding towns

Bus Taking a bus is much safer than being in a car, because bus companies pay the guerrilla not to bother them, and you're MUCH more likely to be stopped in a private car or taxi. Not that it's a dangerous road anyway, Boyaca is one of the safest regions in Colombia.

ShazCas comments on My image gallery

Lionheart You delete the photo by left clicking on it once, then clicking on the edit tab at the top, then at the bottom of the edit page click delete and voila!

ShazCas comments on Colombian Nationality

The spouse visa I was reading about the spouse visa just the other day on the Consulate website for the UK. It looks easy, but I have two questions if anyone can help - does it allow you to work in Colombia in any profession / have your own business? Also it lasts two years, what happens after that, if you are still in Colombia? Ta for any help!

ShazCas comments on Can someone explain why cant ppl say no?

Fear of being impolite SantiBOG, you asked CerealKiller if she thought saying yes for fear of disappointing or being impolite was a Latin American trait, and whereas I couldn't really generalise about all of Latin America, I would say it's definitely more common in Colombia than in the UK. Like a friend who said he would look after our cat while we were in Cartagena, yes, no he didn't mind, and then two hours before the flight he didn't turn up! And that's just one example of many. Although that bothered me at the time, I laugh now, it just seems incomprehensible how that could be more polite than saying no! :-) HAHA!

As for the time thing, I'm European but I think Europeans are too uptight about this - I think the years in Colombia changed me in this respect. BUT whereas 20 mins late is fine, one hour is taking the p*ss and it's just not practical - no-one gets to see anyone!

ShazCas comments on A Normal Day

Not useful to define "normal" I think as everyone's different it's best for people just to share experiences about themselves or Colombian people they know, as people here are doing.

I'm going to talk about a retired nurse who lives in the Candelaria, she's 60, very religious, has a big family that she cares about a lot and makes her nurses pension stretch out among them all. She lives in a big old house that used to be an Israeli guy's mansion but is now divided up into run-down houses. She gets up at 6am and puts on big saucepans of water to heat on the stove for her three nieces, brother and brother's wife to bathe with. Then she answers the door for the guy who brings her a saucepan of fresh, unpasteurised milk from a truck, which she boils. Then she makes tintos (small black coffees) drinks one, and opens all the wooden shutters in the house. After that she makes hot chocolate or coffee with lots of panela and hot milk, a scrambled egg for each person, and changua or caldo de costilla with lots of coriander. Sometimes she makes buñuelos or arepas with lots of creamy milk. Everyone then gets up and bathes one by one with the hot water, pouring some into a bucket, crouching down in the bath, and pouring it over them with a cup so it lasts longer.

She spends the day cleaning the house, brushing the floor, waxing the wood and polishing it, cooking lunch, going to the market to buy fresh vegetables. She is very afraid of going out alone so stays in the house all the time, and never does anything for herself, as she's always thinking of her family. Sometimes she enjoys a little whiskey, but hates drunk people, and goes to church every Sunday. She loves history and literature, and can name every king and queen of England. She has a sewing machine and spends her afternoons making clothes for her grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces. She is selfless and giving, and lives for her family.

I hope you enjoyed my story of a Colombian woman!

ShazCas comments on Visa for fiancee to come to UK

Not the same situation as you but.. I don't know how much of this will help, as my situation is a bit different, but I am a British citizen and my huband is Colombian. We got married in Bogota, and my husband was given a "Husband" visa, which allowed him to go to the UK and live and work immediately. We had to give them a lot of paperwork, (the British Embassy in Bogota) but they gave us a visa the same day, in a matter of hours, which is different from the US visa process.

We were married in the Catholic church so the paperwork was a lot simple than it could have been and we had proof of being together for 4 years before that, in Bogota and apart. We showed them bank statements, our qualifications and bills and so on. After a year in the UK, they gave my husband a permanent leave to remain, after seeing that he worked and paid National Insurance, and so on, it was relatively easy. After three years, they will give him British citizenship, and when he has that certificate he can apply for a British passport, which will maybe take a year and a half. And voila - it's a long, arduous journey, but worth it if you stick it out. I don't think you'll necessarily need to go to Colombia to marry for visa reasons, but maybe for personal reasons it might e a good idea. Maybe these links will help - the visa she has now is important too:

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1006977149953

http://www.fco.gov.uk/

http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/british_citizenship/english/homepage.html

Good luck!

ShazCas comments on Colombian slang

100 Colombian phrases Here are 100 phrases commonly used by Colombians according to the email I got sent. I don't understand all of them, but a lot of them made me laugh - ok you Colombians of PBH - can you explain the more difficult ones? Sorry it's so long guys! By the way, paisa29, thanks for letting me know "de pelos" is Mexican, I didn't realize as a couple of Colombian friends use it. But then of course the Simpsons I watch is Mexican so I should have realized - doh!

1. A mí me gustan las cuentas claras y el chocolate espeso
2. Uno no es monedita de oro para caerle bien a todo el mundo
3. Píntemela a ver y yo le digo cuántos pares son tres moscas
4. Ni que estuviéramos bravos
5. ¿Durmió conmigo anoche o qué, que no saluda?
6. Esos dos son uña y mugre
7. Me la puso de pa´rriba
8. Que se va de playa, ¿no?
9. Sóbese que no hay pomada
10. Tengo un filo, que si me agacho me corto

11. Está que se las pela
12. ¿Qué desea de principio? ¿Garbanzo u arveja?
13. ¡Quite d'iai!
14. Bueno se me van bajando del bus aquí todos
15. ¿Y eso quién pidió pollo?
16. ¿Qué hay pa´hacer? Pues, empanadas que es lo que más se vende.
17. ¡Ay, no se me coloque así!
18. ¡Nanay cucas!
19. Esto está más largo que una semana sin carne
20. Váyase por la sombrita

21. ¡Lo visto pero no lo mantengo!
22. ¡Pero, comete alguito!
23. ¡Se ve que se toma la sopita!
24. ¿Cómo está? Regular, tres cuartos...
25. Nos tocó raspar fiesta como hasta las 5 de la mañana
26. Pilas... vengo pidiendo vía como Toyota nuevo en carretera destapada
27. Me sale lo comido por lo servido
28. ¡Oiga, champion!
29. Ese man baila como un trompo
30. Lo que le diga es mentira

31. ¡Sale pa´pintura (o pa´la foto)!
32. ¡Tan chistoso! ¿Fue que tomó caldo de payasito?
33. ¡Te vi!
34. ¡Uuuuyyyyyyyy, se nos creció el enano!
35. ¡Déle chancleta!
36. ¡Hmmm, ese huevito quiere sal!
37. Eso era puro ría que ría
38. No me abra los ojos que no le voy a echar gotas
39. No me levante las cejas que no voy a pasar por debajo.
40. ¡Dichosos los ojos!

41. !Pero, me extraña!
42. ¡Milagrazo, chinazo!
43. ¿Qué se dice, gente?
44. ¡Chaos!
45. ¡Quiubos!
46. Mi'hace el favor y le baja al tonito
47. Aquí en la lucha, moliendo duro
48. ¡Hay que estar mosca, papá!
49. Pa'qué, pero ese man tiene madera
50. Esa hembra está mas arreglada que muchacha de servicio en domingo

51. Yo lo tengo entre ojos
52. ¿Usted qué come, que adivina?
53. ¡Usted si mata un marrano a cantaleta! ¿No?
54. Mugre que no mata, engorda
55. Lleguémosle a eso, hermanito
56. ¡Ese man es mas picado que muela de gamin!
57. ¡Oiga, sardino! ¿Qué se dice?
58. ¡Ese man sí tiene suin (swing)!
59. ¡Tengo un filin (feeling)!
60. ¡Joven aún!

61. El que tiene tienda, que la atienda
62. Aquí no se trabaja pero se goza...
63. Usted está MFT (miando fuera del tiesto)
64. ¡Hum, ya dijo!
65. No me alegro, pero sí me da un fresquito...
66. ¡Ese man está qu'echa chispas!
67. Es que yo no le he contado: a mí me embiste la tecnología
68. Tengo una miada que me sabe la boca a champaña
69. Esa vieja es más fea que un carro por debajo

70. Tiene más patas que un chance
71. ¡Pa'las que sean, papá!
72. A esta vaina no le cabe un tinto (en TransMilenio)
73. ¡Póngase chanclas!
74. ¡Tocó almorzar corrientazo!
75. A ese man lo dejaron mirando pa'entro o le pusieron la piyama de madera o lo pusieron a chupar gladiolo
76. Esa vieja sí que es guapachosa
77. El viejito esta capando cementerio
78. ¿Cómo se llama tu nombre? ¿Dónde vive tu dirección?
79. Señor taxista, lléveme al centro, pero pilas con el muñeco en el taximetro
80. Señoras y señores, en el día de hoy les vengo ofreciendo la promoción de la rica y deliciosa fruna. Una en doscientos y tres en quinientos. Para mayor economía, lleve seis en mil. El producido de esta venta es para pagar el arriendo, ayudar en la comidita de la casa y el colegio de mis otros 8 hermanitos.

81. Sumercé, ¿se le ofrece algo?
82. Hágase el marica y asi se queda
83. Tome pa'la gaseosa (propina)
84. Mono, ¿le limpio el vidrio?
85. Chilla más que un camionado de pollos
86. La cucha y el catano
87. Juega más que gato chiquito
88. Tome cervecita pa'que tenga qué orinar
89. Un buen colombiano no orina solo
90. Vecina, ¿me da ñapa? (vendaje, encime, etc.)

91. Juemadre, juemichica, jueldiablo y todos los juez que usted ha escuchado
92. Mujer que no joda es hombre o tiene mozo
93. Jincho pero contento
94. Me eché un motoso
95. Le rompieron la cara y parte del rostro
96. Se rumbiaron a la hija de ese man
97. Le llenaron la barriga de huesitos por andar de patisuelta
98. Indio patirrajao
99. ¡Uich, qué boleta!
100. Déle forguar a este imeil pa que lo leigan en el ciberespacio .

ShazCas comments on Help with graduate project!

Turkey farm Colombians see turkey as a bit of a delicacy, but it's only so expensive because no-one's breeding them! And it's healthy, low-fat and oh-so versatile! (cheesy grin)

ShazCas comments on Cali questions

The Iguana I just wanted to say that I thought the Iguana hostal was fantastic, I agree with Lauthra on recommending it. The rooms are large, airy and very clean, and it's a pretty house with lots of character, information, and free coffee in the morning. Book ahead.

ShazCas comments on place to stay in Bogota

Estate agents I would recommend trying to get a flat without having to go through an estate agents as they will want you to provide two references - people who actually live in Colombia and who agree to pay your rent if you don't - and that's VERY hard to get.

ShazCas comments on travelling from Bogota Upwards

Places to visit I would definitely recommend Cartagena and Medellin. I didn't really like Cali, but lots of people love it, so don't just take my opinion and the great thing about it is you are near the coffee region which is a beautiful place to visit.

It's easy to visit places like Tunja and Villa de Leyva from Bogota by bus and safe too. They are very pretty, smaller places that have beautiful colonial architecture and churches and so on. You could also visit the salt cathedral in Zipaquira, that's only a few hours away.

Enjoy your trip!

ShazCas comments on Colombian slang

De pelos You can also say "de pelos" for cool, Bart says it so it must be cool!

ShazCas comments on Sick and tired

Thanks to all of you who cheered me up and reminded me that there are fantastic people on this site - you all showed me why I shouldn't give up! I'm overwhelmed by the response and didn't realise that others felt the same as me and as strongly. It's such a relief.

For the record, I have no problem with men and women of any nationality getting together, it does not bother me that men from the US get together with Colombian women at all. I don't think badly of Colombian women who marry men from the US or any other country. I don't think badly of maids either, I am from a working-class backround and don't get involved with classism.

I do have a problem with men who put women down, denigrate them, generalise massively and treat women as objects to be used or bought. Many nasty things have been said about women in general here, and "gringa" women in particular. I'm glad I spoke up about it because I feel it had to be said, and as a result I was reminded of all the fantastic people there are here! Thanks guys!

ShazCas comments on Cocaine

Channel 4 For those who are a bit confused about this, Channel 4 IS a station, and it's a British one. The programme will be from the point of view of "Maria Cristina Chirolla, Head of the Attorney General’s anti-money laundering office, as she struggles to fight the extraordinary reach of drug money in Colombia, involving leftist guerrillas, right-wing paramilitaries, and a national government undermined by corruption at every level". (Channel 4 website)

It's not often you get programmes about Colombia on British TV, and I for one will be watchin'.

ShazCas comments on iPod - leave it at home when going to Colombia?

Not bringing mine I think this is a personal thing, and I personally like not to have to worry about things - so I'm not taking my ipod on my next trip, or my wedding or engagement ring. This is because I don't think you should bring anything you would break your heart over if you lost, no matter what country you go to. My ipod is brand new, and I don't want to be guarding it all the time.

It's not as if you'll get robbed as soon as you step off the plane or anything like that, the advice above is good, and the chances are you'll be fine if you're sensible. If you'd rather take your gadgets with you to get the most of them when you're there - go ahead! Some people would say what's the point in having them anyway!

Here is my golden rule - would you sob uncontrollably if someone stole it (be it an ipod or a family photo)? Then don't bring it!!!!

ShazCas comments on

San Agustin For those who were asking about San Agustin, the road south straight from Bogota is a million times safer than the one from the east, ie, Cali.

ShazCas comments on Going to University in Bogota

Areas to live If you were studying in the Nacional then you could live in an area like Teusaquillo and Palermo which is nearby, beautiful, safe, and cheap. As long as you didn't live too near the Calle 26. Anywhere between Calles 28 and 43 and Carreras 16 and 35 roughly. You could also try Chapinero, which is safe, as long as you don't go below the Carrera 13 or are too near the mountains! Near the Septima between Calles 48 and however high you want to go is fine. Carrera 45, which is near the Nacional is fine by day, but a little bit dodgy at night. Three streets away either way is fine though. Or you could try the Candelaria if you want the Colonial experience, but you would be at more risk of being robbed at night. Good luck!!

ShazCas comments on Going to University in Bogota

Which university? pcoldham, my husband studied at La Nacional, and I'd like to tell you first of all that it's not that dangerous for you as a foreigner, in case that was a concern for you. There is the occasional riot, but unless you start making petrol bombs yourself and throwing them at the police, you'd be fine. I watched a few demonstrations myself, from afar, for the experience, and I can say that you're not in any danger unless you get too close. The university's campus is huge and beautiful - it's a great university even just to visit. It's very relaxed and green, and there are even horses roaming around freely sometimes. The students are friendly and are not all communists!!! There are students from all walks of life, but the one thing they have in common is that they got into that university not because of money but because of their brains. The area around it is slightly safer than that of the Andes Uni at night, but both are safe during the day. La Javeriana has the safest surroundings, but neither of the three are particularly dangerous.

Los Andes is also an excellent university, but as the fees are steep the students tend to be from wealthy backrounds and so maybe you don't meet as big a variety of people. The campus is beautiful but not as interesting as the Nacional as it's like a big steep garden, really, whereas the Nacional has lots of places where you can lie in the grass under trees and watch live outdoor theatre, open-air cinema or live music, for free, with the other students.

La Javeriana? Also very good, but no campus and in a very built-up area. In my opinion, if you want a real experience that you'll remember for the rest of your life - it has to be the Nacional!! You may get frustrated with red tape, as the Nacional is a public university, but it's worth it in my opinion.

ShazCas comments on Life in Colombia

Schools You might find this link useful:

http://www.bogota-dc.com/links/edu.html

Most of the schools have English sections, and these are the main good schools and universities.

As for your lifestyle in Bogota, well, the one negative thing is that your family's wealth will be a burden, and unfortunately you won't find yourself as free to move around in the city or the country as you would in the states. You might find that a bit suffocating, as you'll have to be much more security-conscious than families with less money. Wealthier kids in Bogota tend to get bored after a while because they can't go out when they please and do all the things they'd like. But I'm sure you'll make friends, and you've got years to get bored, it's not as if you've been there for years already! Good luck!

ShazCas comments on what's up cowboy,

No, it wasn't.